What are the Santa Ana winds fueling wildfires in Southern California?
Santa Ana winds coupled with dry conditions have created the perfect storm for the fires to spread.
Los Angeles
Actor Steve Guttenberg's wildfire assistance
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives near Pacific Palisades, has been helping to evacuate residents and move cars to clear a path for firefighters. He said after an evacuation order was issued, many found themselves stuck in gridlocked traffic and that's where he stepped in.
Biden, Trump react to Los Angeles wildfires
President Biden has canceled the last planned foreign trip of his presidency so he can focus on the federal response to the Los Angeles wildfires. President-elect Donald Trump, meanwhile, has taken to social media to call on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to resign for the fires, saying they're "all his fault." CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
5 wildfires still burning around Los Angeles
Authorities are still trying to grapple with the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. At least five people have been killed and more than 100,000 are under evacuation orders. CBS News correspondents Danya Bacchus and Lilia Luciano have reports from the ground and CBS News New York meteorologist Tony Sadiku has a look at the forecast for the area.
New blaze erupts in Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart called the fire burning in the Hollywood Hills "very dangerous and explosive." She describes the mandatory evacuation zones and ongoing efforts to fight the fires.
Fire hydrants ran dry due to extreme demand in Pacific Palisades, officials say
Three large water tanks in the Pacific Palisades area ran out by early Wednesday morning, officials said, reducing water pressure for fire hydrants at higher elevations.
Los Angeles officials give update on fires
Los Angeles officials briefed reporters about the wildfires scorching the area in Southern California. Los Angeles County is under a state of emergency as the flames are upending the lives of tens of thousands who have been forced to abandon their homes.
Doctor on LA air quality risks
Millions of Los Angeles County residents are facing extremely hazardous air quality as wildfires continue to burn. The air quality index in Los Angeles on Wednesday was 178, which is considered to be "unhealthy" for any individual who is active outdoors. Pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Irina Dralyuk joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the risks and symptoms of poor air quality.
Officials provide update on wildfires
California officials on Wednesday held a news conference to provide updates on the brush fires raging in the Los Angeles area. The Pacific Palisades fire, the Eaton fire and several other blazes have destroyed homes, schools and businesses. The fires are also responsible for several deaths. Authorities urged those in evacuation zones to leave, described first-responder efforts and outlined ways to help.
Palisades Fire threatens historic L.A. landmarks
The Palisades Fire which has burned thousands of acres in Los Angeles has threatened several landmarks which many Americans have come to know from television and in movies. Tom Hanson reports.
L.A. fire official on the challenges facing crews
Los Angeles Fire Capt. Erik Scott spoke to "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell Wednesday about how firefighters are faring in their battle against multiple wind-driven fires, which have caused major destruction across the region. Scott addressed some of the issues facing firefighters, including water shortages and erratic winds.
Palisades residents survey the fire destruction
Tony Dokoupil spoke with evacuees of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles who are coming to grips with the destruction wreaked by the blaze, which has destroyed at least 1,000 structures.
Weather's impact on spread of California wildfires
Powerful Santa Ana winds, coupled with bone-dry conditions, created the perfect conditions for the wildfires that have scorched Los Angeles County this week. Downtown L.A. has received just over a quarter-inch of rain since May, its second-driest stretch in nearly 150 years. Rob Marciano explains.
Wildfire rips through Pacific Palisades
The Palisades Fire burning in the once vibrant Los Angeles coastal enclave of Pacific Palisades has destroyed at least 1,000 structures and sent tens of thousands of residents fleeing for safety. Firefighters faced water shortages as they tried to battle huge flames. An estimated 15,000 homes were still at risk from the flames. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Eaton Fire consumes homes in Altadena, Pasadena
The Eaton Fire has burned more than 10,000 acres in northeast Los Angeles County, forcing about 33,000 residents to flee. It has torched homes and burned houses of worship in the communities of Altadena and Pasadena and is responsible for multiple deaths. Kris Van Cleave reports from Pasadena.
Firestorm brings death, destruction to L.A. County
Nearly 200,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings across Los Angeles County as at least four large wildfires rage. The fires have destroyed at least 1,000 structures. Lilia Luciano is on the ground in the community of Altadena with the latest on the Eaton Fire.
Satellite videos show explosive growth of California fires from space
Timelapse footage published by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere shows how the Palisades and Eaton Fires ignited and rapidly grew over the last two days.
Biden offers aid to California to fight fires
Multiple fires are burning in the Los Angeles area, forcing thousands to flee their homes and destroying hundreds of buildings. President Biden approved a major disaster declaration Wednesday afternoon to help California boost the ranks of those battling the blazes. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more from Malibu.
Eaton Fire guts buildings in Altadena
Cars, businesses and homes are gutted in Altadena, California, as the Eaton Fire continues to spread. CBS News Los Angeles' Joy Benedict reports.
Extreme weather impacts the California fires
High winds intersecting with historic drought levels are contributing to the dangerous conditions that sparked the multiple fires raging in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Helen Holmlund, an assistant professor of biology at Pepperdine University, joins CBS News with more on the extreme conditions.
Altadena senior center in flames
Firefighters are trying to mitigate the growing fire in Altadena, California, where a senior center is now in flames. Low water pressure and exhausted responders are impacting efforts. CBS News Los Angeles' Jasmine Viel has more.
Power lines fell during Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire, which is spreading into Malibu, downed power lines and charred homes as residents tried to evacuate. CBS News Los Angeles' Michele Gile reports
Dramatic evacuations of wildfire victims
Thousands of Los Angeles area residents were forced to evacuated with little notice as the Palisade Fire quickly spread. CBS News' Elise Preston breaks down the latest conditions near Malibu, and David Hansen, who rescued his elderly mother from the fire's rage, joins CBS News with more on his efforts.
Latest news on winds near Eaton Fire
Wind conditions appear to be improving near Altadena, California, where the Eaton Fire has been spreading. CBS News Los Angeles' Joy Benedict breaks down the latest.
Historic weather conditions fuel fires
The wildfires in the Los Angeles area that were quickly fueled by intense Santa Ana winds are persisting. CBS News' Elise Preston has more from Malibu, and CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey breaks down the dramatic weather conditions contributing to the fires.
Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
Live
Massive funeral for slain supreme leader enters second day
The dayslong funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by U.S.-Israeli strikes, has been marked by chants for revenge.
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old female is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are juveniles between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in California hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo is women's champion
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall briefly evacuated
Americans celebrated 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather put a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
U.S.
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The battle over Stars and Stripes
The newspaper for the American military has long taken pride in its editorial independence. But under the Trump administration, restrictions have been imposed, and the Pentagon's chief spokesman has vowed to rid the paper of "woke distractions."
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are children between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
MoneyWatch
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More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
More Politics
Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
HealthWatch
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1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
World
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Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert
The fourth-century residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.
Prince Harry to travel solo to London amid security flap
Meghan and his children may eventually join him on the rest of the trip outside London, the source said.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
J.K. Simmons: A real character
J.K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning star of "Whiplash," relishes being a character actor. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his role as a mob leader in the new MGM+ series "The Westies," and recalls the difficult early days of his career – and how an unexpected kindness from an actor friend helped him when he needed it most.
Reclaiming the lost art of listening to music
Digital music gave us the technology, and the freedom, to listen to whatever we want, whenever we want. But more and more people are going back to older, analog ways of listening.
Reclaiming the lost art of listening to music
Digital music gave us the technology, and the freedom, to listen to whatever we want, whenever we want. But more and more people are going back to older, analog ways of listening. Correspondent Conor Knighton checks out the Shibuya HiFi bar in Seattle, where curated listening sessions regularly sell out. He also meets artist and engineer Devon Turnbull, whose company, Ojas, designs high-end speakers and listening rooms for public and private spaces.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us recently, including Victor Willis, frontman of the group The Village People.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's "mixed marriage"
Pop superstar Taylor Swift and pro footballer Travis Kelce have tied the knot. Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield about the unlikely couple, whose relationship evolved against a backdrop of Swift's songs about romance, heartbreak and marriage. Rocca also talks with Marilyn Monroe biographer Michelle Morgan about another famous union of a media celebrity with a sports legend.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
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Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Space
More Space
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
J.K. Simmons: A real character
J.K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning star of "Whiplash," relishes being a character actor. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his role as a mob leader in the new MGM+ series "The Westies," and recalls the difficult early days of his career – and how an unexpected kindness from an actor friend helped him when he needed it most.
Interviewing WWII veterans, the "moral compass of our society"
Over the past 10 years, Rishi Sharma has conducted video interviews with more than 3,000 World War II veterans – members of the "Greatest Generation" who answered the call to defend freedom – to preserve their stories of sacrifice and their lessons of liberty. Steve Hartman reports.
Reclaiming the lost art of listening to music
Digital music gave us the technology, and the freedom, to listen to whatever we want, whenever we want. But more and more people are going back to older, analog ways of listening. Correspondent Conor Knighton checks out the Shibuya HiFi bar in Seattle, where curated listening sessions regularly sell out. He also meets artist and engineer Devon Turnbull, whose company, Ojas, designs high-end speakers and listening rooms for public and private spaces.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us recently, including Victor Willis, frontman of the group The Village People.
Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's "mixed marriage"
Pop superstar Taylor Swift and pro footballer Travis Kelce have tied the knot. Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with Rolling Stone writer Rob Sheffield about the unlikely couple, whose relationship evolved against a backdrop of Swift's songs about romance, heartbreak and marriage. Rocca also talks with Marilyn Monroe biographer Michelle Morgan about another famous union of a media celebrity with a sports legend.