California issues emergency alert as record heat wave strains electrical grid
A record-setting heat wave is making life miserable in the West.
California
Heat and wildfires ravage West Coast
More than 58 million people are under excessive heat warnings and advisories in seven states, and multiple wildfires are burning across California as firefighters battle the flames along with the brutal heat. Carter Evans reports.
California grapples with another day of deadly fires and record-breaking heat
More than 58 million people are under excessive heat warnings and advisories in seven states, including almost all of California.
California heat wave smashes records as hottest day approaches
The state is preparing for rolling blackouts on Tuesday as forecasters predict the heat wave will continue to smash its own records.
California fast-food workers could see wages reach $22 an hour
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs landmark bill giving more than a 500,000 restaurant workers more power and protections.
California faces risk of power outages amid brutal heat wave
"This is about to get significantly more intense," utility official said as the mercury in some parts of the state hits 115 degrees.
Lake Mead's water level has never been lower. Here's what that means.
A 22-year mega-drought has caused elevation to drop along the Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people in the U.S. and Mexico.
Agave proving to be an ideal crop in California
Ongoing drought conditions in California are forcing farmers to look at alternative crops that require much less water. Agave, traditionally grown in Mexico, is now proving to be an ideal and lucrative crop for many farmers in the region. Elizabeth Klinge has the details.
Northern California's Mill Fire destroys 100 homes, other buildings
About 100 homes and other structures have been destroyed in a Northern California wildfire that put thousands under evacuation orders.
California Legislature passes internet safety bill for minors
The California Legislature has passed a bill aimed at protecting minors on social media platforms. It now heads to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for his signature. Emi Kim, director of legislative efforts for the Log Off Movement, and Nicole Gill, co-founder of Accountable Tech, joined CBS News to discuss the benefits of the legislation.
Thousands evacuate, homes destroyed after wildfire erupts in California
A Cal Fire spokeswoman said several people have been injured in the blaze.
Judge tosses manslaughter charge in California boat fire that killed 34
A federal judge has thrown out an indictment charging a boat captain with manslaughter in the deaths of 34 scuba divers three years ago off the California coast.
Schools offering low-cost apartments to teachers to combat shortages
"If I hadn't gotten the housing, it would have been really challenging for me to make ends meet," one teacher said.
Tech grants cops "mass surveillance on a budget" — no warrant needed
Tracking tool "Fog Reveal," in use since 2018, allows cops to access phone IDs and follow people's movements.
Calif. wildfires force evacuations
California is on high alert as several wildfires have erupted near Los Angeles and San Diego amid a sweltering heat wave expected to last for the next week. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
California wildfires force evacuations amid heat wave
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday to increase power production, and urged residents to reduce electricity use.
Labor Day heat wave to scorch California with triple-digit temps
The late-summer heat wave comes as 50 million people across U.S. sweat under extreme heat advisories and warnings.
California moves one step closer to mandatory kindergarten
The bill, which would be enacted in the 2024-25 school year if signed by the governor, would require all children to attend one year of kindergarten before they can go to first grade.
California lawmakers OK bills to curtail social media
"The online world has created tremendous opportunities, but also real and proximate threats," said one legislator.
Scorching heat wave forecast for West
California and other western states are in for a scorching hot holiday weekend, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal. Weather Channel meteorologist Stephanie Abrams joins CBS News' Lana Zak with the forecast.
4 million L.A. County residents asked to halt outdoor watering for 15 days
A pipeline that brings Colorado River water to Southern California will undergo emergency repairs next month.
California to install solar panels over canals to fight drought, a first in the U.S.
California will be the first state in the nation to install solar panel canopies over canals to combat drought and climate change.
California banning new gas cars by 2035
In a move to combat pollution in the state, California passed a law Thursday banning new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. It's a move mired with questions of affordability and feasibility among carmakers. Neal Boudette, an auto reporter with the New York Times, joined CBS News' Tanya Rivero and Tony Dokoupil to hash out the pros and cons of the new law.
Montecito's El Fureidis, a Gilded Age treasure above Santa Barbara
Built in 1906 in the Montecito Hills above Santa Barbara, Calif., El Fureidis, the Mediterranean-inspired home of real estate tycoon James Waldron Gillespie, is an oasis of tranquility and class, in a lush 10-acre property. Jane Pauley takes us inside. (Originally broadcast May 22, 2022.)
A Santa Barbara history
The city on California's southern coast would evolve dramatically over the course of four centuries, from the home of Chumash people to a Spanish settlement and mission, to an oceanfront jewel whose architecture and lifestyle have become the epitome of the California Dream. Jane Pauley takes a walk through the history of the "American Riviera." (Originally broadcast May 22, 2022.)
Live
Iran says it's up to Trump to choose between diplomacy or war
As the war with Iran hits the 7-month mark, Trump tells Axios he expects talks to resume despite neither side signaling willingness to change demands.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow policy ending medical care for transgender inmates
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to revive for now a policy cutting off medical interventions and social accommodations for transgender inmates.
Cornell fraternity rape investigation will be reopened, DA says
The investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 will be reopened, authorities said Monday.
SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
The Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 14th test flight, the first boosting the upper stage to orbit, marked a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
Russia hammers Ukraine's capital with major daytime drone strike
A wave of Russian strikes hit Ukraine Monday, killing at least 7 people, including a woman hit by a daytime strike on the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv.
Trump to announce largest steel plant in U.S. history will be built in Iowa
The plant is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa, a White House official said.
5 men arrested near U.K. air base used by U.S. released on bail
Police say five U.K. nationals who were arrested near RAF Fairford air base in England, which is used by U.S. forces, have been released on bail.
2026 MTV VMAs highlights include Madonna, Taylor Swift
Madonna won Artist of the Year while Taylor Swift became the most awarded artist in Video Music Awards history.
Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestler known as "Pac," dies at 40
Benjamin Satterley, an English-born wrestler known for high-flying moves that delighted fans worldwide, was known as "Pac."
U.S.
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BASE jumper dies after falling from 700-foot Utah cliff
A 27-year-old BASE jumper died on Sunday, after falling about 700 feet from a cliff in Utah, authorities said.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow policy ending medical care for transgender inmates
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to revive for now a policy cutting off medical interventions and social accommodations for transgender inmates.
Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
Trump to announce largest steel plant in U.S. history will be built in Iowa
The plant is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa, a White House official said.
Cornell fraternity rape investigation will be reopened, DA says
The investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 will be reopened, authorities said Monday.
MoneyWatch
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Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
Nvidia announces security system to stop AI agents from going rogue
Nvidia said more than 100 organizations are using the platform, which it says could have stopped the Hugging Face hack by OpenAI agents.
YouTube, the new path to Hollywood for filmmakers
Two of Hollywood's biggest hits this year – "Obsession" and "Backrooms," horror films with tiny budgets directed by YouTube creators – have studios searching for other social media-savvy talent, making YouTube a valuable new kind of film school.
TikTok settles lawsuit over youth safety concerns for at least $100 million
Alabama sued the social media company in 2025, claiming the platform had negative effects on the mental well-being of youths.
How GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are changing fast-food menus
Chipotle, McDonald's and Shake Shack are among the restaurant chains revamping their menus as more consumers go on weight-loss drugs.
Politics
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DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow policy ending medical care for transgender inmates
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to revive for now a policy cutting off medical interventions and social accommodations for transgender inmates.
Trump to announce largest steel plant in U.S. history will be built in Iowa
The plant is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa, a White House official said.
Food safety becomes election issue as major outbreaks, recalls cause concern
Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness and high-profile recalls have made food safety a concern of voters.
Sen. Kennedy urges Trump to focus on affordability ahead of midterm elections
Kennedy also weighed in on a new ad campaign extolling the president, saying no official "should spend public money on private ads for themselves."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sept. 27, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Alexander Yui, Taiwan representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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Food safety becomes election issue as major outbreaks, recalls cause concern
Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness and high-profile recalls have made food safety a concern of voters.
Teen's headache reveals family health risk: "Saving people's lives"
Minutes into a run, Caroline McCaffrey was struck with a massive headache. The resulting medical journey would reveal a family risk for a dangerous condition.
Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
World
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Wife, daughter of top drug lord held in U.S. are captured in Colombia
The women, who are wanted for money laundering, were arrested in an operation involving the FBI, President Abelardo de la Espriella said.
Russia hammers Ukraine's capital with major daytime drone strike
A wave of Russian strikes hit Ukraine Monday, killing at least 7 people, including a woman hit by a daytime strike on the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv.
Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestler known as "Pac," dies at 40
Benjamin Satterley, an English-born wrestler known for high-flying moves that delighted fans worldwide, was known as "Pac."
U.S.-bound flight makes emergency landing due to smoke
The jet was on a flight from Barcelona to Boston with 296 passengers when it was diverted, media reports said.
Accused drug lord "The Spider" extradited to U.S. from Colombia
Geovany Andres Rojas, who faces drug trafficking and terrorism charges in the U.S., had been protected from extradition by former Colombian President Gustavo Petro,
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Key highlights from the 2026 MTV VMAs
Madonna and Taylor Swift won big at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where artists also honored Dolly Parton's legacy and celebrated new singers making their global debuts. CBS News' Vlad Duthiers reports.
VMA performance highlights
Vlad Duthiers and Denny Directo break down the most iconic performances from Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, which included performances by Madonna, Shaboozey, Raye and more.
2026 MTV VMAs highlights include Madonna, Taylor Swift
Madonna won Artist of the Year while Taylor Swift became the most awarded artist in Video Music Awards history.
The New Season: Fall 2026 - The most anticipated new movies, music, TV and more
Be on the lookout for these new entertainment offerings in the coming months, from screens to the stage, from music to the page.
The New Season: Fall 2026 – Movies, TV and more
Be on the lookout for these new entertainment offerings in the coming months, from movies, TV and streaming, to live theater and the bookstore.
Technology
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Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
Scale of rogue AI incidents explodes
The rogue AI incidents under investigation could number in the tens of thousands, according to new reporting by Axios' Madison Mills. The senior artificial intelligence reporter joins CBS News with more details.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
OpenAI hack raises more security concerns
OpenAI revealed last week that its AI models went rogue and hacked into U.S. government websites, sparking more concern over security against the technology. Madison Mills, a senior reporter at Axios, has more.
Thousands of AI security incidents probed
President Trump is meeting with key AI leaders as details emerge about thousands of potential incidents involving the tech giants. CBS News' Kathryn Watson reports.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
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Crime
5 U.K. terror plot suspects released on bail
Five suspects arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a U.K. Royal Air Force base have been released on bail, police say.
Wife, daughter of top drug lord held in U.S. are captured in Colombia
The women, who are wanted for money laundering, were arrested in an operation involving the FBI, President Abelardo de la Espriella said.
Russia blasts Ukraine with drone strike
Russia slammed Ukraine's Kyiv with a daytime drone strike that killed several people, according to officials. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.
Trump on terror plot suspects
President Trump reacted to news of a foiled terror plot near the Royal Air Force Fairford in the United Kingdom. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
Latest on U.K. air base terror plot
More details are emerging about the apparent terror plot foiled in the U.K. near a pivotal air base used by U.S. forces. CBS News' Holly Williams reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
The Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 14th test flight, the first boosting the upper stage to orbit, marked a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
5 U.K. terror plot suspects released on bail
Five suspects arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a U.K. Royal Air Force base have been released on bail, police say.
LSU goalie beats cancer, offers others hope
On this edition of Beg-Knows America, David Begnaud surprises Rylie Kuyper, a soccer goalkeeper for Louisiana State University and a cancer survivor who provided hope to others by documenting her cancer journey online.
Key highlights from the 2026 MTV VMAs
Madonna and Taylor Swift won big at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where artists also honored Dolly Parton's legacy and celebrated new singers making their global debuts. CBS News' Vlad Duthiers reports.
Charles Spencer on new book, Diana's death
Charles Spencer, the brother of Princess Diana, sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new book "Swan Song" about his sister's death and her legacy thereafter.