Austin Beutner announced his campaign for Los Angeles mayor, criticizing Mayor Karen Bass and opposing Trump's immigration policies, positioning himself as a pragmatic problem solver focused on local issues like housing, homelessness, and city leadership. His campaign emphasizes fighting injustices and rebuilding trust in city governance amid ongoing political and social challenges.
Austin Beutner, former LA schools superintendent and philanthropist, plans to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in the 2026 LA mayoral race, criticizing her leadership on issues like crime, housing, and the Palisades fire response, potentially shaking up the city's political landscape.
Austin Beutner, a former supporter and leader of LA's public schools, is expected to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral race, amid the city's ongoing struggles and her recent political vulnerabilities.
Austin Beutner appears to be preparing for a run against Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles' 2026 election, as evidenced by recent social media activity suggesting a campaign, though he has not officially announced his candidacy. Beutner, a former LAUSD superintendent and Times publisher, has a diverse background in finance, journalism, and public service, and could be a significant contender in the race amidst a challenging year for Bass.
A former LA fire chief filed a legal claim accusing Mayor Karen Bass of defamation and retaliation after she was ousted following the Palisades wildfire, alleging that Bass misrepresented the department's preparedness and cut critical funding, which contributed to the fire's devastation and her removal.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has gained political momentum by opposing federal immigration raids and confronting the Trump administration, reversing some of her earlier unpopularity following wildfire response criticisms, and positioning herself as a resistance figure amid ongoing city challenges.
Vice President JD Vance criticized California officials and Democratic leaders for encouraging protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies, blaming them for unrest in Los Angeles and emphasizing the importance of border enforcement and Trump's legislative agenda.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges over their response to ICE raids, as warnings of violence and riots in LA and surrounding areas have escalated, with the Trump administration accusing them of fueling tensions and considering prosecution.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference to provide updates on the storm named Hilary, which made landfall in Mexico as a tropical storm and caused heavy rains and flooding in parts of the Southwestern U.S. The storm brought intense rain to Nevada and Southern California before being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. If Hilary had made landfall in California, it would have been the first tropical storm to do so since 1939.
Texas governor Greg Abbott sent a busload of migrants to Los Angeles, claiming that small Texas border towns remain overwhelmed because President Biden refuses to secure the border. LA's mayor, Karen Bass, called Abbott's move "abhorrent" and accused him of using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games. Abbott has faced widespread criticism for his bussing program, which has reportedly sent tens of thousands of migrants to various cities. Immigrants rights groups have decried the practice as cruel and exploitative of vulnerable people seeking shelter and protection.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proposed a $1.3 billion budget to buy hotels and convert them into housing for the homeless. The budget also includes treatment programs for homeless people. The move is part of her Inside Safe homeless program, which has more than 1,000 enrollees so far. The city has been struggling with a growing homeless population, with over 40,000 homeless people citywide. The budget proposal also recommends hiring hundreds of police officers and investing in repairing crumbling streets and sidewalks.
The three-day strike by around 60,000 Los Angeles Unified School District employees, represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 99, has ended with no new agreement. Classes will resume on Friday, but the possibility of another strike is not off the table. The union is asking for a 30% wage increase and better working conditions, while LAUSD has offered a 23% wage increase over the next five years. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is actively involved in negotiations between the district and the union.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) strike continues into its second day, with Mayor Karen Bass offering "assistance and support" to union and school district leaders. The district's update revealed few details and gave no indication that the third scheduled day of the strike on Thursday could be prevented. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 99 is calling for a 30% salary increase and $2 more per hour for the lowest-paid employees. The strike has roiled family schedules, as thousands of parents seek day-care options or are missing work.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expresses disappointment over the LAUSD strike and hopes for a quick resolution. Tens of thousands of workers have walked off the job, closing schools for over 400,000 students in the second largest school district in the country. The strike is scheduled to last three days and labor talks have been at a standstill. The city of Los Angeles is providing resources for families, including grab-and-go meals at recreation centers, free admission to the LA Zoo for K-12 students, and open public libraries with hands-on activities.
