Democrats maintain a firm grip on California. But they face mounting pressure to balance the state budget, usher in more government efficiency, build homes and solve affordability, figure out wildfire liability and regulate AI.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. The 22,300-square-foot home holds eight bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. A CHP officer conducts a traffic stop in San Francisco. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. Mortgage lenders probed over how they handled L.A. wildfire insurance payouts Altadena residents and council members gather at a fire-damaged residential property on East Las Flores Drive in support of Senate Bill 1090 on June 29, 2026, in Altadena, CA. Two thirds of Altadena homes were destroyed in the Eaton fire on January 7, 2025. SB 1090 would help protect fire survivors while preserving opportunities for affordable housing. This is read by an automated voice.

Zelenskyy condemns one of Russia's most'vile strikes' as at least 28 killed in Ukraine Rescuers work outside a damaged five-story residential building following a Russian drone attack in Kyiv on Wednesday. KYIV - Russia pounded Ukraine with waves of missiles and drones in one of its most "vile strikes" on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, killing at least 28 people, including children, and damaging industrial facilities and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi put the country-wide death toll at 28. The heaviest losses were in Pryluky in Ukraine's northern Chernihiv region, where a Russian missile obliterated a five-story residential building. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.

Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith has said his party, if it was returned to power, would take £50,000 off the cost of building a new home in England and Wales by cutting back on regulations. The £50,000 figure claimed by Griffith reflects estimates by the housebuilding industry of the costs of new regulations and taxes. However, construction and housing experts warn that some of the savings could ultimately lead to higher government spending on schools, roads, and affordable housing. And some analysts also warn the Conservative plans to scrap environmental regulations could potentially push up household energy bills in future. Where does the £50,000 figure come from?

Image caption, Sánchez's announcement comes after a series of measures to tackle the housing crisis was defeated in parliament on Friday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early election for 29 November after recent defeats on legislation aimed at addressing the country's housing crisis. Speculation about a snap election had been building over the weekend after parliament rejected two decree laws put forward by the minority government to protect tenants in the rental market. The eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home after she was unable to afford a sharp rent rise has sparked nationwide protests and increased pressure for housing reform. In a televised address on Monday, Sánchez said that to push reforms through he needed a broader progressive majority that can overcome the resistance of the elites. Housing has not been the only issue causing problems for Sánchez's leadership in recent months, with his party having been caught up in numerous corruption scandals and facing pressure on other cost-of-living issues and immigration.

The average interest rate on a new five-year fixed mortgage deal has hit 6% for the first time in three years, figures show. The cost of home loans has been rising in recent weeks, as lenders face higher costs amid international concern over rising prices, interest rates, and government borrowing costs. It means home buyers and anyone renewing a fixed deal have seen about 1,500 mortgage deals priced below 5% vanish since the start of September, according to the financial information service Moneyfacts. It described the situation as brutal for borrowers, with the average rate on five-year deals now at 6%, and at 5.98% on two-year fixed mortgages. For borrowers, the interest rate on a fixed mortgage does not change until it expires, usually after two or five years, and a new one is chosen to replace it.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. From Watts to L.A. wildfires: The rise of California's troubled FAIR Plan New homebuyers are having a hard time finding fire insurance coverage in cities such as Menifee, Calif. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . See more from the L.A. Times in Google Search. Days before the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens, union-backed Fair Games Coalition protesters in Jedi robes rally outside Exposition Park.