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 small drone is set on a table in the foreground in front of a row of nameplates and people talking amongst themselves out of focus in the background.

Drones will be used to crack down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July

Police departments around SoCal are starting to embrace new technologies this Fourth of July that cracks down on illegal firework use.

Half-cent sales tax to fund LA city fire department heads to the Nov ballot

A red fire engine is parked in a street intersection. A firehouse attached to the engine is connected to a fire hydrant on the sidewalk. A firefighter stands beside the hydrant on the sidewalk.

California leaders yet to reach deal to keep billionaire tax off the ballot. Time is running out

People inside a large theater stand, cheering, while holding signs that read, "Billionaire Tax Niw."

In symbolic vote, Congress directs Trump to remove forces from Iran war

California may force the release of 911 calls at immigration detention centers

People walk outside a building signage that reads "GEO. Adelanto ICE Processing Center." A gated fence is out of focus in the foreground.

More Stories

Elon Musk blurs the line between his government and business roles

The tech titan and President Trump say they will avoid any conflicts of interest, but it's difficult for the public to verify that.

Listen 4:16
Judge largely blocks Trump's executive orders ending federal support for DEI programs

A U.S. district judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from terminating or changing federal contracts they consider equity-related.
How immigrants are preparing for run-ins with ICE

Legal centers across the country are preparing immigrants without legal status for various scenarios as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement operations.

Listen 3:19
IRS cuts more than 6,000 jobs in the middle of tax season

The layoffs at the Internal Revenue Service come as part of the Trump administration's downsizing of the overall federal workforce.

Listen 3:39
Altadena dog-walking group reconnects as emotional support crew after Eaton Fire

About 50 people gathered Tuesday at La Cañada Presbyterian Church for the second meeting of what they call ‘The Order of the Phoenix.’
National Science Foundation fires roughly 10% of its workforce

NSF fired 168 employees, leaving the agency less equipped to fund a wide range of scientific research.
In potential showdown, aid groups demand court find USAID, State officials in contempt

Aid groups are urging a federal judge to find Trump administration officials in contempt to force them to reopen funding to global programs. USAID says it has a legal right to cancel aid contracts.
This is how Huntington Beach is using its library to spell 'MAGA'

A controversial plaque will be placed at the city’s Central Library. Look closely and you will see it spells out "M-A-G-A."
FDA staff handling drug safety for pets and livestock lost jobs in Trump firings

The fired staffers were tasked with making sure medications given to animals work well and are safe.
Politicians rise or fall on disaster response. The LA fires are Gavin Newsom’s big test

Gov. Gavin Newsom's unwavering focus on the Los Angeles fires suggests a politician aware of how the response could define his legacy.
Is Trump preparing to cancel America's ride back to the moon?

President Trump launched the Artemis program to return U.S. astronauts to the moon for the first time since Apollo. Now the plan could be a casualty of the cost-cutting drive overseen by Elon Musk.
¿Le preocupa la presencia de agentes de ICE en su comunidad? Los defensores recomiendan: 'Conozca sus derechos'

Los inmigrantes indocumentados y las familias de estatus mixto están tomando medidas para hacerse valer y prepararse ante situaciones adversas.

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Civics & Democracy