LA Museums to Visit for Earth Month 2026

California lawmakers are weighing AB 2356, which would hand 4,301 acres of Tolowa Dunes State Park to the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation amid concerns over unexamined consequences.

California Wave Staff · Apr 22, 2026

Politics

California Districts Misusing Prop 28 Arts Funding in 2026

Only 11% of California schools are using Proposition 28 arts funding as voters intended, leaving disadvantaged students without music and arts education.

California Wave Staff Apr 22, 2026

news

How California Hospital Costs Are Shrinking Your Paycheck

Rising hospital bills are quietly cutting California workers' take-home pay through soaring employer insurance premiums that outpace wages.

California Wave Staff · Apr 22, 2026

Politics

California Bill Shields Trans and Abortion Records from Trump

California's AB 1930 aims to block federal subpoenas for abortion and transgender care records, but legal scholars question whether it will survive court challenges.

California Wave Staff · Apr 22, 2026

Politics

California Bill to Shield Gender-Affirming Care Records

A California bill would require hospitals to notify the AG before complying with federal subpoenas on gender-affirming care, raising legal concerns.

California Wave Staff · Apr 22, 2026

Lifestyle

LA DA Investigates Eric Swalwell Over Sexual Assault Claim

The LA County DA and Sheriff's Department have opened investigations into former Rep. Eric Swalwell after a woman alleged he drugged and assaulted her in 2018.

California Wave Staff · Apr 22, 2026

California Wave Staff Lifestyle

Nearly 500 Ducks Need Homes as California Sanctuary Closes

The Duck Sanctuary in Anza, CA is closing, leaving nearly 480 ducks in need of homes. Riverside County Animal Services has launched a mass adoption effort.

Apr 22, 2026

Politics

California Cities Scramble Over New Housing Law SB 79

California cities are racing to comply with or fight SB 79, a new state housing law allowing mid-rise apartments near transit stops starting July 1.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

Tax Refunds Fell Short of White House Promises in 2026

Average refunds are up 11% to $3,462, but that's far below the $1,000 increase the White House promised for this tax season.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

US Blockade Halts Iran Trade as Trump Eyes New Talks

The US military has completely stopped commercial trade through Iran's ports, while Trump says peace talks could resume in Islamabad within days.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

FIFA World Cup Events to Close Wilshire at MacArthur Park

MacArthur Park gets a two-day transformation in July as Wilshire Boulevard closes for FIFA World Cup watch parties, food vendors, and family activities.

California Wave Staff Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

Dino's Famous Chicken: The Recipe That Defines Pico Union

Dino's Famous Chicken has served Pico Union for 50+ years. Its Greek-Latin marinade reflects the neighborhood's cultural history in every bite.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

LA Times Festival of Books vs BookCon: A New Rivalry?

Two major book festivals hit opposite coasts the same weekend, drawing 180,000 readers and sparking talk of a new bicoastal literary rivalry.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

LAUSD Teachers Win Paid Parental Leave for the First Time

Los Angeles Unified School District teachers will receive four weeks of paid parental leave under a new contract deal with United Teachers Los Angeles.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Lifestyle

Xavier Becerra Makes His Case for California Governor

Xavier Becerra sits down with LAist to discuss his gubernatorial bid, focusing on health care reform and his vision for California's future.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

California Wave Staff Politics

CalPERS Settles, Returning Money to Retirees Hit With Huge Bills

CalPERS dropped a seven-year legal fight, agreeing to refund hundreds of thousands of dollars to retirees hit with shocking debt notices after retirement.

Apr 21, 2026

Politics

California Fights to Protect Gender Care for Minors in 2026

California AG Rob Bonta sued hospitals that halted gender-affirming care for minors after Trump funding threats, leaving families in legal uncertainty.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Politics

California Governor Candidates Must Address Key Issues in 2026

Nine candidates are running for California governor, but voters are still waiting for serious engagement on education, jobs, and population loss.

California Wave Staff · Apr 21, 2026

Politics

Court Strikes Down California Dialysis Profit Law

A federal appeals court ruled key parts of California's AB 290 unconstitutional, handing a legal defeat to the state in a dialysis industry profit dispute.

California Wave Staff · Apr 20, 2026

Politics

California Cities Fight or Comply With SB 79 Housing Law

California cities are racing to respond to Senate Bill 79, which allows nine-story apartments near transit stops before its July 1 effective date.

California Wave Staff Apr 20, 2026

Politics

India-Linked Gangs Terrorizing California Sikh Community

Indian gangs are extorting California's Punjabi Sikh communities using cross-border threats, targeting families in both the US and India to ensure compliance.

California Wave Staff · Apr 20, 2026

Lifestyle

How California's Next Governor Will Change Your Taxes

California's 2026 governor candidates offer stark tax contrasts—from corporate tax hikes to aggressive cuts for working families and businesses.

California Wave Staff · Apr 20, 2026

Lifestyle

LA28 Olympics Contracts: Will LA Businesses Get a Share?

LA city officials warn local businesses may be shut out of $4 billion in LA28 Olympic contracts as the 2028 Games procurement plan lacks firm guarantees.

California Wave Staff · Apr 19, 2026

Politics

Woman Accuses Eric Swalwell of Violent Sexual Assault

Beverly Hills woman Lonna Drewes accuses Rep. Eric Swalwell of rape and assault at a 2018 hotel meeting, days after he announced his congressional resignation.

California Wave Staff · Apr 19, 2026

California Wave Staff Lifestyle

Judge Dismisses Trump's $10B Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal

A federal judge dismissed Trump's $10 billion defamation suit against the Wall Street Journal over Epstein reporting, but left room for an amended complaint.

Apr 19, 2026

Lifestyle

Israel and Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks in 30 Years

Israel and Lebanon met face-to-face at the State Department for the first time in over 30 years, with Secretary Rubio calling it a historic gathering.

California Wave Staff · Apr 19, 2026

Politics

CalMatters Wins $9M Grant to Expand Digital Democracy

CalMatters' Digital Democracy platform wins a $9 million grant to expand AI-powered legislative transparency tools from California to states nationwide.

California Wave Staff · Apr 18, 2026

Lifestyle

California May Ban Artificial Stone Countertops Over Silicosis

California could become the first U.S. state to ban engineered stone countertops after a silicosis outbreak killed 29 workers and sickened hundreds more.

California Wave Staff · Apr 18, 2026

Lifestyle

LA's Most Unusual Coffee Shops Worth the Visit

From a treehouse in Topanga Canyon to a stunning Art Deco lobby downtown, discover LA's most unique and unforgettable places to get your caffeine fix.

California Wave Staff Apr 18, 2026

Politics

California Wasted $1M in Dolly Parton Literacy Program

A California nonprofit spent over $1 million in a Dolly Parton book program partnership without distributing a single book to a single child.

California Wave Staff · Apr 18, 2026

Politics

CalMatters Wins Collier Prize for DMV Investigation

CalMatters earned second place in the Collier Prize for its 'License to Kill' investigation into how California's DMV handles drivers who cause fatal crashes.

California Wave Staff · Apr 17, 2026

Politics

Why California's Civil Courts Fill the Criminal Justice Gap

When criminal justice fails victims of government misconduct, California's civil courts become the last resort for accountability and compensation.

California Wave Staff · Apr 17, 2026

Politics

California Democrats' Tax-the-Rich Plans Could Backfire

California progressives want to tax the wealthy to offset Medi-Cal cuts, but budget analysts warn the math won't add up amid a $22 billion deficit.

California Wave Staff · Apr 17, 2026

California Wave Staff Politics

California Billionaire Tax Proposals Won't Fix Budget Crisis

California lawmakers push three bills to tax billionaires and corporations, but budget experts warn the measures won't solve the state's $22 billion deficit.

Apr 17, 2026

Lifestyle

Vendors Fear Impact of 55-Story Tower at MacArthur Park

Street vendors near MacArthur Park worry about rising rents and lost customers as a 55-story mixed-use tower is proposed above the Westlake Metro station.

California Wave Staff · Apr 16, 2026

Politics

Who Benefits From Swalwell's Exit in California Governor Race

Eric Swalwell suspended his governor campaign and resigned from Congress after sexual harassment allegations, reshaping California's Democratic primary field.

California Wave Staff · Apr 16, 2026

Politics

Eric Swalwell Drops California Governor Race After Allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell suspended his California governor campaign after four women made sexual misconduct allegations, including assault claims from a former staffer.

California Wave Staff · Apr 16, 2026

Politics

Trump Snubbed as California GOP Rejects His Governor Pick

California Republicans defied Trump at their San Diego convention, failing to endorse Steve Hilton for governor as delegates split between Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco.

California Wave Staff Apr 16, 2026

Politics

Eric Swalwell Resigns From Congress After Sexual Assault Claims

Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress days after sexual assault allegations from four women, including a former staff member, became public.

California Wave Staff · Apr 15, 2026

business Sacramento

Derek Bluford Spent Years Away From Sacramento. Now He's Building the City's Most Ambitious Legal Tech Project.

Derek Bluford founded a legal tech startup that got him onto a Stanford Law panel. Now he's back in Sacramento, finishing law school, building a nonprofit for justice-impacted people, and planning a coworking space for attorneys. He's building toward something bigger.

Jordan Nakamura · Apr 15, 2026

Lifestyle

Pope Leo Brushes Off Trump Criticism Over Iran War Stance

Pope Leo XIV vows to keep speaking out against war despite sharp Trump criticism, as Vatican–U.S. tensions rise over the ongoing Iran conflict.

California Wave Staff · Apr 15, 2026

Lifestyle

LAX People Mover Begins Reliability Testing in 2026

LAX's long-delayed Automated People Mover starts reliability testing, but a legal dispute and 60-day timeline push its opening well past the FIFA World Cup.

California Wave Staff · Apr 15, 2026

California Wave Staff Lifestyle

Why Stingray Stings Are Rising on Southern California Beaches

Stingray stings are surging at Southern California beaches. Learn why round stingrays are the culprit and how to stay safe in the water.

Apr 15, 2026

Politics

California Bill Uses Malpractice Law to Fight Conversion Therapy

Sen. Scott Wiener's bill would extend malpractice lawsuit deadlines for LGBTQ youth harmed by conversion therapy, responding to a recent Supreme Court ruling.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Politics

California GOP Rejects Trump's Pick Steve Hilton for Governor

California Republicans failed to endorse any gubernatorial candidate, splitting between Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco despite Trump backing Hilton at the San Diego convention.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Politics

Swalwell Suspends CA Governor Race After Assault Allegations

Rep. Eric Swalwell ended his California governor campaign after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, including rape allegations he calls false.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Politics

California Republicans Torn Between Trump and Swing Districts

At their annual convention in San Diego, California Republicans face a difficult balancing act: embracing Trump's base while appealing to competitive district voters.

California Wave Staff Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

LAUSD and Teachers Union Reach Deal, Averting Strike

LAUSD and United Teachers Los Angeles reached a tentative two-year deal, averting a strike with an 11.65% salary increase and $650 million in new costs.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

Route 66 at 100: The Dark History Behind the Iconic Road

Route 66 turns 100 in 2026, but behind the nostalgia lies a complex history of race, crisis, and inequality that rarely makes the gift shops.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

Melania Trump Denies Jeffrey Epstein Ties in Rare Statement

Melania Trump addressed cameras Thursday, denying she was an Epstein victim or that he introduced her to Donald Trump in a rare prepared statement.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

Best Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles

Discover LA restaurants that take food allergies seriously, from strict allergen protocols to manager-led ordering for a safe, delicious dining experience.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

California Wave Staff Lifestyle

California Botanic Garden Opens Kids' Nature Play Space

The California Botanic Garden in Claremont opened Children's Woodland, a freeform outdoor play space connecting kids to native California plants.

Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

Artemis II Splashdown Off SoCal Coast: What to Expect

NASA's Artemis II crew splashes down in the Pacific off San Diego after a historic 10-day mission that took humans farther from Earth than ever before.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

Could the 2028 Olympics Bankrupt Los Angeles?

LA city officials warn a missing cost-reimbursement agreement with LA28 could leave taxpayers exposed and push the city toward bankruptcy by 2029.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Lifestyle

LAUSD Strike Could Close Schools Indefinitely: What to Know

Three major LAUSD unions representing 68,000 employees are set to strike, potentially closing schools for 400,000 students with no set reopening date.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Politics

California Rural Health Care Crisis and the 340B Program

Glenn Medical Center's closure spotlights California's rural hospital crisis and raises questions about the 340B drug discount program's true beneficiaries.

California Wave Staff Apr 14, 2026

Politics

Palisades Fire Survivor Learns Carpentry to Rebuild His Home

After losing his home in the Palisades Fire, Hudson Idov enrolled in carpentry school to help rebuild his neighborhood amid LA's construction worker shortage.

California Wave Staff · Apr 14, 2026

Politics

California Voters Face Dueling Ballot Propositions in 2026

California voters will encounter competing ballot propositions designed to cancel each other out, a political tactic dating back to the landmark Prop. 13 battle of 1978.

California Wave Staff · Apr 13, 2026

Politics

Trump's Endorsement Divides California GOP Convention

Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton over Chad Bianco at California's GOP convention sparked backlash, complicating the party's already fragile 2026 prospects.

California Wave Staff · Apr 13, 2026

Lifestyle

California Billionaire Tax: Why Progressives Have Doubts

Despite celebrity backing, California's proposed 5% billionaire tax faces surprising private opposition from progressive lawmakers and union leaders.

California Wave Staff · Apr 12, 2026

California Wave Staff Lifestyle

59 People from 110 Freeway Encampments Now in Housing

Fifty-nine unhoused Angelenos who lived along the 110 Freeway are now indoors, thanks to a $6 million state grant and months of outreach work.

Apr 12, 2026

Politics

Unsealed Warrants Reveal Weak Basis for Bianco Ballot Seizure

Search warrants behind Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco's seizure of 650,000 ballots reveal no informants, witnesses, or forensic evidence.

California Wave Staff · Apr 12, 2026

Lifestyle

Trump Warns Strikes Will Resume If Iran Breaks Peace Terms

Trump threatens to resume military strikes against Iran as a fragile ceasefire falters, oil hits $97 a barrel, and the Strait of Hormuz reports swirl.

California Wave Staff · Apr 10, 2026

Lifestyle

New Spring TV Shows Set in California: Full Cast Guide

Keanu Reeves, Nicole Kidman, and Oscar Isaac headline a wave of new spring TV shows and films set across California, streaming this April.

California Wave Staff · Apr 9, 2026

Lifestyle

LA Mansion Tax Changes: Are Proposed Fixes Enough?

Los Angeles officials propose amendments to Measure ULA, but housing advocates say the fixes don't address the tax's broader impact on housing development.

California Wave Staff Apr 9, 2026

Politics

California Must Fix Boom-and-Bust Budgeting and Build Reserves

California faces structural deficits of up to $35 billion. Experts say the next governor must rethink spending and boost reserves to end boom-and-bust cycles.

California Wave Staff · Apr 9, 2026

Politics

California Governor Candidates Ignoring Gen Z Voters

Two Gen Z policy students attended California gubernatorial forums and found candidates avoiding concrete commitments on issues young voters care about most.

David Kowalski · Apr 8, 2026

Lifestyle

BTS: The Return Director on LA, Arirang & the Netflix Doc

Director Bao Nguyen explains how Los Angeles shaped BTS's comeback album 'Arirang' and why the city plays a starring role in the Netflix documentary.

Maya Restrepo · Apr 8, 2026

Lifestyle

Exide Cleanup Zone Still Has High Lead Levels, Study Finds

A UC Irvine study found over two-thirds of remediated properties near the Exide plant still exceed California's lead threshold of 80 parts per million.

Alejandra Voss · Apr 8, 2026

Jordan Nakamura Lifestyle

New LA Play Tells Dolores Huerta's Story for All Ages

A new Boyle Heights play about Dolores Huerta navigates her enduring legacy amid shocking new allegations against Cesar Chavez revealed in 2026.

Apr 8, 2026

business

How Small Design Teams Are Using AI to Compete With Agencies Ten Times Their Size

A three-person studio in Long Beach should not be able to match the output of a 30-person agency. But AI-powered operational tools are changing that math for California's thousands of small creative firms.

David Kowalski · Apr 6, 2026

Food & Wine

Kar Son Brings Sichuan Cuisine to Row DTLA

Kar Son opened at Row DTLA in 2026, offering crowd-pleasing Sichuan specialties in a stylish Arts District-adjacent dining room worth exploring.

Rachel Torres · Apr 6, 2026

Food & Wine

Linden: Hollywood's Most Stylish Dining Destination

Chef Jonathan Harris blends Caribbean, Jewish, and Southern foodways at Linden, Hollywood's standout restaurant on Sunset Boulevard.

Sofia Gutierrez · Apr 6, 2026

Food & Wine

Saddest LA Restaurant Closures of March 2026

Los Angeles lost three beloved institutions in March 2026, including a 99-year-old French restaurant and a 117-year-old sandwich legend.

Rachel Torres Apr 6, 2026

Food & Wine

Charlie Palmer Steak Napa Closes April 2026

Charlie Palmer Steak Napa closes April 12 after nine years inside Archer Hotel Napa, as Palmer pursues a new wine country direction.

Sofia Gutierrez · Apr 5, 2026

Politics

California Cuts Funding for Endangered Salmon Restoration

California ended funding for a Chinook salmon restoration program on the McCloud River, leaving the Winnemem Wintu Tribe scrambling to save a sacred species.

David Kowalski · Apr 5, 2026

Politics

California GOP Governor Race 2026: Why a Tie Is the Best Strategy

Two Republican candidates are betting that splitting the vote evenly could shut Democrats out of California's November gubernatorial race entirely.

Marcus Chen · Apr 5, 2026

Politics

Federal Judge: Border Patrol Raids in California Broke Court Order

A federal judge ruled Border Patrol agents in California's Central Valley violated her injunction by detaining people without legal justification.

Elena Vasquez · Apr 4, 2026

Marcus Chen Politics

California Governor's Race 2026: A Crowded Game of Chicken

With 61 candidates and three Democrats stuck at 10%, California's 2026 gubernatorial primary is a standoff as mail ballots begin dropping.

Apr 4, 2026

Politics

Yuba River Pipe Rupture Kills Salmon, Raises Infrastructure Fears

A ruptured penstock pipe on the Yuba River killed thousands of Chinook salmon and exposed aging water infrastructure risks across California.

David Kowalski · Apr 4, 2026

Food & Wine

Everything to Eat at Coachella 2026

From campsite coffee to late-night hot chicken, here's your complete guide to the food and drink lineup at Coachella 2026 in Indio, California.

Rachel Torres · Apr 3, 2026

Food & Wine

Neighborly Food Hall Opens in Brentwood with Mini Kabob

Neighborly's new Brentwood food hall brings Mini Kabob and Questlove's gluten-free fried chicken to a stylish multi-vendor space on San Vicente Boulevard.

Sofia Gutierrez · Apr 3, 2026

Politics

Judge Rules Border Patrol Violated Court Order in California

A federal judge found Border Patrol agents in California's Central Valley continued detaining people without legal justification, violating a prior court order.

Elena Vasquez Apr 3, 2026

Politics

Fact-Checking the 'Empire of Fraud' Claim Against Newsom

A City Journal article claims $180 billion was stolen under Newsom. We examine whether the evidence supports the 'empire of fraud' allegation.

Marcus Chen · Apr 2, 2026

Politics

California Kids on Medi-Cal Are Missing Critical Eye Care

Only 16% of school-age Medi-Cal children received eye care between 2022 and 2024, down from 19% eight years earlier, as vision problems rise nationwide.

David Kowalski · Apr 2, 2026

Politics

LA's Top-Two Primary Creates Strange Political Alliances in 2026

California's top-two primary system is reshaping Los Angeles politics in 2026, creating unusual alliances and pressuring candidates to rethink strategy.

Elena Vasquez · Apr 2, 2026

Politics