Body of missing hiker recovered from tallest mountain in Lower 48 after storms stall efforts

The body of a missing hiker was recovered on Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the Lower 48, by a helicopter rescue team, the Inyo County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

California labor leader Dolores Huerta dies at 96

California's iconic labor leader, Dolores Huerta, has died at the age of 96, her family said on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of community activism that her protégés say should last on because of how she led and trained them. 

Coastal flooding causes commotion for California

Coastal flooding caused some commotion Monday in parts of California, causing at least one driver to be stuck in his flooded car and closures on some major roads.

San Quentin now resembles a college campus

From the outside, the facility formerly known as San Quentin State Prison in Marin County remains familiar to many as a fortress-like compound of old buildings. However, a major transformation has taken place at what is now known as a rehabilitation center.

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.

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."

California couple arrested after 21 surrogate children found in abuse investigation

A California couple has been arrested on severe child abuse charges after authorities uncovered an alleged surrogacy scheme involving at least 21 children living under abusive conditions inside their Arcadia home.

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.

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.

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.