‘There are a lot of bitter people here, I’m one of them’: rust belt voters on why they backed Trump again despite his broken promises

Many in Youngstown, Ohio, believe the president-elect will tackle the town’s decline this time. Others are worried about his character flaws. Their concerns help explain how he returned to power – and how his second term might play out The last time Donald Trump was president, he travelled to Youngstown, Ohio, among the most depressed … Read more

Community groups provide relief as LA staggers from wildfire emergency

Volunteer organizations fill in to provide rides and supplies to a city devastated by fire, and offer ways to contribute California wildfires – live As California state and federal agencies lag in their response to the widespread wildfires that erupted this week in Los Angeles, a network of grassroots organizations and small businesses have launched … Read more

New Orleans attack would’ve had ‘completely different outcome’ if steel barriers were used, inventor says

Peter Whitford says Archer barriers, which the city had stored away, have record of stopping vehicle rammings The deadly New Year’s Day truck attack in New Orleans “would have had a completely different outcome” if city officials had put out 700lb (317kg) barriers that they bought years earlier and have a track record of preventing … Read more

Line of fire: LA mayor Karen Bass faces scrutiny as historic blazes devour city

Seething residents are questioning city’s preparedness, even as hurricane-force winds and climate crisis created unprecedented calamity conditions As a series of wildfires in the Los Angeles area grew into raging infernos, the city’s mayor, Karen Bass, was halfway around the world – part of the US delegation attending the inauguration of the new president of … Read more