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.
Live
House votes to end government shutdown, approving funding bill in 217-214 vote
The House on Tuesday voted 217 to 214 to fund major parts of the government and end the partial shutdown. Follow live updates.
Blood found inside home of Savannah Guthrie's mother, source says
Investigators are combing through the house of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, in search of clues to the 84-year-old's disappearance.
Clintons will testify in Epstein probe after contempt threat, House panel says
Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, while former President Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27, according to the House Oversight Committee.
Jill Biden's ex-husband charged with murder of his 2nd wife, police say
The man whom Jill Biden divorced for the eventual 46th President of the United States is now in jail on murder charges.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
First on CBS
Jane Doe in R. Kelly's sex tape speaks in first TV interview
Reshona Landfair, known as Jane Doe during R. Kelly's 2022 trial, speaks to "CBS Mornings" for her first TV interview about her new memoir.
Lindsey Vonn says she'll compete in Olympics despite ACL injury
Lindsey Vonn, 41, said she ruptured her left anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, but that she was still planning to compete.
Russia hammers Ukraine on eve of peace talks
A day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. teams meet to talk peace, Putin's forces pounded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with dozens of drones and missiles.
Consumer Reports' top 10 vehicles for 2026 — see which cars made the list
For the first time, the top 10 cars on Consumer Reports' annual list of best new vehicles also include electric or hybrid models.
U.S.
More U.S.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
Virginia Giuffre's family criticizes DOJ in handling of Epstein files
The brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's most vocal accusers, are speaking out about the Justice Department's handling of the latest Epstein files release.
Alabama man faces execution despite not pulling trigger in 1991 killing
Charles "Sonny" Burton faces execution in Alabama for his role in a 1991 robbery in which a man was fatally shot, even though Burton did not fire the gun or witness the killing.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
Clintons will testify in Epstein probe after contempt threat, House panel says
Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, while former President Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27, according to the House Oversight Committee.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
PepsiCo cuts prices of Cheetos, Doritos and other snacks
PepsiCo said the price cuts are aimed at making its products more affordable as consumers struggle with affordability.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Consumer Reports' top 10 vehicles for 2026 — see which cars made the list
For the first time, the top 10 cars on Consumer Reports' annual list of best new vehicles also include electric or hybrid models.
Want to see Super Bowl 2026 commercials early? These ads are already live.
Many Super Bowl 60 ads are already online, along with teasers for commercials that will be unveiled during the NFL championship on Feb. 8.
United is upgrading its computers. Here's how that could impact travelers.
Starting early Wednesday, United customers won't be able to book flights and access other services as the airline upgrades its reservation system.
Politics
More Politics
Virginia Giuffre's family criticizes DOJ in handling of Epstein files
The brother and sister-in-law of Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's most vocal accusers, are speaking out about the Justice Department's handling of the latest Epstein files release.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
Clintons will testify in Epstein probe after contempt threat, House panel says
Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, while former President Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27, according to the House Oversight Committee.
Texas GOP sounds alarm after Dem victory: "Cannot take anything for granted"
In a state Senate race in Fort Worth's Tarrant County, Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss by 14 points — a 30-point swing from President Trump's results in 2024.
House committee report accuses DHS of Good, Pretti killings cover-up
The Democratic members of a U.S. House committee have released the findings of a report examining last month's fatal shootings in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
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.
World
More World
Boat crew tosses 115 kilos of cocaine in Pacific while fleeing Colombian navy
The seizure was announced on the same day that Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Trump at the White House.
Russia hammers Ukraine on eve of peace talks
A day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. teams meet to talk peace, Putin's forces pounded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with dozens of drones and missiles.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
As Iran and the U.S. eye talks, a protester asks Trump to "keep his word"
As Iran declares willingness to negotiate with the U.S., a woman who joined the recent protests says Iranians want their leaders out, and they want the U.S. to help.
Teen from Alabama among 3 junior hockey players killed in Canada crash
Caden Fine, 17, from Birmingham, Alabama, and two of his teammates were killed when their vehicle collided with a semi-truck in Canada.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Blood found inside home of Savannah Guthrie's mother, source says
Investigators are combing through the house of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, in search of clues to the 84-year-old's disappearance.
Activists on inspiring next generation
Activist Gloria Steinem, who has fought for the rights of every woman, is on a mission to inspire the next generation. She is collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee, who helped end the civil war in Liberia, on a new children's book. They talk to "CBS Mornings" about their experiences in their fight for equality and deciding to collaborate.
Westminster dog show winners on preparation
Three former winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and their handlers join "CBS Mornings" ahead of this year's Best in Show title being awarded Tuesday. They talk about how they prepared to compete and what retirement is like now.
Gabrielle Union talks new film "Goat"
Gabrielle Union talks about starring in the new animated movie "Goat," working with her husband and the real life issues portrayed in the movie.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, 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.
Alarming report on Amazon AI training
A new report from Bloomberg says Amazon found hundreds of thousands of cases of suspected child sex abuse material in its AI training data. Bloomberg tech reporter Riley Griffin joined CBS News to discuss.
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
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
Boat crew tosses 115 kilos of cocaine in Pacific while fleeing Colombian navy
The seizure was announced on the same day that Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Trump at the White House.
Sheriff gives update on Nancy Guthrie
Officials in Arizona on Tuesday gave an update on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. Following the news conference, CBS News' Anna Schecter and Andres Gutierrez provided context.
Jill Biden's ex-husband charged with murder of his 2nd wife, police say
The man whom Jill Biden divorced for the eventual 46th President of the United States is now in jail on murder charges.
House committee report accuses DHS of Good, Pretti killings cover-up
The Democratic members of a U.S. House committee have released the findings of a report examining last month's fatal shootings in Minneapolis by federal immigration officers.
Jane Doe in R. Kelly case speaks out
Reshona Landfair, who testified as Jane Doe in R. Kelly's 2022 federal trial in Chicago, tells CBS News' Jerick Duncan that the release of the 2019 docuseries "Surviving R. Kelly" was a pivotal moment in her life. Duncan joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more.
Space
More Space
Space
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.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
After more than 50 years, NASA astronauts are going back to the moon
More than 50 years after NASA's last human mission to the moon, four astronauts, three Americans and a Canadian, are set for the 10-day Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon.
Inside NASA's Artemis II mission
Artemis II echoes the Apollo-era missions that paved the way for the first moon landing — and sets the stage for what comes next.
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 meets with Colombia's president
President Trump met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Tuesday to discuss the counties' trade relationship and efforts to combat drug trafficking. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more.
Food recalls surged in 2025
Data from Sedgwick Brand Protection shows the number of recalls issued by the Food and Drug Administration surged by over 75% between April and September of 2025. Former FDA economist Nikki Tavasoli joins CBS News to discuss.
Johnson on House passage of funding bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to reporters Tuesday following the passage of a funding bill that will end the partial government shutdown.
Teenager saves mom, siblings in ocean
A 13-year-old is being hailed as a hero after saving his mom and siblings after the family was swept out to sea off the coast of Australia. CBS News Shanelle Kaul has more.
House passes government funding package
The House has passed a funding package to end the partial government shutdown that's been in effect since Saturday. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for a signature. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.