Imperial County

This California desert region was touted as the ‘Saudi Arabia of lithium.’ Years later, projects are behind schedule and workers are waiting for jobs.

A million-square-foot data center became a lighting rod in this rural county. Local leaders filed lawsuits, proposed laws and organized a ballot measure to challenge it.

Southern California residents are noticing new license plate readers that appear to be operated by the Border Patrol. Some have had confusing encounters with agents.

UCLA researchers have found that hydrogen sulfide emissions at the Salton Sea are at elevated levels and can cause serious health effects to those that live near the lake.

GoFundMe.org has teamed with an Inland Empire non-profit to distribute air conditioners and air and water purifiers to those in need just as the temperatures are predicted to rise to near 115 degrees in the desert.

Infighting, hyper-regulation and litigation run as deep as the 18 million metric tons of lithium sitting beneath the Salton Sea area, blocking progress.

People with special needs often have to drive hours to find a dentist who will see them. New grants are creating more options around California.

The Salton Sea region has long been a vital part of California's farm industry. In the coming years, it will also be critical for the state's water supply and global lithium production. A proposed climate bond offers key investments to solidify that future.

In the Imperial County desert, a volunteer group routinely maintains large barrels filled with water to help migrants traversing the California desert. As rescues increase, the longstanding immigration policies that funneled migrants to such harsh terrain deserve scrutiny.

Two big rivers, the Klamath and the Colorado, are being resuscitated after becoming dangerously unhealthy. In both cases, taxpayers are footing the hefty costs rather than those who profit off the rivers.