World Cup Politics in LA: The USMNT opened the 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium with a 4-1 rout of Paraguay, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice and Christian Pulisic starring—while the pregame ceremony drew political heat, including boos when Iran’s flag appeared. Celebrity Meets Government: The opener also pulled top officials to the stands, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, plus California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, as Katy Perry headlined a star-studded ceremony. Election Integrity Fight: California AG Rob Bonta sued Shasta County over a voter ID and hand-count measure, arguing local officials can’t rewrite state election rules. Noncitizen Voting Watch: LA’s charter committee is set to revisit a proposal that could create a “residential voting” program for certain noncitizens, with a Monday hearing ahead of a June 17 ballot deadline. Housing & Transit Pressure: San Diego’s MTS board advanced a plan to freeze fares for low-income riders ahead of a likely fall increase. Legal Accountability: A judge ordered Justin Baldoni to pay Blake Lively’s legal fees in their defamation dispute, denying additional damages. Public Safety: Pasadena released dash-cam from a loaded-gun “horseplay” incident that injured an officer, with the case still under criminal review. Corporate Governance & Liability: Investor activism and a pesticide “liability shield” push both spotlight a broader California-and-national fight over accountability.