Jim Newton

American elections often become exercises in influence as much as contests of ideas or candidates. In that bigger sense, our elections are "rigged" – just not the way that either Katie Porter or Donald Trump wrongly suggest.

Bloomington's controversial embrace of warehouses highlighted the financial appeal but also the cultural tradeoffs for Inland Empire communities confronted by expansion.

As Paris gets ready for the Summer Olympics, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and her delegation toured key sites and previewed the magnitude of preparation the 2028 games will require. She also received an object lesson in the scrutiny L.A. will face.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is touring Paris this week to study how France is preparing for the 2024 Olympics. When California's biggest city is on the same global stage in four years, it'll have a chance to rebut its biggest critics – or be reminded of the scrutiny that comes with hosting.

The Republican Party in California once embraced progressive electoral reforms, and championed taxes, gun control and abortion rights. As two races showed this week, it has a new role as a foil for Democrats. That's not good for California – not even for Democrats.

A large field of candidates is taking on unpopular incumbent George Gascón in the race for Los Angeles district attorney, but only four challengers are worth taking seriously. Next week's primary will determine whether Gascón cruises to re-election or faces an uphill battle.

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass picks a new police chief and voters select the district attorney, together the two choices will shape public safety around the city.

Monday's U.S. Senate race debate made clear just how important Republican candidate Steve Garvey is to frontrunner Adam Schiff.

Despite dismal approval ratings, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has the advantage of facing a big field in his re-election bid and few formidable foes. Some candidates are so unsuitable for the office it almost makes Gascón look brilliant by comparison.

Republican Steve Garvey might do well in the March primary, but he's not going to be the next U.S. senator from California. There is little evidence he's running a serious campaign. So why is he running?