LA County fires, fueled by powerful winds, destroy homes
A lone beachgoer walks along the coast as a large dark plume of smoke passes over the beach in Santa Monica from a wildfire in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7,…
Too wet and too dry: The crazy north-south gap in California’s rain
In summary Some Northern California cities have been soaked with almost twice their average rainfall, while southern cities are bone-dry. This season’s huge — possibly unprecedented — disparity works in…
California’s $20 billion unemployment debt is looking like a political hot potato
In summary The legislative analyst has a plan to fix the “structural insolvency” of the unemployment benefits fund — but businesses aren’t happy and it’s unclear if lawmakers will get…
Rare Nevada butterfly proposed for endangered species protections
Bleached sandhill skipper in the meadows at Baltazor Hot Spring in Humboldt County. (Photo courtesy Patrick Donnelly/Center for Biological Diversity) A rare tiny butterfly found only in a remote stretch…
For homelessness, Utah lawmakers want more enforcement — and ‘healing.’ Can they get both?
Homeless encampments are pictured north of Salt Lake City. (Photo by Joey Ingelhart/Getty Images) Two major themes are taking shape as Utah state leaders discuss changes they’d like to see…
One Republican, two Democrats qualify for Alabama Senate District 5 Special Election
Voters return to their car after voting at Optimist Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Huntsville, Ala. One Republican, Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, and two Democrats, Ryan Cagle and…
Interior agency rejects Hilcorp request for more time to develop Arctic Alaska offshore oil field
Hilcorp Alaska’s headquarters in Midtown Anchorage is seen on Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Federal regulators have rejected Hilcorp’s attempt to gain more time to develop Liberty,…
On this day in 1815
Jan. 8, 1815 More than a century and a half after James Roberts published his narrative of fighting in two wars, the memoir is still available for sale. A U.S.…
U.S. House Republicans seeking to settle debt limit alongside border, taxes
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at a press conference on Jan. 7, 2025. Johnson said he intended to address the country’s debt limit through the budget reconciliation process. (Photo by…
Librarians gain protections in some states as book bans soar
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 17: Newly donated LGBTQ+ books are displayed in the library at Nystrom Elementary School on May 17, 2022 in Richmond, California. California State Superintendent of Schools…