Exceptionally dry weather has targeted Southern California so far this winter, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.

Southern California has experienced its first significant storm of the season, which brought much-needed snow and rain to the region, including some impactful consequences. On Monday, these weather conditions helped to douse ongoing wildfires yet caused ash and mud flows on streets in the Los Angeles area.

First U.S. detection of virulent H5N9 strain, at a California duck farm, draws scrutiny as evidence of genetic reassortment that could trigger human outbreaks.

The H5N9 strain of avian influenza is much more rare than the H5N1 which has been responsible for most of the reported human cases and the first human death.

California on Tuesday denied President Donald Trump's claim that the U.S. military entered the state to release more water in the wake of deadly wildfires. In a Truth Social post late on Monday, Trump wrote: "The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and,

California is considering a bill that would allow insurers and victims of climate-driven natural disasters to sue the oil industry for damages

A newly proposed California state law would create a new pathway for victims of wildfires and insurance companies to sue oil companies over climate change.