Biden considering preemptive pardons before Trump takes office
WASHINGTON — President Biden is weighing whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by President-elect…
Meghan Daum: Newt Gingrich’s debt to Bill Clinton
So it’s official. No one really cares that Newt Gingrich is an egotistical, vainglorious scoundrel, at least where women are concerned. Sure, his ex-wife went…
A city council race was tied so this California city drew straws to decide who won
When it came down to deciding a tied race for a Galt City Council seat, the longest straw won. Three people ran this year for…
Campaigns without end: Today’s presidential marathons took root in 1968
Reporting from MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — He’s back. And he’s been back. And back and back and back.Since June 28, 2017 — 1,224 days before election day…
U.S. job growth is strong in November, but retailers pull back
WASHINGTON — Job growth rebounded in November from the weather-related stall in hiring the previous month, fresh evidence that the labor market remains healthy despite signs…
California voters wanted tough on crime. What happens now for reforms?
Criminal justice reform advocates spent the summer warning that efforts to oust California’s progressive district attorneys and undo sentencing reforms would undermine a decade of…
Newsom touts California efforts on fentanyl. Will it matter to Trump?
Each day, thousands of people drive or walk into the U.S. from Tijuana at Otay Mesa, a port of entry that is one of the…
Calmes: The backlash on the backlash against the Hunter Biden pardon
Days later I’m still seething that President Biden gave a “full and unconditional” pardon to his troublesome surviving son.And yet, reluctantly, I have to say…
What Trump’s nominations say about where economic policies might go
WASHINGTON — Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominations have raised hopes that his trade and other economic actions will not be wildly disruptive or bring…
White House spokesman’s cancer returns and spreads
WASHINGTON — When Tony Snow was asked to become President Bush’s press secretary last year, he didn’t agree until his doctors told him there were no…
L.A. County probation chief to quit as juvenile hall closure looms
L.A. County’s chief probation officer said he plans to leave the troubled agency as a deadline to evacuate Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall approaches, sources said,…
Supreme Court refuses to hear a case about where homeless can sleep
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court refused Monday to hear a major case on homelessness, letting stand a ruling that protects homeless people’s right to sleep on…
Olympics leader talks up working with Trump ahead of L.A. Games
GENEVA — Olympic leaders are “very confident and relaxed” about working with the incoming Trump administration ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, outgoing IOC…
Secret Service director vows reorganization after security failures
WASHINGTON — The acting director of the Secret Service said Thursday that the agency is “reorganizing and reimagining” its culture and how it operates following an…
Activists have a new tactic to close Aliso Canyon gas storage facility
Ever since a historic, methane-spewing blowout in October 2015, local lawmakers, residents and activists have been pressuring state regulators and officials, including the governor, to…
California probation chiefs brace for changes to the juvenile justice system
Reporting from Sacramento — When Lee Seale became Sacramento County’s chief probation officer in 2013, officials at his juvenile hall were grappling with how to prevent…
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorses women in combat jobs
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin used a speech at West Point to forcefully endorse having women in combat roles and emphasize the military’s obligation to…
L.A.’s massive new solar farm is cheap and impressive. More, please
Flying north from the City Hall helipad, it was hard to shake the feeling that Los Angeles never really ends.Downtown skyscrapers and Dodger Stadium parking…
Trump gained support in California. What does that mean for the so-called resistance?
Hi, and happy Thursday. There are 46 days until President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, but hey, who’s counting? Well, we are. And, it seems, Gov. Gavin…
Raw Farm CEO reportedly encouraged to apply for FDA position
Mark McAfee, the California raw milk producer who has been at the center of several bird flu-related product recalls, says a transition team for Robert…