Los Angeles Public Press

09/24/2026

How to research the 2026 midterm elections like a reporter

This is your guide to public records and databases journalists use to analyze candidates.

This is your guide to public records and databases journalists use to analyze candidates.

09/23/2026

In his recently published series “Lead City,” LA Public Press reporter Dan Ross investigates the massive lead contamination that plagues LA County.

The series examines questions like: Why are high school students attending class near a toxic plume set off by a metal recycling plant next door? Why is it so hard to clean up lead? And why are so few at-risk children receiving the necessary blood testing for lead?

“Lead City” was made in collaboration with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, LA Public Press, and Ross. The five-part series also includes an interactive map—the first of its kind—to help LA residents track Department of Toxic Substances Control lead contamination cleanup sites in their area.

In his recently published series “Lead City,” LA Public Press reporter Dan Ross investigates the massive lead contamination that plagues LA County. The

09/23/2026

LA Lineage warehouse fire cause ‘undetermined’ according to new fire department report:
In a report obtained by LA Public Press, the department said the most probable cause was an ‘unknown electrical event.’

In a report obtained by LA Public Press, the department said the most probable cause was an ‘unknown electrical event.’

09/21/2026

Proposition 39 is a conservative push to switch California’s elections from some of the most accessible in the country to among the most restrictive.

If the measure is approved by voters in November, Californians would be required to show government-issued IDs to vote in-person at polling places in future elections.

Voters returning their ballot by mail would need to write the last four digits of a “designated government-issue identification number,” like a social security or driver’s license number, on the back of the envelope with their ballot.

The measure is widely criticized as an effort by Republican leaders to suppress voter turnout and capture more of the deeply blue state — while supporters insist the changes are needed to prevent non-citizens from voting in U.S. elections.

Republicans, at the urging of the Trump administration, continue to prop up baseless allegations of sweeping voter fraud — despite the fact that it is extremely rare.

“We don’t have that problem in California, or in the United States,” said Jenny Farrell, executive director of the League of Women Voters of California, one of several groups in a coalition that opposes the proposed law. “You are more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to commit voter fraud.”

Read the full article by Sam Ribakoff via the link in the bio or go to LAPublicPress.org.

09/21/2026

Prop 39 wants to make California one of the most restrictive states for voting

The billionaire-backed voter ID initiative could make it harder for working class people and voters of color to vote.

The billionaire-backed voter ID initiative could make it harder for working class people and voters of color to vote.

09/21/2026

LA County Public Health just reported that we're on track for one of our worst West Nile seasons in recent years.

We reported on mosquito prevention efforts and how to protect yourself from bites. Read more here:

The sterile insect technique shows promising results in reducing mosquito population, but someone has to pay for it. You’re not imagining things — there are more mosquitoes in LA. And they’re more annoying than ever.

09/18/2026

Happy autumn! 🍂 Enjoy the cooler weather and check out one of these events.

09/18/2026

You’re not imagining things — there are more mosquitoes in LA. And they’re more annoying than ever.
That’s because, for more than a decade, a type of mosquito relatively new to California has joined our native species and are making themselves known to you through their bites.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which established itself in California in about 2013, feeds on humans throughout the day. These are the ones known as “ankle biters,” for staying pretty low to the ground, out of range of your slap.

They join our native Culex mosquitoes, which bite at dawn and dusk and tend to prefer birds to humans.

Add to that a warming global climate, and an especially warm winter last year, and it’s the perfect conditions to start seeing — and feeling — these nuisances nearly all year long, not just in summer.

Local vector control districts are tackling the new problem with newer methods.

Read the full article by Andrea Gutierrez () via the link in the bio or go to LAPublicPress.org

09/18/2026

You’re not imagining things; there are more mosquitoes in LA. They’re more annoying than ever AND might be here year round.

The sterile insect technique shows promising results in reducing mosquito population, but someone has to pay for it.

The sterile insect technique shows promising results in reducing mosquito population, but someone has to pay for it. You’re not imagining things — there are more mosquitoes in LA. And they’re more annoying than ever.

09/17/2026

Will ICE have to identify itself on rental cars in California?
The Slam the Brakes on ICE Act is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature and aims to bring transparency to immigration operations.

The Slam the Brakes on ICE Act is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature and aims to bring transparency to immigration operations. LA Democratic Assemblymember Jessica Caloza authored legislation this year to make it easier to spot the rental vehicles being used by federal agents.