California leaders confront wildfire destruction amid political attacks

As wildfires devastate Southern California, claiming lives and homes, state officials face intensifying political criticism from President-elect Trump and his allies, who blame Democrats for the crisis.

Maegan Vazquez, Mariana Alfaro, and Ben Brasch report for The Washington Post.

In short:

At least 24 people are dead and dozens more are missing as wildfires spread, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds expected to continue through midweek.
President-elect Trump, Elon Musk and top Republicans have blamed California’s leadership, spreading misinformation about firefighting efforts and diversity programs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed additional National Guard members and eased regulations to speed rebuilding, while local officials brace for federal aid uncertainties under Trump’s administration.

Key quote:

“The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out.”

— Donald Trump, via Truth Social

Why this matters: Natural disasters are increasingly becoming political battlegrounds, with climate change exacerbating the scale of destruction. The federal response to emergencies can influence public trust and shape long-term disaster preparedness. Political misinformation can also erode confidence in government actions during crises.

www.washingtonpost.com

California leaders confront wildfire destruction amid political attacks

EU crackdown on ‘meaty’ plant-based labels sparks climate concern

Heat waves that spark damaging droughts are happening more frequently

Why thinning a forest could get you more drinking water

How Vermont’s pioneering clean heat plan fell apart

Do solar panels hurt crop yields? It depends on where you farm

Species slowdown: Is nature’s ability to self-repair stalling?

Opinion: Chokehold: The Trump administration’s stealth plan to unleash poisonous air

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.