Los Angeles

Justice

What it’s like to live through LA’s long deportation summer

There’s a certain beauty in the notes not played. An entire symphony, if you’re listening. The cars not backfiring. The sirens not wailing. The fireworks not erupting in sonic booms that bounce off hills and peal across valleys. This is the consequence of the largest planned deportation in American history. The Trump administration’s goal is […]

By

Nigel Duara

• August 13, 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

5 things to know as Newsom and Trump go back to court over the National Guard in LA

Gov. Gavin Newsom alleges the Trump administration broke a 19th Century law called the Posse Comitatus Act when it deployed military units to Los Angeles in June.

By

Mikhail Zinshteyn

• August 11, 2025

View of downtown Los Angeles from Ascot Park during sunset on Nov. 18, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters

Commentary

Los Angeles needs civic leaders right now. All it has are political ones

While Los Angeles is not facing a crisis of political leadership, it does confront a dearth of civic leadership.

By

Jim Newton

• July 25, 2025

Three individuals sit around a table with microphones and laptops inside a professional radio studio labeled “KQED.” The scene is viewed through a soundproof window from an adjacent room. One person gestures while speaking, and the others listen attentively under soft studio lighting.

Politics

California’s NPR and PBS stations will cut staff and programs after funding slashed

Small NPR and PBS stations in California are teetering after Congress pulled funding from public broadcasting. Even big stations are bracing for cuts.

By

Maya C. Miller

and

Cayla Mihalovich

• July 25, 2025

A group of law enforcement officers in full riot gear stands in formation at night, illuminated by bright vehicle headlights behind them. The officers wear camouflage uniforms, helmets with visors, gas masks, and carry batons. A police vehicle is partially visible in the background.

Justice

Behind the masks: Who are the people rounding up immigrants in California?

The presence of masked federal agents is an unnerving part of life in Southern California this summer. Here's a look at who's carrying out the immigration raids.

By

Michael Lozano

• July 17, 2025

The burnt remaining structure of a high school building that was destroyed during a wildfire. Student desks are left among the ruins.

Commentary

‘I’ve noticed changes in all of us’: The LA fires put what really matters most into focus

A former Palisades high schooler reflects on a tumultuous year and the way many teens have gained a whole new perspective, rethinking what's important.

By Lauren Ades • July 16, 2025

A line of law enforcement officers positioned along a intersection next to a building tagged with graffiti.

Economy

Thousands of Californians lost work after LA immigration raids — including citizens

A new report from UC Merced shows Latino and white people especially lost work after the Trump administration escalated immigration enforcement in L.A.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• July 16, 2025

A group of heavily armed federal agents in full tactical gear emerge from the back of an armored vehicle labeled “LENCO ARMORED VEHICLES” on a sunlit urban street. Most wear camouflage fatigues, body armor, helmets, and goggles, with visible patches reading “POLICE” and insignias from U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security. Some agents carry rifles and one has zip cuffs and canisters clipped to their vest. A media photographer in a press vest films nearby. Palm trees and a clear blue sky suggest a Southern California location.

Commentary

‘I’m in one of his TV shows’: The federal government is staging political theater in Los Angeles

Since President Trump unilaterally decided to send the military to Los Angeles, practically everything about the protests and the federal response to them has lacked a connection to reality.

By

Jim Newton

• July 10, 2025

Flames from a wildfire devour the inside of a home as the air fills with fire smog and darkens the sky.

Economy

Los Angeles fire survivor is told State Farm’s $900K check on hold due to insufficient funds

A check from California’s largest property insurer, which says it has paid billions of dollars in claims from the LA-area fires, has taken more than a week to clear so far.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• July 9, 2025

Heavily armed officers in tactical gear and face coverings stand in a line with clear riot shields as protesters confront them in the street. Several protesters gesture and record the interaction with their phones. The scene unfolds in front of a building marked "ambiance" on a bright day.

Justice

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.

By

Nigel Duara

and

Jeanne Kuang

• July 8, 2025