Misinformation has surged following Hurricane Helene. Here's a fact check.
Officials have said baseless claims, amplified by former President Trump and others, are hindering recovery efforts.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Fact-checking Hurricane Helene misinformation
Misinformation and conspiracy theories have been swirling on social media in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. FEMA's deputy administrator told CBS Mornings this misinformation is seriously hindering rescue and recovery operations. Rhona Tarrant, executive editor for CBS News Confirmed, joins to fact-check some of the claims.
Biden sends more troops to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene response
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage from Florida into the Appalachian mountains and killed more than 225 people across multiple states.
Biden urges Congress to fund disaster relief
With the Southeast still recovering from Hurricane Helene, President Biden has called on Congress to fund a small business disaster loan program. But lawmakers are on recess until after Election Day. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Tampa mayor urges evacuations ahead of Milton
The mayor of Tampa, Florida, and top FEMA officials gave an update Monday on preparations for Hurricane Milton. The storm is predicted to make landfall in Tampa on Wednesday. The mayor urged people in evacuation zones to get out before the storm hits. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said emergency personnel are already on the ground providing support for the aftermath of Helene and will be moved as needed.
Debates amid Hurricane Helene aftermath
Hurricane Helene isn't just causing destruction — political debates and false claims are now clouding the recovery process. Erik Hooks, FEMA's deputy administrator, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to offer more context of the damage left behind.
Debris from Helene becomes hazardous amid cleanup
The death toll from Hurricane Helene keeps rising, with at least 219 people reported dead across six states. The full scope of the destruction is just now coming into clearer focus. Manuel Bojorquez reports from the mountains of North Carolina, where entire towns have been buried under mud and debris.
Biden speaks after surveying Helene damage
President Biden spoke in Ray City, Georgia, Thursday afternoon after surveying damage from Hurricane Helene in both the Peach State and Florida. Mr. Biden stressed there are no Democrats and Republicans in situations like this and promised to be there until things are restored. The president also spoke of how he ordered resources to be put in place before Helene's landfall and vowed to help the Southeast get back on its feet.
Campaigns shift plans to respond to Helene
Helene's devastation is prompting the 2024 candidates to adjust their campaign schedules. Vice President Kamala Harris cut her visit to Nevada short to attend briefings on disaster recovery, and former President Donald Trump toured some of the storm's damage in Georgia. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett has more.
Hurricane Helene devastates southeastern U.S.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has surpassed 100 people across the Southeast. Hundreds are still unaccounted for, and roughly two million people have lost power. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports from North Carolina.
Biden to tour Helene damage in North Carolina
The Biden administration is offering the federal government's full assistance to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. President Biden is set to visit storm-ravaged areas of North Carolina on Wednesday. Senior Biden adviser Tom Perez joins "America Decides" to discuss the administration's response to the natural disaster.
Trump tours damage; Harris gets FEMA briefing
Hurricane Helene's death toll has now surpassed 115 people. Vice President Kamala Harris cut her West Coast swing short Monday for a FEMA briefing in Washington, D.C., and former President Donald Trump visited an emergency command center in Georgia. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen on Key Bridge collapse
Multiple people remain unaccounted for following the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins "America Decides" to discuss the latest on state and federal efforts.
Life-saving emergency alerts often come too late or not at all
A CBS News investigation found numerous examples across the U.S. where emergency officials failed to issue timely alerts to warn the public about safety threats — or never issued an alert at all.
What to know about today's Great ShakeOut, California's earthquake drill
The Great ShakeOut, which happens today, is an annual safety drill that began in earthquake-prone California and later expanded across the U.S. and overseas.
Why an emergency alert test sounded today on all U.S. cellphones
FEMA and the FCC launched a nationwide test of the emergency alert system on Wednesday.
Rep. for Maui says warning sirens "likely did not go off" before fires
How officials managed the wildfires on Maui has come under scrutiny as the natural disaster becomes the deadliest in Hawaii's history as a state.
Unique Texas facility prepares first responders for major catastrophes
Disaster City is a 52-acre complex with more than a dozen disaster scenarios designed to prepare elite rescue teams to learn to save lives.
Kentucky residents still waiting for help months after devastating flooding
Many are having issues securing aid from FEMA, a state lawmaker said.
Biden briefs on Hurricane Ian
President Biden on Thursday visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Washington as Hurricane Ian continued to batter Florida. The president said the storm could be the "deadliest hurricane in Florida's history." Watch his remarks.
World Central Kitchen helping storm victims
The nonprofit World Central Kitchen is helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian by providing fresh meals to impacted communities. CBS News anchors Lana Zak and Tanya Rivero spoke with the organization's Florida lead, Fiona Donovan, about their response.
FEMA administrator on Hurricane Ian response
Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 4 storm. Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell joins "CBS Mornings" to give an update on the federal and state storm response.
FEMA ready to help as Hurricane Ian hits
As Hurricane Ian hits Florida, the federal government is preparing to help. FEMA has 3.7 million meals and 3.5 million liters of water staged in Alabama. CBS News' Homeland Security and Justice reporter Nicole Sganga joins us with the latest on the preparations.
FEMA administrator calls water crisis in Mississippi a "tragic situation"
"Our focus right now for FEMA is ... making sure that they have safe water to drink" in Jackson, the state capital, Deanne Criswell told CBS News.
State of emergency in Mississippi's capital due to water supply problems
Heavy rains caused problems at a water treatment plant, leading to low pressure and concerns about firefighting and people's ability to take showers and flush toilets.
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show brings the party, showcases Latin culture
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny took the stage on Sunday dressed in all white, donning a jersey with his last name, Ocasio, and the number 64.
Trump lashes out at Team USA athlete for sharing thoughts on politics
The president criticized freestyle skier Hunter Hess after he and other American athletes at the Winter Olympics shared their thoughts on U.S. politics.
Lindsey Vonn undergoes surgery for leg fracture after crash at Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete in the Milano Cortina Games, is in stable condition after her crash.
China sentences Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison
Family of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and vocal critic of China's Communist rule, calls his prison sentence cruel, and the "end of justice."
Ilia Malinin leads Team USA to gold in Olympic figure skating team event
Team USA defended its Olympic figure skating team event gold medal on Sunday after Ilia "Quad God" ushered the team to victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
DNI whistleblower complaint has intercept of call between foreign nationals
A whistleblower complaint includes highly-classified details about a National Security Agency intercept of a call between two foreign nationals who discussed a person close to President Trump, two sources said.
Barry Wilburn, Super Bowl-winning star for Washington, dies in house fire
Barry Wilburn, who led the NFL in interceptions in 1987 and won a Super Bowl with Washington that same season, has died. He was 62.
U.S.
More U.S.
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
Barry Wilburn, Super Bowl-winning star for Washington, dies in house fire
Barry Wilburn, who led the NFL in interceptions in 1987 and won a Super Bowl with Washington that same season, has died. He was 62.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, which houses families and children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Best and worst Super Bowl commercials of 2026 as rated by experts
Google and Pepsi were among the best ads of the Big Game, while Coinbase and ai.com got failing grades, according to one ranking.
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Diamonds endure as the industry feels the pressure
For over five centuries, Antwerp's diamond district has been the cornerstone of the global diamond trade. Now, that legacy is under strain.
Was Bad Bunny paid for his Super Bowl halftime performance?
Here's how much Bad Bunny earned from his halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Gonzales defends conditions at Texas detention center with measles outbreak
Rep. Tony Gonzales said the Dilley detention facility, which houses families and children, is "nicer than some elementary schools."
Lawmakers in standoff over ICE reforms as DHS funding deadline approaches
Republicans and Democrats in Congress are locked in a standoff over reforming the nation's immigration enforcement operation as a deadline to reach a resolution and fund the Department of Homeland Security approaches.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Tony Gonzales join Margaret Brennan.
Transcript: Rep. Tony Gonzales on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 8, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Tony Gonzales, Republican of Texas, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Feb. 8, 2026.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
World
More World
2 babies among dozens missing as migrant boat sinks off Libya
The International Organization for Migration says two infants are among at least 53 people feared dead or missing after a boat capsized off Libya's coast.
"Twin Peaks" triple murder mystery deepens with deaths of suspects
Authorities said they found the bodies of suspects wanted over a triple murder linked to an allegedly shady NGO. One prosecutor said it was like something out of "Twin Peaks."
China sentences Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison
Family of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon and vocal critic of China's Communist rule, calls his prison sentence cruel, and the "end of justice."
"Black carbon" in Arctic an increasing concern amid other issues in region
"Black carbon," or soot, that spews from ships and makes the Artic Ocean ice melt even faster is an increasing concern in a region beset with many other issues.
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa released from prison
Juan Guanipa, one of the closest allies of opposition powerhouse María Corina Machado, had been held at a detention facility since May 2025.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Recapping Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Bad Bunny's halftime show highlighted Puerto Rican culture and featured Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, but drew criticism from President Trump. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.
As Cadillac races to first F1 season, insiders advise patience for U.S. fans
For the first time, a major U.S. automaker is putting a team up against the European giants of Formula One. Can Cadillac be a contender?
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show brings the party, showcases Latin culture
The 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny took the stage on Sunday dressed in all white, donning a jersey with his last name, Ocasio, and the number 64.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some notable people who left us this week, including singer LaMonte McLemore, a founding member of vocal group The 5th Dimension.
Don Henley reflects on the Eagles' "miraculous run," Glenn Frey, and more
Don Henley acknowledges the Eagles are "kind of a staple" as they sell out shows at the Las Vegas Sphere and cement their status with the best-selling album of all time.
Technology
More Technology
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Nancy Guthrie search enters second week
The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second week after Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released another video, telling their mother's possible abductor, "we will pay." Steven Jensen, a former assistant director at the FBI, breaks down the latest.
"Twin Peaks" triple murder mystery deepens with deaths of suspects
Authorities said they found the bodies of suspects wanted over a triple murder linked to an allegedly shady NGO. One prosecutor said it was like something out of "Twin Peaks."
Latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a third video on Saturday, pleading for their mother's return after she went missing last week. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Did a popular acne medication drive a Texas teen to shoot his friends?
Connor Hilton, 17, said that after taking Accutane, a prescribed acne medication, he began to have suicidal and homicidal thoughts – thoughts that, his defense argued, led him to shoot two friends in the head at his Friendswood, Texas, home. Prosecutors weren't convinced.
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump criticizes Super Bowl halftime show
President Trump took to social media Sunday and without mentioning Bad Bunny by name, decried the Super Bowl halftime show as "one of the worst, ever" and "an affront to the greatness of America." Bad Bunny used his Grammy acceptance speech one week ago to criticize the president's immigration crackdown. Ed O'Keefe reports.
Latest on Gabbard whistleblower complaint
More details are emerging on the whistleblower complaint from May against National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, including information on an intercepted phone call between two foreign nationals. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more.
Nancy Guthrie search enters second week
The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its second week after Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released another video, telling their mother's possible abductor, "we will pay." Steven Jensen, a former assistant director at the FBI, breaks down the latest.
Family's latest plea for Nancy Guthrie
With a second ransom deadline apparently set for Monday, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued a new plea over the weekend to whoever may have abducted their mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Tucson home. It's not clear what the terms of the ransom deadline are, but the FBI said it's taking the letter seriously.
Recapping Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. Bad Bunny's halftime show highlighted Puerto Rican culture and featured Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, but drew criticism from President Trump. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.