California Today: California’s Push for Electric Trucks Sputters Under Trump

Today's top stories from California.

February 18, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story Mark Abramson for The New York Times California's Push for Electric Trucks Sputters Under Trump The state will no longer require some truckers to shift away from diesel semis but hopes that subsidies can keep dreams of pollution-free big rigs alive. Read more More California News As Wall Street Chases Profits, Fire Departments Have Paid the Price Fire engine manufacturing is now largely controlled by three companies. Around the country, prices have soared, and orders can take years to fulfill. California Bill Would Force Insurers to Pay Full Coverage Without Requiring Itemization A proposed new law would release homeowners from the onerous process of listing every object lost in a destroyed home. Forest Service Layoffs and Frozen Funds Increase the Risk From Wildfires The Trump administration's decision to fire 3,400 workers and pause funds used for wildfire prevention comes as wildfires are growing more dangerous and frequent. Map: 3.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern California View the location of the quake's epicenter and shake area. Nike Bets Big on Kim Kardashian The Skims founder will enter into a rare business deal with the sports apparel company. OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk's $97.4 Billion Bid for Control of the Company Bret Taylor, the chairman of OpenAI's board, said the artificial intelligence company was "not for sale." Mr. Musk is separately raising money for his A.I. start-up, xAI. Finally, at 59, a Place of Her Own A filmmaker in Oakland, Calif., had always lived with her family, her ex-husband, son or roommates. A friend helped her find her own place when she needed it most. $4,400 Rentals in Los Angeles A Craftsman house near Culver City, a 1970s condo in West Hollywood and a 1920s bungalow in Hollywood. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe Mark Weinberg for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Spicy Turkey Burgers By Andy Baraghani 30 minutes  Makes 4 burgers Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018