U.S.

This Morning from CBS News: Aug. 25, 2014

August 25, 2014 / 7:27 AM EDT / CBS News

Aftershocks

Nearly 100 aftershocks were recorded following the San Francisco Bay Area's strongest earthquake in 25 years. The powerful 6.1 quake struck the heart of California's wine country early yesterday. CBS News' John Blackstone reports damage from the quake is still being assessed, and CBS News' Carter Evans reports some of the area's 800 wineries suffered losses that will never be replaced.

Silence please

Michael Brown Sr. yesterday called for a "day of silence" as he lays his son to rest today. Eighteen-year-old Michael Brown Jr. was shot and kill by a policeman in Ferguson, Missouri more than two weeks ago. CBS News correspondent Vladimir Duthiers reports the protests and violence sparked by the shooting have been followed by several days of relative calm, but worries persist that the funeral may reignite the trouble.

Journalist freed

The U.S. government says an American held hostage for about two years by an al Qaeda-linked group in Syria has been released. Peter Theo Curtis, of Massachusetts, had been held since 2012 by Jahbat al-Nusrah, an extremist group linked to al Qaeda in Syria.

Hostage ransoms

Less than a week after journalist James Foley was killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the news broke that fellow journalist Peter Theo Curtis had been freed. His release was negotiated by the Qatari government, though it's not known exactly what the group's demands were nor whether any of the demands were met. Former U.S. officials say now is not the time to rethink the nation's policy toward hostages taken by terrorist groups abroad, including paying ransoms.

ISIS plan

With Foley's recent execution by Islamic militants, Republican lawmakers are calling on Presidnt Obama to clearly lay out a strategy to defeat ISIS. GOP lawmakers have said that, in some cases, that means more aggressive airstrikes in Iraq, as well as finally taking steps to provide more robust support for the moderate opposition inside Syria, which has consistently failed to muster widespread backing from Congress to date.

Texas-sized spread

Half a million acres of prime American heartland will soon be up for sale in the Lone Star state. The 165-year-old Waggoner Ranch is on the market for $725 million. Anna Werner reports it is the largest ranch in the country, spanning six counties, and is home to thousands of heads of cattle and 1,200 oil wells.

Financial preps

As you prepare for emergencies like fires, you also need to take steps to make sure you can access your money and financial documents. Having the right plans in place can lessen the financial impact and better protect you and your family members.

Homeless Cyrus

To raise awareness of homeless youth, Miley Cyrus had a former homeless teenager accept the video of the year award for her at last night's VMAs.

Little All-Stars

The Jackie Robinson West All-Stars may have lost the final game to South Korea, but they go home as winners. Winners who became the first all African-American team to make it to the Little League World Series. Winners who are the first Chicago team in 31 years to play in the championship tournament. And winners because they overcame the violence of their home city. CBS News' Elaine Quijano reports the All-Stars are determined to show the good that is in their community.