The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has begun plans to lay off 10% of the current workforce, cuts experts are warning could reduce the ability to accurately warn Americans of severe weather.

That comes as the country heads into the warmer months and faces increasing risks from severe storms. In 2024, there were a historic 1,796 tornadoes, 11 hurricanes and 27 weather disasters where losses exceeded $1 billion.

A new poll of Los Angeles County voters shows significant support for strengthening building codes and restricting homebuilding in high-risk areas after January’s Palisades and Eaton fires.

Voters surveyed also favored boosting funding for fire protection, even if it increased taxes, and building more homes in higher-density urban areas.

More than half of those polled opposed increasing home insurance rates.

Firefighters are tackling a new brush fire — dubbed the Sepulveda Fire — near Interstate 405 and Sepulveda Blvd in Los Angeles. The fire sparked hours after fire crews started to achieve some containment on the Hughes Fire, which spread rapidly Wednesday afternoon in a Los Angeles County suburb.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley has come under attack for her handling of the deadly wildfires. Several current and former LAFD battalion chiefs and administrators are calling for her retirement.

In a scathing five-page letter obtained by NewsNation, the group puts the number of fatalities and the loss of property at Crowley’s feet and says her retirement “would be best for the citizens of Los Angeles” and members of the department.

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have long been drawn to Skull Rock north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.

A relatively short hike on the Temescal Ridge trail reveals the skeletal-shaped Skull Rock and dramatic Pacific Ocean views.

Now, this area is the subject of an investigation as a potential starting point for the Palisades fire, which burned thousands of structures last week.

Four disastrous wildfires were still burning across Los Angeles and Ventura counties in southern California on Tuesday, but it’s not yet clear what started the fires—as government officials, lawyers and experts weigh theories like electrical issues, embers from older fires and arson.

The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire both broke out on Jan. 7 and grew to more than 23,000 and 14,000 acres, respectively, destroying thousands of structures and leading to more than 100,000 evacuations throughout Los Angeles.

Los Angeles police said three people were charged with arson in separate incidents this week after they were caught lighting fires near where the massive, deadly blazes have torn through parts of Southern California.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said the suspects, who were not identified, were not responsible for starting the infernos in the Pacific Palisades and Eaton that have claimed at least 25 lives since they ignited last week.

Authorities said one person was arrested Monday on Van Nuys Boulevard after the person was seen igniting a brush fire.

The hiking trail through Temescal Canyon in western Los Angeles is a favourite of locals.

Towering above the twisting roads and manicured homes that make up the Pacific Palisades, urban hikers seeking an escape from America's famously gridlocked city have a clear view of the pristine waters of the Pacific.

Now the green, brush-lined path in the canyons is grey and burned as far as the eye can see.

The death toll in Los Angeles has risen to 24 as firefighters continue to battle wildfires across Southern California on Monday.

There are currently three active wildfires in Los Angeles County: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire.

Santa Ana winds are expected to return to the Los Angeles area this week, which could fuel the growth of the fires.