Jim Newton

California's referendum process was designed to be a check on big business. More than a century later, it's used much differently. The latest clash pits oil companies against a familiar yet unsurprising foe: Jane Fonda.

The most valuable resource a mayor has is their time. After one year in office, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass spends hers primarily working on the same issue she campaigned on: homelessness.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ handling of the Interstate 10 fire and shutdown helped telegraph some of her strengths. As authorities search for a potential arson suspect, the speculation about nearby encampments served as a reminder of the bigger task the mayor faces.

Since June, nearly 1,000 migrants have been bused from Texas to Los Angeles as a political stunt. A patchwork system has emerged to provide care, services and a humane entry to U.S. life once they reach California.

A Los Angeles City Council meeting can resemble representative democracy at its best. But in L.A. and cities throughout California, public hearings have been hijacked by commenters spewing racism and antisemitic remarks.

George Gascón's re-election bid for one of the most influential criminal justice jobs in Southern California and beyond is more likely to come down to his poor performance in office, rather than a referendum on progressive politics.

Los Angeles has passed restrictions and reduced gun deaths over the years, but its ability to innovate could be hindered as long as the Supreme Court emphasizes "historical tradition" over the effectiveness of new regulations.

A string of decisions by cities in the Inland Empire signal that local officials are beginning to take a more critical eye to warehouse expansions in a region that's seen explosive growth over the last three decades. But without broader changes or action by state leaders, residents and activists remain skeptical.

Crime is complicated, and addressing it requires investment, coordination and thoughtful strategy. L.A.’s law enforcement leaders do not inspire confidence.

Researchers predicted that as many as 9,400 people would seek out Los Angeles County for abortion care after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. No such rush has materialized, but the pro-choice consensus among L.A. leaders will establish the city as the nation's largest safe haven.