L.A. Times - Environment

Insurance executives warn that Newsom plan to shift utility wildfire liability would raise premiums

Melody Petersen — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:45:55 GMT

Insurance company executives warned Gov. Gavin Newsom in a letter Wednesday that his plan to shift utility wildfire liability to property insurers would raise premiums.

California moves to outlaw disposable vapes, a toxic trash plague from beaches to battery fires

Susanne Rust — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:09:56 GMT

Lawmakers passed legislation Wednesday that would ban disposable vape cartridges, a scourge to waste haulers and facilities.

This week's heat wave brought record-setting temperatures to SoCal. What comes next?

Iris Kwok — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Record-shattering, triple-digit temperatures baked Southern California on Wednesday, from Woodland Hills' 111 degrees to downtown L.A.'s 98, as the region endured one of summer's most intense heat waves.

Tons of planet-warming gases are bubbling up from reservoirs. California is going to keep track

Ian James — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California's Air Resources Board will start tracking estimates of the climate-warming methane that bubbles up from the state's dams and reservoirs.

Electric heavy-duty trucks will be able to run from Baja to Canada, West Coast leaders pledge

Hayley Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The West Coast is home to one of the busiest freight corridors in the United States, and it's getting cleaner.

Big oil and gas companies are partly responsible for California's water woes, study finds

Ian James — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:22:03 GMT

Scientists have found that climate pollution from the fossil fuel industry is significantly worsening the water crisis in California and the western United States.

Southern California's scorching heat wave peaks: Here's how hot it will get and when it will end

Alex Wigglesworth — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:45:44 GMT

Wednesday is forecast to be the hottest day of Southern California's worst heat wave of the summer. But some relief is in sight.

The countdown is on: Energy and environment battles to watch before Sacramento closes out its session

Hayley Smith — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

With days left in the legislative session, California lawmakers are considering several high-stakes energy and environment bills.

Nevada sues Trump administration over its Colorado River plan

Ian James — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:12:40 GMT

The state of Nevada is suing to challenge the Trump administration's new plan for dealing with water shortages along the Colorado River.

'Very hot or extremely hot': Southern California faces hottest week of the year

Christopher Reynolds, Connor Sheets — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 22:33:39 GMT

SoCal forecasters warn region faces its hottest week of the year, with triple-digit temperatures expected across L.A. and valley areas.

As Colorado River reservoirs plummet, the Trump administration orders water cuts

Ian James — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:01:11 GMT

The Trump administration orders water cuts along the Colorado River, where reservoirs have been dropping dramatically.

Shadow 'highly likely' to nest up with new eagle pal, biologist says

Lila Seidman — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On the heels of Jackie's death, Shadow is spending time with a new eagle at his Big Bear aerie. Expert says it's 'highly likely' they'll pair up come nesting season.

Carson reaches $370-million settlement with Marathon Petroleum, resolving tax dispute

Blanca Begert — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The agreement comes after years of litigation over how much Marathon should pay Carson in local taxes.

Judge allows controversial oil company to continue pumping, strips California of oversight

Grace Toohey — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:06:36 GMT

The ruling was a blow to California, as the federal judge upheld Trump administration orders that helped restart the operation off Santa Barbara's coast.

Key takeaways from investigation into Edison's role in the deadly Eaton fire

Melody Petersen — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

New evidence from government investigators and court filings raise questions about Southern California Edison's claim that it operated its electrical system safely before last year's deadly Eaton fire.

Amid controversy, California officials release long-awaited Delta water plan

Ian James — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:06:52 GMT

California's state water board has released a long-awaited plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

As Lake Mead shrinks, its body count rises

Ruben Vives — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:47:08 GMT

Human remains found Sunday are among several discoveries made over the years as water levels at Lake Mead continue to drop.

State approves 'Zone Zero' fire-safe landscaping rules, reshaping yards for millions of Californians

Noah Haggerty, Hayley Smith — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 20:13:51 GMT

The California Board of Forestry approved 'Zone Zero' regulations outlining what residents in fire-prone areas can plant, build and store near their homes.

Trump administration advances plan to rescind 'Roadless Rule' protecting national forests

Hayley Smith — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:05:57 GMT

The federal proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule clears the way for roads and logging across more than 44 million acres of national forest, including in California.

As Colorado River reservoirs shrink, Arizona warns of a legal fight

Ian James — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Trump administration's plan for the water-starved Colorado River is drawing criticism. Arizona warns it could sue.

Your car may not be fuel efficient, but your tires have to be now

Blanca Begert — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California is now the only state in the country to require low-resistance tires on cars.

This clumsy green beetle is buzzing all over L.A. It might just crash into your face

Lila Seidman — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Big, green and notoriously bad at flying, figeater beetles are taking over Los Angeles this month. Here's why the clumsy insects are thriving.

Stripped of sand, decades-old infrastructure 'relics' pop up at the Wedge in Newport Beach

Ruben Vives — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:23:34 GMT

The material exposed at the Wedge surf spot in Newport Beach by powerful swells is believed to be part of an old jetty that was constructed decades ago.

Hydrogen failed as car fuel. Now California's big dollar bet on it for green energy is fading, too

Blanca Begert — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:05:00 GMT

Green hydrogen has gone bust in California, with project cancellations, ongoing fuel disruptions and station build-outs at a standstill.

California planned a nuclear exit. Now it's reconsidering

Hayley Smith — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Diablo Canyon doesn't look like a nuclear power plant that's getting ready to retire.

Inside the bitter war over cows and wilderness at Point Reyes

Susanne Rust — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Dairy farmers grazing cows in Point Reyes were paid to leave, but now they want back in. They claim the park needs grazing to keep a lid on invasive species. The Trump administration is sympathetic.

Are mosquitoes, ticks and fleas turning California into a disease hotspot?

Susanne Rust, Lila Seidman — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It feels like vector-borne diseases are popping up everywhere these days. Has something changed?

California river otter suffers brain injury in hit-and-run strike

Fedor Zarkhin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 23:01:53 GMT

A young river otter hit by a car in Vacaville suffered brain swelling, but rescuers expect a full recovery and release into the wild within days.

Hammer time: Rare hammerhead shark gives Malibu pier fishermen a shock

Fedor Zarkhin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:24:01 GMT

A rare hammerhead shark was spotted circling Malibu Pier, giving local fishermen a surprise as unusually warm ocean waters draw tropical marine life north.

Shadow seen with new eagle at the Big Bear nest. Could a match be in the making?

Lila Seidman — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:29:17 GMT

Not long after Big Bear bald eagle Jackie's death, a new eagle named KD1 joined Shadow in the nest, sparking speculation — and fan reaction — about a possible new bond.

An oil company wants to restart fracking off the California coast. The state's top coastal officials say no way

Rosanna Xia — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:51:28 GMT

The proposed fracking plan would quadruple production on an aging offshore platform in the Santa Barbara Channel.

A 'super' El Niño is now super likely, leaving California bracing for impact

Rong-Gong Lin II — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:01:27 GMT

A "super" El Niño is now 95% likely to develop this year as the climate pattern gains dramatic strength in the Pacific Ocean — leaving officials across California and beyond bracing for a wet and potentially destructive winter.

California launches environmental youth council after EPA program lapses under Trump

Hayley Smith — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The EPA's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council appears to have lapsed. California is now taking applications for its own council at the state level.

Senator 'deeply troubled' by utility threats

Melody Petersen — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The chair of the California Senate's utilities committee said Tuesday he was "deeply troubled" by electric company executives' recent threats to take action to protect their shareholders if they don't get legislation in Sacramento to limit their wildfire liabilities.

'You gave us all hope': Fans of famed Big Bear bald eagle Jackie respond to her death

Lila Seidman — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:58:24 GMT

For some, Jackie was a model of motherhood and perseverance. Readers share emotional tributes to the beloved Big Bear bald eagle.

California to phase out paraquat, a powerful weedkiller associated with serious health issues

Hayley Smith — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:47:12 GMT

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation said all manufacturers of pesticide products containing paraquat have "voluntarily canceled" their product registrations.

'California's coast is not for sale.' State battles Trump plan to limit coastal oversight

Rosanna Xia — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:07:28 GMT

Hundreds of Californians rallied at a federal hearing to protest a Trump administration push to wrest regulatory control over the state's coastline.

Toxic site near South L.A. homes finally faces state cleanup order

Kori McNair — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The California toxic substances agency cites what "appears to be a major source of contamination" that "may present a substantial hazard to human health."

Jackie, arguably the world's most famous bald eagle, dies after mysterious illness

Lila Seidman — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:05:10 GMT

Jackie and her mate, Shadow, delighted millions of viewers as stars of a nonstop livestream of their nest, perched high in a Jeffrey pine overlooking Big Bear Lake.

With Big Bear bald eagle Jackie gone, we want to hear what she meant to you

Lila Seidman — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:05:59 GMT

Big Bear eagle Jackie has passed. We want to hear fans' favorite memories of her and her family.

The eight-mile gap in the L.A. River bike path downtown has a billion-dollar problem

Mack Baysinger — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Someday, you might be able to ride a bike from the western San Fernando Valley to Long Beach along the Los Angeles River. But an eight-mile gap downtown with a ballooning price tag remains.

El Niño could bring highest sea levels ever recorded to the California coast

Rong-Gong Lin II — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A strengthening El Niño could bring the highest sea levels ever recorded to the California coast this year, raising the risk of widespread and damaging flooding.

SoCal heat wave: Triple-digit temperatures, fire weather and coastal flooding in store

Rong-Gong Lin II — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 15:28:03 GMT

A heat advisory was in place for much of Southern California away from the immediate coast, the National Weather Service said

Celebrity bald eagle Jackie's anemia worsens: 'We wish we had better news'

Lila Seidman — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 00:14:47 GMT

The Ojai Raptor Center reported a dip in Big Bear bald eagle Jackie's blood values, leaving the livestream star in intensive care as experts work to find a cause.

Trump is attacking California's ability to protect its coastline. The consequences may be dire

Rosanna Xia — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Citing "environmental extremism," Trump officials want to end California's ability to challenge offshore oil, floating nuclear reactors and rocket launches.

Bonta accuses DuPont of corporate shell game to dodge PFAS cleanup in California

Susanne Rust — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 21:35:05 GMT

California's attorney general has added an amendment to a suit he filed in 2022 against the makers of 'forever chemicals.' He claims the defendants were involved in a fraudulent transaction scheme.

Regulators order Lineage to snuff out foul odors following 4,000 complaints

Tony Briscoe — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 21:34:43 GMT

The vote followed hours of emotional testimony from southeast Los Angeles County residents who demanded Lineage do more to suppress sickening odors.

Another offshore wind developer exits California in $1.22-billion deal with Trump administration

Hayley Smith — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 20:27:04 GMT

German energy giant RWE said it will abandon wind leases off the coast of New York, Louisiana and Northern California near Humboldt, further challenging the Golden State's clean energy ambitions.

Lineage says it will spend up to $100 million on Boyle Heights cleanup as air regulators demand action

Tony Briscoe, Alex Wigglesworth — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 19:31:13 GMT

The operator of a cold storage warehouse that burned in Boyle Heights has said it expects to spend $80 million to $100 million to clean up the site.

Utilities threaten action if lawmakers fail to cut their wildfire liability risk

Melody Petersen — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Top executives of California's two biggest utilities warned they would take action to protect their shareholders if Sacramento lawmakers fail to pass legislation limiting their companies' liabilities for wildfires sparked by their equipment

Energy company profits are soaring with the Iran war. Here's what California officials want to do

Blanca Begert — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Sky-high earnings for oil companies and California refiners in the second quarter are renewing calls from California legislators to crack down on industry profits.

Trump energy chief lied to Congress about canceled clean energy funds, lawmakers allege

Hayley Smith — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-San José) and Gabe Amo (D-R.I.) are asking the Justice Department to consider criminal charges against Energy Secretary Chris Wright, accusing him of lying to Congress about $7.6 billion in clean energy grants canceled in blue states.

California counties monitoring for measles in farmworkers from Arizona

Caroline Petrow-Cohen — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 19:55:42 GMT

The California Department of Public Health has identified agricultural workers in the state who were exposed to measles during an outbreak in Arizona.

Western U.S. heat wave brings record temps to Phoenix, wildfire evacuations in Spokane

Noah Haggerty — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:38:08 GMT

Cities across the Western U.S. set or approached daily temperature records on Saturday, as SoCal officials cautioned residents to watch for symptoms of heat illness.

Famed Big Bear eagle Jackie remains 'very sick' as malady remains a mystery

Jack Dolan — Sun, 2 Aug 2026 00:05:12 GMT

Veterinarians continue extensive testing to diagnose famed Big Bear bald eagle Jackie, who remains anemic and sick with a still unknown condition.

The percentage of homes surviving California wildfires is dropping, despite efforts to harden them

Noah Haggerty — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

At the turn of the century, wildfires destroyed only about 3% of the California homes they came into contact with. By 2020, the rate had risen to 18%, a new study found.

Law firm says it has lost touch with hundreds of clients suing over L.A. County landfill

Rebecca Ellis — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:22:39 GMT

Attorneys for Downtown LA Law Group said in court Thursday that the firm plans to drop out of litigation over the Chiquita Canyon landfill amid allegations of misconduct.

Trump administration spares Southwest from harshest water cuts in new Colorado River plan

Ian James — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:16:50 GMT

The Trump administration has released a 10-year plan for cutting water use to prop up the Colorado River's reservoirs, which have fallen to a record low.

California produced over half its May electricity from solar, a world record

Blanca Begert — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

New batteries to store solar electricity and low demand in May both contributed to high percentage of electricity that came from solar.

California's push to limit groundwater pumping could leave small farmers in the dust

Ian James — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

According to a new report, California groundwater regulations threaten to put many small farms out of business.

Big Bear bald eagle Jackie leaves intensive care but remains 'very sick'

Lila Seidman — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 23:11:12 GMT

Famous bald eagle Jackie has been moved out of intensive care. While still 'a very sick patient,' her progress offers hope to fans. It's still unclear what's behind her illness.

State regulators crack down on polluted runoff from L.A. shopping centers, warehouses

Ian James — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California water regulators in Los Angeles are requiring stormwater permits for shopping centers and warehouses for the first time. Big parking lots are major contributors to stream pollution.

Record-breaking El Niño could gut California's crab and salmon fleets

Susanne Rust — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A super El Niño could wreak havoc on commercial fishing off the California coast. If the 2015-16 El Niño is any guide, it's not going to be good.

California hopes to lure a new generation to electric cars, with help from rebates, high gas prices

Karen Garcia — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California is set to roll out its own instant rebate program to assist drivers in purchasing their first new or used EV.

Trump administration targeted California and other blue states for clean energy cuts

Hayley Smith — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Trump administration agreed in court documents that it targeted California and other blue states when it slashed clean energy projects last year

Contributor: Major news outlets and Democrats are pretending weather isn't affected by climate

David Helvarg — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It takes great effort to discuss the burning and flooding around the world without acknowledging their cause.

After a setback, Big Bear eagle Jackie's health has improved: she's 'much more feisty'

Lila Seidman — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 01:47:30 GMT

Nest cam star Jackie appears to be on the mend after suffering a setback, according to a rehab facility. It marks the latest turn in the eagle's condition since she was rescued, weak and disheveled, near Big Bear Lake earlier this month.

Hurricane Genevieve to bring massive swells, life-threatening surf, rip currents to SoCal

Ian James — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:08:49 GMT

Hurricane Genevieve is generating huge waves that will create hazardous beach conditions in Southern California.

Why a plan to filter bacteria from the Arroyo Seco is facing fierce opposition

Mack Baysinger — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A tiny parcel of land near Highland Park is supposed to be key to filtering out fecal contamination from the Arroyo Seco. But some people don't want the lot — with its trees — to be disturbed.

Lopez: In L.A.'s underground, the public servants are 80, 90 and 100. It's tough getting old

Steve Lopez — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

LADWP is replacing 45 miles of aging water lines annually. As leaks sprout, should it do more?

With Big Bear eagle ailing, OpenAI co-founder drops $5.5 million to buy land near nest

Lila Seidman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:37:02 GMT

OpenAI's Greg Brockman and his wife donated $5.5 million to conserve land near famed Big Bear eagles' nest as Jackie remains in critical care. The $10 million goal is now met.

A celebrated stage production makes the leap to screen in the fiery 'Hadestown: The Musical'

Katie Walsh — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:00:30 GMT

The mythical musical dominated the Tonys in 2019, and its original cast reunites for a filmed staging on London's West End that reminds us why.

Still in critical condition, Big Bear eagle Jackie gets life-saving blood transfusion

Lila Seidman — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 00:44:59 GMT

Big Bear eagle Jackie is in critical condition after a blood transfusion. As veterinarians seek answers, mate Shadow fuels questions about whether he's "seeing" another female.

California dodges a bullet on Colorado River cuts

Ian James — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:57:15 GMT

California, Arizona and Nevada offered to cut water use to ease the Colorado River crisis. The Trump administration is set to adopt much of their proposal.

New drug could help people stricken with valley fever

Susanne Rust — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A new drug could help people stricken with the most severe forms of valley fever. A small trial showed positive results, with fewer of the side effects affecting other treatments.

Some birds defy overall plunge in bird numbers

Mack Baysinger — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Bird multitudes are slipping away on a global scale, but a new study offers hope for how we can make life easier for them.

Heat wave smothering Southern California nears its peak

Alex Wigglesworth — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

A heat wave that's expected to rank among the hottest of the year so far will peak in Southern California on Thursday with temperatures 8 to 12 degrees above normal and muggy conditions limiting overnight cooling, forecasters said.

As North America grapples with destructive wildfires, 'super' El Niño may offer hope

Noah Haggerty — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With a very strong El Niño almost certainly on its way, the southern U.S. could see extra precipitation this winter, damping wildfire risk next summer.

Rescued eagle Jackie battles anemia, inflammation. 'It's too early to predict the outcome'

Lila Seidman — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:43:16 GMT

Rescued Big Bear eagle Jackie has anemia and kidney inflammation, and remains in critical condition. However, she is eating and even fighting with care staff, according to an educational nonprofit.

Wildfire survivors angered as utility-funded group claims to represent them

Melody Petersen — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:40:47 GMT

A group claiming to represent California fire survivors began paying for social media ads this spring, calling on lawmakers to take action to reduce the rising cost of wildfires. The group was created by utilities that have ignited six of the state's most destructive fires.

'A five-alarm fire': Western reservoirs that supply California fall to record low levels

Ian James — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:37:03 GMT

The Colorado River's largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have declined to the lowest combined levels on record. Researchers say this underscores the urgent need to cut water use.

Super pollutants — California sues Trump administration for ignoring climate-changing fridge chemicals

Blanca Begert — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:30:59 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency moved in May to loosen restrictions on climate super pollutants used in refrigeration.

Found weak and disheveled, rescued eagle — probably Big Bear's Jackie — receiving care in Ojai

Lila Seidman — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:13:10 GMT

Found weak and disheveled along the shoreline, the raptor believed to be nest cam star Jackie is receiving care while experts investigate what caused its decline.

Central Valley farmers reluctantly turn to solar as water supplies dry up

Blanca Begert, Ian James — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Solar is exploding in the Central Valley as drought-stressed farmers look to alternatives.

World Cup appears to have dodged worse wildfire smoke thanks to rain

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:06:05 GMT

Showers and thunderstorms triggered a flash flood warning for Manhattan and northeastern New Jersey on Saturday, but the rain also helped blow out the smoke from Canadian wildfires that had choked the tristate area for days and threatened to disrupt Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

Environmental groups press judges to pause Imperial Valley lithium venture

Blanca Begert — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:50:32 GMT

The groups say the project's environmental review did not account for effects on scarce water resources in the area.

Bass administration quietly replaced chief heat officer a month ago

Noah Haggerty — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:05:13 GMT

After L.A. City Council rejected Mayor Bass' proposal to eliminate the city's climate emergency office, her administration quietly replaced its inaugural director with a senior Bass advisor.

'It'll buy us time': Feds to pay millions to prop up dwindling Lake Mead

Lila Seidman — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A Southern California water agency is among those partnering with the federal government to prevent a large reservoir from reaching a critically low water level.

After wildfires destroyed 95% of this California tribe's forests, members uncovered 1,200 ancestral sites

Noah Haggerty — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After devastating fires turned their forest into a moonscape, members of the Konkow Valley Band of Maidu found evidence of their vibrant tribal history everywhere.

As great whites and humans share the waters, shark lab runs out of funding

Kori McNair — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Since 2018, the California Beach Shark Safety program at Cal State Long Beach has tagged great whites in local waters and shared their locations with lifeguards.

Californians back CEQA reform, reject AI data centers by huge margins, poll finds

Nicole Nixon — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Most California voters appear hungry to reform state environmental law to speed up housing and infrastructure projects, according to a new poll. Voters also expressed strong opposition to AI data centers.

Key California law on 'recyclable' packaging symbols is blocked by federal judge

Susanne Rust — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:25:58 GMT

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking an important California law from going into effect. SB 343 aimed to ensure that packaging does not feature recycling symbols like the chasing arrows unless it is actually being recycled.

Wildfire threatens homes in Santa Clarita as dangerous SoCal heat wave worsens

Alex Wigglesworth, Terry Castleman — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

With a heat wave expected to peak in Southern California on Wednesday, forecasters warned of elevated fire risk.

It's time for the night trip to the beach — the grunion are running

Blanca Begert — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:11:20 GMT

Thousands of small, silver fish will wash up on California beaches to perform a strange and wondrous mating ritual.

Anger grows in Boyle Heights as warehouse fire leaves stench, flies and vermin in its wake

Tony Briscoe — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:08:01 GMT

Boyle Heights activists are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to order a mandatory evacuation of the neighborhood, saying a recent warehouse fire has poisoned the air.

Scientists crack the code on predicting California's deadly cliff collapses

Rosanna Xia — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that it is possible to predict a coastal landslide hours, sometimes days, before it happens.

Trump slashes wildlife protections, putting endangered California animals at risk

Jack Flemming — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:07:18 GMT

The Trump administration rolled back the Endangered Species Act on Friday, slashing protections to the habitats of endangered species and paving the way for more drilling and mining.

Lopez: Californians rallied to save the coast 50 years ago. Trump is spoiling the celebration

Steve Lopez — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Trump administration, thirsty for offshore oil, has ordered a review of California's coastal management.