Civics & Democracy

A storefront of a restaurant with pink-painted door and exterior covered in variations of pink flowers. A sign hangs inside the window that reads in Spanish "All with Minnesota! ICE out!"

LA businesses are closing to protest ICE — even though it’s a financial hit

It’s not easy to lose a day of revenue, but these businesses are joining L.A.’s “ICE Out” day of action on Friday.

DOJ releases tranche of Epstein files, says it has met its legal obligations

Feds arrest Don Lemon in LA and 3 others over Minnesota church protest

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California state employees alarmed by demand to prove their citizenship or work eligibility

Signage outside a building reads "1501 Capitol Avenue. Department of Health care services. Department of Public Health."

Huntington Beach's controversial voter ID law is illegal

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A man with a white hat, gray shirt, and red shorts drops a white envelope into a yellow and white metal box with large black letters that say "Official Ballot Drop Box."

More Stories

California’s budget is ‘roughly balanced,’ but growing deficits expected

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a $2 billion shortfall for 2025-26, but says the state can’t afford big new programs.
No raise for California’s minimum wage workers. Voters reject Prop. 32

California voters refused to raise the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour. Fast food and health care workers already get more.
Democrat Tran widens lead to 314 votes over GOP's Steel in 45th House District race

The race for the 45th Congressional District in Southern California has become the closest House race in the nation.
OC supervisor calls for review of county contract with Rep. Michelle Steel’s campaign mail vendor

The review was prompted by reporting from LAist that found Steel directed a $1.2 million taxpayer-funded contract to a company that she was using for her congressional election campaign mailers. At the time, Steel was a county supervisor.
LA City Council officially adopts sanctuary city ordinance in advance of Trump's second term

The ordinance was rushed by city officials in the wake of the re-election of Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations.
Lobbying activity this past summer cost a record-breaking $168 million. Here’s what we know

Between the summer session of the California Legislature featuring hot topics like AI regulation and money for journalism.
Democrat Derek Tran's lead over GOP's Michelle Steel grows to 102 votes in the 45th House District

Tran grows his lead after Steel took the early lead after Election Day. It's one of the last Congressional races not yet called.
Trump’s mass deportation plan requires help from police and sheriff's deputies. Will he get that in SoCal?

California law largely prohibits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
Dear LAist: Why do some elections have more votes than others?

We look at what undervoting means and how it can affect elections.
Democrat Derek Tran pulls ahead of GOP's Michelle Steel by 36 votes in the 45th House District

The change in leading candidate came after days of GOP Rep. Steel's lead declining. It's one of the last Congressional races not yet called.
After LAist investigation, high-profile nonprofit refunds Orange County $275K in taxpayer funds for work never completed

The contracted work on mental health equity was supposed to be performed by the longtime partner — now wife — of a top aide to disgraced former county Supervisor Andrew Do. County officials cited LAist reporting in their demand for the money to be returned.
Huntington Beach scores early legal victory in its voter ID battle

Huntington Beach says it will not be intimidated by Sacramento.

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Civics & Democracy