First hearing on Texas floodings
Texas held its first legislative hearing on the catastrophic floods. CBS News' Jason Allen breaks down what lawmakers are seeking from the ongoing assessments on what occurred before the extreme weather event.
Emergency Alert System
Latest on Texas floods emergency alerts
CBS News' Jason Allen has more on Kerr County's emergency alert system as more questions emerge about how Texans were notified ahead of the deadly floods. Also, David Schechter has more on how climate change is fueling these natural disasters.
Search and rescue efforts persist in Texas
Search and rescue efforts continued overnight in Texas for the dozens of people still missing from the devastating flash floods that have killed more than 100 people. Meanwhile, the Texas flood alert system is facing scrutiny over how much warning locals were given ahead of the flash floods. CBS News' Jason Allen has the latest updates, while Janet Shamlian offers more details on the recovery efforts.
St. Louis official on leave over siren failure
The head of the city emergency management agency for St. Louis, Missouri, has been placed on leave after tornado sirens failed to sound before an EF3 twister hit parts of the area on Friday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
A timeline of alerts for the L.A.-area fires
Here's a look at the timeline of events for the weather alerts and warnings leading up to, and after, the deadly and devastating wildfires broke out in Southern California.
Why some emergency alerts failed for Helene
Some people living in the path of Hurricane Helene may not have received crucial warnings to evacuate from the dangerous storm that killed more than 200 people across multiple states. While severe weather watches and warnings are sent by the National Weather Service, evacuation orders come from local authorities. Some residents say alerts to evacuate didn't show up on their phone until hours later.
How weather emergency alerts worked
The emergency alert systems used during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton are under scrutiny as local officials face more natural disasters affecting Americans. CBS News' Tom Hanson has more on Helene alerts and how FEMA's system works.
More possible severe weather after Alberto
Corpus Christi, Texas, residents and visitors are still reeling from the water surge caused by the Alberto weather system as a third day of flooding continues along the coast. CBS News' Dave Malkoff is tracking more potentially severe weather developing near Mexico and Florida.
Wildfire evacuations in New Mexico
Officials are urging immediate evacuations as two wildfires near the Ruidoso village in southern New Mexico. Around 500 structures have already burned, New Mexico Forestry Division communications coordinator George Ducker tells CBS News.
California fires grow, Midwest heats up
The Post Fire is roaring in northwestern Los Angeles County, covering more than 14,000 acres and forcing evacuations for many Gorman, California, residents. Meanwhile, a heat dome is spreading across the Midwest and parts of the East Coast. CBS News' Carter Evans and CBS News Chicago's Tara Molina report.
How one family escaped Texas wildfire
The wildfires stretching across the Texas Panhandle have scorched nearly 1.3 million acres in a week, destroying hundreds of homes and structures. Brittney Studer's family in Fritch, Texas, evacuated before their home burned to the ground. She joins CBS News with their story.
CBS News investigates emergency alert systems
CBS News found at least a dozen natural disasters in the U.S. during the last decade where local emergency officials failed to issue alerts in time to save lives or, in some cases, didn't issue an alert or evacuation order at all. CBS News national investigative correspondent Stephen Stock reports.
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.
FEMA's Deanne Criswell on emergency alerts
While current FEMA training is mandatory for all who send out alerts in emergencies, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell agrees much of it focuses on laws, rules, regulations and technology, and not as much on how and when to "push the button" to alert the public.
A history of concerns with emergency alerts
CBS News uncovered a more than a dozen examples of life-threatening situations when alerts from emergency managers or law enforcement came too late or not at all.
Emergency alerts often delayed or not sent
A CBS News investigation found at least a dozen natural disasters in the United States during the last decade where local emergency officials failed to issue alerts in time to save lives or, in some cases, didn't issue an alert or evacuation order at all. National investigative correspondent Stephen Stock reports.
Former FEMA chief on emergency alert training
Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA administrator in the Obama administration, says there's not enough training and hands-on practice about decision-making for the people who send out alerts in an emergency.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Over 500 pages in initial Epstein files release were entirely blacked out, CBS finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents were fully redacted.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Russia strikes Ukrainian port, killing 8 and wounding dozens
Some of the wounded were on a bus at the epicenter of the strike, Ukraine's Emergency Service said.
At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
More U.S.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
More Politics
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
More World
At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Kate Winslet's directorial debut
Kate Winslet is one of Hollywood's most accalimed actors, and now she's testing her skills as a director with the new Christmas film "Goodbye June." She sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the challenges of the new role after so many years in front of the camera.
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
More Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
More Space
Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Three Days Before Christmas
"48 Hours" Live to Tell: Two sisters who survive a deadly home invasion share their journey to hell and back.
Vintage WWII plane turned into a Christmas sleigh
The Southern Cross, a restored C-49 World War II-era plane, is used by a nonprofit group for a peaceful mission this holiday season, to provide a Santa-eye view of the Christmas lights in North Texas. The goal is to keep veteran history alive and air-worthy. Omar Villafranca explains.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Laws in many states don't cover pregnancy loss
There's a growing recognition of a gap in the family leave laws of many states for those that suffer pregnancy loss. As Nikki Battiste reports, some lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more protections for grieving families.