Hurricane Rafael leaves Cuba reeling, moves into Gulf of Mexico
Cuba was reeling from a fierce major hurricane that ripped across the island and knocked out its power grid, after ravaging parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
Gulf of Mexico
Watch: Coast Guard rescues boat captain clinging to cooler
A boat captain rode out Hurricane Milton overnight in the Gulf of Mexico before he was found clinging to a cooler about 30 miles offshore and rescued by helicopter. (Video provided by the U.S. Coast Guard)
Milton was fastest storm to grow into Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf
Hurricane Milton is the strongest storm to form since 2019's Hurricane Dorian.
Hurricane Milton makes landfall as Category 3 on Florida's west coast
Hurricane Milton previously reached as high as a Category 5 over the Gulf of Mexico on a path toward Florida's central west coast.
Milton gathers strength on path to Florida
Another dangerous hurricane is set to slam into Florida. Milton is gathering strength in the Gulf of Mexico. CBS News' Cristian Benavides is tracking the storm.
DeSantis urges Floridians to prep for Milton
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave an update Monday ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall, which is expected on Wednesday evening. DeSantis said that Florida residents on the entire Gulf Coast of the state should be ready if the hurricane does not make landfall where it is expected in the Tampa region. The governor said truckloads of supplies have already been sent to regions expected to be hit.
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.
Maps show track of Hurricane Milton as it makes landfall in Florida
Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area Wednesday night as a major hurricane.
Hurricane Helene devastating Cancún
Hurricane Helene is slamming Cancún, Mexico, before veering into the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida. CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest forecast.
Helene becomes hurricane
Hurricane Helene is expected to grow stronger on its path above Florida's Gulf Coast. Helene is expected to bring large storm surge, high winds and flooding rains to many parts of the state. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
Helene could hit Florida as hurricane
Tropical Storm Helene is moving toward Florida and is expected to strengthen into a Category 3 storm over the Gulf of Mexico. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports from Crystal River, and CBS News New York meteorologist John Elliott has the latest update.
Weather system could become hurricane
A developing weather system could strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and become a tropical storm or hurricane that slams the South. CBS News Bay Area meteorologist Jessica Burch has more.
Hurricane Francine arrives in southern Louisiana
After churning through the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, bringing with it the risk of severe flooding and damaging winds. Dave Malkoff has the latest.
Hurricane Francine makes landfall
After rapidly strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Francine has made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian reports from Gulfport, Mississippi.
Hurricane Francine nears Louisiana
Hurricane Francine is approaching Louisiana after strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico. Francine will grow into a Category 2 hurricane if it reaches winds above 96 mph. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff reports from Houma, and Michael Brennan, the director at the NOAA National Hurricane Center, joins CBS News with more on the hurricane conditions.
Louisiana residents brace for Francine
Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall along the Louisiana coast. Dave Malkoff takes a look at how some coastal residents are preparing.
Francine expected to hit Louisiana as hurricane
Tropical Storm Francine is gaining strength as it churns in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
Tropical system forms in Gulf of Mexico
A tropical storm threat is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico and it's expected to hit the U.S. coast later this week. The Weather Channel meteorologist Jordan Steele joined CBS News with a look at the forecast.
Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana
Francine made landfall in southern Louisiana's Terrebonne Parish, the National Hurricane Center said.
Boaters find barnacle-covered cocaine package in Florida after storms
Florida detectives believe the package of cocaine washed in with the tides due to recent storms.
Maps show Tropical Depression Debby's path and forecast
Debby made a second landfall over South Carolina and weakened into a tropical depression as it headed slowly up the East Coast.
Hurricane Debby potentially "means obliteration" for parts of Savannah, mayor says
Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II tells CBS News that Hurricane Debby could unleash as much as 30 inches of rain in some areas in the coming days – an amount in many areas that "means obliteration," Johnson said, adding, "It is forecast to be a historic event for Savannah."
"Dead zone" the size of New Jersey emerges in Gulf of Mexico
The "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico has created more than 4 million acres of habitat with little to no oxygen that could kill marine life.
Watch Hurricane Beryl's historic journey
Over the course of two weeks, Beryl became a historic and disastrous storm that killed at least 20 people, devastated islands and communities and left millions without power and shelter. This is its journey from near the coast of Africa to the Caribbean, Mexico and up through the northeast U.S.
Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Mexico
Hurricane Beryl has come ashore in Mexico as a Category 2 storm, pelting the Yucatan Peninsula with winds over 110 miles per hour. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian has more from South Padre Island on the Texas Gulf Coast where locals are also reckoning with shark attacks as they prepare for Beryl's potential impact.
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among them are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and one addressing hazing on college campuses.
Pope welcomes Christmas at newly restored St. Peter's Basilica
New renovations and AI-powered digital tours offer visitors a chance to see the historic site ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
No winning tickets sold for Mega Millions $1 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
No Mega Millions player won the $1 billion Christmas Eve jackpot, so the grand prize for Friday night's drawing will be an estimated $1.15 billion.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Suspect who allegedly set woman on fire in subway fanned flames, prosecutors say
Authorities are revealing more details surrounding the killing of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on the New York City subway.
2 fishermen missing after boat crashes off Southern California coast
The 25-foot boat was found crashed and overturned in a rocky area at the base of the cliffs between Bluff Cove and Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates.
At least 2 journalists killed in shooting during hospital reopening in Haiti
The suspected gang attack occurred when journalists were covering the reopening of Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital on Christmas Eve.
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room blast
The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria following an explosion in the engine room, officials said.
U.S.
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Hanukkah this year starts on Christmas Day in rare occurrence
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah starts on Christmas Day in 2024, an occurrence that happens very infrequently.
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Starbucks strike shuts down hundreds of locations
More than 5,000 workers were expected to take part in walkout that ends later on Christmas Eve, their union says.
MoneyWatch
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Starbucks strike shuts down hundreds of locations
More than 5,000 workers were expected to take part in walkout that ends later on Christmas Eve, their union says.
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2024? Stores you can visit today.
Here's which food stores, restaurants and other chains are open and closed today, Christmas Eve 2024.
Panel fails to reach consensus on national security risk of U.S. Steel sale
A government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel to purchase U.S. Steel.
CTA may require business owners to register with FinCEN before Jan. 13
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires some businesses to register with FINCEN next month, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Politics
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Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Key parts of Arkansas law allowing criminal charges vs. librarians struck down
A federal judge struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing "harmful" materials to minors.
Biden vetoes 66 new federal judgeships, blames "hurried action" by House
President Biden vetoed an effort to add 66 federal district judgeships, saying "hurried action" by the House left important questions unanswered.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
World
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At least 2 journalists killed in shooting during hospital reopening in Haiti
The suspected gang attack occurred when journalists were covering the reopening of Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital on Christmas Eve.
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room blast
The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria following an explosion in the engine room, officials said.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
Swiss Olympic snowboarder dies in avalanche at 26 years old
Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland's snowboard cross team, competed at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Pope welcomes Christmas at newly restored St. Peter's Basilica
New renovations and AI-powered digital tours offer visitors a chance to see the historic site ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
Technology
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Technology
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
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.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Science
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2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
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.
Crime
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Suspect who allegedly set woman on fire in subway fanned flames, prosecutors say
Authorities are revealing more details surrounding the killing of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on the New York City subway.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court in New York City and pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges. His lawyer criticized what he called the case's political nature as Mangione was led into the hearing with his hands shackled.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
CEO murder suspect pleads not guilty in state case
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court Monday. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back and leg in Manhattan earlier this month. Lilia Luciano has more.
Legendary drug lord released from U.S. prison, deported to Colombia, freed
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Trump threatens to take over Panama Canal
President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to take over the Panama Canal unless it cuts the price it charges for ships to pass through the key shipping lane. Trump is also again floating the idea of buying Greenland, which he also suggested during his first term. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an estimated $1 billion for the drawing on Christmas Eve. It's only the seventh time in the game's history the jackpot has hit that mark. Dave Malkoff has more.
Pope Francis kicks off Jubilee year
Pope Francis ushered in the start of a Jubilee year at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. The Vatican has spent years prepping for the once every quarter-century event. Chris Livesay has the story.
How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts
After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.
Who will see snow on Christmas day?
Parts of the Northeast were hit with a light dusting of snow on Christmas Eve. CBS Meteorologist Bill Kelly takes a look at who will be getting snow on Christmas Day.