SoCal in the news: heatwaves, floods, wildfires rage again as LA eyes 2028 Olympics; a sprawling region defined by mega cities and coastlines. Biog: SoCal spans LA, San Diego, vast inland, tech, entertainment, and major ports.
A crash at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, involving an Air Canada jet and a fire truck, resulted in two pilot deaths. Investigations focus on staffing, control tower procedures, and ground vehicle movements amid ongoing safety reviews.
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.
Experts warn that rising ocean temperatures are increasing shark sightings along Southern California beaches. Recent encounters include sharks circling near surfers and drone sightings, but attacks remain rare. Warming waters and potential El Niño conditions are likely to make this summer more active for sharks, prompting increased vigilance.
A busy bank holiday and Memorial Day weekend are driving record travel demand. UK and US transport bodies warn of heavy traffic, with millions on the roads, rail and air. High fuel prices persist, and border checks at Dover and long border queues are expected due to EES implementation and airport uncertainty.