Los Angeles

A firefighter can be seen running and using a hose to help contain a fire in front of him that is devouring nearby buildings and structures.

Explainers

California infernos in January? Here’s why wildfire season keeps getting longer and more devastating

As climate change warms the planet, wildfires have become so unpredictable and extreme that new words were invented: firenado, gigafire, fire siege — even fire pandemic. California has 78 more annual “fire days” — when conditions are ripe for fires to spark — than 50 years ago. When is California’s wildfire season? With recurring droughts, […]

By

Julie Cart

• January 8, 2025

A person stands at a podium, smiling, wearing glasses and a navy blazer over a teal top. The podium features a sign that reads "TREATMENT NOT TENTS" with a small bear icon, suggesting a California-related context. A microphone is attached to the podium, and the background appears softly blurred.

Commentary

Why 2025 will be a pivotal year for Mayor Karen Bass — and Los Angeles

As Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass begins the second half of her term, her work is about to get a great deal more difficult, and the coming year may test her formidable energies.

By

Jim Newton

• January 3, 2025

Water

More water for urban areas, some farms: Biden, Newsom officials announce long-awaited new water delivery rules

New operating rules for massive Delta systems will increase water deliveries to Southern California cities and some growers. Salmon numbers could drop, especially in dry years.

By

Alastair Bland

• December 20, 2024

People, including young children, gather during a rally and hold signs that read "stop killing our senior disabled" and "stop poisoning our children." Two people in the back hold a banner that reads "respect our community!"

Commentary

Setback for Los Angeles warehouse project made Lincoln Heights a stronger community

A proposed warehouse development across the street from a Lincoln Heights school brought the mostly Latino Los Angeles neighborhood together. Last week they notched a key victory, displaying the value of community organizing for a just cause.

By

Jim Newton

• December 12, 2024

An electric school bus is charging at Grant Union High School in Sacramento on July 20, 2023. The chargers are bidirectional, which means they can feed power back to the electric grid. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Climate Change

California awarded $135 million for electric buses, trucks

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 11, 2024

A person wearing a black backwards hat and shirt leans over the white fence as a blue and white commercial truck drives down a street on a sunny day.

Environment

Polluted communities hold their breath as companies struggle with California’s diesel truck ban

California has an aggressive mandate for zero-emission trucks, which are powered by electricity or hydrogen. But trucking companies face big obstacles — and people are still breathing dangerous diesel exhaust.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• December 10, 2024

Commentary

Lincoln Heights warehouse controversy presents another test of Los Angeles’ aspirations

A controversial warehouse development across the street from a Lincoln Heights elementary school is pitting commerce against a Los Angeles community, and testing the city's values in the process.

By

Jim Newton

• December 2, 2024

A collage style illustration in yellow, red and brown tones with cut-out images of two people being covered by "I Voted" stickers

Justice

Two California prosecutors promised a different kind of justice. Voters turned on them

George Gascón and Pamela Price were California's best known 'progressive' district attorneys. They lost their offices in 2024 when voters backed a more traditional approach.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• November 26, 2024

The exterior of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles.

Commentary

Los Angeles County approves historic governance reform. San Francisco backs a study

Los Angeles County voters approved a ballot measure to overhaul the Board of Supervisors. San Francisco, on the other hand, picked a new mayor but voted down a more meaningful reform.

By

Dan Walters

• November 15, 2024

A person stands in the middle of a room with their hands folded as another person stands talking into a microphone at a podium.

Commentary

New LA police chief’s resistance to Trump deportation plans has little to do with liberal politics

The effort to keep Los Angeles police out of immigration enforcement is neither new nor liberal. It has its roots deep in LAPD’s history, when a very conservative chief headed the department and Jimmy Carter was in the White House.

By

Jim Newton

• November 14, 2024