Civics & Democracy

LAist’s coverage of civic life and citizen issues in Southern California. We cover elections, examine who gets listened to and why, and provide a guide for anyone who wants to more fully participate in civic life.

Two men stand outside, one holds a decree.

LA man's case highlights gaps in care and oversight at DHS detention centers

Federal officers shot Ricardo Parias eight months ago during an ICE operation to detain him. His lawyer says he is still in pain, highlighting gaps in DHS oversight and care.

Listen 4:55

Californians love mail-in voting. That may have to change come November

A close up of white U.S. Postal Service mail containers. The top container is full of green and white mail-in ballots as a worker's hand reaches in while wearing a blue glove.

This lawmaker’s proposal could make California ‘the most secretive state in the country’

Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, a woman with medium skin tone, wearing a violet suit, holds a packet of papers.

LA City Council places non-citizen voting proposal, police reform on November ballot

A row of American flags hang from a gray building against a sunny sky. A tall gray building is visible beyond in an angle looking up.

Senate postpones confirmation hearing for intel chief after Trump's call to delay

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Which of these 2025 bills will Gavin Newsom sign?

Newsom has one month to sign or veto bills passed by the state Legislature.
Trump files $15 billion defamation lawsuit against New York Times

President Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its journalists, accusing them of harming his business and personal reputation.

Listen 3:54
Proposition 50: Allowing California to use new congressional maps to counter redistricting in Texas

This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
OC’s standoff with federal government over voter data gets a trial date

Whether the case will get all the way to trial is unclear, but it's part of a national effort by the Trump administration to obtain unredacted voter data.

Listen 0:43
Umar Hakim-Dey, a pillar of SoCal’s Muslim community, has died

He leaves behind a legacy of community service, mentorship and interfaith advocacy.
The 2028 Olympics will bring a huge security operation. Critics worry it'll leave a police state

Homeland Security is overseeing security planning for the Games, which will bring an influx of funding for local law enforcement.
California lawmakers deliver major Democratic climate, housing and labor wins to Newsom

California leaders wrapped this year’s legislative session Saturday afternoon, prolonged by last-minute backroom deals on climate and energy, sparking deep frustration among some lawmakers.
California passes ICE mask ban in closing days of legislative session

Senate Bills 627 and 805 would ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and require officers to be readily identifiable, respectively.
Judge pauses Trump policy cutting off schools and shelters to certain immigrants

A U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily pausing a series of federal policies aimed at restricting certain immigrants’ access to public benefits and programs.
Judge issues sharp rebukes of LAPD and federal agents after anti-ICE protests

The Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Homeland Security are barred from using weapons such as foam bullets and tear gas 'carte blanche' after a federal judge issued preliminary injunctions.
The killing of Charlie Kirk adds to a time of political upheaval and violence

The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk Wednesday at a college in Utah is the latest in a series of politically motivated violent acts just in recent months.
LA City Council endorses Proposition 50

The measure would change congressional boundaries in California so that five Republican seats likely would flip to Democratic.

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Civics & Democracy