Appeals Court Rules National Guard Deployment Unlawful as Nithya Raman Leads Karen Bass Before Debate

An appeals court has ruled that Donald Trump's deployment of the California National Guard to Los Angeles was unlawful, according to a report from ABC7 Los Angeles. The legal decision arrives as local and state officials navigate federal actions affecting California elections. In a separate development reported by the Los Angeles Times, federal authorities have demanded that California counties set aside what they described as "likely" noncitizen ballots, a move that drew the reaction, "This is not normal," in the newspaper's coverage.

At the city level, voters are preparing for the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election, which the Los Angeles Daily News highlighted in an election guide for residents. Ahead of an upcoming televised debate, Indian-American candidate Nithya Raman holds a lead over Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, INDIA New England News reported. Alongside the mayoral contest, candidates running for Los Angeles community college posts are campaigning on promises to deliver fixes for job training, student basic needs, and housing, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Housing affordability and homelessness spending remain central political and policy issues across the region. LAist reported on an ongoing probe into homeless dollars, while also covering developments related to housing for women veterans. Times of San Diego similarly reported that for personnel who fight wildfires, securing housing represents another battle. Broader statewide pressures continue to shape the local market as well. A report from the Orange County Register noted that 69 California ZIP codes appeared on a list of the priciest housing markets, giving California the highest total of any state. Meanwhile, American Community Media examined whether Prop. 1 can address California's deepening housing crisis as residents and policymakers weigh solutions to high residential costs.