L.A. Material: Latest Los Angeles News, Analysis & Culture

How L.A. Politicians Use ‘Behested Payments’ to Deliver Millions to Pet Causes

The little-known fundraising tool that lets elected officials solicit donations from corporations, unions and wealthy backers.

Matt Hamilton

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Sep 1, 2026

L.A.’s Most Powerful Publicist Might Be This Drive-Thru Restaurant

The Rick’s sign has become the ultimate way to announce a life event for a growing subset of Angelenos.

Jennifer Swann

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Aug 31, 2026

My Quest to Find the Best Movie Theater Bar in Los Angeles

21 bars in seven days. Can they possibly be great? Can they even be good?

Eric Misitzis Mennel

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Aug 24, 2026

When We Were Google

A former reference librarian at the L.A. Central Library on the wonders of a bygone L.A. job.

Glen Creason

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Sep 3, 2026

Gavin Newsom’s big September test

Plus, Pablo Torre wins, Lucas Museum photos, and an Olympics traffic headache.

Julia Wick, Tomo Chien

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Sep 3, 2026

Where To Buy Bulk Spices in Los Angeles

Great places to find the flavors that will elevate your next meal.

Jenni Avins

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Sep 2, 2026

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Featured

“Protected by Ghost Town”

A private company has cleared dozens of homeless encampments in Venice — with persistence, cash payments, and a team that includes former gang members. Clients love them. The people they move do not.

Hayes Davenport

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Jul 27, 2026

How the Inaugural LA Jazz Festival Fell Apart

The festival promised John Legend, Janelle Monáe and more than a hundred events across Los Angeles. Instead, it was canceled on the day it was supposed to begin. How organizer Martin Ludlow’s 15-year vision came crashing down.

Julia Wick

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Aug 15, 2026

The Illegal Fireworks Pipeline Behind L.A.’s Nightly Explosions

A Fourth of July season disaster last year revealed a sprawling alleged fireworks trafficking network — and raised urgent questions about why state and local officials failed to stop it sooner.

Jessica Garrison

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Jun 29, 2026

We Found L.A. Politicians’ Yelp Reviews

Then built an interactive map of the 100+ ratings.

Tomo Chien

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Jul 9, 2026

Trump's Man in L.A.

Bill Essayli is the face of Trump’s immigration and fraud crackdown in Southern California. Defending his own family’s fraud case, with the ACLU’s help, pitted him against the office he now leads.

Matt Hamilton

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Apr 21, 2026

How Many Cars Are Allowed To Turn Left at a Yellow Light?

Two? Three? FOUR?

Lauren Bans

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Mar 22, 2026

Why Is There a Mosaic of Jim Jones Outside a Silver Lake Elementary School?

The cult leader’s portrait was put up almost two years ago. We found the guy who made it.

Hayes Davenport

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Apr 8, 2026

Five Days That Blew Up The L.A. Mayoral Race

How a handful of strange bedfellows, united by ambition and frustration with the mayor’s leadership, scrambled to marshal a challenge to Mayor Karen Bass.