California Today: L.A.’s Clear Skies Conceal a ‘Toxic Soup’

March 13, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

L.A.’s Clear Skies Conceal a ‘Toxic Soup’

Scientists collecting water, air and soil samples in neighborhoods ravaged by fires say they’re concerned about long-term health risks for residents.

Gavin Newsom Finds Some Surprising Common Ground With Steve Bannon

The California governor hosted one of the architects of President Trump’s political movement on his new podcast, and their friendly sparring revealed a few points of agreement.

Hard Work, a Dream, and a Bay Area Apartment for Less Than $600,000

Chris Ramos spent years cycling through room rentals and living in his van, all so he could one day afford a home of his own. Would it be in San Francisco, or across the Bay?

New SailGP Teams Must Learn to ‘Fly.’ And Quickly.

It takes experience to compete with established sailors in the league and to lift 50-foot-long catamarans up onto their hydrofoils smoothly.

6 Spectacular North American Train Trips

The trains are destinations in themselves, offering a mix of spectacular sightseeing, onboard dining and glorious open-air observation cars.

Video | NASA Launches Powerful Space Telescope

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifted off from California carrying the telescope, named SPHEREx, along with a suite of satellites called PUNCH.

Parts of Los Angeles Urged to Evacuate as ‘Widespread’ Rain and Snow Hit California

A storm soaking the state on Wednesday and Thursday is bringing new danger to the area hit by wildfires earlier this year.

On the Trail of the Los Angeles Fires

We hiked to the origins of the Palisades and Eaton fires to investigate how they started.

Katie Porter Will Run for California Governor

The former congresswoman is the most prominent candidate so far to start a campaign in the 2026 contest. But the race could be upended if former Vice President Kamala Harris decides to run.