The Madre Fire is the largest wildfire in California in 2025 — surpassing the Los Angeles-area fires that devastated parts of the region in January.

A wildfire in California’s San Luis Obispo County rapidly expanded overnight and was covering more than 35,000 acres on Thursday morning, prompting evacuation orders, closing part of a highway and sending thick smoke billowing into neighboring counties. It is the biggest wildfire the state has seen this year.

A wildfire in a wilderness area of central California exploded in size as dry, hot weather raised the fire risk for large portions of the state ahead of the July Fourth holiday.

California lawmakers have officially voted to amend the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program. This week, the Senate approved and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law the bill that has been working its way through the Legislature meant to “modernize” the program and expand eligibility alongside the recently approved $750M in incentive funding.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Wednesday touted the newly expanded film and TV tax credit program as the entertainment industry continues to struggle to rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes.