California Democrats are giving an 11th hour reprieve to utility companies responsible for deadly wildfires across the state.
Page A5From§Eachthe supper edition — 1 September 2026
Trump admin scrutinizes measles death as Democrats kill bill to hold utilities accountable for wildfires
The Trump administration launches scrutiny after a child's measles death, while California Democrats pull a bill to hold utilities accountable for wildfires. Both events are about preventable disasters, but only one gets the official spotlight. The measles death triggers federal attention, but the wildfires—linked to utility companies—see legislative action disappear. The ledger is simple: the child’s death is tragic and rare, the wildfires are tragic and routine. Accountability is offered for one, withheld for the other. The priorities are clear, and the stakes are paid in real lives and real property. The rest of the column follows the timeline of bills, investigations, and the gap between public health and public safety. The closer: when the spotlight swings, the victims wait.
“A kid dies from measles, the White House steps in, and California Democrats drop a bill to make fire-starting utilities pay up. That's two emergencies—one gets a microscope, the other gets a pass. The only thing under investigation is the wrong disaster.”
“The administration is simply responding to public health concerns, and California lawmakers have their reasons for legislative priorities. Utilities are complex, but the measles case is clear-cut. Did I say clear-cut? I meant complicated. Accountability is important, but timing matters.”
The receipts
The US declared measles eliminated in 2000. The last two years carry more cases than the rest of the century combined - the worst count since 1991 The Hill / CDC measles data, July 2026
Lancaster coroner investigating child measles death amid Trump admin scrutinyThe Lancaster coroner’s office is investigating the second case of a child who reportedly died after testing positive for measles as the state faces scrutiny from the Trump administration about the death. Lancaster County Coroner Stephen Diamantoni confirmed the second diagnosis Tuesday and said his office was “in the process of doing an…
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.