Wildfires finally end in New South Wales
After nearly 240 days of burning, the fires are completely over – and the areas that need rain the most will get it
Australia Wildfires
Australian soldiers caring for rescued koalas
The soldiers fed 28 rescued koalas and helped build climbing structures for them in their new home.
In ashes of Australia's bushfires, town pulls together to rebuild
"I've spent the last two weeks calling 120 brides to tell them we can't host their wedding," said Kurt Menzel, the owner of Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat.
3 U.S. firefighters killed in Australia identified
All three had long military and firefighting careers and were contracted to help fight the wildfires in Australia.
Dust storms and hail wreak havoc in fire-ravaged Australia
Hail storm in Canberra damaged public buildings, businesses, homes and cars, cut power to some suburbs, brought down trees and caused flash flooding.
Drivers in Australia can be fined up to $11,000 for tossing a lit cigarette
Officials in New South Wales are enforcing harsher penalties amid unprecedented destruction from wildfires.
As Australia burns, it's Murdoch vs. Murdoch on climate change
Media mogul's son is the latest to accuse him of downplaying the role of global warming in the lethal blazes.
Australian firefighters save ancient "dinosaur" trees
The trees were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in 1994 – and there are only 200 left.
Dog team rescues koalas injured in Australia's fires
CBS News followed three special canines, Tommy, Emma and Becky, and their trainer Steve Austin, as they searched scorched land for injured but still living koalas.
American firefighters met with cheers in Sydney
U.S. firefighters who've teamed up with Australians to fight bushfires describe challenges of environment, being away from family.
Smoke from Australia fires circling the world
NASA says the fires have caused "unprecedented" conditions that will effect the entire globe.
Australia airdrops food for starving wildlife
Dubbed Operation Rock Wallaby, this is the most widespread food drop yet to help save the endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies.
Serena Williams wins first title in three years
The title also marks the 38-year-old's first since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia, who joined her mother for a sweet moment on court.
Australia fire crisis triggers mass protests
"We're fired up about climate action," one sign read.
Bethenny Frankel planning to fly firefighters to Australia
In an interview with CBS News, Frankel made an appeal to airlines to help her fly firefighters to Australia.
Heroic dog saves hundreds of animals from Australian wildfire
"Patsy the Corryong Wonderdog" rescued 900 sheep from the approaching flames.
Leo DiCaprio's foundation donating $3 million to help Australia wildfires
Earth Alliance says it created a fund to help with an "international response to the catastrophic bushfires" raging in the country.
Kylie Jenner donates $1 million to fight Australia fires
Jenner made the donation after getting backlash on social media for an Instagram post.
Australia fires could be moving some animals closer to extinction
Researchers say koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and other animals have perished either directly or indirectly as a result of the fires.
Australia wildfires: Animals in peril across the country
More than 1 billion animals are feared dead.
Wildfires scorch nearly a third of Australian island
Satellite pictures show more than 380,000 acres of Kangaroo Island — a former haven for wildlife — destroyed by the brushfires.
Comedian Celeste Barber raises $32 million for wildfire relief
Over 1.2 million people have donated to Barber's Facebook fundraiser since it launched last week.
Lizzo volunteers at Aussie food bank during wildfires
Lizzo joined other volunteers who had been working tirelessly for 6 days, packing emergency supplies for those in need.
Over 1 billion animals feared dead in Australian wildfires
An ecologist at the University of Sydney, who estimated last week that nearly half a billion animals had died in the fires, has increased his estimate to over 1 billion.
Chris Hemsworth pledges $1 million to help battle Australia fires
"Hopefully you guys can chip in too," Hemsworth said.
World
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
10 dead after stampede at a Christmas charity event in Nigeria
The stampede occurred in the early morning at a church in Nigeria, prompting evacuations at the church.
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people - including a 9-year-old - and injuring 200 others.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
U.S.
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Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Politics
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Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
HealthWatch
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A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
World
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Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
10 dead after stampede at a Christmas charity event in Nigeria
The stampede occurred in the early morning at a church in Nigeria, prompting evacuations at the church.
Entertainment
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Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
The New York City Ballet has been performing "The Nutcracker" for decades. Each year, young dancers make their mark on the ballet.
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.
The man behind method acting
50 years ago, "The Godfather Part II" was playing in theaters nationwide. The film catapulted Lee Strasberg, whose namesake form of acting preparation was used by some of the film's leads, to stardom. Dozens of the entertainment industry's biggest stars have trained at his institute, learning the techniques of method acting. Michelle Miller went behind the scenes to learn more about "The Method Man."
The young dancers behind a holiday classic
The New York City Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" began in 1954 and has remained one of the most enduring shows at Lincoln Center. Two young dancers taking the stage this year opened up about living their dream and keeping a holiday classic alive.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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The Dish: Rick Bayless
Chicago-based chef Rick Bayless has spent decades traveling to Mexico, bringing the flavors and traditions back to the United States. He's written nine cookbooks and hosted a PBS cooking show, while his restaurants have earned culinary honors, including Michelin stars. Now, on a special holiday edition of the Dish, Bayless opens up about his annual tradition of spending Christmas in Mexico.
Ben Folds performs "The Christmas Song"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "The Christmas Song."
Ben Folds performs "Me And Maurice"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "Me And Maurice."
Ben Folds performs "We Could Have This"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "We Could Have This."
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.