Sep 02 Watch 5:29 Wildfires in western states are disrupting efforts to curb air pollution By PBS News Hour Smoke from this year’s wildfires in western states has been observed across the country as the jet stream sweeps it east. Climate Central reports that smoke pollution from the wildfires are negatively impacting air quality, leading to impacts on public… Continue watching
Sep 01 California approves measure to pass on wildfire costs By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press The California Legislature voted Friday to allow power companies to raise electric bills to cover the cost of lawsuits from last year's deadly wildfires. Continue reading
Aug 28 Watch 3:39 California governor signs landmark bill to eliminate cash bail In California, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to eliminate cash bail for those awaiting trial. The new law grants broad discretion to judges to hold or release defendants. But some opponents, including the ACLU, fear that these changes will… Continue watching
Aug 22 Rep. Duncan Hunter 'excited' to go to trial following indictment By Michael R. Blood, Julie Watson, Associated Press On Tuesday, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and his wife were charged by a federal grand jury with using more than $250,000 in campaign funds to finance family trips to Italy and Hawaii, golf outings, school tuition, theater tickets — even… Continue reading
Aug 19 Migrant spouse of pregnant woman detained on way to hospital By Amanda Lee Myers, Associated Press A California woman said Saturday that she had to drive herself to the hospital and give birth without her husband after he was detained by immigration agents. Continue reading
Aug 14 Yosemite park reopens, but the wildfire's toll on tourism is still felt By Amanda Lee Myers, Associated Press Yosemite National Park closed for 20 days after a wildfire peaked during its busiest month for tourism. As a result, visitor bureaus in the area and the park estimate roughly $50 million in losses. Continue reading
Aug 11 Watch 3:07 In some areas, controlled fires can prevent runaway blazes By PBS News Hour As massive fires continue to rage in California, firefighters are setting backfires, dropping flame-retardant from planes and hoping for a break in hot, dry conditions. Another method is to intentionally set fires to tamp down the prospect of larger blazes. Continue watching
Aug 11 Trump's tariffs boost rebuilding costs for wildfire victims By Geoff Mulvihill, Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press The import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump are adding thousands of dollars to the cost of building homes. Continue reading
Aug 10 Watch 4:28 News Wrap: Fire emergencies declared in Southern California In our news wrap Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown declared emergencies late Thursday in Orange and Riverside Counties, where some 20,000 people have been evacuated and more than 1,000 firefighters are on the scene. Also, Senate confirmation hearings will begin Sept. Continue watching
Aug 08 Battling 18 blazes, California may face worst fire season By Associated Press The largest wildfire ever recorded in California needed just 11 days to blacken an area nearly the size of Los Angeles — and it's only one of many enormous blazes that could make this the worst fire season in state… Continue reading