Financial steps before and after a wildfire
Here are the must-know things about your home and car insurance -- and the must-take documents in case of evacuation
California Wildfires
"I had to save them first": Family, rescuers recount "close" escape from wildfires
Pepe Tamayo returned Thursday to the home he and his family fled from in California. He almost didn't make it out of the fire alive
California Wildfires: Sonoma Sheriff gives press briefing - live updates
With the wildfires closing in on Sonoma valley, Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano gives a press briefing
Fire chief: Deadly California blazes will "get worse"
Wildfires are already well on their way to becoming the deadliest and most destructive in California history
Communication issues plague California as wildfires rage
California Highway Patrol went door to door in parts of Sonoma County Wednesday night strongly advising people to leave their homes
Firefighters battle 22 Calif. fires
There is no end in sight for the wildfire danger in Northern California. The fires are now blamed for at least 23 deaths and 285 others are reported missing, though officials suspect many of them are just out of touch with loved ones. Entire towns are under evacuation order as 22 large fires continue to burn across the state Thursday morning. Carter Evans reports.
Crucial communication proves difficult as wildfires knock out cell towers
Seventy-seven cell towers went down during the fire, meaning some people did not get alerts and could not contact their families
By the numbers: Deadly wildfires sweep California
More than 170,000 acres have been scorched so far -- or the equivalent of about 12 Manhattan islands
Couple killed in Calif. wildfires
Charles Rippey, 100, and his wife, Sara, 98, died in a firestorm that swept into their neighborhood in Napa, California. The couple met in grade school when their life-long love affair began. "It hit so fast. They just didn't have a chance," their son, Mike, told CBS News.
At least 23 dead, hundreds missing in California wildfires
Firefighters are still unable to gain control of the blazes, which are growing in number nearly three days after flames ignited
House to vote Thursday on relief package for wildfires, Puerto Rico
It's unclear when the Senate would vote on it since it's on recess this week and will return next week
Fast-moving Calif. wildfires leave scorched trail of destruction
So far, California has seen more than 2,000 fires this year -- that's up 22 percent from last year
Nearly 2 million western homes face "severe risk" of fire
The threat of fire damage is growing, even as real estate developers continue to build in fire-prone areas
"Extreme fire behavior and rapid growth" as Calif. swelters
Blaze erupts in Sonoma County as weather service warns Californians of dangerous fire conditions with Santa Ana winds whipping up
What homeowners need to know about wildfire coverage
California's devastating fires have many homeowners wondering if they're covered, so don't wait for disaster to strike
Devastating California wildfires
Fires force thousands to evacuate
Forecasters say wildfire threat growing for western states
Potential for big fires will remain above normal during August in parts of California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah because of dry grass and bushes
Calif. facing most volatile fire season in over 100 years, fire chief says
Thousands evacuated as wildfires threaten homes in Santa Clarita Valley; In last two months, nearly 100,000 acres have burned
Calif. homes burn as officials warn of fireworks danger
Five years of record drought have made California a tinderbox, ripe for explosive fire conditions
Family narrowly escapes raging California wildfire
Nearly 5,000 firefighters in California are battling at least half a dozen large wildfires; more than 150 homes destroyed
At least 150 homes destroyed in deadly Calif. wildfire
Cadaver dogs being used to search rubble of homes after at least 2 killed by inferno of destruction near Bakersfield
Fast-moving central California wildfire kills 2
"I've never been so close to a fast-moving, ferocious fire. It was unbelievable," resident says. "I almost didn't have time to get out"
Dozens of homes destroyed by new California wildfire
Hundreds of people forced to evacuate from rural communities in Central California northeast of Bakersfield, fire officials say
Will California wildfires merge into massive inferno?
At least 16 wildfires are raging in the West and an extreme heat wave is making matters worse, bringing triple-digit temperatures in some areas
California wildfires burn thousands of acres
Crews battling the Sherpa Fire, burning for the fifth day in Santa Barbara County, faced temperatures in the 90s
Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge convicted him of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
Wisconsin shooter was in contact with California man plotting his own attack
A California judge issued a restraining order against a 20-year-old man who told FBI agents he'd been messaging with the Wisconsin shooter, authorities and court documents say.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Teamsters going on strike against Amazon at several locations nationwide
The union says workers at seven facilities will walk off the job this morning. It's an attempt to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during the key holiday shopping period.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
New details of Captagon drug trade exposed with Assad regime's collapse
A CBS News team gained access to a site outside Damascus which holds the precursor chemicals for Captagon, one of the most popular street drugs in the Middle East and beyond.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Failed bill included disaster relief and other key funding measures
The 1,500-page measure would have done much more than prevent a government shutdown.
U.S.
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Wisconsin shooter was in contact with California man plotting his own attack
A California judge issued a restraining order Tuesday against a 20-year-old man who told FBI agents that he had been messaging with the Wisconsin shooter.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
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.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
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.
MoneyWatch
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Teamsters going on strike against Amazon at several locations nationwide
The Teamsters union says workers at seven facilities will walk off the job Thursday morning. It's an attempt to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during the key holiday shopping period.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Politics
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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.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
HealthWatch
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What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
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Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge in France has found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
New details of Captagon drug trade exposed with Assad regime's collapse
A CBS News team gained access to a site outside Damascus which holds the precursor chemicals for Captagon, one of the most popular street drugs in the Middle East and beyond.
Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
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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"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Crime
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Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge in France has found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
New details emerge about teen shooting suspect
We are learning more about the background of a 15-year-old girl who authorities said opened fire Monday at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and wounding six others. Ian Lee reports from Madison.
Mangione expected to waive extradition, lawyer says
Luigi Mangione, the man indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to waive extradition back to New York, his lawyer said Wednesday. Mangione is currently in custody in Pennsylvania.
Mangione's lawyer on extradition
An attorney for accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione said he plans to waive extradition to New York City this week. CBS News New York reporter Ali Baumen has the latest.
Space
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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.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Stopgap funding bill in limbo after GOP opposition
A bipartisan House deal on a short-term funding measure that would avoid a potential shutdown and keep the government operational through March appeared to have been scrapped Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and some hardline Republican lawmakers came out against it. Nikole Killion has details from Capitol Hill.
"CBS Evening News" headlines for Dec. 18, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
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.
Mangione expected to waive extradition, lawyer says
Luigi Mangione, the man indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to waive extradition back to New York, his lawyer said Wednesday. Mangione is currently in custody in Pennsylvania.
New details emerge about teen shooting suspect
We are learning more about the background of a 15-year-old girl who authorities said opened fire Monday at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and wounding six others. Ian Lee reports from Madison.