Palisades Fire front-page again as arson case heads to trial; suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, faces explosive charges over LA’s costliest blaze.
California's housing market faces its worst slump in over 30 years, with sales down 31%, driven by high interest rates, restrictive regulations, and rising property taxes. The state also sees a record number of inherited homes, further constraining supply and fueling affordability issues amid population decline.
Two wildfires broke out in Riverside County and near Los Angeles on Friday, burning over 4,000 acres combined. Fire crews worked through the night to contain the blazes, with some evacuation orders still in effect. The cause remains under investigation, and winds have helped efforts to control the fires.
Multiple wildfires in Southern California, including the Springs and Temecula Valley fires, have burned thousands of acres. Authorities have made arrests related to the Temecula fire, and containment efforts are ongoing amid strong winds and evacuation orders. No fatalities reported as firefighting continues.
The man accused of starting the Palisades fire in Los Angeles has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht sparked a January 2025 blaze that killed 12 and destroyed thousands of homes; a June trial date has been set after a pre-trial memo outlines the defendant’s alleged state of mind and motives.
A cluster of wildfires has expanded across Riverside and Ventura counties, triggering evacuations and heavy firefighting responses. The Bain Fire and Verona Fire have grown to several hundred acres, with thousands under evacuation orders as crews deploy air tankers and ground teams.