Dan Ross
@1danross.bsky.social
LA-based freelance journalist. Tips welcome.
Reposted by Dan Ross
The Trump administration gave seven states a deadline to reach a Colorado River deal. As they missed it, the governors of California, Arizona and Nevada called their stance "firm and fair." www.latimes.com/environment/...
As a Colorado River deadline passes, reservoirs keep declining
Seven states have missed a federal deadline to reach a water deal on the Colorado River. They remain divided how to cut water use.
www.latimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:06 AM
The Trump administration gave seven states a deadline to reach a Colorado River deal. As they missed it, the governors of California, Arizona and Nevada called their stance "firm and fair." www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Dan Ross
Here are the front runners for LA’s mayoral race
In a political upset, Councilmember Nithya Raman joined the race at the last minute, challenging Karen Bass’s previously smooth sailing toward re-election.
In a political upset, Councilmember Nithya Raman joined the race at the last minute, challenging Karen Bass’s previously smooth sailing toward re-election.
Here are the front runners for LA’s mayoral race
In a political upset, Councilmember Nithya Raman joined the race at the last minute, challenging Karen Bass’s previously smooth sailing toward re-election.
lapublicpress.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Here are the front runners for LA’s mayoral race
In a political upset, Councilmember Nithya Raman joined the race at the last minute, challenging Karen Bass’s previously smooth sailing toward re-election.
In a political upset, Councilmember Nithya Raman joined the race at the last minute, challenging Karen Bass’s previously smooth sailing toward re-election.
Reposted by Dan Ross
An advocacy group leader says regulators now rely on farmworkers to report abuse.
But she said many workers are too scared to speak out for fear of retribution or loss of future work. “It creates an environment that’s ripe for abuse,” she said.
But she said many workers are too scared to speak out for fear of retribution or loss of future work. “It creates an environment that’s ripe for abuse,” she said.
The Dramatic Rise of Farm Labor Contractors Has Led to Rampant Abuses. Here’s Why Regulators Have Failed to Stop Them.
Experts say there aren’t enough state and federal inspectors to adequately vet whether labor contractors who oversee farmworkers are following the rules. Nor is there broad political support to invest...
www.propublica.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:36 PM
An advocacy group leader says regulators now rely on farmworkers to report abuse.
But she said many workers are too scared to speak out for fear of retribution or loss of future work. “It creates an environment that’s ripe for abuse,” she said.
But she said many workers are too scared to speak out for fear of retribution or loss of future work. “It creates an environment that’s ripe for abuse,” she said.
Reposted by Dan Ross
Patti Lopez has helped patients qualify for public health coverage for 23 years, but her meetings with clients have become increasingly discouraging.
Rollbacks began last year because of federal Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill."
capitalandmain.com/what-its-lik...
Rollbacks began last year because of federal Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill."
capitalandmain.com/what-its-lik...
What It’s Like On the Front Line as Health Care Cuts Start to Hit
Pattie Lopez, whose job is to help patients access public health coverage at Venice Family Clinic, says the volume and scope of cuts to Medi-Cal and Covered California are unlike anything else she’s s...
capitalandmain.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Patti Lopez has helped patients qualify for public health coverage for 23 years, but her meetings with clients have become increasingly discouraging.
Rollbacks began last year because of federal Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill."
capitalandmain.com/what-its-lik...
Rollbacks began last year because of federal Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill."
capitalandmain.com/what-its-lik...
Reposted by Dan Ross
Big Oil's climate lies are fueling the insurance affordability crisis — and the costs are falling on disaster survivors and residents.
A new bill from @scottwiener.bsky.social aims to make Big Oil pay. "We can’t allow Californians, our residents, our small businesses, to be left holding the bag."
A new bill from @scottwiener.bsky.social aims to make Big Oil pay. "We can’t allow Californians, our residents, our small businesses, to be left holding the bag."
New bill aims to allow California AG to sue oil companies for disaster costs
“We can’t allow Californians, our residents, our small businesses, to be left holding the bag,” said the author of the measure.
www.fresnobee.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Big Oil's climate lies are fueling the insurance affordability crisis — and the costs are falling on disaster survivors and residents.
A new bill from @scottwiener.bsky.social aims to make Big Oil pay. "We can’t allow Californians, our residents, our small businesses, to be left holding the bag."
A new bill from @scottwiener.bsky.social aims to make Big Oil pay. "We can’t allow Californians, our residents, our small businesses, to be left holding the bag."
Reposted by Dan Ross
We found that Jeff Bezos paid *zero* taxes in 2007 and 2011.
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
The Secret IRS Files: Trove of Never-Before-Seen Records Reveal How the Wealthiest Avoid Income Tax
ProPublica has obtained a vast cache of IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, ev...
www.propublica.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:00 AM
We found that Jeff Bezos paid *zero* taxes in 2007 and 2011.
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
Reposted by Dan Ross
LAPD reform gets tossed by Charter Reform committee, but some vow to bring it back thelareporter.la/p/lapd-refor...
LAPD reform gets tossed by Charter Reform committee, but some vow to bring it back
A six-person subcommittee tasked with narrowing down Charter Reform proposals punts on police reform ideas submitted by community groups, council members. The full commission can still revive them.
thelareporter.la
February 4, 2026 at 8:23 PM
LAPD reform gets tossed by Charter Reform committee, but some vow to bring it back thelareporter.la/p/lapd-refor...
Reposted by Dan Ross
LA County leaders want to make it harder to evict tenants targeted by ICE. But they can’t agree on how
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.
LA County leaders want to make it harder to evict tenants targeted by ICE. But they can’t agree on how
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.
lapublicpress.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:21 PM
LA County leaders want to make it harder to evict tenants targeted by ICE. But they can’t agree on how
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion to raise the rent debt threshold in unincorporated areas and could extend protections countywide.
Reposted by Dan Ross
Inside the newsroom:
Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent. bit.ly/3ZdKPr6
Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent. bit.ly/3ZdKPr6
February 2, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Inside the newsroom:
Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent. bit.ly/3ZdKPr6
Dave Lesher turned CalMatters into one of California’s most influential newsrooms — and launched new tools to make your government transparent. bit.ly/3ZdKPr6
Reposted by Dan Ross
I’m not sure what we’re expecting to happen when we don’t provide financial support to what are effectively small businesses w 80% fixed costs which have lost much of their customer base, and don’t have other revenue sources.
Small water companies in Altadena are struggling financially after the fire, which left costly damage and sharply cut the revenues they are collecting from customers. One utility plans a new "fire recovery fee" to stave off financial failure. www.latimes.com/environment/... @myungchun.bsky.social
Fighting to survive, an Altadena water company is charging a new 'fire recovery fee'
Small water companies in Altadena are struggling financially after the Eaton fire and are starting to charge customers more. One of the utilities is trying to stave off insolvency.
www.latimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:30 PM
I’m not sure what we’re expecting to happen when we don’t provide financial support to what are effectively small businesses w 80% fixed costs which have lost much of their customer base, and don’t have other revenue sources.
Reposted by Dan Ross
Plans for a $10 billion data center are moving forward in the Imperial Valley. It could consume almost double the amount of electricity that the entirety of Imperial County used in 2024. @korisuzuki.com @kpbssandiego.bsky.social www.kpbs.org/news/environ... h/t @kypetzl.bsky.social
The plan to build a massive data center in Imperial County — without environmental review
As demand for computing power soars nationwide, a Southern California entrepreneur with past legal troubles is trying to speed forward an immense data center in Imperial County.
www.kpbs.org
January 31, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Plans for a $10 billion data center are moving forward in the Imperial Valley. It could consume almost double the amount of electricity that the entirety of Imperial County used in 2024. @korisuzuki.com @kpbssandiego.bsky.social www.kpbs.org/news/environ... h/t @kypetzl.bsky.social
Reposted by Dan Ross
These LA businesses are closing in solidarity with the nationwide anti-ICE strike:
From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA.
lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-s...
From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA.
lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-s...
These LA businesses are closing in solidarity with the nationwide anti-ICE strike
From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA.
lapublicpress.org
January 30, 2026 at 2:21 AM
These LA businesses are closing in solidarity with the nationwide anti-ICE strike:
From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA.
lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-s...
From bakeries to bars, businesses are denouncing the increase in violent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and LA.
lapublicpress.org/2026/01/la-s...
Reposted by Dan Ross
TODAY at 4pm PT, I'm moderating a forum of leading candidates for California governor, all about climate change. Watch live here as we find out how Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell stack up: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsLc...
Our Climate Future: A Forum with California's Next Governor
YouTube video by California Environmental Voters
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM
TODAY at 4pm PT, I'm moderating a forum of leading candidates for California governor, all about climate change. Watch live here as we find out how Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell stack up: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsLc...
Reposted by Dan Ross
Residents of Kettleman City live surrounded by pollution.
A composting facility handles human sewage waste. Particulate matter and diesel fumes from heavy freeway traffic in the air. And the West Coast’s largest hazardous waste landfill is just a few miles away bit.ly/3LFrLPs
📸 Larry Valenzuela
A composting facility handles human sewage waste. Particulate matter and diesel fumes from heavy freeway traffic in the air. And the West Coast’s largest hazardous waste landfill is just a few miles away bit.ly/3LFrLPs
📸 Larry Valenzuela
January 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Residents of Kettleman City live surrounded by pollution.
A composting facility handles human sewage waste. Particulate matter and diesel fumes from heavy freeway traffic in the air. And the West Coast’s largest hazardous waste landfill is just a few miles away bit.ly/3LFrLPs
📸 Larry Valenzuela
A composting facility handles human sewage waste. Particulate matter and diesel fumes from heavy freeway traffic in the air. And the West Coast’s largest hazardous waste landfill is just a few miles away bit.ly/3LFrLPs
📸 Larry Valenzuela
Reposted by Dan Ross
Water, water everywhere, and nary a foot of snow? Warm temperatures across the West are fueling low snowpack from California to the Rockies, which is not good for water supplies: www.latimes.com/environment/... via @ianjames.bsky.social
Rain, not snow: Extraordinary warmth leaves mountains less snowy across the West
The snowpack this winter is smaller than average in California's Sierra Nevada as well as the Rocky Mountains. The lack of snow reflects record warmth.
www.latimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:55 AM
Water, water everywhere, and nary a foot of snow? Warm temperatures across the West are fueling low snowpack from California to the Rockies, which is not good for water supplies: www.latimes.com/environment/... via @ianjames.bsky.social
Reposted by Dan Ross
LA charter reform commissioners could decide Wednesday on whether to share private chats with Mayor, other electeds thelareporter.la/p/la-charter...
LA charter reform commissioners could decide Wednesday on whether to share private chats with Mayor, other electeds
The commission is set to take up a motion by its chair, Raymond Meza, who had previously taken a hands-off approach to sharing such private conversations, saying it was up to the City Council.
thelareporter.la
January 21, 2026 at 1:07 AM
LA charter reform commissioners could decide Wednesday on whether to share private chats with Mayor, other electeds thelareporter.la/p/la-charter...
Reposted by Dan Ross
A data center boom is coming to the San Gabriel Valley. Residents had no idea
LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.
LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.
A data center boom is coming to the San Gabriel Valley. Residents had no idea
LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.
lapublicpress.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:10 PM
A data center boom is coming to the San Gabriel Valley. Residents had no idea
LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.
LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.
Reposted by Dan Ross
🐦 The LA Reporter, Issue 15: What's getting voted off the island at the LA City Charter Reform Commission? thelareporter.la/p/the-la-rep...
🐦 The LA Reporter, Issue 15: What's getting voted off the island at the LA City Charter Reform Commission?
News from an LA Reporter. This issue is focused just on the Charter Reform Commission, which is headed into an elimination round on Saturday, with a last minute push to get a proposal to give 16 and 1...
thelareporter.la
January 17, 2026 at 2:55 PM
🐦 The LA Reporter, Issue 15: What's getting voted off the island at the LA City Charter Reform Commission? thelareporter.la/p/the-la-rep...
Reposted by Dan Ross
Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his budget proposal last week, walking back an August 2024 deal with Google to commit $175 million over five years to help the diminishing industry. bit.ly/4qNmdBg
📸 Rahul Lal
📸 Rahul Lal
January 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Gov. Gavin Newsom included no new funding for local journalism in his budget proposal last week, walking back an August 2024 deal with Google to commit $175 million over five years to help the diminishing industry. bit.ly/4qNmdBg
📸 Rahul Lal
📸 Rahul Lal
Reposted by Dan Ross
After the EPA found that ethylene oxide is 30 times more carcinogenic than previously thought, it updated regulations to protect the people who are most exposed to it.
Now, the agency’s ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
By @lisalsong.bsky.social
Now, the agency’s ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
By @lisalsong.bsky.social
Trump’s EPA Could Limit Its Own Ability to Use New Science to Strengthen Air Pollution Rules
In government records that have flown under the radar, the EPA is questioning its legal authority to revise pollution rules more than once when new science shows unacceptable health risks.
www.propublica.org
January 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
After the EPA found that ethylene oxide is 30 times more carcinogenic than previously thought, it updated regulations to protect the people who are most exposed to it.
Now, the agency’s ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
By @lisalsong.bsky.social
Now, the agency’s ability to do that for many air pollutants is under threat.
By @lisalsong.bsky.social
Reposted by Dan Ross
As Trump erodes press freedoms, the resurgence of Mvskoke Media offers lessons on how to protect independent media.
This Tribal News Agency Shows How to Defend a Free Press at the Grassroots
As Trump erodes press freedoms, the resurgence of Mvskoke Media offers lessons on how to protect independent media.
buff.ly
January 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
As Trump erodes press freedoms, the resurgence of Mvskoke Media offers lessons on how to protect independent media.
Reposted by Dan Ross
“Uruguay did what most nations still call impossible: it built a power grid that runs almost entirely on renewables—at half the cost of fossil fuels. The physicist who led that transformation says the same playbook could work anywhere—if governments have the courage to change the rules.”
Uruguay’s Renewable Charge: A Small Nation, A Big Lesson For The World
Uruguay built a power grid that runs 99% on renewables—at half the cost of fossil fuels. Here’s how its bold energy overhaul became a global model.
www.forbes.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:29 AM
“Uruguay did what most nations still call impossible: it built a power grid that runs almost entirely on renewables—at half the cost of fossil fuels. The physicist who led that transformation says the same playbook could work anywhere—if governments have the courage to change the rules.”
Reposted by Dan Ross
Gavin Newsom's Delta water tunnel hit a courtroom setback, although it doesn't sound like a death blow: www.latimes.com/environment/... via @ianjames.bsky.social
Newsom's signature water tunnel is set back by California court ruling
An appeals court has rejected a California agency's plan to issue bonds to pay for a proposed water tunnel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
www.latimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Gavin Newsom's Delta water tunnel hit a courtroom setback, although it doesn't sound like a death blow: www.latimes.com/environment/... via @ianjames.bsky.social
Reposted by Dan Ross
One of the largest farming businesses in Arizona has agreed to use less water and pay $11 million in a deal state officials say will help preserve dwindling groundwater and provide financial help for residents whose wells have run dry. www.latimes.com/environment/...
As Arizona groundwater disappears, an agricultural giant agrees to use less
Agriculture has been free to use Arizona's groundwater, but as water levels drop, the state may have hit a turning point.
www.latimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:05 PM
One of the largest farming businesses in Arizona has agreed to use less water and pay $11 million in a deal state officials say will help preserve dwindling groundwater and provide financial help for residents whose wells have run dry. www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Dan Ross
6 new laws affecting LA County students, from ICE raids to cell phones
Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here’s what families need to know.
Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here’s what families need to know.
6 new laws affecting LA County students, from ICE raids to cell phones
Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here's what families need to know.
lapublicpress.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:49 PM
6 new laws affecting LA County students, from ICE raids to cell phones
Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here’s what families need to know.
Schools must now follow new state rules on immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ privacy, antisemitism, cell phones, bathrooms and drug education. Here’s what families need to know.