July 25, 2025

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California Wildfires Inflict Over $50B in Damage, Strain State Funds

A new Redfin analysis finds January’s Los Angeles wildfires inflicted an estimated $51.7 billion in residential losses, with roughly 11,000 single-family homes—averaging $3.7 million in value—damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire alone. Verisk projects insured losses from the twin Palisades and Eaton blazes may reach $45 billion, and investigators are probing Southern California Edison equipment for potential liability.

State officials warn claims tied to the Eaton Fire could deplete California’s $21 billion wildfire fund. The Catastrophe Response Council is weighing tighter claim standards, quicker utility settlements and caps on attorney fees to preserve resources for direct recovery.

Tesla to Launch San Francisco Robotaxis This Weekend Despite Permit Gaps

Tesla will begin invite-only Robotaxi rides in San Francisco and neighboring Bay Area cities as soon as this weekend, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider. The paid service will operate in a large geofenced zone—from Marin through much of the East Bay, San Francisco, and south to San Jose—with safety operators in the driver’s seat who retain full control of brakes and steering.

Regulatory questions loom: the California DMV confirms Tesla has not applied for a driverless testing permit, and while the CPUC granted an employee-only transport license, no commercial permit is on file. Elon Musk says approvals are underway, even as Tesla grapples with its steepest quarterly revenue drop in a decade.

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US and Mexico Seal Deal to End Tijuana River Sewage Crisis by 2025

SAN DIEGO — In a landmark memorandum signed this week, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to a permanent, 100 percent solution for the decades-old Tijuana River sewage crisis that has plagued San Diego County. Under the deal, the U.S. will release Border Water Infrastructure Program funds to rehabilitate Pump Station 1 and U.S. collection pipes, while Mexico will immediately begin two priority projects to divert 10 million gallons per day of treated effluent and rehabilitate its Parallel Gravity Line.

Key stakeholders—including EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Mexican environment chief Alicia Bárcena and senior U.S. State Department, National Security Council and White House officials—pledged to complete all work by December 31, 2025, and to factor in future population growth and operation and maintenance costs for a long-term fix.

Authorities Probe Safety Failures After Deadly Esparto Fireworks Blast

Authorities are investigating systemic safety lapses at an unpermitted Esparto fireworks site after a July 1 series of explosions killed seven workers.

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and Esparto Fire Protection District have recused themselves amid revelations that local officials and their relatives owned or approved the compound where Devastating Pyrotechnics stored tens of thousands of pounds of explosive chemicals without proper zoning, inspections or manufacturing licenses.

• The Office of the State Fire Marshal now leads the probe.
• A civil lawsuit claims illegal storage and reckless management.
• Lawmakers vow to close licensing loopholes.

California NPR and PBS Stations Face Layoffs After Federal Funding Pullback

Federal funding rescinded: After Congress approved President Trump’s request to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, about 35 California radio and TV stations lost critical grants. Local impact: Stations report budget reductions ranging from 6% to 25%, forcing some to lay off staff and trim in-house news and public affairs shows. Rural lifeline at risk: Broadcasters warn that smaller outlets serving remote communities may struggle to stay on air without federal support — jeopardizing emergency alerts and locally produced programs.

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California Wildfires Devastate $51.7B in Damage, State Fire Fund Threatened