Prosecutors in New York have expanded their case against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing him of coercing two additional women into commercial sex acts, and of dangling a person over an apartment balcony.
Combs has been in jail since September after an initial indictment charged him with racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
On Thursday, the indictment was updated to add two more victims, although no new charges were added to the case.
The musician, 55, has strenuously denied all the accusations against him, including the federal criminal case and more than 30 separate civil lawsuits.
In response to the superseding indictment, his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said the prosecution’s case “remains flawed”.
“The government has added the ridiculous theory that two of Mr Combs’s former girlfriends were not girlfriends at all, but were prostitutes. Mr Combs is as committed as ever to fighting these charges and winning at trial.”
The original indictment identified only one victim, named in court documents as “Victim-1”, whose accusations aligned closely to those of Cassandra Ventura – the singer who sued Combs for rape and sex trafficking in 2023.
In the new filing, prosecutors allege that Combs “used force, threats of force, and coercion, to cause victims, including but not limited to three female victims” to engage in commercial sex acts.
That alleged violence was vividly illustrated in a video of the musician kicking, dragging and throwing a vase at Ms Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
In the new indictment, prosecutors claim that “Combs, with the assistance of several close associates, paid hotel security staff $100,000” (£80,000) for the footage.
However, it was leaked to CNN last year. Combs later said he was “disgusted” by the footage and had sought “professional help” after the incident.
The updated indictment signals that federal prosecutors are widening their case against Combs as his trial date in May approaches.
A footnote to the document notes that their investigation is ongoing and that further updates will be filed “as promptly as possible” ahead of the trial.
Amongst the new developments, prosecutors have moved the alleged start date of Combs’ sex trafficking offences back to 2004, four years earlier than previously stated.
They have also expanded the list of narcotics the musician allegedly used to keep his victims “obedient and silent” – adding methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms to the previously cited cocaine, oxycodone and ketamine.
The accusation that Combs dangled a woman from a balcony mirrors a claim made in a civil lawsuit filed by fashion designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan last December.
Prosecutors also added a claim that Combs had assaulted not just women but also “his employees, witnesses to his abuse and others”.
The musician’s legal team has previously dismissed the charges against him as “baseless” and accused the government of conducting a “witch hunt.”
In the latest development in the case against Sean Combs, prosecutors have added two new victims to the list of allegations against the music mogul. The two new victims, whose names have not been released to the public, have come forward with allegations of assault and misconduct by Combs.
These new developments come on the heels of previous allegations made by several other individuals who have accused Combs of various forms of abuse and mistreatment. The addition of two new victims further strengthens the case against Combs and raises serious questions about his behavior and treatment of others.
As the case continues to unfold, it is clear that the prosecution is building a strong case against Combs. The addition of these new victims only serves to further highlight the serious nature of the allegations against him.
Stay tuned for more updates as this case continues to develop.
Disabled pilot speaks out after Trump blames diversity and inclusion for DC plane crash
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The so-called “black box” from the Black Hawkhelicopter, which collided with a passenger jet in Washington, D.C., has now been recovered, according to the National Transport Safety Board.
Both boxes from the American Airlines aircraft were previously found, and all three devices will now be taken for analysis, NTSB spokesman Todd Inman said on Friday.
Speaking about the helicopter’s black box, he said: “I can tell you from a visual inspection, we saw no exterior damage that would indicate that it was compromised at this time. So we have a high level of confidence that we will be able to have a full extraction.”
As of Friday morning, 41 bodies had been recovered, officials said, including the three service members on the Black Hawk. All 67 people involved in the crash are presumed dead.
“I understand some people have associated me with the crash in D.C. and that is false. It is insulting to the families to try to tie this to some sort of political agenda,” she said in a Facebook video with the caption: “proof of life.”
Black Hawk helicopter was on a ‘continuity of government’ training flight
The Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger jet in Washington on Wednesday was on a training flight along a route core to a seldom-discussed military mission to evacuate senior officials to safety in the event of an attack on the U.S., officials say.
The military mission, known as “continuity of government” and “continuity of operations,” is meant to preserve the ability of the U.S. government to operate.
Most days, crews like the one killed on Wednesday transport VIPs around Washington, which is buzzing with helicopter traffic.
But U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed the Black Hawk crew’s ties to the mission during a White House press conference on Thursday, saying they “were on a routine, annual re-training of night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.”
Still, little of such missions is publicly discussed.
The three soldiers killed in the collision were part of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, whose responsibilities in a national crisis include evacuating Pentagon officials. Another 64 people were killed in the passenger plane.
Holly Evans1 February 2025 14:02
Is flying really safer than driving? What the stats show after devastating Washington D.C. plane crash
Recovery efforts are ongoing for dozens of bodies in the Potomac River, where the remnants of the American Airlines flight and the US army Black Hawk helicopter lie after the January 29 disaster.
Officials in the US have sought to reassure citizens that flying is safe. Transport secretary Sean Duffy insisted that passengers should be “assured” that flying is a safe mode of transport in a press conference on Thursday morning.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans1 February 2025 13:01
Who was flying the American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter before Washington DC crash?
Holly Evans1 February 2025 12:11
Who is Jo Ellis, the transgender pilot wrongly named in DC crash?
Jo Ellis’s record of service in the Virginia National Guard appears to be nothing but honorable.
She served in Iraq as a helicopter door gunner, then in Kuwait as part of the multi-national fight against the Islamic State. And in 2023, with the support of her commanders, she began medically transitioning to female.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans1 February 2025 12:00
Issue around shortage of tower controllers highlighted by crash
The crash has shone a spotlight on concerns about air safety and a shortage of tower controllers at the heavily congested airport that serves the U.S. capital.
The FAA is about 3,000 controllers behind staffing targets. The agency said in 2023 that it had 10,700 certified controllers, about the same as a year earlier.
One controller rather than two was handling local plane and helicopter traffic on Wednesday at the airport, a situation deemed “not normal” but considered adequate for lower volumes of traffic, according to a person briefed on the matter. Duffy on Thursday vowed to reform the FAA.
Airspace is crowded around the Washington area, home to three commercial airports, multiple military bases and some senior government officials who are ferried around by helicopter.
Over a three-year period ending in 2019, there was an average of 80 helicopter flights per day within 30 miles (48 km) of Reagan National Airport, with the majority either military or law enforcement flights, according to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report.
Holly Evans1 February 2025 11:00
Philadelphia plane crash: What we know so far after Learjet crash goes down in huge explosion near mall
The aircraft came down just after 6 p.m. local time near the Roosevelt Mall, damaging several homes and vehicles. Shocking footage showed a large mushroom-shaped fireball shooting into the sky.
City law enforcement quickly declared the crash a “major incident” and urged residents to stay away from the area.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans1 February 2025 10:10
The National Transportation Safety Board have conducted interviews with air traffic controllers, member Todd Inman said, including the lone controller working inside Reagan’s tower at the time of the crash on Wednesday.
Authorities have not identified a cause, and Inman said the board would not engage in speculation before completing its investigation.
“The NTSB is an independent, bipartisan board – 58 years as the gold standard. Our job is to find the facts, but more importantly, our job is to make sure this tragedy doesn’t happen again, regardless of what anyone may be saying,” Inman said, adding that he had not spoken to President Donald Trump or anyone at the White House.
The board have interviewed the lone air traffic controller who was in Reagan Tower (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Holly Evans1 February 2025 10:00
Attorney killed in crash had been ‘super excited’ for her birthday drinks
Elizabeth Anne Keys, an attorney, had traveled to Wichita on a business trip and was worried she might not be able to celebrate her 33rd birthday back in Washington with her longtime partner, David Seidman.
But her work meeting wrapped up with time to spare, allowing her to catch the flight on her birthday and make plans for the couple to get drinks late that night, Seidman said.
Keys, a native of Cincinnati, and Seidman, from New York, met as law students at Washington’s Georgetown University. The capital became their city, and Keys was endlessly energetic as they explored it together.
She played the saxophone, oboe and bassoon in high school and was on the sailing team in college. She loved taking ski trips out West, hiking in Hawaii and entertaining friends around the fire pit at her home, her family said.
Seidman said he had never skied until she encouraged him to give it a shot. She wanted to try golf next, and they were planning to take lessons.”It was like that for everything,” he said. “She was nonstop all the time.”
Holly Evans1 February 2025 09:00
The moments Grace Maxwell shared with her grandfather over the years were “his greatest joy.” And a trip home to Wichita, Kansas, allowed the 20-year-old to be by his side one final time.
Maxwell, a mechanical engineering major, was returning to college just a day after her grandfather’s funeral when she and 66 others were killed in Wednesday’s collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C.
As Maxwell’s classmates filled the pews of Cedarville University’s chapel Friday, they joined others mourning the singular lives lost and grasping to make sense of the random circumstances that put friends and loved ones in harm’s way Wednesday night.
Grace Maxwell was among 67 victims who died in the plane crash (Facebook/AP)
“Can you imagine losing a parent and seven days later losing a child?” Cedarville’s president, Thomas White, said to those assembled at the university in southwestern Ohio.
Maxwell was known on campus for her devotion to helping others, working this semester on making a hand-stabilizing device to help a disabled boy feed himself and chipping in at the student radio station, the school said.
“We don’t know why a young, bright, shining star was taken from us way too soon,” White said.
Holly Evans1 February 2025 08:00
Mechanical failure or human error? What might’ve caused the D.C. plane crash that killed 67 people
The fatal midair collision on Wednesday evening between an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet moments away from landing at Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport was a shocking and extremely rare occurrence, according to experts who believe human error is the likeliest explanation behind the tragedy that claimed dozens of lives.
Justin Rohrlich has more:
Mike Bedigan1 February 2025 07:00
In the wake of the tragic DC plane crash, authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation. The black box from the army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the small plane has been recovered from the wreckage.
This crucial piece of evidence is expected to provide valuable insights into the moments leading up to the fatal crash. Investigators are hopeful that the data stored in the black box will shed light on what went wrong and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the victims of the crash have been identified. The names of those who lost their lives in this devastating incident have been released, sending shockwaves through the community.
As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We hope that the recovery of the black box will bring some much-needed answers and closure to those affected by this tragedy. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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DC plane crash, Black Hawk helicopter, army, Black box, wreckage, victims, latest news, recovery, crash investigation, military aircraft, tragic accident
A year in the making brings the launch of Randy Travis’ new single, “Horses In Heaven” amidst a heavy week for many. Travis dedicates the single to a Warner Music executive who died this week and the 67 people who were killed when an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet while the plane was descending to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC on Tuesday night.
The song, penned by Jon Randall and Matt Nolen, had quite the journey to Country Music Hall of Famer, Travis. It’s a perfect fit for the artist who has been horseback since he was a baby. Harold Traywick, Randy’s late father, was a renowned horse trainer in North Carolina and ensured that his children inherited his skills.
Randy Travis addressed the heaviness of the moment in a statement on his social media, yesterday (Thurs, Jan 30th). “This has been an incredibly hard 24 hours. Last night, many souls were lost in the horrific plane crash in Washington, D.C. and this morning, we lost a dear member of our country music and Warner Music family, publishing giant Ben Vaughn. My prayers are with all of the people affected by these losses, including members of our team,” he writes. “Tomorrow’s song release, ‘Horses In Heaven’ feels like a timely reminder of God’s love and mercy and I hope it brings some comfort to those of us hurting through these tragedies. We have decided to continue with this release and promotion of it, but felt remiss to not share what’s on my heart right now… God Bless Ben, the victims of last night’s crash and all who are feeling the heaviness of this moment.”
“Horses in Heaven” follows last year’s release of Where That Came From,” which marked the neotraditionalist’s first charted song in two decades. The song made history as Travis authorized his longtime producer Kyle Lehning to use a revolutionary AI-powered voice model to release his first new music in over a decade. With the help of two amazing songwriters John Scott Sherrill and Scotty Emerick, Lehning, the musicians who helped make his songs so iconic for decades of recording and special guest vocalist James Dupré, provided a new musician credit “vocal bed” for the song.
Travis is a titan of country music – a “Mt. Rushmore of Country Music” figure for countless artists who have stood in his footsteps. His music continues to resonate with today’s listeners just as it did when he first hit the airwaves in 1986. His latest RIAA certification proves that enduring impact – his 2002 single “Three Wooden Crosses” earned platinum of one million sales in July 2024. His signature sophomore album – the astounding five-time platinum Always & Forever – features the double-platinum single “Forever and Ever, Amen” while Travis’ debut genre-altering album Storms of Life is certified triple platinum and sits alongside two double platinum, four platinum, and four gold albums, in addition to numerous single certifications. Travis set and maintained many sales pinnacles – like the most weeks at No. 1 of any country album – that has only been beaten by names like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and more recently, Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen.
This year, fans can catch him on the road with Dupré on vocals for the More Life Tour, a musical celebration of Randy Travis with his original band and all of the hits.
Country music legend Randy Travis paid tribute to the victims of the recent Washington DC aerial crash by dedicating his song ‘Horses in Heaven’ to them. The tragic incident took the lives of several individuals, leaving a community in mourning.
In a heartfelt gesture, Travis took to social media to share a video of himself performing the emotional ballad, expressing his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The lyrics of the song, which speak of finding solace and peace in the afterlife, resonated deeply with those affected by the tragedy.
As the country music community comes together to offer support and comfort during this difficult time, Randy Travis’s touching tribute serves as a reminder of the healing power of music and the strength that can be found in unity and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the Washington DC aerial crash. #HorsesinHeaven #RandyTravis #WashingtonDCTribute #CountryMusicCommunity #HealingThroughMusic.
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The FireAid benefit concert, the one-night-only event that will bring together 27 musicians, is taking place tonight to help fund efforts to rebuild communities impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. You can watch the live stream here on CBS News 24/7.
Contributions made to FireAid “will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation and will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California,” organizers said.
Here’s everything you need to know about the music event, including how to watch, what artists are performing and how to help the wildfire victims.
How to watch the FireAid benefit concert
What: FireAid Benefit Concert
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Location: Performances will take place between two Los Angeles venues, the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.
Time: The show kicks off at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST at the Kia Forum. At Intuit Dome, the performances begin at 10:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. PST.
Online stream: The concert will be streamed across multiple platforms, including for free on CBS News 24/7, available on CBSNews.com, the CBS News app and Paramount+. Select AMC Theatres will also host screenings.
Those needing recovery assistance can apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Join us tonight for a special benefit concert, Los Angeles FireAid, supporting those affected by the recent wildfires in our community.
Tune in to watch live performances from some of the biggest names in music, all coming together to raise funds and show support for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the fires.
You can watch the concert live on our website or on our social media channels. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and enjoy some amazing music at the same time. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors in need. #LAfireAid #SupportFireVictims.
LOS ANGELES — Celtics guard Jrue Holiday’s home in Ventura County has not been damaged by the Los Angeles wildfires, but returning here this week he has been met with startling reminders of how severely life has changed for so many.
When he went to drive to his home he found some of his usual routes blocked off because of the destruction from the fires. And as the Celtics eked out a 117-113 overtime win over the Clippers on Wednesday night, Holiday’s sister, Lo, was evacuated from her home in Santa Clarita because a new fire was raging across 1,000 acres.
Lo Holiday and the rest of their family here are safe, but the overall devastation has been crushing to Jrue, who was able to do very little while about 2,500 miles away in Boston. But this week he has helped organize meetings with families who lost everything.
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Before the Clippers game, Holiday and several other Celtics met with three families with young children, and more are expected to attend Thursday’s game against the Lakers as guests of the Celtics.
“Obviously, LA is close to my heart,” Holiday told the Globe. “I still have a place out here, UCLA is right around the corner, and where I went to high school is right around the corner. So to see families just lose everything is hard. I still have family out here who are affected by the fires, so I think trying to bring light to a pretty dim situation is important.”
The families received care packages from the Celtics as well as other memorabilia. Al Horford signed an NBA Finals jersey for a child in one family, and Jaylen Brown autographed two of his All-Star jerseys for another. On Thursday night, Jayson Tatum is planning to meet with a family from his hometown of St. Louis that was previously homeless and received permanent housing in Los Angeles just before being evacuated because of the fires.
Holiday is hopeful that the gifts and interactions will provide some comfort for these families during a dark time, but he and his wife Lauren are exploring ways to do even more through their foundation and their JLH Social Impact Fund. They have put a resource page up on the foundation’s website and are already working with grantees involved in providing relief services.
“I think for me and my wife, just trying to brainstorm to see what we can do to bring people comfort or things they may need at the moment,” Holiday said. “It’s just hard to imagine what happens to them long term. They have young kids who are probably in school somewhere and have to figure out their life now, which is pretty difficult. I feel blessed to be able to help any way I can.”
In the wake of devastating wildfires that have ravaged communities across the country, NBA star Jrue Holiday has stepped up to offer support and solace to those affected.
Holiday, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, recently donated $1 million to help those impacted by the fires, including providing essential supplies, shelter, and resources to those in need. Additionally, he has been actively involved in relief efforts, volunteering his time and resources to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In a statement, Holiday expressed his deep concern for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the fires, and his commitment to doing everything he can to help them through this difficult time. His generosity and compassion have brought hope and comfort to many of those who have been affected by the fires, and his actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another in times of crisis.
As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the fires, Holiday’s contributions serve as a beacon of light and hope, showing that even in the face of tragedy, there are always those willing to lend a helping hand and make a difference.
In addition, DOJ has sent 500 price gouging warning letters to hotels and landlords
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of charges against a real estate agent for attempting to price gouge a couple who lost their home in the Los Angeles Eaton Fire. This investigation began when a complaint was filed with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) after the couple tried to rent a home after the Governor’s Emergency Order went into effect, which protects fire victims from price gouging. As part of Attorney General Bonta’s work to protect Californians following the Southern California wildfires, DOJ has also sent 500 warning letters – and counting – to hotels and landlords who have been accused of price gouging. In addition, the office has more active criminal investigations into price gouging underway.
“As I have said repeatedly, the price gouging must stop. Today, we are making good on our promise to hold price gougers accountable, with more to come,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I have been urging the public to report any such incidents to local authorities, or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report or by reaching out to our hotline at (800) 952-5225. The response has been astonishing and we have sent out 500 warning letters. Today, I am proud to announce that we have filed a case charging price gouging. May this announcement serve as a stern warning to those who would seek to further victimize those who have lost everything. DOJ is aggressively and relentlessly pursuing those who are trying to make a quick buck off of someone else’s pain.”
The investigation revealed that the couple applied to rent a home but after the application was received, they were informed that the price increased by 38%. They decided to not rent the house due to the increase in price. Due to the price being raised over the 10% limit laid out in Penal Code section 396, a charge was filed that carries potential penalty of a $10,000 maximum fine and the possibility of 12 months in jail.
Working alongside our District Attorneys, City Attorneys, and other law enforcement partners, DOJ has opened active investigations into price gouging as it continues to ramp up deployment of resources to Los Angeles County to investigate and prosecute price gouging, fraud, scams, and unsolicited low-ball offers on property during the state of emergency. DOJ has been working diligently to tackle this unlawful and unscrupulous conduct since a state of emergency was declared on January 7, 2025, and to further those efforts, the launch of a website dedicated to its response: oag.ca.gov/LAFires.
California law – specifically, Penal Code section 396 – generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price a seller charged for an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For items a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller’s cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, transportation, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and long- and short-term rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local prosecutors can enforce the statute.
TIPS FOR REPORTING PRICE GOUGING, SCAMS, FRAUD AND OTHER CRIMES:
Include screenshots of all correspondence including conversations, text messages, direct messages (DMs), and voicemails
Provide anything that shows what prices you were offered, when, and by whom.
If you’re on a site like Zillow, you can also send screenshots of the price history and a link to the listing.
Include first and last names of the realtors, listing agents, or business owners you spoke to. Be sure to include phone numbers, email addresses, home and business addresses, websites, social media accounts.
Don’t leave out any information that can help us find and contact the business or landlord.
Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/LAfires. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.
Attorney General Bonta Files Charges Against a Southern California Real Estate Agent for Price Gouging Eaton Fire Victims
The State of California Department of Justice announced today that Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed charges against a Southern California real estate agent for allegedly price gouging victims of the devastating Eaton Fire.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the real estate agent is accused of jacking up the prices of rental properties in the aftermath of the fire, taking advantage of desperate residents who were left homeless by the disaster.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “Price gouging is illegal and unconscionable, especially in times of crisis when communities are already facing so much devastation. We will not tolerate anyone taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in their time of need.”
The charges against the real estate agent include violations of California’s price gouging laws, which prohibit businesses from increasing prices by more than 10% after a state of emergency has been declared.
If convicted, the real estate agent could face significant fines and penalties. The Department of Justice is urging anyone who may have been a victim of price gouging in the wake of the Eaton Fire to come forward and report their experience.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the case progresses through the legal system.
As dangerous fire weather conditions continue to blanket southern California, thousands are struggling after losing everything. The American Red Cross is there, providing help and hope with necessities like food, shelter, emotional care, recovery planning and financial assistance.
More than 15,000 structures have already been destroyed and more could be threatened this week. Unhealthy air quality warnings have been issued as winds continue to blow ash from the fire areas. Everyone should take precautions.
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Visit these links for more information about Red Cross and community resources and follow us for up-to-date information about the Red Cross response in California.
RED CROSS RESPONSE Eighty-eight-year-old Fay Austin was forced to evacuate as wildfires swept through her Altadena neighborhood, destroying her home. See her story here.Read more stories here.
This morning, more than 600 evacuees woke up in Red Cross shelters, where disaster health volunteers are caring for minor injuries and replacing things like eyeglasses and medications, and mental health workers are providing emotional support to those experiencing unimaginable loss. Caseworkers are helping shelter residents plan their next steps and connect them with other community resources. The top priority is housing, but people also need help with transportation, health care, childcare and other challenges.
The Red Cross is working closely with local officials, government agencies and other nonprofits to coordinate relief efforts and make recovery plans, including Disaster Recovery Centers in Los Angeles and Pasadena where people can access resources and aid from multiple organizations. Red Cross teams have also formed special task forces with government and community partners to support immediate and long-term needs such as feeding, veteran care and housing.
Communities are slowly reopening, and Red Crossers will be there with support and relief supplies to help as people return. As many as 730 Red Cross responders are working day and night to make sure people are not alone. Since the fires started over a week ago, the Red Cross has provided more than 10,000 overnight shelter stays and almost 90,000 meals and snacks with the help of partners.
GET HELP In addition to assisting those currently in our shelters, we are also providing financial assistance to residents who lived within the fire perimeters of Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, and Kenneth as defined by Cal OES. If you receive a call, text or email from the Red Cross, please follow the instructions provided in the message. If you lived within the fire perimeters and aren’t sure you received a message, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to sign up. To learn more about financial assistance, please visit redcross.org/gethelp.
We strongly encourage people to apply for federal aid at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. It’s important to know that eligibility for Red Cross assistance is not connected to FEMA. You don’t need approval from FEMA to get help from the Red Cross, and receiving money from the Red Cross won’t impact your eligibility for FEMA assistance or insurance payouts.
HOW YOU CAN HELP Families are depending on the Red Cross for assistance now, and we need your support. Help people affected by wildfires in California in 2025 by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
As the wildfires continue to burn and dangerous winter weather spreads across the country, the number of Red Cross blood drive cancelations has grown, impacting thousands of lifesaving blood donations. Donors of all blood types — particularly type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets — are needed to help save lives. Where it is safe to do so, we encourage people to schedule a blood donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Many people are generously offering their time, and our team is working through a high volume of volunteer applications. To get involved, go to https://www.redcross.org/volunteer and sign up today so we can connect you with specific areas of need in your community.
Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected — and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most. Red Cross shelters cannot accept donations of goods at this time. Please call 211 or visit https://211la.org/LA-Wildfires to find out which organizations are accepting these types of donations. Due to health code regulations, Red Cross shelters cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.
As the climate crisis worsens, disasters like wildfires and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense. This means the Red Cross is now launching twice as many relief operations for major disasters than a decade ago.
Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) Through the generosity of our American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder members, the American Red Cross is prepared before disaster strikes. ADGP and Disaster Responder members help secure a reliable funding base for disaster relief services that enables the Red Cross to respond immediately, meeting the needs of individuals and families affected by
Mission Leader Members: Amazon; American Airlines; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Costco Wholesale; State Farm; Truist Foundation
ADGP $1M Members: Anheuser-Busch Foundation; Bank of America; Caterpillar Foundation; Chobani; CMA CGM Foundation; Delta Air Lines; Elevance Health Foundation; Enterprise Mobility Foundation; FedEx; Lilly Endowment Inc.; Lowe’s Companies, Inc.; McDonald’s Corporation; Merck; Microsoft; Nationwide Foundation; The Pfizer Foundation; Six Four Foundation; The Starbucks Foundation; Takeda; VSP Vision; Walmart and the Walmart Foundation; Wells Fargo
ADGP $500k Members: ALDI; Altria Group; American Express; Aon; Baxter International Foundation; Boeing; Bread Financial; Capital One; Chick-fil-A; Citi Foundation; The Clorox Company; Danaher Foundation; Darden Foundation; Delta Dental; DHL Supply Chain; Edison International; Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation; Ford Philanthropy; Fox Corporation; GE Aerospace; General Motors; Google.org; HCA Healthcare; The Home Depot Foundation; The J.M. Smucker Company; Johnson Controls Foundation; ; The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation; The Kroger Co. Foundation; Liberty Mutual Insurance; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Mastercard; Mondelēz International Foundation; New Balance Foundation; Paul Davis Restoration; PayPal; PepsiCo Foundation; PetSmart Charities; Southeastern Grocers Gives Foundation & Southeastern Grocers, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie; Stryker; Suburban Propane; Target; The TJX Companies, Inc.; Toyota; United Airlines; UPS; USAA; U.S. Bank Foundation; Visa Foundation; The Walt Disney Company; The Wawa Foundation; Wesco; Zoetis Foundation
Disaster Responder Members: 7-Eleven Cares Foundation; Adobe Foundation; The AES Corporation; Albemarle Corporation; The Allstate Foundation; American Tire Distributors; American Water Charitable Foundation; Ameriprise Financial; Assurant; AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; Avangrid Foundation; Barclays; Bath & Body Works;; Build-A-Bear Foundation; Canadian National Railway; CarMax; CDW; Charles Schwab Foundation; Cisco and Cisco Foundation; CNA Insurance; The Coca-Cola Foundation; The Deluxe Foundation; DENSO North America Foundation; The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation; Discover; Dollar General; Dollar Tree and Family Dollar; Duke Energy; Erie Insurance; Equitable; Fifth Third Foundation; FirstEnergy Corporation; Harbor Freight Tools Foundation, LLC;; HP Foundation; International Paper; Invitation Homes; Johnson & Johnson Foundation; Keurig Dr Pepper; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; L’Oréal; The Labcorp Charitable Foundation; Lenovo ; LKQ; Macy’s, Inc.; Major League Baseball; Marathon Petroleum Corporation; Martin Marietta; Masco Corporation; McKesson Foundation; MetLife Foundation; Neiman Marcus Group; NextEra Energy, Inc.; Norfolk Southern; Northrop Grumman Foundation; Northwestern Mutual; Novartis; Old Dominion Freight Line; Pacific Life Foundation;; Prudential; Raymond James; RBC Foundation USA; Reckitt; Reliance, Inc.; Reynolds American Inc.; RTX; Ryder System, Inc.; Salesforce; Santander Bank and Santander Consumer USA Foundation Inc. ; Security Finance’s Lending Hand Foundation; ServiceNow; Southwest Airlines; Stanley Black & Decker; Stephens; Tennant Foundation; U-Haul International; Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation; US Foods; Yum! Brands; Zurich
The California wildfires have been devastating communities across the state, leaving many people without homes or access to basic necessities. As dangerous fire conditions continue to threaten more areas, the Red Cross is stepping in to help those in need.
The Red Cross has set up shelters and evacuation centers for displaced residents, providing them with food, water, and other essential supplies. Volunteers are also offering mental health support to those who have been traumatized by the fires.
In addition to providing immediate assistance, the Red Cross is working to help families recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the wildfires. This includes offering financial assistance for temporary housing, clothing, and other necessities.
As the wildfires rage on, the Red Cross is committed to helping as many people as possible and ensuring that no one is left behind. If you would like to support their efforts, consider making a donation or volunteering your time to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference and help California wildfire victims get back on their feet.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry “show up” when it matters, regardless of the cameras or criticism they may face as a result, according to their friend José Andrés.
“I mean, listen, I consider them friends,” the WCK founder and restaurateur, 55, says of the pair, who have longstanding ties to his organization. “I know they are in the spotlight — not just in America, but in Britain — and what I can tell you from what I know is that they don’t have to, but they decide to do it.”
Prince Harry (left) and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo (middle) assist victims of the L.A. wildfires.
Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
On Jan. 10, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, visited the WCK location in Pasadena to help distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire, aid that The Bazaar and Zaytinya owner called “amazing.”
“Probably, you feel like it’s better that nobody does anything, because nobody criticizes you for showing up — but the amazing thing is that they show up,” Andrés says. “The hugs I saw [them] give to the people that recognize them and even the people that don’t recognize them, it’s people that just want somebody to listen to them, and give them a hug.”
Adds the chef: “I’m just glad that they show up like so many others.”
Meghan Markle helps victims of the L.A. wildfires on Jan. 10, 2025.
Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
“The joy they bring to the people, the joy they bring to the first responders, or the people that lost everything… and to see those celebrities giving hugs and crying with the people when some of those celebrities lost their homes — they could be home, but they are there,” he tells PEOPLE. “And I think anybody that does anything, celebrity or not, only they will always forever get my applause and my recognition.”
Some of the individuals assisting WCK and other relief efforts, he continues, “may be celebrities, but in those moments they are one more person willing to do absolutely anything for anybody.”
“So, for everybody that was able to show up even for an hour, for me, they’re amazing people, because they don’t have to because some of them, they are suffering the consequences, maybe, of the fire,” he says. “But there they are and they don’t do it where there are cameras, they’re doing it where there is nobody.”
Speaking about the aid Meghan and Harry “anonymously” provided to the victims of the wildfires, as well as first responders and others affected, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told local news outlet FOX 11 that the couple “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders.”
“They want to be as helpful as they can be … we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena,” Gordo continued. “They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.”
“Delaying the release of With Love, Meghan was likely an easy decision for her. I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in,” the insider said. “I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe.”
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
Celebrity chef José Andrés took to social media to praise Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for their recent visit to Los Angeles fire victims. The royal couple visited a community kitchen run by Andrés’ organization, World Central Kitchen, to meet with those affected by the devastating wildfires in California.
Andrés, who is known for his humanitarian efforts and providing meals to those in need during times of crisis, expressed his gratitude for Meghan and Harry’s support. In a tweet, he wrote, “Thank you Meghan and Harry for visiting our community kitchen and for your continued commitment to helping those in need. Your compassion and dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been vocal advocates for various social issues, including environmental conservation and supporting those affected by natural disasters. Their visit to the community kitchen in Los Angeles was a testament to their ongoing efforts to use their platform for positive change.
Andrés’ praise for Meghan and Harry serves as a reminder of the importance of using one’s influence to help others and make a meaningful impact in the world. The royal couple’s visit to the fire victims in L.A. is just one example of their dedication to supporting communities in times of need.
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José Andrés, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, L.A. fire victims, humanitarian efforts, celebrity philanthropy, disaster relief, community support, positive news, inspirational acts, royal visit, California wildfires, celebrity activism
LOS ANGELES — Actress Halle Berry has taken a heartfelt step to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Berry announced on Instagram on Jan. 9 that she was donating her entire wardrobe to those in need.
The Oscar-winner is collaborating with fellow actress Sharon Stone and +COOP, a home goods store in Beverly Hills, to promote donation efforts, collecting gently used clothing for men, women and children displaced by the fires.
+COOP was founded by real estate agent Jenna Cooper and turned its shop into up a temporary fire relief donation collection center amid the deadly wildfires.
“I’m packing up my entire closet and heading over to the COOP! If you live in the Southern California area, I urge you to do the same,” Berry wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Thursday. “This is something we can do right now today to help all of the displaced families that are in need of the basics today!”
She added, “Thank you @sharonstone for your leadership. Love you Lady .”
The post included a video clip originally shared on Stone’s Instagram account a day earlier, in which Stone is heard promoting the donation effort.
“We’re at the COOP at 7282 Beverly Blvd., collecting gently used clothing for kids, men, women, children, people that have been displaced and affected by the fire,” she says, before taking viewers inside the shop to show the relief effort in action.
She added, “We have beautiful cashmere sweaters, jeans, new socks, shoes, clothes, blankets … you can come and shop, you can also come and donate.”
In a separate post on Jan. 9, Stone revealed that donations were already “pouring in,” adding, “We had to make a makeshift sign because we had cars lined up around the block donating.”
The LA wildfires have caused significant destruction, resulting in thousands of families being displaced.
At least 24 people have died and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for. Firefighters continue to battle the flames, which remain only partially contained and have been fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds.
In addition to Berry and Stone, other celebrities, organizations and major corporations have also stepped up to support wildfire relief efforts.
Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation has donated $2.5 million for LA wildfire relief. SAG-AFTRA said over the weekend that it had donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation “to assist members experiencing hardship caused by the Los Angeles fires.”
Halle Berry, the award-winning actress and philanthropist, is making a generous donation to help those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. The actress took to social media to announce that she will be donating her “entire closet” to support the victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.
In her post, Berry expressed her sadness over the destructive wildfires and urged her followers to join her in supporting those in need. She shared a photo of herself standing in front of her closet, which was filled with designer clothes, shoes, and accessories that she will be donating to those who have lost everything in the fires.
Berry’s donation is just one of the many ways that celebrities and individuals are coming together to support those affected by the wildfires. The fires have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of people and destroying homes and businesses.
It’s heartwarming to see celebrities like Halle Berry using their platform and resources to make a difference in times of crisis. Let’s continue to support those affected by the wildfires and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
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California wildfires, Halle Berry, donation, LA wildfire victims, celebrity donation, California disaster relief, Halle Berry closet donation, celebrity philanthropy, wildfire relief efforts, California wildfires impact, California wildfires news.
Angelina Jolie’s 16-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne, were seen grabbing more groceries in Los Feliz, Calif., on Friday as their family continues their efforts to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
The brother and sister were both dressed casually for the errand run. Knox wore a pair of tan pants and a graphic t-shirt, while Vivienne sported a cream-colored sweatshirt and light-colored corduroy pants.
Both twins had their arms full as they carried two large paper bags filled with goods.
Jolie, 49, skipped out on this grocery run, but she was photographed with them on Tuesday leaving the same Lazy Acres market during a different trip.
Angelina Jolie’s twins, Knox and Vivienne, were spotted on another grocery run as the family continues to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. SL, Terma / BACKGRIDKnox wore a white t-shirt and a pair of tan pants for the casual outing with his sister. SL, Terma / BACKGRIDVivienne also dressed casually in a cream-colored sweater and pants. SL, Terma / BACKGRID
Knox, who towered over his famous mother and sister, was photographed at the time carrying a watermelon in one hand and a paper bag in the other. He wore a T-shirt, cargo pants and sneakers.
Jolie, meanwhile, looked effortlessly chic for the outing, wearing a tan coat over her ankle-length black dress, which she paired with a pair of black flats and dark sunglasses.
Vivienne, for her part, rocked a hoodie, jeans and sneakers and also helped carry some paper bags.
Jolie was previously spotted with her twin children grabbing other groceries on Tuesday. SL, Terma / BACKGRIDThe twins carried water and other necessities with them outside of the grocery store at the time. SL, Terma / BACKGRID
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Last week, Jolie revealed how she is doing her part to support the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
“Right now I’m taking care of people close to me and having them at my house,” the Oscar winner told the the Daily Mail at the time.
She also shared that she would be donating to fire relief efforts in the coming weeks.
Jolie shared she’s been helping those affected by the LA fires by housing some of her loved ones at her California home. Getty Images for NetflixShe also shared that she would be donating to fire relief efforts. Getty Images
Jolie joins the likes of other philanthropic celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis — who announced she was donating $1 million to victims — as well as Kylie Jenner and Mark Zuckerberg.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also made unspecified donations to local relief organizations and housed friends who were forced to evacuate in their Montecito, Calif., mansion.
Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Harry Hamlin, Michelle Pfeiffer and more have also donated bags of clothes to those whose possessions were destroyed.
Angelina Jolie’s twins, Knox and Vivienne, go on grocery run as mom helps LA fires victims
In a heartwarming gesture of kindness and compassion, Angelina Jolie’s twins, Knox and Vivienne, were spotted going on a grocery run with their famous mom as she helped victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The adorable duo, who are now 13 years old, were seen pushing a cart filled with essential items like water, canned goods, and personal hygiene products as they made their way through the aisles of a local grocery store. Dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts, the siblings seemed to be in good spirits as they assisted their mother in purchasing supplies for those affected by the fires.
Meanwhile, Angelina was also seen lending a helping hand by organizing relief efforts and providing support to families who have been displaced by the wildfires. The Hollywood actress has always been known for her philanthropic work and dedication to humanitarian causes, and her actions during this difficult time are a true testament to her commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
It is heartwarming to see a celebrity like Angelina Jolie instilling values of compassion and empathy in her children, and it is inspiring to witness the next generation stepping up to make a difference in times of crisis. The Jolie-Pitt family’s efforts to help those in need during this challenging time are a reminder that even the smallest gestures of kindness can go a long way in making the world a better place.
