West News

Review of Prescribed Fires Following Record New Mexico Blaze Finds Gaps

Two years after the U.S. Forest Service sparked what would become the largest and most destructive wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history, independent investigators say there are gaps that need to be addressed if the agency is to be successful …

California Earthquake Authority Selling Debt to Avoid Paying More for Coverage

A state-managed earthquake insurer for homeowners in California is opting to borrow from the public debt market in lieu of paying for additional coverage that would shield it against risks. The California Earthquake Authority plans to sell $250 million of …

Growing Fire in Southern California Prompts Evacuations

A wildfire that erupted in Southern California has burned more than 20,000 acres, prompting an evacuation order and threatening ranches, including Michael Jackson’s former Neverland Ranch. The Lake Fire erupted on Friday northeast of Los Olivos, growing to become the …

California Lawmakers to Ask Voters for Permission Borrow $20B for Climate, Schools

Mired in a stream of multi-billion dollar budget deficits, the California Legislature has turned to voters for help. Lawmakers voted to place a pair of $10 billion bonds on the November ballot. If approved, the money would pay for the …

Lightning Strike Started New Mexico Wildfire That Damaged 1,400 Structures

A lightning strike caused the larger of two wildfires that has killed at least two people and destroyed or damaged more than 1,400 structures in New Mexico, authorities said. The South Fork Fire was first reported June 17 on the …

$21M to Settle Claims Over Botched Fireworks Detonation in Los Angeles

Los Angeles will pay more than $21 million to settle claims by residents of a neighborhood where police bungled the detonation of a cache of illegal fireworks three years ago, injuring 17 people and displacing dozens of others. The City …

California Warehouse, Logistics Companies Fined Nearly $840K After Worker Pay Probe

Three recent U.S. Department of Labor investigations in San Diego, California recovered nearly $840,000 for 32 employees, some of whom one employer reportedly paid less than $3 per hour. The department’s Wage and Hour Division determined that Ruffo de Alba …

California Commissioner’s Analysis Shows $7.7B in Losses From Extreme Heat Events

The cumulative cost of the seven heat events in California in the past decade amounted to $7.7 billion in losses, a new report shows. The analysis from California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s office is the result of legislation he sponsored …

State Farm Seeking Large Rate Increases in Wildfire-Prone California

State Farm has applied for large rate increases in California, a year after the carrier got rate approvals of 7% and 20%โ€”adding fuel to a burning homeowners crisis in a state that’s seen an increasing number of carriers pullback or …

Washington Insurance Commissioner Fines Unite Health, Others $500K for Violations

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s office issued more than $500,000 in fines in May and June for violations of state insurance laws and regulations, including fining Unite Health Share Ministries $300,000 for acting as an unauthorized insurer in Washington. Kreidler’s …

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