Kevin Rector
@kevrector.bsky.social
đ€ 1990
đ„ 115
đ 255
State and national politics reporter
@latimes.com
.
Trump DOJ creates $1.7-billion fund for victims of legal âweaponization,â prompting outrage (w/
@bwieder.bsky.social
):
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
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Trump DOJ creates $1.7-billion fund for victims of legal 'weaponization,' prompting outrage
Experts said Trump creating a fund for his political allies, to settle a lawsuit he had personally brought against his own government, was unprecedented and concerning.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-05-18/trump-moves-to-dismiss-10b-suit-over-leak-of-tax-returns-after-reports-of-resolution
3 days ago
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1
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reposted by
Kevin Rector
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
Tech leaders funding Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor say it's not about tech
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Tech leaders funding Matt Mahan's campaign for California governor say it's not about tech
San José Mayor Matt Mahan's campaign for governor has been bankrolled by tech titans. Critics say he will cater to their interests as governor, but several of his backers said their support for him has nothing to do with tech policy.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-18/tech-leaders-funding-matt-mahans-campaign-for-california-governor-say-its-not-about-tech
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4
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reposted by
Kevin Rector
Los Angeles Times
12 days ago
How MAGA Sheriff Chad Bianco is shaking up the 2026 California gubernatorial primary
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How MAGA Sheriff Chad Bianco is shaking up the 2026 California gubernatorial primary
Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco's says he will restore law and order to California if he is elected governor. Critics say his record proves otherwise.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-05-09/how-maga-sheriff-chad-bianco-is-shaking-up-2026-california-gubernatorial-primary
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Check out our @latimes voter guide to the 2026 California primary election:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Voter guide to the 2026 California primary election
California's primary election takes place on June 2. Learn about L.A.'s city and county races and others for state offices.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-05-01/2026-california-election-voter-guide-primary
20 days ago
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Cole Tomas Allen, Torrance man accused of trying to kill Trump at press gala, to remain jailed until trial His attorneys question the narrative put forth by prosecutors and Trump administration officials
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Cole Tomas Allen, Torrance man accused of trying to kill Trump at press gala, to remain jailed until trial
Allen, charged with attempting to assassinate the president, agreed to his ongoing detention during a brief hearing in federal court in Washington on Thursday.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-30/cole-tomas-allen-detention
21 days ago
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Cole Allen case reveals Secret Service failures that could have led to tragedy at D.C. gala (w/
@lacrimes.bsky.social
):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Cole Allen case reveals Secret Service failures that could have led to tragedy at D.C. gala
New details about alleged gunman Cole Allen's dash into the White House correspondents' dinner while President Trump and other Cabinet officials were in attendance has raised hard questions for the U....
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-04-29/cole-allen-case-reveals-secret-service-failures-that-could-have-led-to-tragedy
22 days ago
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Becerraâs surge in California governor race draws fresh attention to candidacy, long government record
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Becerra's surge in California governor race draws fresh attention to candidacy, long government record
Xavier Becerra says he is the best candidate for California governor because of his long experience in government. His critics say that same record shows poor leadership on his part.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-27/becerras-surge-california-governor-race-draws-attention-to-candidacy-long-government-record
24 days ago
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D.C. gala gunman wrote âmanifesto,â traveled from California before attack, officials say (via
@latimes.com
):
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
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D.C. gala gunman wrote 'manifesto,' traveled from California before attack, officials say
The suspected gunman who breached security at a Washington press gala wrote an anti-Trump "manifesto" and traveled from California, officials said.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-04-26/d-c-gunman-penned-manifesto-traveled-from-california
25 days ago
0
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0
reposted by
Kevin Rector
Los Angeles Times
about 1 month ago
'Revolution' or 'chaos': The massive stakes if a Republican becomes California governor
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'Revolution' or 'chaos': The massive stakes if a Republican becomes California governor
If California gets its first GOP governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger, it could allow new cooperation with the White House but also cause gridlock in Sacramento.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-09/revolution-or-chaos-massive-stakes-if-republican-becomes-california-governor
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At L.A. âshadow hearingâ on elections, House Democrats join experts to defend voting systems
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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At L.A. 'shadow hearing' on elections, House Democrats join experts to defend voting systems
House Democrats gathered in Los Angeles on Tuesday for a "shadow hearing" on midterm election security, where experts echoed their arguments that state-run elections are safe and secure.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-04-07/la-election-shadow-hearing-democrats-experts-defend-voting-systems
about 1 month ago
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5
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House Democrats to hold California âshadow hearingsâ on midterm election security
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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House Democrats to hold California 'shadow hearings' on midterm election security
House Democrats will hold informal hearings in California on midterm election security, following multiple threats of intervention in state-run voting by the Trump administration.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-04-04/house-democrats-to-hold-california-shadow-hearings-on-midterm-election-security
about 2 months ago
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The loophole that keeps a Trump loyalist serving as L.A.âs top federal prosecutor (w/
@jqwritesstuff.bsky.social
@brittnymejia.bsky.social
):
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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The loophole that keeps a Trump loyalist serving as L.A.âs top federal prosecutor
While other appointees have been forced out by judges, Bill Essayli has been allowed to lead the L.A. office under the title of 'first assistant U.S. attorney.'
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-04-04/bill-essayli-first-assistant-us-attorney-trump
about 2 months ago
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Trump fires Pam Bondi after tumultuous 14-month term as attorney general (w/ Ana Ceballos):
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
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Trump fires Pam Bondi after tumultuous 14-month term as attorney general
The announcement follows months of scrutiny over the Justice Departmentâs handling of files related to Jeffrey Epsteinâs sex trafficking investigation that made Bondi the target of angry conservatives...
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-04-02/trump-has-privately-discussed-possibility-of-firing-bondi-ap-sources-say
about 2 months ago
1
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3
Trump speech on Iran war, recent remarks on oil, NATO, daycare costs land with a thud
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump speech on Iran war, recent remarks on oil, NATO, daycare costs land with a thud
Trump's meandering speech did little to assuage U.S. allies and world markets concerned about the conflict's ongoing disruptions to the global oil supply.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-04-02/trump-speech-on-iran-war-recent-remarks-on-oil-nato-daycare-costs-land-with-thud
about 2 months ago
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ICYMI last night: In major speech, Trump says Iran war will be over âshortlyâ but offers little clarity (w/ Ana Ceballos):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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In major speech, Trump says Iran war will be over 'shortly' but offers little clarity
Trump's remarks were his first formal address to the nation since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-04-01/trump-says-iran-war-will-be-over-shortly-but-offers-little-clarity
about 2 months ago
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Trump signs executive order limiting mail-in ballots; California leaders say theyâll fight
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump signs executive order limiting mail-in ballots; California leaders say they'll fight
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday purporting to place new federal controls on voting by mail in states such as California.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-31/trump-signs-executive-order-limiting-mail-in-ballots-california-leaders-say-theyll-fight
about 2 months ago
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Trump jokes, rants, talks price of pens as Iran war enters fifth week
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
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Trump jokes, rants, talks price of pens as Iran war enters fifth week
President Trump has maintained a flippant, casual tone since the Iran war began a month ago, a vast departure from past wartime presidents.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-27/trump-jokes-rants-talks-price-of-pens-as-iran-war-enters-fifth-week
about 2 months ago
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Trump projects confidence, claims Iran is âbeggingâ for deal, but war exit remains murky (w/ Ana Ceballos):
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
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Trump projects confidence, claims Iran is 'begging' for deal, but war exit remains murky
While President Trump projected confidence in the U.S. war effort in Iran and claimed Iranian leaders were "begging" for a deal to end it, a path out of the conflict remained unclear.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-26/trump-projects-confidence-claims-iran-is-begging-for-deal-but-war-exit-remains-murky
about 2 months ago
1
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California, other states sue to block Trump effort to roll back fair housing protections
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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California, other states sue to block Trump effort to roll back fair housing protections
California and a coalition of other states sued the Trump administration Monday over its efforts to roll back fair housing rules that bar certain types of discrimination by landlords, including agains...
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-03-16/california-other-states-sue-to-block-trump-effort-to-roll-back-fair-housing-protections
2 months ago
1
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Trump and Hegseth have projected confidence and power in Iran in a coarse and triumphant tone that is unprecedented for U.S. wartime presidents and their Cabinet members, according to experts in presidential rhetoric and propaganda.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump's war rhetoric is coarse. It's also heard differently, depending on the audience
President Trump and other administration officials have projected confidence and power in Iran in a coarse tone that is unprecedented, according to experts in wartime rhetoric.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-15/trump-hegseth-iran-war-rhetoric
2 months ago
0
2
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400 million barrels of oil to be released from strategic reserves as Iran targets commercial ships
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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400 million barrels of oil to be released from strategic reserves as Iran targets commercial ships
Attacks on multiple commercial ships around Iran on Wednesday increased global energy concerns and pushed nations to unleash strategic oil reserves.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-11/400-million-barrels-of-oil-to-be-released-from-strategic-reserves-as-iran-targets-commercial-ships
2 months ago
0
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U.S. and Israeli war in Iran, which Trump says will be âshort term,â has global reach (w/ Gavin J. Quinton):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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U.S. and Israeli war in Iran, which Trump says will be 'short term,' has global reach
In less than two weeks, the Trump administration has instigated a truly global conflict, and with no clear path to resolution.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-09/u-s-israeli-war-in-iran-has-global-reach-implications
2 months ago
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2
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After week of war and political upheaval, Trump remains defiant as ever
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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After week of war and political upheaval, Trump remains defiant as ever
In the last week, Trump has instigated or been forced to navigate a stunning cascade of political threats, but has remained defiant, sounding more unbothered than embattled.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-07/after-week-of-war-political-upheaval-trump-remains-defiant-as-ever
2 months ago
0
1
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Hegseth says U.S. is âacceleratingâ war on Iran, but strike at Turkey wonât trigger NATO (w/ Ana Ceballos):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Hegseth says U.S. is 'accelerating' war on Iran, but strike at Turkey won't trigger NATO
The U.S. war effort against Iran was gaining momentum Wednesday, top U.S. officials said. A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-04/hegseth-says-u-s-is-accelerating-war-on-iran-but-strike-at-turkey-wont-trigger-nato
3 months ago
1
8
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Sen. Padilla preps for Trump trying to seize control of elections via emergency order
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Sen. Padilla preps for Trump trying to seize control of elections via emergency order
Padilla sent a letter to his Senate colleagues saying that any election takeover order by Trump would be 'wildly illegal and unconstitutional.'
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-03/padilla-preps-for-trump-trying-to-control-elections-via-emergency-order
3 months ago
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Vulnerable Republicans in Californiaâs redrawn congressional districts back war in Iran
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Vulnerable Republicans in California's redrawn congressional districts back war in Iran
Republicans facing tough reelection fights in this year's midterms are backing President Trump's attacks on Iran, which are unpopular, according to recent polling.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-03/vulnerable-republicans-in-californias-redrawn-congressional-districts-back-war-in-iran
3 months ago
1
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âImminent threatâ or âwar of choiceâ? Trump justifies Iran attack as Democrats raise doubt
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump justifies Iran attack as Congress raises doubts
President Trump justified attacking Iran without congressional approval by claiming the Iranian regime presented an 'imminent' threat to the U.S., which Democrats and some Republicans have questioned.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-03-01/imminent-threat-or-war-of-choice-trump-justifies-iran-attack-as-democrats-raise-doubt
3 months ago
0
6
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News Analysis:Â Trump threw some elbows in his speech, but hardly beat back his critics
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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News Analysis: Trump threw some elbows in his speech, but hardly beat back his critics
President Trump's nearly two-hour State of the Union speech was laced with political broadsides blaming Democrats for the nation's major problems.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-25/trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-analysis
3 months ago
1
0
0
Trump projects power but heads weakened into a season of tough political challenges
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump projects power but heads weakened into a season of tough political challenges
President Trump is in a precarious position with the 2026 midterm elections just ahead, but he and his supporters express confidence.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-25/trump-heads-weakened-into-season-of-tough-political-challenges
3 months ago
0
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3
Takeaways from Trumpâs State of the Union address
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Takeaways from Trump's State of the Union address
President Trump struck a confident and defiant tone in a nearly two-hour State of the Union speech.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-24/takeaways-from-trumps-state-of-union-address
3 months ago
0
3
3
reposted by
Kevin Rector
Los Angeles Times
3 months ago
Trans athletes face intense efforts to sideline them. These California teens are resisting
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Trans athletes face intense efforts to sideline them. These California teens are resisting
Several California teenagers have found themselves at the center of an intense national debate around transgender kids participating in school sports. They aren't backing down.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-22/trans-athletes-face-intense-efforts-to-sideline-them-these-california-teens-are-resisting
4
12
4
Voter trust in U.S. elections drops amid Trump critiques, redistricting, fear of ICE
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Voter trust in U.S. elections drops amid Trump critiques, redistricting, fear of ICE
Voter trust in U.S. elections has declined across party lines ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, according to a new poll.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-16/voter-trust-in-u-s-elections-drops-amid-trump-critiques-redistricting-fear-of-ice
3 months ago
0
1
0
Judge blocks Trump administration move to cut $600 million in HIV funding from states
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Judge blocks Trump administration move to cut $600 million in HIV funding from states
A federal judge granted California and other states a temporary restraining order halting the administration's health funding cuts for 14 days while the litigation continues.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-12/judge-blocks-trump-administration-move-to-cut-600-million-in-hiv-funding-from-states
3 months ago
1
27
11
California, other states sue over Trump administrationâs latest cuts to HIV programs (w/ Gavin J. Quinton):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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California, other states sue over Trump administration's latest cuts to HIV programs
California and three other states sued the Trump administration Wednesday over its plans to slash $600 million from programs designed to prevent and track the spread of HIV, including in the LGBTQ+ co...
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-11/california-other-states-sue-over-trump-administrations-latest-cuts-to-hiv-programs
3 months ago
0
4
0
Federal judge strikes down California mask ban on immigration agents, but it may be revived
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Federal judge strikes down California mask ban on immigration agents, but it may be revived
A federal judge on Monday struck down a new California ban on federal officers wearing masks, but an effort already is underway to revive the statute.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-09/federal-judge-strikes-down-california-mask-ban-on-immigration-agents
3 months ago
0
9
3
Schiff endorses Swalwell for California governor
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Schiff endorses Swalwell for California governor
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) for California governor.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-09/schiff-endorses-swalwell-for-california-governor
3 months ago
0
3
0
ICYMI over the weekend:
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
0
2
0
Across California, local elections administrators are running table-top exercises to prepare for once unthinkable threats â not from local rabble-rousers, remote cyberattackers or foreign adversaries, but their own federal government. In today's
@latimes.com
:
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump, California and the multi-front war over the next election
Local elections administrators across California say they have been preparing for once unthinkable threats to the midterms, from their own federal government.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-08/midterms-trump-california-war-over-next-election
3 months ago
2
21
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Trump, California and the multi-front war over the next election (w/
@haileybranson.bsky.social
& Ana Ceballos):
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump, California and the multi-front war over the next election
Local elections administrators across California say they have been preparing for once unthinkable threats to the midterms, from their own federal government.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-08/midterms-trump-california-war-over-next-election
3 months ago
0
2
1
California leaders decry Trump call to ânationalizeâ election, say theyâre ready to resist
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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California leaders decry Trump call to 'nationalize' election, say they're ready to resist
California officials say they are ready to resist should the federal government attempt to assert control over the stateâs voting system, as President Trump has suggested it should.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-02-04/california-leaders-decry-trump-call-to-nationalize-election
4 months ago
0
10
4
reposted by
Kevin Rector
The Wall Street Journal
4 months ago
An Abu Dhabi royal backed a secret $500 million investment in Trumpâs crypto company. Months later, U.A.E. won access to tightly guarded American AI chips.
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âSpy Sheikhâ Bought Secret Stake in Trump Company
$500 million investment for 49% of World Liberty came months before U.A.E. won access to tightly guarded American AI chips.
https://on.wsj.com/4qf8fYe
22
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185
reposted by
Kevin Rector
James Queally
4 months ago
Trump officials have repeatedly released inaccurate information when trying to justify ICE shootings. Is it creating a credibility crisis for federal law enforcement in court? My latest w/
@brittnymejia.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Trump officials have tried to justify ICE shootings. Is it backfiring in court?
The Department of Justice has lost five cases in Los Angeles against defendants accused of assaulting immigration agents, leading former government officials to warn that the Trump administration face...
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-31/ice-shootings-trump-officials-statements-court-cases
1
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New message from top Democrats: The U.S. Justice Department canât be trusted:
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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New message from top Democrats: The U.S. Justice Department can't be trusted
Leading Democrats' remarks that the U.S. Department of Justice cannot be trusted hold stunning implications for American democracy, and followed a week of equally stunning actions by the department.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-31/new-message-from-top-democrats-u-s-justice-department-cant-be-trusted
4 months ago
0
0
0
California Democrats help lead counter-offensive against Trump immigration crackdown:
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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California Democrats help lead counter-offensive against Trump immigration crackdown
Democrats seized on a growing sense, shared by some Republicans, that the campaign has gotten so out of hand that the political winds have shifted heavily in their favor.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-29/california-democrats-help-lead-fight-vs-trump-immigration-crackdown
4 months ago
0
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2
San José Mayor Matt Mahan, a Newsom critic and political moderate, enters race for California governor:
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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San José Mayor Matt Mahan, a Newsom critic and political moderate, enters race for California governor
San José Mayor Matt Mahan of announced he is running for California governor, joining an already crowded field.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-29/san-jose-mayor-matt-mahan-is-running-for-california-governor
4 months ago
0
0
0
Immigration agents, leaders defy best practices honed by U.S. police for half a century
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Immigration agents, leaders defy best practices honed by U.S. police for half a century
Police leaders, civil rights advocates and other experts say the actions of immigration officials and agents run counter to law enforcement's best practices.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-28/federal-agents-leaders-defy-practices-honed-by-police-for-decades
4 months ago
0
5
6
Is Californiaâs proposed billionaire tax smart policy? History holds lessons
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Is California's proposed billionaire tax smart policy? History holds lessons
Critics of California's proposed billionaire tax say similar measures in Europe failed. Backers of the measure say they took lessons from those failures in drafting the California proposal.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-26/california-proposed-billionaire-tax-similar-measures-europe
4 months ago
0
0
1
Justice Department drops demand for records naming transgender kids treated at Childrenâs Hospital L.A.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
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Justice Department drops demand for records naming transgender kids treated at Children's Hospital L.A.
The U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to stop seeking medical records that personally identify young patients who received gender-affirming care from Childrenâs Hospital Los Angeles, according to ...
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-23/doj-childrens-hospital-la-transgender-patient-records
4 months ago
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ICYMI: Trumpâs first-year actions sparked a fiery legal war, and stunning rebukes from judges:
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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Trump's first-year actions sparked a fiery legal war, and stunning rebukes from judges
The Trump administration in its first year has claimed sweeping executive power and tested U.S. laws. Federal judges warn that American jurisprudence and democracy are under threat.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-11/trumps-first-year-actions-sparked-fiery-legal-war-stunning-rebukes-from-judges
4 months ago
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Deploying immigration forces, troops Threatening to take Greenland Demolishing East Wing Deposing Maduro Pardoning Jan. 6ers Berating Zelensky Investigating opponents Instigating tariffs Bombing Iran Waffling on Epstein Targeting birthright citizenship
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
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11 stunning moves by Trump in his first year back in office
In the last year, President Trump has taken unprecedented actions, some in line with his campaign promises and others in direct conflict with them.
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-20/11-stunning-moves-by-trump-in-his-first-year-back-in-office
4 months ago
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