(The Center Square)–Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman are in a near tie in the mayoral race.
Results from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk show Bass with 292,876 votes or 50.86% compared to Raman’s 282,935 or 49.14%. That was as of 10 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday.
“This is a critical day in our city, but it is a critical day in our country,” Bass told supporters Tuesday. “We have taken back the House, the Senate, Hakeem Jeffries is getting ready to be the speaker of the House. The country has spoken, and the city is speaking now!”
Bass was a member of the U.S. House prior to running for mayor in 2022. She was also speaker of the California Assembly.
Bass and Raman are two Democrats who have been critical of each other. Bass claimed in an October debate that Raman has a constituent problem and is therefore unfit to be mayor.
“Now is not the time to turn the city over to Nithya Raman,” said Bass.
TV commercials criticized Raman for what they called her stance that it’s OK for homeless encampments to be close to schools.
Just before Election Day, billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso announced that he would be voting for Bass.
Caruso lost to Bass in the 2022 election. He said he preferred Bass over Raman, who was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America.
“This is no time to turn the LAPD into a laboratory for risky DSA social experimentation, as Raman threatened to do,” said Caruso, a Democrat who is frequently described as a centrist.
Raman said Bass was undeserving of another term in office. Raman blasted Bass for being absent during the 2025 fires and for not delivering on housing and homelessness. Bass was in Ghana for a presidential inauguration when the devastating Palisades Fire erupted.
“We cannot afford another four years of decline, of mismanagement, of excuses,” Raman said during an October debate.
Raman advanced to the general election after a surge of mail-in ballots following the June primary. That helped Raman leapfrog Republican Spencer Pratt, who appeared at that time to be moving toward a one-on-one race against Bass.
In other election news, voters in nearby Culver City appeared to be rejecting a measure that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections and school board races.
There are 5,882 “no” votes, good enough for 55.59% compared to 4,699 yes votes or 44.41%.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.