Los Angeles mayor faces backlash over fire department budget cuts before wildfire

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense criticism for cutting the fire department’s budget by over $17 million last year, even as a massive wildfire rages uncontrollably, destroying thousands of homes across Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas. The fire has forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate, while Mayor Bass’s decision to reallocate funds toward addressing homelessness has come under scrutiny amidst the crisis.