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.

A person wearing sunglasses and a hat holds signage depicting, and text written on it reading, a Flock Camera with an eyeball.

California kills bill regulating Flock cameras even as public rage grows

The California Legislature has failed five times to regulate Flock cameras — even as examples of abuse mount. This year was no exception.

What LAPD requires during stops — and where its gang unit fell short

Three men sit behind a long table. The man in the middle is wearing a black police uniform, the other men are wearing dark suits. An American flag and the flag of California are behind them.

Bass, Raman to lay out environmental plans for LA. Here's how to watch and listen

Aerial view of Los Angeles River's concrete channel running beside rail lines, with downtown skyline in the background.

Democratic socialists endorse Raman in LA mayoral contest

Woman in red blazer stands at podium that says "NITHYA For Mayor: A City THAT WORKS"

CA legislature passes bill on addictive social media for younger kids. It has Long Beach origins

California Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, a man with light skin tone, wearing a light gray suit, speaks outside in front of a set of microphones from news stations.

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Lawmakers say they were illegally barred from entering Adelanto ICE facility

Federal law says members of Congress can inspect ICE detention centers without warning. The Department of Homeland Security said it now needs seven days notice to allow inspection.
Los Angeles police cannot detain or fire weapons at journalists covering protests, judge rules

The restraining order comes after press groups filed a lawsuit alleging the use of force violated the rights of journalists.
Trump’s FEMA proposals and feud with Gavin Newsom could devastate California’s disaster response

Changes to FEMA could cost the state billions as climate-driven disasters intensify.
Searching for a loved one in ICE custody? Here’s what you need to know

Knowing how to find someone detained by ICE and access immigration resources is vital.
New Hampshire judge blocks Trump birthright citizenship order nationwide

Preliminary injunction in lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and others on behalf of three non-citizen parents.
Los Angeles and other cities join lawsuit against federal government in response to immigration sweeps

Local officials say federal agents have racially profiled Angelenos and denied them due process.
Supreme Court allows Trump to resume mass federal layoffs for now

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was appointed to the court by President Joe Biden, dissented.

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Worksite immigration raids are supposed to free up jobs for citizens. Here’s what really happens

Research shows worksite immigration raids can depress local economies as people stay home and stop spending money. So far, they aren't known to free up jobs for citizens.
What US citizens and lawful residents should know and carry during ICE raids in LA

A legal expert from Loyola Law School’s Immigrant Justice Clinic advises on how U.S. citizens or lawful residents can respond if stopped or questioned by immigration agents
Childcare is a key issue in NYC's mayoral race. Advocates in California are taking note

Access to affordable child care was a talking point throughout the NYC mayoral campaign. Child care advocates told LAist this signaled a change in political discourse, and that Los Angeles should take note.
Few people vote in LA neighborhood council elections. And this year, turnout hit a historic low

Fewer than 8,000 people across the entire city, with a population of 4 million, turned out to vote.
Hundreds of demonstrators march in downtown LA on Independence Day

The “End the Occupation” march began outside City Hall as hundreds rallied against recent federal immigration enforcement sweeps.

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Civics & Democracy