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Federal prosecutors have narrowed their case against Jonathan Rinderknecht to two charges related to fires that destroyed thousands of structures in Malibu's Pacific Palisades. A mistrial was declared in June after jurors deadlocked on three counts. A retrial is scheduled for fall.
A series of fires in Southern California has prompted evacuations and widespread power shutoffs as dry Santa Ana winds drive critical fire weather. Officials say preemptive staffing and power cuts are under way to reduce risk, with more updates expected as conditions evolve.
California's incoming insurance commissioner Jane Kim has proposed a nonprofit wildfire-disaster fund, signaling a sharp shift from private insurers amid rising premiums and retreating carriers. The plan would separate wildfire coverage into a state-run pool, with private coverage continuing for other risks.