Norte Fire in California threatens homes, forces evacuations

Orange County, California firefighters are battling an aggressive, fast-moving wildfire that exploded across 450 acres in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, destroying multiple homes and forcing mandatory evacuations under fierce Santa Ana wind conditions.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer in medical rehab; concert with Lionel Richie canceled

An Earth, Wind & Fire drummer who suffered a heart attack on the night of a San Francisco concert date is now in medical rehabilitation but is still in need of financial help. At the same time, the twice-postponed concert with Lionel Richie has now been formally canceled.

Fugitive wanted in violent kidnapping found after 14 years living double life as chef

A man wanted for a 2012 kidnapping in Davenport, Iowa was arrested in California after living under an alias for nearly 14 years, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. 

White House responds to backlash over Trump's ‘take out’ LA, San Diego remarks

The White House is pushing back against backlash over President Trump’s comments about attacks on California cities, saying his remarks were misunderstood, and the reaction was “not rooted in reality."

Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes X2 roller coaster amid brain injury lawsuits

Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced the permanent retirement of its X2 roller coaster following guest safety concerns and lawsuits alleging rider brain injuries.

Terrorist drug lord known as 'The Spider' extradited to US

An alleged drug lord and terrorist was extradited to California on Monday and faces several charges tied to his involvement with a Columbian paramilitary organization.

'Stop the AI Race' rally outside Dreamforce in San Francisco

About two dozen protesters in San Francisco gathered Thursday morning to express their disapproval of artificial intelligence during the final day of the Dreamforce conference.

California football coach arrested after students make disturbing discovery at school

A high school football coach in California was arrested Friday after students discovered a cellphone secretly recording them while they were changing inside a campus locker room, police said.

Hikers who used AI to plan trip had to be rescued, authorities say

Three novice hikers from Roseville, California, were rescued from Mount Shasta after using Google’s Gemini AI to help plan their trip.

California's Aisha Wahab is 1st Afghan American sworn into Congress

Former California Senator Aisha Wahab was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, officially becoming the first Afghan American to serve in Congress.

Man accidentally loaded into San Francisco garbage truck, freed in wild rescue

San Francisco firefighters rescued a man trapped inside a garbage truck early Wednesday morning after he was accidentally loaded into the vehicle along with the contents of a dumpster.

Teen who livestreamed California mosque shooting charged with murder

A 17-year-old girl faces a murder charge for allegedly livestreaming a San Diego mosque shooting that killed three people and circulating the attackers’ writings.

After dogs shot dead in California, activists push for oversight at rescue shelters

An attorney said that 138 carcasses have been exhumed from Miranda's Rescue in Humboldt County. The Sheriff's Office estimates roughly 725 dogs are missing, a tally reflecting data from 2025 to 2026 alone.

Declassified FBI docs reveal Swalwell had sex with 'Fang Fang' multiple times

Disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., admitted to FBI agents that he had "physical relations" with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine "Fang Fang" Fang on a "handful of occasions," newly declassified FBI records show.

Trump congratulates Santa Cruz lifeguard after dramatic rescue

President Donald Trump on Monday congratulated the 16-year-old Santa Cruz lifeguard who was captured on camera last month saving a 10-year-old boy from violent waves in the Pacific Ocean.