Features
Research
Special Report: The Climate Does Not Respond to Elections
Trump dismisses climate change, but the planet ignores him
Table Talk
Senator Alex Padilla: “Keep the Faith”
The importance of research. The pressure of politics.
Research
Zev: Legendary L.A. Politico Reflects
Yaroslavsky on Mayor Bass and the politics of homelessness
Profile
Congressman Ted Lieu: Regulating Tech
Congress grapples with a new challenge that may test its unity, expertise
Table Talk
Gavin Newsom: California’s governor on the state of the state
Newsom defends California’s work on homelessness, immigration and guns — and his power to effect change
Profile
The Candidates for L.A. Mayor
One woman, one man. One Black, one White — two very different people, with one ambition in common
Profile
Defending Democracy — One Voter at a Time
Stunned by Trump’s 2016 victory, Jason Berlin devoted himself to voter registration. He’s built an organization.
Research
On Politics and Demographics
As California grows, it’s changing. Representation adjusts more slowly.
Research
Voting Rights and the Path to the Ballot
UCLA’s Voting Rights Project melds law, tactics and social science to protect the vote
Table Talk
Eric Garcetti: Reflections from L.A.’s mayor
Crime and COVID, rising homelessness and restive politics — Garcetti looks back on nine years as chief executive of Los Angeles.
Research
Special Report: Critical Race Theory and UCLA
Critics bent on squelching conversations about race have assailed the idea, usually without bothering to study it
Profile
Antonia Hernandez: The Optimism of Experience
Shrewd philanthropy and political acumen guide the work of the California Community Foundation
Research
The power of work: Labor in L.A.
Organized labor is redefining California’s culture and politics
Table Talk
Mike Dukakis: The State of Politics
Gov. Mike Dukakis and journalist Bill Boyarsky reflect on crisis and recovery — and retirement
Profile
Barbara Lee: A Life of Service and Action
From her childhood in El Paso to representing California’s East Bay: unyielding dedication to progress
Research
Biden Wins. Now What?
Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States. What awaits him and the country?
Table Talk
Table Talk online: How Trump Lost. How Biden Won.
UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck reflects on the 2020 campaign
Profile
Focus on Policing: Bernard Parks
The former LAPD chief and Los Angeles city councilmember considers American policing and its critics
Research
Voting in a Pandemic
The pandemic has scrambled political assumptions. The 25th District in California supplied a case study
Research
Special Report: The League of Women Voters
At age 100, the League combines a history of protest with a commitment to fairness and civility
Table Talk
Adam Schiff: Political Warrior
Congressman Adam Schiff has watched with horror as Donald Trump assaults democratic norms. Schiff speaks with Blueprint.
Research
Special Report: Health care
Sacramento and Washington each debated health care. Both produced results, but one with common purpose, the other with acrimony
Profile
Bob Hertzberg on the Big Issues
“What’s the problem you’re trying to solve? What does the research say about how to get there? And then how do you convince people?”
Table Talk
Kamala Harris: California’s “Top Cop”
California’s attorney general discusses the state of the state with Blueprint editor Jim Newton.
Research
Are Polls Reliable?
The polls in 2016 suggested Hilary Clinton would win the election. Can they still be trusted?
Table Talk
James Fallows: America Up Close
James and Deborah Fallows traveled America to examine the strength of its towns and cities. They report back.
Table Talk
David Axelrod: Institutions — and truth — put to test
The political strategist and CNN commentator discusses the state of American politics
Table Talk
Antonio Villaraigosa: Reflections on Los Angeles and California
The former mayor and veteran California politico takes stock of his city and state
Profile
Boyarsky on Dukakis: Political Veterans Reflect
Veteran journalist Bill Boyarsky confers with veteran politician Mike Dukakis.
Research
Obamacare’s Survival May Depend on States
As Trump attempts to dismantle Obamacare, California leads the fight to preserve it.
Research
“Sanctuary” and Safety: a Clash of Values
California leaders welcome and protect immigrants. Washington has had enough.
Research
Will California get its way on weed?
Washington hesitates in response to state efforts to legalize marijuana.
Table Talk
George Gascón: The Fight For Justice
George Gascón, former LAPD officer and now district attorney of San Francisco, discusses sanctuary, policing and public safety.
Profile
L.A.’s Power Broker: Herb Wesson
Herb Wesson, L.A. City Council president, wields great power at City Hall. Here’s how.
Sketches
Exclusively Online
Padilla on his encounter with Kristi Noem
Listen: Senator Alex Padilla and Blueprint editor Jim Newton continue in conversation, discussing the senator’s manhandling by Noem’s security forces this summer
Takeaway
Closing Note: How Best to Help Children
Whether improving foster care or recovering from fire, the region’s needs are great and urgent
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” – On Popeye
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: The Supreme Court on spinach
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Of Aliens and Trump
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Ransom of the Donald.
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Welcome to Justice Jackson
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Beer Pong.
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — A Plug Nickel
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: A Plug Nickel.
Landscape
The Roadway of the American Future
Ann Carlson on transportation safety, climate change and dark politics
Takeaway
Closing Note: Toward Transit That Works
New ideas to guide the future of transportation — in Los Angeles and beyond
First Person
I Nerd Out Over L.A. Elections
A veteran California journalist admits his fondness for very local politics
Editor's Note
Closing Note: Of challenges and opportunities
Los Angeles faces a difficult future, but does so with resources and potential
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Catnip and Dog Biscuits
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Catnip and Dog Biscuits
Landscape
The Long Road to Irrelevance
California’s GOP once contributed to the good of the state. Now, it’s mostly a foil.
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Back Off, Mogul
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Presidents’ Day.
Takeaway
Closing Note: Of Urgency and Action
Quick solutions are impossible, but there is reason to persevere
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Happy New Year
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Happy New Year!
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Christmas Wishes
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Merry Christmas!
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Giving Thanks
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Happy Thanksgiving!
Landscape
Los Scandalous City Hall
As scandals ripple through Los Angeles City Hall, a look back at misdeeds for the ages
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Apologies, Shakespeare
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Apologies, Shakespeare
Takeaway
Closing Note: A Time to Act
Artificial intelligence may do great things or great harm, depending on whether Congress gets it
Landscape
The Costs of War
A new book explores the ways public opinion shapes war and research informs opinion
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — Ease Up
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: A Bit of Blarney
Landscape
The Passing of Lions
The passage of time: Jerry Brown in retirement, Dianne Feinstein preparing to leave
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — White House Wildlife
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: The White House Zoo
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — I Cannot Tell A Lie
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: The Cherry Tree
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Dead or Alive!
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Dead or alive!”
Landscape
The Court Sides with the Right
Constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky takes stock of the court today
Landscape
Whither the California Electorate?
As California prepares to re-elect Gavin Newsom, Angelenos face a choice for their future
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — A Note to the Ex-President
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Some advice for Trump
First Person
Governing Los Angeles
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez on governing through crises
Takeaway
Closing Note: Acting on Fear
Not all fear is bad, but it often distorts choices. Learning to manage it is the challenge
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Secrets!
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Secrets!”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Note to George Santos: Lie Bigger
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Lie big!”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Elon Musk and Brain Implants
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Brain Implants?”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — A Biden New Year’s Resolution: Be Funnier
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Be Funny”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Packing the Oval Office
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Tchotchkes”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Dr. Wit
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: John P. Moore
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Dear Santa
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Dear Santa”
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Some Advice
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Pardon Me
Editor's Note
Editor’s Note
California is big, diverse and complicated. The challenge of governing this state is huge.
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Job Posting
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Job Posting
Exclusively Online
“Lighter Look” — Threats
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Threats
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Reflections on Art Buchwald
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “Buchshots.”
Exclusively Online
A Lighter Look — “Believe It Or Not”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: Believe It or Not
Editor's Note
Closing Note: Governing Through Change
California’s problems are monumental, but history gives room for hope
Exclusively Online
“A Lighter Look” — Fox and Kindergarten
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “The K Channel.”
Exclusively Online
The Electoral College and Democracy
Online Table Talk: Martin Gilens on the Electoral College
Landscape
“A Lighter Look” — “A revival or a hanging”
Rick Meyer’s regularly appearing column takes a lighter look at politics and public affairs around the world. This month: “A Revival or a Hanging.”
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint: Talking Politics
In this, our 9th issue, we look at the state of American political discourse. It’s rough.
Landscape
Public opinion and the editorial page
The Los Angeles Times editorial page editor considers editorials and their place in contemporary political life.
Editor's Note
Welcome to Blueprint on Homelessness
Blueprint turns to homelessness, a growing tragedy in California and beyond
Editor's Note
Federalism: New Tests of an Old Idea
Welcome to Blueprint’s look at federalism in the Age of Trump.
Exclusively Online
Trump and policing — the consent decree
Donald Trump and former AG Jeff Sessions say consent decrees have increased crime. Are they telling the truth?
Landscape
Time Running on California’s Water Future
As time runs out on his governorship, Jerry Brown tries to complete a long effort to re-do California’s water system.
Takeaway
Battle lines drawn: Now what?
In the clash over California and national values, the stakes are high and the research compelling.
Takeaway
Solutions Worthy of The Water Challenge
Time is running out to address climate change; thankfully, there are many ideas for doing so.
Exclusively Online
Blueprint goes public
Blueprint hit the ground running Wednesday night with a rousing example of what it can do and what it can be.
Landscape
L.A. County Amid Rapid Change
Term limits, scandals and retirements clear the way for a new era in the government of America’s largest county, Los Angeles.
