There's been no let-up in the war of words between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom as Trump arrives in Los Angeles to survey damage from the horrific wildfires

Trump is set to tour the California wildfire devastation and that state sure needs his help. The bigger question is, will Gov. Newsom be able to work with the new president?

President – and Republicans – have tied funds to policy agendas as Gavin Newsom fights for more recovery funds

Days into his new administration, Donald Trump is locked in a wrestling match with a familiar foe, the California governor, Gavin Newsom. And despite the high stakes in the wake of the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles, neither man is showing any sign of backing down.

Where many presidents in the past, regardless of party, have offered unconditional support and unlocked large sums of federal aid to help neighborhoods devastated by the fires to recover and rebuild, Trump appears unable to forget that he is a Republican and Newsom the outspoken Democratic leader of the most populous state in the union.

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© Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

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© Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

Forecast rain will aid firefighting efforts in Los Angeles but could cause mudslides and toxic ash runoff

Southern California was preparing for some long-awaited rain this weekend, bringing some respite after enormous wildfires have raged for weeks, but with the potential to cause mudslides, flooding and toxic ash runoff.

Rain is forecast for much of Los Angeles from Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service said. It said there was a “5-10%” chance of significant debris in burn scars, but officials have begun preparations for potential debris flows.

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© Photograph: Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images

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© Photograph: Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images

Embattled Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has revealed that her brother lost his Malibu home in the still-raging Palisades wildfires.

Gov. Gavin Newsom faces what may be his greatest political test and leadership challenge. He planned to greet President Trump upon his arrival in Southern California on Friday.

© Erin Schaff/The New York Times

President Trump is ripping California Gov. Gavin Newsom over mismanagement of the state leading up to the devastating wildfires and handling of sanctuary cities ahead of his visit to the Golden State.

Announcement comes day before Donald Trump will visit fire-torn areas and amid criticism around state water supply

Gavin Newsom has signed a $2.5bn relief package to help areas of Los Angeles recover from the devastating fires that have been burning for nearly two weeks. The funds were announced during a press conference on Thursday in Pasadena, just outside of Altadena, the town hit hardest by the Eaton fire, which ignited on 7 January.

The signing of the bipartisan aid package comes a day before Donald Trump is set to visit the fire-torn areas and amid continued criticism of the California governor and other state officials’ management of the state’s water supply. It also follows a new blaze, the Hughes fire, which sparked on Wednesday morning and quickly grew. It is now 36% contained and has burned nearly 10,400 acres (4,209 hectares), according to Cal Fire.

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© Photograph: Caroline Brehman/EPA

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© Photograph: Caroline Brehman/EPA