Jim Newton - Golden State

Neither L.A. mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis

Karen Bass and Nithya Raman talk a lot about high prices and steep rent, but neither has embraced the changes championed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

By Jim Newton

/ 1 Oct 2026

Neither L.A. mayoral candidate has a compelling answer to the affordability crisis

Clock is ticking as L.A. Olympics organizers plan massive spending spree to retool venues

A rush of construction projects will soon get underway in Southern California ahead of the 2028 Olympics, juicing the local economy.

By Jim Newton

/ 10 Sep 2026

Clock is ticking as L.A. Olympics organizers plan massive spending spree to retool venues

Safer, cleaner MacArthur Park still struggles

Will closing a portion of busy Wilshire Boulevard make a difference?

By Jim Newton

/ 23 Jul 2026

Safer, cleaner MacArthur Park still struggles

An L.A. tech maven trying to tackle homelessness issues deserves voters’ attention in mayor’s race

Miller combines dedication to the city and seriousness of purpose with a little tech-bro swagger. But he's come late to the party and hasn't made much headway.

By Jim Newton

/ 25 May 2026

An L.A. tech maven trying to tackle homelessness issues deserves voters’ attention in mayor’s race

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him.

The memoir details a candidate who steals, squanders his income, compromises his principles and blames his setbacks on others, especially the government. And who once made a living selling crystals.

By Jim Newton

/ 7 May 2026

Spencer Pratt wants to be LA’s next mayor. His tell-all book won’t help him.

Top-two race in Los Angeles makes strange political bedfellows

Could Mayor Karen Bass win reelection by attacking conservative challenger Spencer Pratt and elbowing out candidates on the left in the primary? The strategy worked for Sen. Adam Schiff.

By Jim Newton

/ 2 Apr 2026

Top-two race in Los Angeles makes strange political bedfellows

Labor unions' influence in L.A. mayor's race is harder to predict this year

Unions are still a powerful force for reelecting Karen Bass. But their support could split among the candidates, and groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America are entering the fray.

By Jim Newton

/ 23 Mar 2026

Labor unions' influence in L.A. mayor's race is harder to predict this year

Should Los Angeles' City Council get bigger for better representation? Let voters decide

The size of L.A.'s council was set in 1925, when the city was much smaller and less diverse. Voters deserve the chance to decide if Los Angeles has outgrown its 15 districts.

By Jim Newton

/ 5 Mar 2026

Should Los Angeles' City Council get bigger for better representation? Let voters decide

A former political ally tests L.A. liberals' allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

Could Nithya Raman catch fire the way that Zohran Mamdani did in New York City? Yes. She has much of his dignity, credentials, attractiveness and flash. And she has a receptive electorate.

By Jim Newton

/ 24 Feb 2026

A former political ally tests L.A. liberals' allegiance to Mayor Karen Bass

What the LAPD could teach ICE about good policing

The principles that guided the Los Angeles police away from ignominy and back toward honor after the Rodney King beating are lost on federal authorities in their zeal to punish undocumented migrants.

By Jim Newton

/ 22 Jan 2026

What the LAPD could teach ICE about good policing

Mayor Bass got some of L.A.'s homeless people indoors. Will it matter to voters?

A central question of this mayor’s race will be whether the incumbent has done enough to address the shameful reality of a city that boasts extravagant wealth while tens of thousands of its people sleep without shelter.

By Jim Newton

/ 31 Dec 2025

Mayor Bass got some of L.A.'s homeless people indoors. Will it matter to voters?