Los Angeles

Construction workers wearing green neon vest work on a concrete pavement of a housing project during a sunny day.

Commentary

Political friction percolates over California housing policy and workers comp payouts

In the final week of the legislative session, state and local officials are arguing over a housing density bill and how much local governments can share in workers' on-the-job injury money.

By

Dan Walters

• September 9, 2025

A person lays on a white metal bunk bed as they hold up a book that covers their face. Clothing, bedding and other personal item can be seen around them inside a prison cell.

Justice

California sues Los Angeles County over ‘inhumane’ conditions in its jail system

About 14,000 people are housed in L.A.’s jail on a daily basis. The state’s lawsuit said they have been exposed to rats, spoiled meals and no clean water.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• September 8, 2025

A tactical officer in camouflage grabs a person in a white T-shirt and gray cap, pressing them against a black pickup truck during a law enforcement raid. Several other officers in tactical gear and masks surround the scene, some carrying paintball-style weapons. In the background, a crowd of onlookers gathers on the sidewalk, some recording the event with their phones. The raid takes place on a busy commercial street lined with shops and palm trees.

Justice

Supreme Court allows immigration agents to resume ‘roving patrols’ in LA, siding with Trump

The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.

By

Wendy Fry

and

Sergio Olmos

• September 8, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks forward with a serious expression during a rally. People stand behind him holding blue and white signs that read “Defend Democracy” and “Election Bigotry Response Act.

Homelessness

A California city tried to ban homeless shelters. It’s giving up after Newsom’s lawsuit

Norwalk backed down from its ban on homeless shelters after Gov. Gavin Newsom sued the Southern California city. A Los Angeles judge must approve the settlement.

By

Marisa Kendall

• September 5, 2025

A bulldozer on the corner of 7th Street and Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica on May 24, 2023. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

Housing

Breakthrough on California housing could put taller buildings in single-family neighborhoods

A powerful California construction union is no longer fighting a bill that would ease barriers to the construction of tall apartment buildings near train and bus stations.

By

Ben Christopher

• September 5, 2025

Apartment complexes in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles on Aug. 7, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Commentary

Capitol housing reform wrongly targets the sacred power to shape California locally

A controversial California bill that would enable denser housing near transit hubs violates the most basic principles of American federalism, substituting far-away authority for local expertise.

By

Jim Newton

• September 4, 2025

People, dressed in camouflage clothing with vests labeled "police" and holding weapons, stand in the middle of the street as a crowd films them during an immigration raid.

Justice

ACLU argues Border Patrol broke court order with high-profile Sacramento raid

After agents were forced to stop ‘roving patrols’ in LA, they moved north to Sacramento. But a judge had already restricted raids there.

By

Wendy Fry

and

Sergio Olmos

• September 3, 2025

A line of California National Guard members in full riot gear stands shoulder to shoulder, holding transparent shields labeled “CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD.” They wear helmets with face shields and camouflage uniforms. The photo is taken at face level, with tall downtown buildings visible in the background on a sunny day.

Justice

Trump broke the law by sending National Guard to L.A., federal judge rules

A 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act defines what the military can do on U.S. soil. President Trump broke that law by sending the National Guard to L.A., a federal judge rules.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• September 2, 2025

A black and white patrol vehicle pulls into the California Highway Patrol office on its right.

Politics

Newsom deploys ‘crime suppression’ teams statewide while mocking Trump’s threats

As President Donald Trump ramps up threats of military action to “clean up” Democratic-led cities, Newsom said local communities can best tackle crime in their communities.

By

Alexei Koseff

• August 28, 2025

The Olympic rings made by the chemtrails of airplanes can be seen on a clear blue sky above a coliseum filled with people during a sporting event.

Commentary

Los Angeles now has to appease Trump’s ego as prep for the Olympics continues

Los Angeles still faces formidable challenges as the region prepares for the 2028 Games. President Trump recently launched a task force and thrust himself into the center of things.

By

Jim Newton

• August 21, 2025