Mark Z. Barabak
@markzbarabak.bsky.social
LA Times columnist, covering politics from out West. Cat on a tin roof. Dogs in a pile. California uber alles.
https://www.latimes.com/people/mark-z-barabak
https://www.latimes.com/people/mark-z-barabak
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Violence over water is on the rise around the world. Researchers counted a record 420 water-related conflicts last year. Dozens of violent incidents occurred in Ukraine and Gaza. Water-related violence also erupted in countries including India, Iran and Mexico. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Violent conflict over water hit a record last year
Violence over water is on the rise worldwide. Researchers counted a record 420 incidents of conflict in 2024, many in Ukraine and the Middle East.
www.latimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Violence over water is on the rise around the world. Researchers counted a record 420 water-related conflicts last year. Dozens of violent incidents occurred in Ukraine and Gaza. Water-related violence also erupted in countries including India, Iran and Mexico. www.latimes.com/environment/...
In Texas case, it’s politics vs. race at the Supreme Court, with control of Congress potentially at stake.
SCOTUS savant David G Savage
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
SCOTUS savant David G Savage
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
In Texas case, it's politics vs. race at the Supreme Court, with control of Congress at stake
Supreme Court's conservatives are not likely to bar Texas from adding new Republican-leaning voting districts.
www.latimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:46 PM
In Texas case, it’s politics vs. race at the Supreme Court, with control of Congress potentially at stake.
SCOTUS savant David G Savage
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
SCOTUS savant David G Savage
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
'An American nightmare': L.A. hosts first congressional hearing on effect of immigration raids
'An American nightmare': L.A. hosts first congressional hearing on effect of immigration raids
During a congressional oversight hearing in L.A. Monday, more than a dozen elected officials, experts and community members laid bare the impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
www.latimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM
'An American nightmare': L.A. hosts first congressional hearing on effect of immigration raids
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: California is having its most wide-open governor’s race in decades. Why’s that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: California is having its most wide-open governor's race in decades. Why's that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep. Eric Swalwell are the latest — and maybe not the last — candidates to jump into the contest. The lack of a prohibitive front-runner signals opportunity.
www.latimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM
NEW: California is having its most wide-open governor’s race in decades. Why’s that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
“Eleven years ago, Paul Lundy was dying a slow, workingman’s death under fluorescent light.” How learning to fix typewriters saved his life. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
How to Fix a Typewriter and Your Life
This is the story of how a man traded steady, grinding corporate security for a dying craft and, in the process, found his soul.
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
“Eleven years ago, Paul Lundy was dying a slow, workingman’s death under fluorescent light.” How learning to fix typewriters saved his life. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This L.A. car wash depends on immigrant labor. Can it survive Trump?
In recent months, at least 340 workers have been detained in raids on over 100 Southern California car washes, devastating an industry reliant on immigrant labor.
Kate Linthicum
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
In recent months, at least 340 workers have been detained in raids on over 100 Southern California car washes, devastating an industry reliant on immigrant labor.
Kate Linthicum
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
This L.A. car wash depends on immigrant labor. Can it survive Trump?
The car wash industry, emblematic of California's highway culture, has long depended on immigrant labor. It's been hit hard by President Trump's deportation campaign.
www.latimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:43 PM
This L.A. car wash depends on immigrant labor. Can it survive Trump?
In recent months, at least 340 workers have been detained in raids on over 100 Southern California car washes, devastating an industry reliant on immigrant labor.
Kate Linthicum
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
In recent months, at least 340 workers have been detained in raids on over 100 Southern California car washes, devastating an industry reliant on immigrant labor.
Kate Linthicum
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
NEW: California is having its most wide-open governor’s race in decades. Why’s that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: California is having its most wide-open governor's race in decades. Why's that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep. Eric Swalwell are the latest — and maybe not the last — candidates to jump into the contest. The lack of a prohibitive front-runner signals opportunity.
www.latimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM
NEW: California is having its most wide-open governor’s race in decades. Why’s that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep Eric Swalwell are the latest -- and maybe not the last -- candidates to jump into the contest.
Like nature, political ambition abhors a vacuum.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Barabak: California is having its most wide-open governor's race in decades. Why's that?
Commentary: California is having its most wide-open governor's race in decades. Why's that?
Billionaire Tom Steyer and Rep. Eric Swalwell are the latest — and maybe not the last — candidates to jump into the contest. The lack of a prohibitive front-runner signals opportunity.
www.latimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Barabak: California is having its most wide-open governor's race in decades. Why's that?
How the Saudi crown prince went from pariah to feted White House guest
Nabih Bulos
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Nabih Bulos
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
News Analysis: How the Saudi crown prince went from pariah to feted White House guest
Mohammed bin Salman was shunned after he was implicated in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But now he's back in the limelight and touted as a key to U.S. relations in the Middle East.
www.latimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:44 PM
How the Saudi crown prince went from pariah to feted White House guest
Nabih Bulos
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Nabih Bulos
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
A fire that ignited during the government shutdown burned hundreds of Joshua trees. A National Park Service employee said staffing shortages are limiting the agency’s ability to save the trees.
@lilaseidman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
@lilaseidman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Hundreds of Joshua trees were scorched during the shutdown
A firefighter with the National Park Service says a fire wiped out more than a thousand Joshua trees amid the government shutdown. Restoration could be limited by a depleted staff, they said.
www.latimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
A fire that ignited during the government shutdown burned hundreds of Joshua trees. A National Park Service employee said staffing shortages are limiting the agency’s ability to save the trees.
@lilaseidman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
@lilaseidman.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/environment/...
So much for that political canard…
During the Palisades fire, hydrants lost pressure and ran dry. A nearby reservoir was empty for repairs. After a review, state officials found that even if the reservoir had been full, the water system still would have been quickly overwhelmed and lost pressure. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Even a full reservoir wouldn't have ensured water in Palisades fire, California officials say
During the Palisades fire, a nearby reservoir was empty for repairs. State officials say even if it had been full, the water system would have been quickly overwhelmed.
www.latimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
So much for that political canard…
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
“A New Jersey fraudster who was pardoned by President Trump in 2021 was sentenced to 37 years in prison this month for running a $44 million Ponzi scheme, one of a growing number of people granted clemency by Mr. Trump only to be charged with new crimes.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/n...
A Fraudster Pardoned by Trump Gets 37 Years for Running Ponzi Scheme
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:21 AM
“A New Jersey fraudster who was pardoned by President Trump in 2021 was sentenced to 37 years in prison this month for running a $44 million Ponzi scheme, one of a growing number of people granted clemency by Mr. Trump only to be charged with new crimes.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/n...
On RFK’s 100th birthday, the memorial honoring his legacy is a neglected mess
Steve Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Steve Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Commentary: On RFK's 100th birthday, the Koreatown memorial honoring his legacy is a neglected mess
Members of the Kennedy family and the artist who created the RFK monument plead for LAUSD to refurbish and protect vandalized memorial.
www.latimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
On RFK’s 100th birthday, the memorial honoring his legacy is a neglected mess
Steve Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Steve Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
California’s child farmworkers: Exhausted, underpaid and toiling in toxic fields
Robert J Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Robert J Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
California's child farmworkers: Exhausted, underpaid and toiling in toxic fields
State officials are failing to protect the health and safety of thousands of young field laborers, an investigation has found.
www.latimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
California’s child farmworkers: Exhausted, underpaid and toiling in toxic fields
Robert J Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Robert J Lopez
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Trump and Saudi crown prince bond over their contempt — and fear — of a free press.
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Commentary: Trump and Saudi crown prince bond over their contempt — and fear — of a free press
The CIA concluded that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside Saudi Arabia's embassy in Istanbul in 2018. President Trump dismissed the killing as just one of those "things" that happens somet...
www.latimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Trump and Saudi crown prince bond over their contempt — and fear — of a free press.
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: Justice has no expiration date. That’s why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Justice has no expiration date. That's why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election. That delay doesn't mean those bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
NEW: Justice has no expiration date. That’s why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
FBI intercepts communications of Newsom
administration officials, California political players.
The routine legal notifications have sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
@melodygutierrez.bsky.social @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
administration officials, California political players.
The routine legal notifications have sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
@melodygutierrez.bsky.social @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
FBI intercepts communications of Newsom administration officials, California political players
Current and former Newsom administration officials were among dozens of Sacramento insiders who received FBI notices that their communications had been intercepted as part of the federal corruption pr...
www.latimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
FBI intercepts communications of Newsom
administration officials, California political players.
The routine legal notifications have sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
@melodygutierrez.bsky.social @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
administration officials, California political players.
The routine legal notifications have sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
@melodygutierrez.bsky.social @jessicagarrison.bsky.social
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Once known for its transplanted London Bridge, the Arizona town is now a magnet for Californians. Residents say the influx is a mix of opportunity and growing pains.
This Arizona town is an unexpected magnet for Californians: 'We do it our way'
More Californians move into Arizona each year than any other state but Texas. In Lake Havasu City, two people arrive from California for each Arizonan who moves there.
www.latimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Once known for its transplanted London Bridge, the Arizona town is now a magnet for Californians. Residents say the influx is a mix of opportunity and growing pains.
NEW: Justice has no expiration date. That’s why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Justice has no expiration date. That's why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election. That delay doesn't mean those bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
NEW: Justice has no expiration date. That’s why 2020 election fraud still matters
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Five years have lapsed since dozens of phony electors tried to overturn the contest and steal the White House.
That delay doesn't mean bad actors should go unpunished.
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Opinion | Jamal Khashoggi: What the Arab world needs most is free expression
The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Could Trump destroy the Epstein files?
Caveats in the bill forcing release could provide Trump and Bondi with loopholes to keep records related to the president concealed.
Michael Wilner
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Caveats in the bill forcing release could provide Trump and Bondi with loopholes to keep records related to the president concealed.
Michael Wilner
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Could Trump destroy the Epstein files?
Bipartisan fervor has grown over the Epstein files, with House lawmakers across party lines expected to unite behind a bill on Tuesday that would compel the release of the documents.
www.latimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Could Trump destroy the Epstein files?
Caveats in the bill forcing release could provide Trump and Bondi with loopholes to keep records related to the president concealed.
Michael Wilner
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Caveats in the bill forcing release could provide Trump and Bondi with loopholes to keep records related to the president concealed.
Michael Wilner
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Thousands of delegates at the UN climate conference stayed on diesel-powered cruise ships, embodying a contradiction at the event.
Infrastructure reshaped parts of the Amazon, raising concerns about environmental trade-offs.
MelodyGutierrez in Brazil
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Infrastructure reshaped parts of the Amazon, raising concerns about environmental trade-offs.
MelodyGutierrez in Brazil
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
An Amazon climate summit built on contradiction, creating unease for California delegates
As COP30 brings cruise ships to the rainforest, the tensions between climate ideals and political realities echo far beyond Brazil.
www.latimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Thousands of delegates at the UN climate conference stayed on diesel-powered cruise ships, embodying a contradiction at the event.
Infrastructure reshaped parts of the Amazon, raising concerns about environmental trade-offs.
MelodyGutierrez in Brazil
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Infrastructure reshaped parts of the Amazon, raising concerns about environmental trade-offs.
MelodyGutierrez in Brazil
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
NEW: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
California's governor obviously has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
Me and fellow columnist Anita Chabria hash that out. And more!
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
California's governor obviously has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
Me and fellow columnist Anita Chabria hash that out. And more!
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Commentary: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
Two LA Times columnists differ over the presidential prospects of California's governor, who has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
www.latimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
NEW: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
California's governor obviously has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
Me and fellow columnist Anita Chabria hash that out. And more!
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
California's governor obviously has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
Me and fellow columnist Anita Chabria hash that out. And more!
www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
Commentary: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
Commentary: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
Two LA Times columnists differ over the presidential prospects of California's governor, who has a White House gleam in his eye. Is his Golden State address an intractable obstacle or not?
www.latimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Commentary: Front-runner or flash in the pan? Sizing up Newsom, 2028
Reposted by Mark Z. Barabak
CNN: Trump in Epstein files
NBC: Trump in Epstein files
ABC: Trump in Epstein files
FOX:
NBC: Trump in Epstein files
ABC: Trump in Epstein files
FOX:
November 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
CNN: Trump in Epstein files
NBC: Trump in Epstein files
ABC: Trump in Epstein files
FOX:
NBC: Trump in Epstein files
ABC: Trump in Epstein files
FOX: