Karen Bass climbed L.A.’s political ladder. Then a fire changed everything — and more UCLA media

The New York Times interviewed UCLA’s Jim Newton and Zev Yaroslavsky about the political challenges facing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as she seeks reelection against City Council member Nithya Raman. Criticism of Bass’ response to the 2025 wildfires has complicated her bid for a second term, but a large number of undecided voters could determine the outcome. The article also cited a UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs survey on Angelenos’ declining satisfaction with their quality of life.