Megan Fan Munce
@meganmunce.bsky.social
covering California's home insurance crisis @sfchronicle.com 🌉 before @houstonchronicle.com @medillschool.bsky.social 📰 munce like once!
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Gold (Regional/Local) goes to @sfchronicle.com for highlighting the systemic use of a flawed insurance estimator tool
From the judges: “5 states announced an unprecedented probe into underinsurance following wildfires – a direct result of this stellar reporting”
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
From the judges: “5 states announced an unprecedented probe into underinsurance following wildfires – a direct result of this stellar reporting”
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
September 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Gold (Regional/Local) goes to @sfchronicle.com for highlighting the systemic use of a flawed insurance estimator tool
From the judges: “5 states announced an unprecedented probe into underinsurance following wildfires – a direct result of this stellar reporting”
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
From the judges: “5 states announced an unprecedented probe into underinsurance following wildfires – a direct result of this stellar reporting”
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
apnews.com/article/muds... trap drivers, bury roads and damage homes in Southern California
Mudslides trap drivers, bury roads and damage homes in Southern California
Flooding and mudslides have buried roads, damaged homes and trapped drivers in several Southern California communities.
apnews.com
September 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
apnews.com/article/muds... trap drivers, bury roads and damage homes in Southern California
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
The requirement, which went into effect this summer, is meant to push homeowners to make their properties more fire-resistant.
California adds new disclosure rules for people selling homes in fire-prone areas
The requirement, which went into effect this summer, is meant to push homeowners to make their properties more fire-resistant.
bit.ly
September 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
The requirement, which went into effect this summer, is meant to push homeowners to make their properties more fire-resistant.
In a pre-print study, air quality researchers found the carcinogen hexavalent chromium in the air near wildfire debris sites, possibly from fire suppressant.
They're cautioning residents to use PPE until further testing confirms whether levels have gone down.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
They're cautioning residents to use PPE until further testing confirms whether levels have gone down.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
‘Erin Brockovich’ made this cancer-causing compound famous. Now it’s been found in L.A. fire debris
Hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen made famous by the film “Erin Brockovich,” is being found in the air near L.A. wildfire debris sites, researchers say.
www.sfchronicle.com
August 28, 2025 at 10:12 PM
In a pre-print study, air quality researchers found the carcinogen hexavalent chromium in the air near wildfire debris sites, possibly from fire suppressant.
They're cautioning residents to use PPE until further testing confirms whether levels have gone down.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
They're cautioning residents to use PPE until further testing confirms whether levels have gone down.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
For the first time ever, the California FAIR Plan is disclosing how much homeowners in every ZIP code pay to be insured by the state's insurer of last resort.
@sfchronicle.com has it mapped here:
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
@sfchronicle.com has it mapped here:
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Map: Here’s how much the California FAIR Plan costs in every ZIP code
New data shows just how much Californians in every ZIP code are paying to be insured by the FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
For the first time ever, the California FAIR Plan is disclosing how much homeowners in every ZIP code pay to be insured by the state's insurer of last resort.
@sfchronicle.com has it mapped here:
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
@sfchronicle.com has it mapped here:
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Over a year after I published an investigation into employee concerns about animal welfare and worker safety at SF Zoo, the director has given notice.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/z...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/z...
San Francisco Zoo CEO resigns after months of controversy, and nudge from Lurie
Tanya Peterson, the San Francisco Zoo’s longtime CEO, has resigned following controversies that raised questions about her leadership. She faced pressure from Mayor Daniel Lurie and others.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 2, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Over a year after I published an investigation into employee concerns about animal welfare and worker safety at SF Zoo, the director has given notice.
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/z...
www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/z...
Beryllium has been used to craft nuclear weapons and shield astronauts from the heat of reentry. It's also known to cause cancer or chronic respiratory disease.
This is the first time anyone's ever found it in a home after a wildfire.
W/ @susien.bsky.social!
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
This is the first time anyone's ever found it in a home after a wildfire.
W/ @susien.bsky.social!
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Toxic metal found in L.A. air after fires. No one knows where it’s coming from
A little-known and highly dangerous earth metal used to craft spaceships has been found in wildfire-ravaged homes and in the air in Los Angeles. Experts are shocked — and alarmed.
www.sfchronicle.com
July 2, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Beryllium has been used to craft nuclear weapons and shield astronauts from the heat of reentry. It's also known to cause cancer or chronic respiratory disease.
This is the first time anyone's ever found it in a home after a wildfire.
W/ @susien.bsky.social!
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
This is the first time anyone's ever found it in a home after a wildfire.
W/ @susien.bsky.social!
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Ticks that cause a bizarre allergy to meat in people are advancing across a warming US, experts warn.
Lone star ticks are aggressive, too. “They will hunt you, they are like a cross between a lentil and a velociraptor,” one alpha gal sufferer told me.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Lone star ticks are aggressive, too. “They will hunt you, they are like a cross between a lentil and a velociraptor,” one alpha gal sufferer told me.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
‘Explosive increase’ of ticks that cause meat allergy in US due to climate crisis
Unusually aggressive lone star ticks, common in the south-east, are spreading to areas previously too cold for them
www.theguardian.com
June 30, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Ticks that cause a bizarre allergy to meat in people are advancing across a warming US, experts warn.
Lone star ticks are aggressive, too. “They will hunt you, they are like a cross between a lentil and a velociraptor,” one alpha gal sufferer told me.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Lone star ticks are aggressive, too. “They will hunt you, they are like a cross between a lentil and a velociraptor,” one alpha gal sufferer told me.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
As summer approaches and Napa Valley’s vineyards grow lush, the specter of wildfire looms. So the community, particularly its vintners, have taken matters into their own hands.
They can’t get fire insurance. So California wineries are seeking out fire trucks and military tech
As summer approaches and Napa Valley’s vineyards grow lush, the specter of wildfire looms. So the community, particularly its vintners, have taken matters into their own hands.
bit.ly
June 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
As summer approaches and Napa Valley’s vineyards grow lush, the specter of wildfire looms. So the community, particularly its vintners, have taken matters into their own hands.
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
California’s Zone Zero regulations are expected to ban grass and wood fencing within 5 feet of homes. Here's what else is included and excluded in the rules.
California homeowners will need to change how they landscape their homes. Here's what will be allowed
California’s Zone Zero regulations are expected to ban grass and wood fencing within 5 feet of homes. Here's what else is included and excluded in the rules.
bit.ly
June 1, 2025 at 9:00 PM
California’s Zone Zero regulations are expected to ban grass and wood fencing within 5 feet of homes. Here's what else is included and excluded in the rules.
The CA Board of Equalization's two hour hearing into the role of algorithms in underinsuring wildfire victims, inspired by a Chronicle investigation, is about to kick off.
Tune in:
youtu.be/sApQ5mANgBU
Public comment:
www.boe.ca.gov/app/public-c...
Tune in:
youtu.be/sApQ5mANgBU
Public comment:
www.boe.ca.gov/app/public-c...
May 28, 2025 BOE Board Meeting
YouTube video by BoardOfEqualization
youtu.be
May 28, 2025 at 8:31 PM
The CA Board of Equalization's two hour hearing into the role of algorithms in underinsuring wildfire victims, inspired by a Chronicle investigation, is about to kick off.
Tune in:
youtu.be/sApQ5mANgBU
Public comment:
www.boe.ca.gov/app/public-c...
Tune in:
youtu.be/sApQ5mANgBU
Public comment:
www.boe.ca.gov/app/public-c...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Fought for months to get this footage of Palisades Fire.
Exclusive for @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Exclusive for @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
May 20, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Fought for months to get this footage of Palisades Fire.
Exclusive for @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Exclusive for @sfchronicle.com
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Another entry in the breaking State Farm saga:
A new filing submitted this afternoon reveals State Farm is pursuing its original 30% rate hike request at the full rate hearing slated for this fall. That would cumulatively be an 11% increase on top of the emergency 17% they were granted last week.
A new filing submitted this afternoon reveals State Farm is pursuing its original 30% rate hike request at the full rate hearing slated for this fall. That would cumulatively be an 11% increase on top of the emergency 17% they were granted last week.
State Farm asks for another double-digit California home insurance rate hike
Under State Farm’s new request, its condo rates in California would soar, and homeowners rates would jump an additional 11%.
www.sfchronicle.com
May 20, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Another entry in the breaking State Farm saga:
A new filing submitted this afternoon reveals State Farm is pursuing its original 30% rate hike request at the full rate hearing slated for this fall. That would cumulatively be an 11% increase on top of the emergency 17% they were granted last week.
A new filing submitted this afternoon reveals State Farm is pursuing its original 30% rate hike request at the full rate hearing slated for this fall. That would cumulatively be an 11% increase on top of the emergency 17% they were granted last week.
Some of the most wildfire-prone parts of California will no longer have 24/7 eyes on them headed into traditional wildfire season because of NWS staffing shortages:
NEW: Two California weather service offices will no longer operate 24/7, curtailing the output of an agency that issues warnings for more than 7 million people in the Central Valley. #CAwx
A spokesperson for NOAA confirmed to @sfchronicle.com that the offices were not operating around-the-clock.
A spokesperson for NOAA confirmed to @sfchronicle.com that the offices were not operating around-the-clock.
‘This is a big problem’: Two California weather offices no longer provide 24/7 warnings
Collectively, the Central Valley offices issue forecasts and warnings from Redding to Bakersfield, including Lassen, Yosemite, Kings and Sequoia National Parks.
www.sfchronicle.com
May 15, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Some of the most wildfire-prone parts of California will no longer have 24/7 eyes on them headed into traditional wildfire season because of NWS staffing shortages:
Update: Commissioner Lara announced just now he's adopted the judge's decision. But he reiterates he expects State Farm to pay wildfire survivors fairly: "nothing is off the table.”
A full and final rate hearing will happen sometime this fall.
A full and final rate hearing will happen sometime this fall.
Breaking: Judge has approved State Farm's emergency rate hike request for 17% for homeowners, 15% for condos + renters, 38% for rental dwellings starting June 1.
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
State Farm can hike California home insurance rates, judge rules
State Farm can raise home insurance rates in California by 17% next month, a judge ruled Tuesday, but the state insurance commissioner has the final word.
www.sfchronicle.com
May 13, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Update: Commissioner Lara announced just now he's adopted the judge's decision. But he reiterates he expects State Farm to pay wildfire survivors fairly: "nothing is off the table.”
A full and final rate hearing will happen sometime this fall.
A full and final rate hearing will happen sometime this fall.
Breaking: Judge has approved State Farm's emergency rate hike request for 17% for homeowners, 15% for condos + renters, 38% for rental dwellings starting June 1.
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
State Farm can hike California home insurance rates, judge rules
State Farm can raise home insurance rates in California by 17% next month, a judge ruled Tuesday, but the state insurance commissioner has the final word.
www.sfchronicle.com
May 13, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Breaking: Judge has approved State Farm's emergency rate hike request for 17% for homeowners, 15% for condos + renters, 38% for rental dwellings starting June 1.
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
The final word goes to Commissioner Lara and is expected later today.
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
It's been a month since the hearing into State Farm's emergency rate hike request wrapped up, but Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara says a judge still hasn't made a decision about whether to approve the request:
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Insurance commissioner: State Farm investigation ‘not off the table’ following L.A. wildfires
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said it was possible that officials would probe how State Farm handled claims from the L.A. wildfires.
www.sfchronicle.com
May 11, 2025 at 2:56 AM
It's been a month since the hearing into State Farm's emergency rate hike request wrapped up, but Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara says a judge still hasn't made a decision about whether to approve the request:
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
www.sfchronicle.com/california-w...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
A critical U.S. database that tracks extreme weather damage no longer exists.
"In alignment with evolving priorities, statutory mandates, and staffing changes, NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will no longer be updating the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters product."
"In alignment with evolving priorities, statutory mandates, and staffing changes, NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will no longer be updating the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters product."
Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
Summary of U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate related disaster research, methodology, and data sources
www.ncei.noaa.gov
May 8, 2025 at 4:32 PM
A critical U.S. database that tracks extreme weather damage no longer exists.
"In alignment with evolving priorities, statutory mandates, and staffing changes, NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will no longer be updating the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters product."
"In alignment with evolving priorities, statutory mandates, and staffing changes, NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information will no longer be updating the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters product."
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Deeply grateful for the recognition from the @pulitzerprizes.bsky.social for @jennifergollan.bsky.social's and my investigation into deadly, reckless police pursuits. And especially grateful to the families who shared their stories w/ us.
May 5, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Deeply grateful for the recognition from the @pulitzerprizes.bsky.social for @jennifergollan.bsky.social's and my investigation into deadly, reckless police pursuits. And especially grateful to the families who shared their stories w/ us.
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
ANd even those with replacement cost ...
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
April 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
ANd even those with replacement cost ...
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
www.sfchronicle.com/projects/202...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
Commercial salmon fishing in California will be banned for the third year in a row, a closure unprecedented in state history.
The rationale is that the forecast for the number of chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean is even worse than it was this time last year.
From @taraduggan.bsky.social
The rationale is that the forecast for the number of chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean is even worse than it was this time last year.
From @taraduggan.bsky.social
California salmon fishing will be closed for the third year in a row
For the first time in history, California salmon fishing will be closed for the third year in a row to protect a plunging population of fish
www.sfchronicle.com
April 15, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Commercial salmon fishing in California will be banned for the third year in a row, a closure unprecedented in state history.
The rationale is that the forecast for the number of chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean is even worse than it was this time last year.
From @taraduggan.bsky.social
The rationale is that the forecast for the number of chinook salmon in the Pacific Ocean is even worse than it was this time last year.
From @taraduggan.bsky.social
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
My colleague @meganmunce.bsky.social and I will be on @kqedforum.bsky.social tomorrow to discuss our investigation into widespread underinsurance among California homeowners. Tune in!
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
SF Chronicle Investigates Broken Home Insurance System | KQED
We talk to the reporters behind the investigation into how four of California’s largest home insurers are knowingly using faulty data to set coverage limits.
www.kqed.org
April 8, 2025 at 10:57 PM
My colleague @meganmunce.bsky.social and I will be on @kqedforum.bsky.social tomorrow to discuss our investigation into widespread underinsurance among California homeowners. Tune in!
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
www.kqed.org/forum/201010...
I'm here in Oakland watching State Farm General's rate hearing for its 22% homeowners rate hike.
Here's our preview of what to expect, follow along at @sfchronicle.com for more updates!
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Here's our preview of what to expect, follow along at @sfchronicle.com for more updates!
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
California hearing on State Farm rate hike request starts today — how to watch
State Farm will provide testimony and evidence in the livestreamed hearing, in an effort to justify its request for a major rate hike on California consumers.
www.sfchronicle.com
April 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I'm here in Oakland watching State Farm General's rate hearing for its 22% homeowners rate hike.
Here's our preview of what to expect, follow along at @sfchronicle.com for more updates!
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Here's our preview of what to expect, follow along at @sfchronicle.com for more updates!
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
Reposted by Megan Fan Munce
The @sfchronicle.com has also produced a short documentary, available on YouTube
youtu.be/kh5HW42fEII?...
youtu.be/kh5HW42fEII?...
Millions of California homeowners are at risk of underinsurance and have no idea
YouTube video by San Francisco Chronicle
youtu.be
April 2, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The @sfchronicle.com has also produced a short documentary, available on YouTube
youtu.be/kh5HW42fEII?...
youtu.be/kh5HW42fEII?...
Just out: State Farm can jack up rates for customers starting this summer. But first regulators want it to:
1) stop dropping customers
2) seek funds from its national parent company
3) justify its need for a rate hike at a formal rate hearing in April
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
1) stop dropping customers
2) seek funds from its national parent company
3) justify its need for a rate hike at a formal rate hearing in April
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
California approves State Farm's home insurance rate hike — with conditions
State Farm home insurance customers will be hit with a major rate hike for the second year in a row. But they may avoid an even worse fate: being dropped.
www.sfchronicle.com
March 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Just out: State Farm can jack up rates for customers starting this summer. But first regulators want it to:
1) stop dropping customers
2) seek funds from its national parent company
3) justify its need for a rate hike at a formal rate hearing in April
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
1) stop dropping customers
2) seek funds from its national parent company
3) justify its need for a rate hike at a formal rate hearing in April
www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...