More than 33,000 wildfires have broken out across the U.S.
The National Interagency Fire Center says the fires have burned 2 million acres — an area larger than the state of Delaware.
California
Large fires burning in Western states
Before even reaching peak fire season, a new record has already been set, with more than 33,000 fires scorching over 2 million acres this year. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano spoke to California residents and fire crews dealing with the new norm when it comes to battling flames in Western states.
Fight breaks out at town hall in California
A fight broke out at a town hall for California Democratic Representative Katie Porter over the weekend. Los Angeles Times political writer Seema Mehta has been covering this story. She joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
California wildfires are outpacing last year's record
Between January 1 to July 11 of this year, approximately 4,163 fires have burned in California.
Destruction grows from Western wildfires
Huge wildfires continue to grow in California and Oregon. Officials say the amount of acreage burned in California in 2021 is more than three times what it was for the same time last year, and 2020 was the worst year for wildfires in California history. Lilia Luciano reports.
Firefighters making progress on Northern California wildfire
Lightning sparked two wildfires that have burned nearly 90,000 acres in Northern California.
Extreme heat and wildfires in western states
Fire crews in California are fighting to contain flames that ignited over the weekend. About 30 million people are also under excessive heat warnings or advisories. CBS News' Laura Podesta joins "CBSN AM" with more.
Wildfires squeeze California power supply as Western U.S. bakes
Blistering heatwave smothers much of the West with triple-digit temps as crews battle raging fires in two states that have cut power lines to California.
California recall election set for September
Candidates hoping to challenge California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom in a September 14th recall election have until Friday to get their names on the ballot. SFGate politics editor Eric Ting joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more on the recall and why Governor Newsom is suing his own appointee, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
How hunters can aid the California condor's comeback
Scientists who are breeding the California condor in captivity and releasing them into the wild say the endangered bird faces a critical hazard: lead poisoning from hunters' ammunition used to fell game which this bird of prey may scavenge. Correspondent Conor Knighton talks with conservationists who are promoting lead-free ammunition to protect the species' future.
2 firefighters killed as plane crashes while responding to wildfire
The aircraft was helping perform reconnaissance and command and control over the Cedar Basin Fire when it crashed.
Nature: Lassen Volcanic National Park
"Sunday Morning" takes us to a real hot spot – Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Videographer: Jaime McDonald.
Raging Bootleg Fire threatens vital Northern California power grid lines
The fast-growing wildfire has prompted mandatory evacuations, threatening about 3,000 homes.
Record-breaking heat wave scorches the West
The Western U.S. is experiencing yet another record-breaking heat wave. Some parts of California are expecting temperatures as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Lilia Luciano has more.
Forecasting the latest heat wave
With a string of dangerously hot temperatures blistering the West, millions of Americans are waiting on relief. CBS meteorologist Jeff Berardelli has more on what to expect in the coming days.
Western states endure second heat wave
Western states are getting hit with another heat wave just a week after a previous round of extreme summer temperatures killed nearly 200 people. In Palm Springs, California, simply going on a walk can turn deadly in triple-digit heat. David Begnaud teamed up with the crew in charge of rescuing hikers before it's too late.
$1.19 billion worth of marijuana seized in California
The operation is the largest marijuana eradication of illegal cultivations in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, officials said.
Authorities announce massive drug bust in California
Authorities in Southern California have seized more than 16 tons of marijuana worth an estimated $1.19 billion, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said Wednesday. The 10-day sting is the largest eradication of illegal marijuana cultivations in the history of the department. Read more here.
Wildfires raging in the West
The Western U.S. continues to suffer through extreme heat that is causing wildfires in the region. Jeff Berardelli has more.
Supreme Court upholds Arizona voting rules
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Arizona's Republican-backed voting rights case, deciding neither of provisions of the state's voting law violates the section of the federal Voting Rights Act that deals with race. Ilya Shapiro, vice president of the CATO Institute and director of the Robert Levy Center for Constitutional Studies, joins CBSN for more on the ruling.
Supreme Court upholds Arizona voting law
CBS News' Natalie Brand joined "Red and Blue" host Caitlin Huey-Burns to break down the last opinions from the Supreme Court this term, including a voting rights case from Arizona that has major implications for election laws in all states.
School stripped of title after tortillas thrown at opposing Latino players
The school, Coronado High School, also faces other sanctions, including a ban on hosting post-season games until 2024.
Supreme Court upholds Arizona voting laws
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued rulings in two key cases involving voting laws in Arizona and donor disclosure rules for nonprofits in California. CBS News legal contributor and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson joined CBSN with the breakdown.
Biden lays out plan to combat wildfires
The Biden administration is laying out its plan for combating wildfires as Western states deal with record-high temperatures and a historic drought. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports from the White House, then CBSN political contributor and Washington Post White House reporter Sean Sullivan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss that and more.
Spreading Delta variant prompts renewed mask guidance
Some states are urging residents to wear masks even after being fully vaccinated as the Delta variant spreads. David Begnaud shares more.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
Judge orders 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and dad to be released from ICE detention
A federal judge in Texas on Saturday ordered 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father to be released from immigration detention.
Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
Massive release of Epstein files includes 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents Friday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after the DOJ's original deadline to do so.
Partial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal
The Senate passed a deal on a package of spending bills late Friday, sending it to the House, though funding for dozens of government agencies has still lapsed.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Powerful storm starts hitting an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
Blizzardlike conditions stemming from a "bomb cyclone" were bringing heavy snow to the Southeast and were ushering in frigid temperatures to much of the East Coast.
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
U.S.
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Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Proposed Venezuelan bill could lead to release of hundreds of political prisoners
The U.S. Embassy for Venezuela also announced Friday that all American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released.
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
HealthWatch
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Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
World
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Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
Proposed Venezuelan bill could lead to release of hundreds of political prisoners
The U.S. Embassy for Venezuela also announced Friday that all American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released.
Satellite photos show activity at Iran nuclear sites as protest tensions rise
The images from Planet Labs PBC show that roofs have been built over two damaged buildings at the Isfahan and Natanz facilities.
Danish veterans protest outside U.S. Embassy over Greenland
Danish veterans are furious at the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Israel strikes in Gaza kill at least 30 Palestinians
Hamas called Saturday's strikes "a renewed flagrant violation" and urged the United States and other mediating countries to push Israel to stop the strikes.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Recovered treasure leads to a Grammy nomination
Archivist and music historian Alex Palao worked to restore old tapes by "Sly and Family Stone" that gathered dust for decades. He co-produced the live album called "The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967." He is now nominated for "Best Album Notes" at Sunday's Grammy Awards. CBS News San Francisco's Max Darrow has the story.
"Sanford and Son" star Demond Wilson dies at 79
Actor Demond Wilson died in his California home due to complications from prostate cancer, CBS News learned on Saturday. He starred alongside Redd Foxx in "Sanford and Son," one of the biggest TV hits of the 1970s.
Demond Wilson, "Sanford and Son" and "The New Odd Couple" actor, dies at 79
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
Science
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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
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Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
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.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Sneak Attack on Katlyn Lyon
A mother goes viral on TikTok demanding justice for her murdered daughter. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Recovered treasure leads to a Grammy nomination
Archivist and music historian Alex Palao worked to restore old tapes by "Sly and Family Stone" that gathered dust for decades. He co-produced the live album called "The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967." He is now nominated for "Best Album Notes" at Sunday's Grammy Awards. CBS News San Francisco's Max Darrow has the story.
"Sanford and Son" star Demond Wilson dies at 79
Actor Demond Wilson died in his California home due to complications from prostate cancer, CBS News learned on Saturday. He starred alongside Redd Foxx in "Sanford and Son," one of the biggest TV hits of the 1970s.
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
The Firefighter's Secret
A young woman is found dead in her burning home. She'd been involved with a firefighter — could he have set a fire to cover her murder? "48 Hours" contributor Nikki Battiste reports.