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Los Angeles City Council Faces Scrutiny Over Meeting Attendance and Legislative Activity

Los Angeles City Council Faces Scrutiny Over Meeting Attendance and Legislative Activity

The Los Angeles City Council is under scrutiny as a new analysis highlights the attendance and legislative activity of its members. The analysis, which considers meeting attendance, committee assignments, and the amount of legislation drafted, reveals varying levels of engagement among council members. Monica Rodriguez, a council member, has been vocal against a proposal to reduce the number of council meetings from three per week to one, citing the need for more engagement in a city of 4 million people. Despite her stance, Rodriguez ranks low in attendance, having missed 25 out of 177 meetings since 2025. In contrast, Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson has the highest attendance, missing only four meetings. The analysis also shows that Rodriguez leads in legislative activity, having drafted 199 motions, while Curren Price ranks lowest with 84 motions. The council's effectiveness is further questioned as homelessness in Los Angeles has risen by 3.4% overall, with unsheltered homelessness increasing ...
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LA City Council's Speech Restrictions Face First Amendment Challenge

LA City Council's Speech Restrictions Face First Amendment Challenge

The Los Angeles City Council is facing a potential First Amendment lawsuit over a rule that bans the use of certain offensive slurs during public meetings. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the First Amendment Coalition have given the city 30 days to repeal the rule, arguing it violates constitutional free speech protections. The rule, approved in 2025, prohibits the use of specific words during public comment, with violators facing ejection from meetings. The controversy has sparked a debate over the balance between maintaining decorum and protecting free speech rights.
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Los Angeles Sees Increase in Homelessness Amid Economic Challenges

Los Angeles Sees Increase in Homelessness Amid Economic Challenges

New data reveals an increase in homelessness in Los Angeles, with the city and county reporting a rise in the number of unhoused individuals. The 2026 Greater LA Homelessness Count shows a 1.2% increase in the county and a 3.4% rise in the city, totaling approximately 73,000 and 45,194 homeless people, respectively. The increase is attributed to economic hardships, including the high cost of living. LA Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged the issue, citing the need for a transparent and accountable system to address homelessness. The city and county are considering forming their own homelessness agencies to better manage resources and outcomes.
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L.A. Homeless Authority Faces Federal Funding Suspension Amid Investigation

L.A. Homeless Authority Faces Federal Funding Suspension Amid Investigation

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is embroiled in a legal battle to prevent the suspension of its role as the administrator of approximately $240 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The suspension comes amid an inspector general investigation into alleged misconduct at the agency. LAHSA, which has been a central figure in managing homelessness services in Los Angeles for over 30 years, argues that the suspension is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul homelessness spending. The agency is seeking a court injunction to block the suspension, which it claims could severely impact its operations and the services provided to the homeless population in Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Sees Increase in Homelessness After Two-Year Decline

Los Angeles Sees Increase in Homelessness After Two-Year Decline

Los Angeles is experiencing a rise in homelessness after a period of decline over the past two years. This development marks a setback in efforts to address the city's homelessness crisis. The increase in the number of unsheltered residents in 2026 comes despite previous progress in reducing homelessness. The reasons behind this reversal are not detailed in the report, but it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city in managing and reducing homelessness. The report by Tom Wait underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for continued efforts and resources to address the growing number of people without permanent housing.
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Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Seeks Increased Funding Amid Rising Homelessness

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Seeks Increased Funding Amid Rising Homelessness

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is advocating for increased funding following a rise in homelessness in the city. Recent data indicates a setback in efforts to reduce homelessness, with the number of unsheltered residents increasing in 2026 after two years of decline. This development has prompted LAHSA to push for more resources to address the growing crisis. The increase in homelessness is attributed to various factors, including economic challenges and insufficient affordable housing. LAHSA's call for more funding aims to enhance support services and housing solutions for the homeless population.
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Mayor Karen Bass's Press Team Uses Disappearing WhatsApp Messages, Raising Transparency Concerns

Mayor Karen Bass's Press Team Uses Disappearing WhatsApp Messages, Raising Transparency Concerns

Mayor Karen Bass's press relations office in Los Angeles is under scrutiny for using WhatsApp messages that auto-delete every 24 hours. This practice potentially shields communications from public records requests, according to sources familiar with the office. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Yusef Robb, an unpaid consultant who served as a spokesperson, continued to participate in WhatsApp group channels with mayoral staff even after taking a job with Lineage, a company involved in a recent fire incident. The Los Angeles Times has filed a public records request for all messages sent or received by Robb between June 1 and July 10, including those on WhatsApp. The city’s administrative code mandates that records be retained for at least two years, but the Bass administration has declined to comment on the use of disappearing messages.
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Los Angeles Homelessness Increases, Challenging Mayor Karen Bass

Los Angeles Homelessness Increases, Challenging Mayor Karen Bass

Los Angeles has experienced a 3.4% increase in homelessness over the past year, with the number of people living outdoors rising by 7.9%. This development comes at a critical time for Mayor Karen Bass, who is facing reelection. Despite previous declines in homelessness, Bass attributes the recent increase to federal and state funding cuts and challenges in mental health funding. She remains committed to her Inside Safe program, which has moved thousands into interim housing. The rise in homelessness poses a significant challenge to Bass's administration and her reelection campaign.
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Homelessness in Los Angeles Increases After Two-Year Decline

Homelessness in Los Angeles Increases After Two-Year Decline

The homelessness crisis in Los Angeles has worsened, with the number of unsheltered residents increasing in 2026. This marks a reversal after two years of declining numbers. The increase in homelessness presents a significant challenge for city officials and social services, who have been working to address the issue through various initiatives. The rise in homelessness may be attributed to several factors, including economic pressures and insufficient affordable housing.
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LA Mayor Karen Bass Confronts Rising Homelessness Amid Political Challenges

LA Mayor Karen Bass Confronts Rising Homelessness Amid Political Challenges

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing increased scrutiny as the city's homeless population has risen by 3.4% over the past year, reaching 45,194 individuals. This marks the first full-year increase during Bass' tenure, following two years of decline. The rise in homelessness comes as Bass is engaged in a reelection campaign against City Council member Nithya Raman. Bass attributes the increase to federal and state funding cuts and challenges in mental health funding coordination with county officials. Despite the setback, she highlights the success of her Inside Safe program, which has moved thousands into interim housing.
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Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman Highlights Homelessness Reduction in Her District Amid Citywide Increase

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman Highlights Homelessness Reduction in Her District Amid Citywide Increase

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is running for mayor, has reported a significant decrease in street homelessness within her district, contrasting with an overall increase across the city. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's recent data, street homelessness in Raman's district decreased by 49% over the past year, while citywide figures showed an 8% increase. Raman attributes this success to her district's 'aggressive interventionist' approach, which involves a dedicated homelessness team familiar with individuals in the area and proactive in filling empty shelter beds. This development comes as a setback for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who has prioritized homelessness reduction and previously reported declines in street homelessness. Raman's district includes areas such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and parts of the San Fernando Valley.
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L.A. Production Volume Down Slightly, as Recovery Continues to Sputter

L.A. Production Volume Down Slightly, as Recovery Continues to Sputter

Los Angeles production volume fell slightly in the second quarter of 2026, as an increase in state tax incentives has failed to overcome industry headwinds. Shoot days for TV, film and commercials dropped by 3.1% compared to the previous quarter, according to FilmLA, which tracks location permit data for the L.A. region. Films and commercials […]