Turkeys got pardoned. Will Jan. 6 defendants get the same treatment?
Hi, and happy Tuesday. There are 55 days until President-elect Trump is sworn back into office, and there are two days until Thanksgiving. Surely, Americans,…
Special counsel moves to dismiss Trump election interference case
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal judge on Monday to dismiss the case accusing President-elect Donald Trump of plotting to overturn the 2020…
Donald Trump Jr. emerges as a political force of his own
NEW YORK — When Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. circled up aboard the president-elect’s plane over some McDonald’s…
Are California farmers on a collision course with Trump deportation plans?
SAN JACINTO, Calif. — A paradox has settled across California’s velvet green fields and orchards. California farmers, who are some of the most ardent supporters…
Why did California ‘kill’ its booming hemp-derived THC industry?
A dark-haired man in a worn flannel coat walked into a Dino Mart convenience store on a busy street in North Hollywood one recent weekday…
‘Enjoy the basement!’: New members of Congress move in
WASHINGTON — Near the cafeteria of the Rayburn House Office Building, right next to the trash bins, is a drab room with rows of cubicles wistfully…
Republicans criticize claims that Trump intelligence pick Tulsi Gabbard is ‘compromised’
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Republican senators pushed back on Sunday against criticism from Democrats that Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services, is…
Trump’s incoming chief of staff is a former lobbyist. She’ll face a raft of special interests
WASHINGTON — As incoming White House chief of staff, one of Susie Wiles ’ vexing challenges will be policing the buffet line of powerful interests who…
U.S. towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water
NEW YORK — For about 50 years, adding cavity-preventing fluoride to drinking water was a popular public health measure in Yorktown, a leafy town north of…
Musk’s budget crusade may cause a constitutional clash in Trump’s second term
WASHINGTON — When Elon Musk first suggested a new effort to cut the size of government, Donald Trump didn’t seem to take it seriously. His eventual…
Lawmakers jet set to Maui and Asia to discuss energy, transportation for California
This is the season for California lawmakers to travel across the globe, some to lush beachside resorts with schmoozing lobbyists, at no cost of their…
Donald Trump has a chance to become a true education president
Donald Trump had the right idea about education during his first administration: Judge potential employees by their skills and experience, not their degrees. Open up…
Trump taps Rollins as Agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his Agriculture secretary, the last of his picks…
Trump courted smaller faith groups, including Amish and Chabad
A social-media tribute to Coptic Christians. A billboard in Amish country. A visit to a revered Jewish gravesite. While Donald Trump had a lock on…
U.N. climate talks dissolve into factions on plan for poorer nations
BAKU, Azerbaijan — Tenuous hope for a deal for a giant funding package for poor nations to curb and adapt to climate change emerged late Saturday…
Vance takes on visible transition role, trying to boost Trump job picks
WASHINGTON — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill last week in a new, more visible role:…
A powerful new task force must make Measure G a reality. Who will get a seat?
Good morning, and welcome to L.A. on the Record — our City Hall newsletter. It’s Rebecca Ellis updating you on L.A. local government news, with…
Trump taps Fox News personality, surgeon, ex-congressman for health agencies
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday nominated Dr. Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration, selecting a surgeon and author who gained national…
Laura Richardson wins Senate District 35, defeating Michelle Chambers
Laura Richardson emerged the victor of the competitive, costly and feisty election to win a South Los Angeles seat in the state Senate — completing…
Lessons from my four decades of covering politics: Prepare to be surprised
WASHINGTON — Because they are all-or-nothing contests, American elections lend themselves to over-interpretation.In 1988, Republican Vice President George H.W. Bush defeated Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, winning…