Los Angeles County

A nighttime view of a hillside engulfed in flames near powerline towers. Over the fire and smoke from the top of the hill, a helicopter is flying with a water hose hanging off the bottom.

Commentary

Here’s how we can stop LA firestorms from happening again

To avoid repeating last year’s urban blaze, we should fund fire-safe homes and neighborhoods, but politicians often are paying to thin out forests far from urban settings.

By Chad Hanson • January 13, 2026

A raging wildfire consumes a structure, with massive flames engulfing the scene. Bright orange and yellow fire contrasts against the dark sky, creating an intense and dramatic visual.

Commentary

California’s insurance laws are a regulatory mirage, failing fire survivors

The state’s law requiring fair treatment by insurers has largely been unenforced. Fire victims are left with delays, gaslighting and denials.

By Richard Rieber • January 12, 2026

A charred, partially collapsed building with exposed columns and archways stands in ruins after a fire. Debris is scattered across the ground, and the roof is entirely missing. Only portions of the scorched walls and a staircase remain intact. A palm tree and other tall trees are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Commentary

Candidate Comment: To fix insurance in California, be smart, honest and reasonable

Insurance rates will reflect climate change and consumers’ interests. Insurers will see faster, more efficient reviews and scrutiny of excessive rates.

By Steven Bradford • January 12, 2026

Two people, both wearing blue sweaters, stand behind red tape, watching as a bulldozer scoops up debris from a burned-down home and dumps it into a truck. Two construction workers wearing hard hats and yellow safety vests are on both sides of the people.

Commentary

Politicians failed LA’s wildfire survivors. Voters must hold them accountable

Most people who lost homes to the LA-area wildfires haven’t broken ground or found new homes. State and local officials are part of the delay.

By Max Lubin • January 7, 2026

Economy

Many L.A. fire survivors face insurance delays and can’t return home a year later

Despite billions in dollars of claims paid out, fires exposed problems in California’s beleaguered insurance market. All policyholders are likely to see premiums rise.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 7, 2026

People with shovels use them to clear mud from a street and driveway after a mudslide. On the road is a bulldozer used to help clean up the road. The road goes down a hill with trees on either side of the street.

Environment

‘A flood on steroids’: Atmospheric river storms Southern California, threatens debris flow

Atmospheric river threatens to unleash deadly debris flows through LA's wildfire scars. Officials warn: "Get out of the way." Evacuations are underway.

By

Rachel Becker

• December 23, 2025

A group of officers, dressed in full tactical gear and wearing face masks, stands in the roadway of a neighborhood street during the middle of the day. In the foreground, we can see over the shoulders of a couple of people as they point to the officers, with one of the officers visible between the two people.

Justice

California is banning masks for federal agents. Here’s why it could lose in court

The Trump administration is suing to block a new California law that would ban federal law enforcement officers from wearings masks on duty. It was shaped by concerns over masked immigration agents in Los Angeles.

By

Nigel Duara

• December 22, 2025

The backs of two people as they hold each other while looking at the burnt rubble that used to be their home.

Commentary

Here’s why L.A. fire survivors want Ricardo Lara’s resignation

Los Angeles area fire victims say Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has let insurers drop coverage, raise rates and delay or deny claims.

By Joy Chen and Jill Spivack • November 21, 2025

A quiet indoor stairwell with two flights of dark tile steps, divided by a black metal handrail. Soft light from a window brightens the pale green walls at the landing below.

Housing

One California city’s idea to tackle the housing crisis: Take the stairs

For YIMBYs and other champions of more housing development, ditching the extra staircase has become a surprisingly buzzy cause. In Culver City, they have a test case.

By

Ben Christopher

• November 17, 2025

The back of a sheriff officer is viewed through a doorway while they observe a cell block inside a correctional facility.

Justice

LA jails scale back opioid addiction treatment as fatal overdoses continue

Hundreds of people are on a waitlist for opioid addiction treatment in Los Angeles County jails as the state presses the system to reduce overdoses and in-custody deaths

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• November 14, 2025