Southwest in 2025: Fires, Politics, and More

The Southwest faced a tumultuous year in 2025, marked by devastating fires, political turmoil, and significant legal battles. In California, the Palisades and Eaton Fires left a trail of destruction, claiming lives and homes. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, burned 23, 448 acres and destroyed 6, 833 structures, while the Eaton Fire in the Altadena/Pasadena area destroyed 9, 418 structures and killed 17 people. The fires sparked a heated debate about city management and funding, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass demoting Fire Chief Kristen Crowley, who later filed a legal claim against the city. The fires also led to a series of lawsuits against Southern California Edison, accused of starting the Eaton Fire due to faulty equipment. Political tensions flared up as well. Riots erupted in downtown Los Angeles in June in response to the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. President Donald Trump deployed the California National Guard to protect federal buildings. Meanwhile, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in marijuana fields, leading to accusations of mistreatment and detaining U. S. citizens. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended ICE, stating that demonizing the agency led to increased assaults on agents.The political landscape saw significant shifts. California filed 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration on various issues, from immigration to food assistance. The state also approved Proposition 50, which redrew congressional districts to gain five Democratic seats. The move sparked a lawsuit accusing California of illegal racial gerrymandering. In Arizona, the state Senate and House agreed on a $17. 6 billion budget, which Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed. The state also faced the Dragon Bravo Fire, one of Arizona's largest blazes, which struck the Grand Canyon National Park's Northern Rim. In Nevada, the gambling industry saw a decline, and a cyberattack left government websites non-functional for weeks. The state Legislature killed all of Republican Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony's bills, citing his stance on keeping boys out of girls' sports. The gubernatorial race in Nevada remained tight, with Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and Democratic challenger Aaron Ford tied at 41% in an Emerson College poll. The year also saw significant deaths, including the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk in Utah. Tyler James Robinson, 22, was jailed awaiting trial on seven counts, including aggravated murder. In politics, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced her reelection bid for 2026, while Trump endorsed two Republicans running for governor.