L.A. Times - Politics

Anthropic partners with California to expand AI use by government workers

Queenie Wong — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:48:57 GMT

State agencies will be able to access Anthropic's AI assistant Claude at a discounted price along with free training as part of an effort to use technology to make government more efficient.

Supreme Court limits police use of cellphone data to find crime suspects

David G. Savage — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:35:17 GMT

Unwary crime suspects could be tracked by investigators who had access to their phone location records.

California leaders cheer Supreme Court ballot ruling while eyeing other ways to speed count

Kevin Rector — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:22:14 GMT

California officials cheered a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing states to continue counting mail ballots postmarked by election day but received after, even as they work to find their own ways to speed vote counts.

Supreme Court turns away Alan Dershowitz's defamation suit against CNN

David G. Savage — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:36:57 GMT

Justice Clarence Thomas says the court should 'reconsider' past rulings that protect press from libel suits.

Supreme Court: Trump may fire heads of independent agencies, but not the Federal Reserve

David G. Savage — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:18:24 GMT

The court's conservatives said the president had the authority to remove all officials who wield executive authority, even if the agency officials had fixed terms set by law.

Supreme Court allows late-arriving mail ballots, leaving California's system unaffected

David G. Savage — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:21:49 GMT

In a surprise decision, a 5-4 majority rejected Republicans' bid to restrict balloting by mail.

Supreme Court refuses Trump's appeal of E. Jean Carroll's $5-million sexual abuse verdict

David G. Savage — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:46:31 GMT

Trump says he was wrongly accused of a pattern of sexually abusing women based in part on his own words.

Costs of Iran war will linger despite conflict's end, experts say

Justine McDaniel, Michael Wilner — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The effects of the war and other factors driving inflation are likely to stick around for months, experts say, presenting an ongoing challenge to American households.

Quicker count, bigger turnout: L.A. County certifies 2026 primary election ballots

Vanessa Martínez — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. County certified 2,227,461 vote-by-mail, in-person, conditional and provisional ballots. The Times compared the process with previous midterm primaries.

Newsom, California Legislature reach $351.7-billion budget deal

Taryn Luna — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 01:55:53 GMT

The agreement ends weeks of lobbying by outside interests and negotiations among Democrats in the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom about how to handle a surge of income tax collected on stock market gains related to artificial intelligence.

MS NOW anchor Alex Witt to exit as network reduces live weekend programming

Stephen Battaglio — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:58:00 GMT

Witt will be succeeded by Antonia Hylton, as 'The Weekend: Primetime' is canceled.

Controversial billionaire tax proposal will appear on November ballot

Seema Mehta — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:57:38 GMT

Proponents of a controversial billionaire tax pledge to make sure it appears on the November ballot to backfill federal healthcare funds. Gov. Gavin Newsom opposes the measure, and instead called for a nationwide wealth tax.

Newsom blesses Uber ballot measure truce — but fight over car crash lawsuits continues

Rebecca Ellis — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:31:21 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Thursday limiting medical billing in ride share accident litigation, averting a November showdown between Uber and the state's trial attorneys. The agreement comes as Uber pushes forward with a lawsuit against two prominent L.A. law firms.

Trump budget request omits funds for L.A. fire relief, prompting criticism from senators

Ana Ceballos — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:30:59 GMT

The omission is the latest strain in a yearlong standoff between California leaders and the Trump administration over federal disaster aid.

Asylum seekers may be turned away at the southern border, Supreme Court rules

David G. Savage — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:27:54 GMT

The Supreme Court sharply limited the right to asylum for migrants who say they are fleeing persecution.

Chabria: This California bill is so bad it has me agreeing with a Trump Republican

Anita Chabria — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:08:59 GMT

A bill making its way through the California Legislature would make public records less public. It's a bad fix for an unclear problem.

Trump may end legal protection for 350,000 Haitians and Syrians, Supreme Court rules

David G. Savage, Andrea Castillo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:49:39 GMT

While Thursday's decision dealt with Haitians and Syrians, its rationale could affect up to 1.3 million noncitizens who are protected by Temporary Protected Status.

Gun owners may carry a weapon into stores, Supreme Court rules, rejecting a California law

David G. Savage — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:35:51 GMT

Supreme Court extends the right to carry in public

Vice President JD Vance's visit gives 'The View' a ratings boost

Stephen Battaglio — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:47:39 GMT

Vance appeared on the liberal-leaning program on June 16 to promote his new book on his decision to become a Catholic.

Trump refuses to sign landmark housing bill, demanding Congress pass voter ID law

Justine McDaniel, Ana Ceballos — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:58:49 GMT

Trump demanded that Congress pass the SAVE America Act, the proof-of-citizenship voting bill, before he would consider signing the landmark housing legislation.

Why your food scraps travel more than 100 miles — and how an L.A. council member wants to stop it

Susanne Rust, Sandra McDonald — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Bob Blumenfield would like to see Angelenos' old banana peels and moldy bread stay local.

Democrats want California voters to give them more flexibility over spending

Taryn Luna — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:56:22 GMT

The California Legislature passed a constitutional amendment Thursday that seeks to modify a spending limit and give lawmakers more flexibility over how they appropriate state revenue.

As Trump pulls funding for HIV healthcare, Latino and queer communities suffer

Katerina Portela — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:52:24 GMT

In his 2019 State of the Union address, President Trump promised to "defeat HIV in America." But L.A. nonprofits say his recent budget cuts have led to a rise in HIV spread among Latinos and little funding for lifesaving tests and medicine in L.A. County.

Congress passes landmark housing bill with overwhelming bipartisan votes

Justine McDaniel — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:12:29 GMT

Measures to provide federal funding for new housing in big cities could be particularly significant to California.

Inmates may not sue prison officials who violate their religious rights, Supreme Court rules

David G. Savage — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:41:52 GMT

A Rastafarian inmate lost his dreadlocks and religious liberty suit against Louisiana prison officials.

Battle over single-use plastics erupts as 17 states move to block California law

Susanne Rust — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It seems everybody is upset with California's single-use plastic law. Wholesalers say it violates interstate commerce laws and the Constitution. Environmentalists aren't happy either.

Federal judge dismisses Trump administration lawsuit challenging L.A.'s sanctuary city ordinance

Brittny Mejia — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:01:41 GMT

U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin granted the city's motion to dismiss the lawsuit but said the government could file an amended complaint.

Facing FCC pressure, ABC launches campaign to support 'The View' and its TV stations

Stephen Battaglio — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:00:20 GMT

The spots aimed at raising awareness of the FCC's actions are running on 'The View' and ABC's local stations.

Supreme Court says ex-LAPD officer may be sued for excessive force in street shooting

David G. Savage — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:34:51 GMT

Judges agreed officer had reason to fire four shots at a knife-wielding suspect but not six.

In L.A., as in other U.S. cities, democratic socialists are poised to expand power at City Hall

Sandra McDonald — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Voters will have a chance to elect democratic socialists for mayor and city attorney of Los Angeles, reflecting a trend seen in other Democratic cities. What would it mean for L.A. if Raman and Roy win?

Can a new commission remedy California's public defender crisis?

Anat Rubin — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A new commission made up of legislators, public defenders, academics and advocates seeks to push California — one of just two states that don't pay for basic public defense — to begin providing resources and enforcing minimum standards for county public defender systems.

Barabak: Federal probe of Newsom creates lots of smoke. Is there any fire?

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some say the investigation will boost the governor's presidential prospects. But it's too soon to say. The action by Trump's corrupted Department of "Justice" presents more questions than answers.

Newsom's stance on controversial data centers about to be tested. Again.

Katie King — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Controversy over data centers has reached a fever pitch nationwide, and Gov. Gavin Newsom could soon find himself in the crosshairs.

'I got crushed': AI giants are funding ad wars in races across the country

Ben Wieder — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In some races, the AI-backed political groups have spent more than the candidates they are backing.

Much of Latin America is embracing MAGA. Here's why

Ana Ceballos, Kate Linthicum — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

More Latin Americans identify with the right than at any time over the last two decades, giving President Trump a slate of willing partners as he seeks to expand U.S. power, combat drug cartels and counter growing Chinese influence in the region.

Chabria: Behested payments aren't illegal, but they are a problem. Especially for Newsom

Anita Chabria — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Media and pundits pounced on millions in charity payments Gov. Gavin Newsom has solicited for nonprofits, including ones his wife is involved in.

Here's why the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool went green so fast

Mack Baysinger — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:53:46 GMT

The reflecting pool turned an interesting shade of green awfully fast. Here is why.

Political watchdog fines Newsom for failing to report $5.5 million in solicited donations on time

Taryn Luna — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:26:57 GMT

The California Fair Political Practices Commission fined the governor $31,500 for failing to promptly report 36 behested donations, mostly tied to 2025 wildfire recovery efforts.

Long list of U.S. concessions to Iran raises specter of a 'lost war'

Michael Wilner — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:02:41 GMT

Details of the framework peace agreement were finally shared with the public, revealing a raft of compromises with Tehran long opposed by Republicans.

Drug users don't lose their gun rights, Supreme Court rules

David G. Savage — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:12:11 GMT

A unanimous Supreme Court ruled for gun rights and against drug laws in a flip of long-standing federal law that prohibited drug users from possessing guns.

Bill to limit prison off-ramp for the mentally ill could soon head to Newsom

James Queally — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Citing a series of violent crimes that followed criminal defendants being spared of convictions due to diagnosed mental illnesses, state lawmakers have pushed forward legislation backed by California prosecutors to limit who can qualify.

Billionaire tax proposal faces hurdles as it moves closer to November ballot

Queenie Wong, Seema Mehta — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:46:09 GMT

The proposal tentatively qualified for the November ballot after election officials verified petition signatures gathered by supporters of the billionaire tax, but it could be derailed.

Barabak: Gerrymanders, judges and an alley-oop: A look at the midterm fight for control of Congress

Mark Z. Barabak — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With the redistricting battle just about over, Republicans come out ahead but are still at serious risk of losing the House. Democrats face an uphill fight to win the Senate, but their odds have improved.

Newsom seeks political advantage in probe he says Trump ordered

Taryn Luna, Kevin Rector — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:35:15 GMT

As he eyes a run for president in 2028, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California is taking advantage of a federal investigation into him and his wife to boost his national profile.

People are betting on elections in prediction markets. Congress is watching

Justine McDaniel, Queenie Wong — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:03:32 GMT

As prediction markets stir debate over betting on politics, the Los Angeles mayoral race raised a new question: What happens when people wager on elections?

Chabria: Trump goes after Newsom's wife? Unsurprising, but also a new level of authoritarianism

Anita Chabria — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:52:55 GMT

The Department of Justice investigating Jennifer Siebel Newsom has all the appearances of the Trump administration seeking to stop a political rival who has a real shot at knocking MAGA out of the top office.

A vague Iran deal leaves more questions than answers

Michael Wilner, Nabih Bulos — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:37:53 GMT

Trump hailed the document as a breakthrough after months of negotiations. Yet its broad contours remained unclear over a day after the deal was announced.

Even UFC boss Dana White is 'completely against' Josh Hokit's ugly jab at Michelle Obama

Alexandra Del Rosario — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:59:33 GMT

UFC boss Dana White speaks out against Josh Hokit after the fighter propped up a false statement about former First Lady Michelle Obama during UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday.

Newsom says DOJ conducting baseless investigation of him and his wife at Trump's direction

Kevin Rector, Dakota Smith, Brittny Mejia, Taryn Luna — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:22:45 GMT

Newsom said that in recent days, "federal agents have knocked on the doors of family friends and former employees," and have been "demanding records" in a quest to find any kind of wrongdoing by him or his wife.

Commentary: What a surprise: Trump's UFC Freedom 250 birthday bash was MAGA propaganda (plus fights)

Mary McNamara — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:05:50 GMT

UFC Freedom 250, a celebration of Trump's 80th birthday and the country's 250th, was not so much a sporting event as it was a piece of naked and nationalistic propaganda.

Supreme Court will decide if 'criminal aliens' can be held indefinitely while they fight deportation

David G. Savage — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:46:27 GMT

The case could give the administration more power to arrest and hold immigrants, including green card holders, who have criminal records.

U.S. and Iran reach agreement to end war, Trump says

Ana Ceballos, Michael Wilner — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:36:23 GMT

The deal commits Tehran to forgo the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons in exchange for helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

California's slow vote count stirs frustration, but changes would be hard

Grace Toohey — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Experts say there are some commonsense changes California could make to speed up its vote counts, including better funding county election offices and encouraging earlier voting. But dramatic shifts will be hard, especially before November.

Barabak: This historic Nevada mining town has seen better days. Trump is excavating hope

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tonopah has boomed and mostly busted since it's heyday more than a century ago. Trump has raised expectations for renewed prosperity and one local businessman is sprucing up his motel in anticipation of better times.

Chabria: The enemy of my enemy is a billionaire. Get over it

Anita Chabria — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As income inequality is reaching serf-lord levels, hating the rich seems easy and reasonable. But maybe we should make sure our outrage is working for us, not against us.

Trump prosecutor in L.A. pushing unusual public search for voter fraud during ongoing count

Kevin Rector, James Queally, Brittny Mejia — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli is waging an unusual campaign to find election fraud in California despite DOJ guidelines saying not to during vote counting.

Judge orders Trump administration to restore national park signage on climate change, slavery

Clara Harter — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:57:46 GMT

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore signs related to topics such as climate change, slavery and Indigenous and LGBTQ+ history that were removed under an executive order to purge language at national parks that allegedly cast America in a negative light.

After uncertainty, a positive sign for L.A. Olympics transportation funding

Justine McDaniel — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The funding requires passage in Congress, but its approval in committee last week is a crucial signal of investment from Washington after weeks of uncertainty.

House Democrats ask new ICE director to roll back policy limiting oversight visits

Andrea Castillo — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democrats wrote a letter in response to a policy that requires lawmakers to identify detainees at least two business days before a visit and provide a signed consent form from each detainee.

Trump's quiet crackdown: Fewer ICE raids, harsher rules push immigrants to leave

Andrea Castillo — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Along with focusing on deportations, the administration is deploying other tactics to deter legal, as well as illegal, immigration.

Arellano: In Orange County, a progressive Latina pol beats back well-funded haters — again

Gustavo Arellano — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:53:12 GMT

Expect the race between Jessie Lopez and David Penaloza in California's 68th Assembly District to become a referendum on whether the leftward trend of Latino voters in Orange County continues — or whether its center holds.

Who will be the new '60 Minutes' correspondents?

Stephen Battaglio — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tony Dokoupil, Holly Williams and Matt Gutman are among the names being considered to replace the departed Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, Sharyn Alfonsi and Anderson Cooper.

UFC Freedom 250: What to know about the White House bouts, Paramount and the lawsuit

Greg Braxton — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A scheduled UFC bout on the White House South Lawn in celebration of Trump's 80th birthday and the country's 250th anniversary has sparked controversy and a lawsuit.

Becerra heads toward the November election with a major edge over Hilton in governor's race, poll shows

Nicole Nixon — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A Berkeley IGS poll shows Democrat Xavier Becerra begins the general election campaign for California governor with a big lead over Republican Steve Hilton.

Democrats keep Prop. 50 promise alive through primary with momentum heading toward November

Kevin Rector — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California Democrats are bullish about winning in all five districts they aimed to flip after Prop. 50. Experts said last week's primary results show signs of danger for Republicans.

Spencer Pratt became a voice for L.A.'s disaffected. Where do his supporters go now?

Jenny Jarvie — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

When Republican Spencer Pratt burst into Los Angeles politics, venting a torrent of online fury against Mayor Karen Bass' handling of the Palisades fire, he pitched his mayoral campaign as a full-bore challenge to L.A.'s political status quo.

Democrat Fiona Ma, Republican Gloria Romero to face off in race for lieutenant governor

Katie King — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:25:29 GMT

State Treasurer Fiona Ma and former California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero secure spots on the November election ballot in the race for lieutenant governor.

California sues Trump administration over planned ICE facility near Gilroy

Andrea Castillo — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:16:32 GMT

The lawsuit alleges that the leased land is zoned exclusively for agricultural use and that the federal government violated laws requiring state and county notification, as well as procedural steps required before beginning construction.

Fresh strikes, surging inflation signal new phase of Iran war

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:08:47 GMT

The prospect of a renewed U.S. air campaign cast fresh doubt on the viability of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran that has largely held since April.

Supporters cheer new L.A. County healthcare sales tax: 'It's a lifesaver'

Rebecca Ellis — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:49:06 GMT

Supporters of the Measure ER half-cent sales tax rallied Wednesday to celebrate what they framed as a historic win for the region's cash-strapped healthcare system.

Arellano: Spencer Pratt could have been a real contender. His greatest enemy was himself

Gustavo Arellano — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Spencer Pratt had a few things going for him when he launched an insurgent campaign to become Los Angeles' next mayor.

Ad nauseam: How message fatigue tanked Tom Steyer's $216-million campaign

Seema Mehta, Nicole Nixon — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Despite spending a record-shattering amount of his wealth on his run for governor, Steyer failed to win enough votes in last week's primary to advance to the November general election.

Supporters of L.A. County healthcare sales tax declare victory

Rebecca Ellis — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:27:40 GMT

Supporters of Measure ER, a proposed L.A. County half-cent healthcare sales tax, declared victory Tuesday after days of steadily gaining ground as more ballots were counted.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton clinches a top spot in governor's race, will challenge Xavier Becerra

Dakota Smith, Nicole Nixon, Seema Mehta — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 23:44:25 GMT

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton wins a spot in the California governor's race. He will face Xavier Becerra in November.

Becerra and Hilton spar about electoral integrity as Trump claims California elections are rigged

Seema Mehta, Dakota Smith — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 23:01:35 GMT

As Trump pushed unfounded claims that California's elections are rigged, the security of the ballot box became a flash point in the governor's race.

California's slow vote count faces changes as Supreme Court decision on late ballots looms

Kevin Rector — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 19:45:22 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court could soon rule that California cannot accept ballots after election day. Experts are unsure what effect that would have on the counting process, but say there are other steps the state could take to speed things up.

Trump administration sued over 'illegal' and 'corrupt' UFC event on White House lawn

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 19:05:26 GMT

UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for Sunday, which is Trump's birthday, on the White House South Lawn, is described as 'corrupt' and 'illegal' in a federal lawsuit looking to shut down the event.

New evidence confirms Edison's idle line ignited Eaton fire, lawyers say

Melody Petersen — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

New surveillance footage and evidence from Southern California Edison confirms that a century-old, idle transmission line that the utility failed to remove ignited last year's deadly Eaton fire, lawyers said in a court filing.

Can Democrats take the Senate? Maine voters may provide a clue

Justine McDaniel — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democrat Graham Platner appears likely to become the party's nominee against Sen. Susan Collins. Platner has been accused of engaging in volatile behavior with women, among other controversies.

Disability rights advocates protest Newsom's proposed cuts to in-home support services

Katie King — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 01:39:05 GMT

Disability rights advocates gathered outside the state Capitol to push back on Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed cuts to in-home supportive services.

Many Californians feared federal meddling in elections before Trump's latest baseless attacks, poll finds

Phil Willon, Justine McDaniel, Nicole Nixon — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 22:50:26 GMT

Even before President Trump's latest wave of unfounded claims of election fraud in California, a significant percentage of voters in the state expressed concerns about federal interference in the electoral process, according to a new poll.

Trump tells Iran and Israel to stop 'shooting' as missile barrages shatter fragile ceasefire

Nabih Bulos — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 11:42:45 GMT

Israel and Iran traded fire on Monday, all but derailing a brittle two-month ceasefire.

Trump forges ahead with D.C. cityscape transformation against growing resistance

Michael Wilner, Ana Ceballos — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Trump has responded to growing legal and political obstacles to his ballroom, arch and other projects by attempting to force approvals through faster than opponents can challenge them.

Chabria: What the primary chaos says about California Democrats

Anita Chabria — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Not even party officials could rein in the chaos of the Democrats in California's recent primary. What does the chaos mean for Democrats in a true-blue state?

Release of sex offenders leads to clash over parole board confirmations

Katie King — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Democratic-led state Senate last week voted to reconfirm five commissioners to the California Board of Parole Hearings, a move that drew outcry from Republicans who said the board recently made several egregious decisions.

Mainstream California Democrats survived election night, but their brand remains challenged

Jenny Jarvie — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

When Nithya Raman stepped up to a podium on the night of L.A.'

Commentary: From here to November: Our columnists size up the California governor's race

Mark Z. Barabak, Anita Chabria — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democrat Xavier Becerra starts out with a huge advantage over Republican Steve Hilton. How will they use the next five months? To discuss their policy differences? Or just talk about Trump?

Raman closes in on Pratt as more votes in L.A. mayor's race are tallied

Noah Goldberg — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 00:04:58 GMT

The latest vote tally Saturday evening showed Nithya Raman closing the gap with Spencer Pratt in the L.A. mayor's race, now behind by 1 percentage point.

Judge pauses USDA plan to tie SNAP benefits to Trump's gender, immigration ideology

Taryn Luna — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 18:13:02 GMT

Twenty states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March, alleging that the Trump administration is attempting to place unlawful conditions on $74 billion in federal food assistance.

Lopez: For mayoral candidates and all of L.A., here's the homelessness conversation we must have

Steve Lopez — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The mayoral general election is an opportunity to lay out a better plan on homelessness.

How a misreading of data fueled false claims about L.A. mayoral vote count

Kevin Rector — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 01:47:54 GMT

An update of votes for Los Angeles mayor, reported by media outlets, led some observers to believe there was a large batch of votes counted that included zero votes for candidate Spencer Pratt. There was no such batch, but there was a misleading update.

Becerra advances to November, moves closer to becoming California's first elected Latino governor

Nicole Nixon, Seema Mehta — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 00:44:25 GMT

Democrat Xavier Becerra consolidated Democratic support to advance in a bitter primary to become California's next governor, while the second spot remains up for grabs.

Feds pursuing 'multiple' election fraud investigations, top prosecutor says

Kevin Rector, Iris Kwok — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 17:36:09 GMT

Federal prosecutor Bill Essayli says multiple California election fraud investigations are underway as state officials reject Trump's cheating claims.

Bill Whitaker, Lesley Stahl and Jon Wertheim will remain at '60 Minutes'

Stephen Battaglio — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 17:02:25 GMT

"We don't want '60 Minutes' to die, the correspondents said in a joint memo.

California voters want to know who won elections. The wait can be 'frustrating, even annoying'

Grace Toohey, Hannah Fry — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Election watchers say it could still be a few more days before tight races are called, including the California gubernatorial and L.A. mayoral primaries.

L.A. city attorney becomes first incumbent ousted in primary in nearly 100 years

Sonja Sharp, James Queally — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The last time a sitting Los Angeles city attorney was knocked out of office in a primary election, the Great Depression was in full swing. The apparent defeat this week of Hydee Feldstein Soto was the result of a lack of clear messaging and a controversy-plagued term, political analysts say.

Chabria: No, Mr. Hilton, our elections are not 'a joke.' It's time for you to stand up to Trump

Anita Chabria — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 21:36:37 GMT

President Trump is falsely claiming that California's primary vote is rigged. Republican Steve Hilton needs to stand up for the state and its elections, which are free and fair.

Trump attorney general pick Todd Blanche could face confirmation challenges

Ben Wieder — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 21:09:56 GMT

Blanche has faced criticism for the $1.8-billion "anti-weaponization fund" created to settle a lawsuit by Trump, two of his sons and their business against the IRS.

Senate rejects an initial attempt to ban Trump's $1.8-billion 'anti-weaponization' fund

Justine McDaniel — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 19:31:23 GMT

It was the second effort in Congress to rebuke President Trump in two days, following the House vote Wednesday to rein in Trump's war powers in Iran.