CBS Evening News, September 15, 2020
Hurricane Sally threatens millions along the Gulf Coast; Connecticut teen saves mother, three children from burning car.
Hurricane Sally
Man pays neighbors' utility bills
Mike Esmond, a great-grandfather and business owner from Gulf Breeze, Florida, knew this year was difficult for many. Hurricane Sally and the pandemic hit his community hard, and Esmond wanted to pay it forward this holiday season. So he went to the town's utility authority and asked to pay the bills of 114 families in need.
Hurricane season runs out of names, moves on to Greek alphabet
Forecasters are forced to use the Greek alphabet for subtropical storm Alpha, which is bearing down on Portugal.
Hundreds of thousands still without power in Sally cleanup
The supercharged Atlantic hurricane season has produced so many named storms that scientists ran out of traditional names as Tropical Storm Wilfred developed in the eastern Atlantic.
Sally leaves Gulf Coast with severe flooding; at least 2 dead
Hurricane Sally battered the Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday with 100 mph winds, two and a half feet of rain and a surge of seawater.
Hundreds of rescues in Sally's wake as cleanup begins
Local authorities and the National Guard brought stranded people to safety. The risk of flooding from swollen rivers remains in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama.
Video shows huge alligator swimming in Sally's storm surge
Images of a massive gator, an eel and fire ants were seen in Hurricane Sally's wake.
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Hurricane Sally aftermath: Flooding threats expand across the Southeast
More than half a million people across several states were without power Thursday.
Sally weakens but flood threat continues
Hurricane Sally weakened to a tropical depression but it is still threatening to bring potentially devastating rainfall and flooding to several states. CBS News' Nancy Chen reports on the damage so far, and CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli joined CBSN with more on what to expect.
At least 1 dead as Hurricane Sally unleashes "catastrophic" flooding
The storm slammed into the Alabama coast Wednesday morning and is moving north, bringing torrential rains and possible tornadoes with her.
Sally still a threat to Florida Panhandle and Alabama
River flooding feared from waterways swollen by storm's torrential rains, and flash floods possible as Sally moves through Alabama, Georgia and Carolinas.
Hurricane Sally makes landfall in Gulf Coast
Hurricane Sally slammed the Gulf Coast with catastrophic flooding and a surge of sea water nearly six feet high. David Begnaud has the latest.
The latest forecast for Tropical Storm Sally
Sally is the eighth named storm to make landfall in the South this year, the most in recorded history. It’s bringing severe flooding to the area and gusts of wind of up to 70 mph as it moves slowly north. Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
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Hurricane Sally strengthening as it inches toward Gulf Coast
The storm has intensified into a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds. "Historic, life-threatening" flooding is "likely," the National Hurricane Center says.
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Hurricane Sally takes aim at U.S. Gulf Coast
Hurricane Sally is threatening to bring "historic" floods along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The massive storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday with a storm surge of up to 6 feet. David Begnaud, Skyler Henry and David Parkinson join CBSN with the latest on the hurricane.
Hurricane Sally threatens millions
About nine million people across the Gulf Coast are in the path of Hurricane Sally. The storm is expected to hit with winds of more than 80 mph. Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
What to expect from Hurricane Sally
Hurricane Sally is expected to make landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast early Wednesday morning, bringing heavy rain and storm surge. CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli joins CBSN with the latest on the forecast.
"Historic" flooding possible when Hurricane Sally hits Gulf Coast
It could also bring "extreme life threatening flash flooding" and storm surges as high as 9 feet — not to mention tornadoes, forecasters say.
Hurricane Sally approaches Mississippi
Hurricane Sally is expected to make landfall Tuesday night or Wednesday in the southern states of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Manuel Bojorquez reports from Biloxi, Mississippi.
FEMA administrator on Hurricane Sally
FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the agency's efforts ahead of Hurricane Sally's landfall along the Gulf.
Hurricane season continues with Hurricane Sally
This year's hurricane season is unprecedented, "just like everything else in 2020" said CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli. He joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the climate change connection to Hurricane Sally's rapid intensification on Monday.
Hurricane Sally, now a Category 2, takes aim at the Gulf Coast
National Hurricane Center says Sally could bring a "life-threatening storm surge," strong winds and flash flooding from torrential rains.
When will Hurricane Sally make landfall?
Hurricane Sally could bring storm surge of up to 11 feet for parts of the Gulf Coast and rainfall of up to 16 inches. Meteorologist Lonnie Quinn joins "CBS Evening News" with more on the latest track and forecast.
Hurricane Sally bears down on Gulf Coast
Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi are being warned to expect huge storm surges as Hurricane Sally closes in on the Gulf Coast. CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli joins CBSN with a closer look at where and when the storm is expected to hit.
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"Final, agreed upon text" of U.S.-Iran peace deal reached, Pakistan says
Iran's foreign minister said a deal has "never been closer" and that the details of a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. will be shared publicly "in due course."
At least 1 killed, 9 hospitalized in Texas mass shooting; suspect dead
Four people were in surgery and five others were stable, according to Midland Memorial Hospital in Texas.
Pentagon releases new batch of UFO files: "Are you seeing this?"
The Pentagon on Friday released a new group of documents and videos related to UFOs, or UAPs, with 72 more documents, images and recordings.
U.S. military making plans to secure Iran's nuclear materials, sources say
Military planners have discussed contingencies that would involve U.S. forces helping secure Iran's nuclear materials if a deal is reached, according to U.S. officials familiar with knowledge of the ongoing planning.
DOJ asks appeals court to let Trump's name stay on Kennedy Center
A federal judge denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
DOJ clears way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire with SpaceX's IPO
The SpaceX CEO's fortune on paper now rivals the annual economic output of many countries, according to World Bank data.
Judge rejects bid to block UFC event at the White House
A federal judge on Friday rejected a long-shot effort to block the Ultimate Fighting Championship event set to take place at the White House this weekend.
A key spy tool is expiring due to inaction in Congress. Here's what that means
Lawmakers have long sounded the alarm about the risks of letting Section 702 expire. But there's debate over what a lapse in the law actually means.
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New Yorker confronts unruly Knicks fans: "This is our city"
When violence erupted near a New York Knicks watch party on Monday, one New Yorker stood up to the unruly crowd.
DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Ohio voting rights group facing criminal fraud investigation, sources say
The FBI executed a search warrant at the office of an Ohio-based group known for its voter registration work as part of an ongoing fraud-related investigation, sources told CBS News.
As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
DOJ asks appeals court to let Trump's name stay on Kennedy Center
A federal judge denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
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DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
Former SpaceX welder becomes a millionaire after historic IPO
Juan Hernandez, a former SpaceX employee, owns 6,500 company shares. On the first day of public trading, his wealth ballooned by $1,046,175.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
FDA authorizes emergency use of drug to fight screwworms in pets
Nitenpyram is the first generic animal drug authorized to treat screwworms in dogs and cats, according to federal regulators.
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DOJ paves way for Paramount Skydance to buy Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Ohio voting rights group facing criminal fraud investigation, sources say
The FBI executed a search warrant at the office of an Ohio-based group known for its voter registration work as part of an ongoing fraud-related investigation, sources told CBS News.
DOJ asks appeals court to let Trump's name stay on Kennedy Center
A federal judge denied a last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to stop the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
U.S. military making plans to secure Iran's nuclear materials, sources say
Military planners have discussed contingencies that would involve U.S. forces helping secure Iran's nuclear materials if a deal is reached, according to U.S. officials familiar with knowledge of the ongoing planning.
A key spy tool is expiring due to inaction in Congress. Here's what that means.
Lawmakers have long sounded the alarm about the risks of letting Section 702 expire. But there's debate over what a lapse in the law actually means.
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HealthWatch
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
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U.S. military making plans to secure Iran's nuclear materials, sources say
Military planners have discussed contingencies that would involve U.S. forces helping secure Iran's nuclear materials if a deal is reached, according to U.S. officials familiar with knowledge of the ongoing planning.
Suspect linked to U.S. consulate shooting on run in Canada, officer killed
A manhunt is underway for an "armed and dangerous" suspect linked to a shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto after an officer was fatally shot.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
Stowaway with 524 pounds of cocaine, gun found on barge in Caribbean
It's the second time this year that authorities detained a stowaway holding a huge stash of drugs in the same harbor.
"Spy turtles" and "spy fish" prowling China's waters, Beijing claims
"An unseen covert war of espionage is currently unfolding" in the waters off China, the country's minister of state security has alleged.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
DOJ approves Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
The Justice Department has given the merger between CBS News' parent company, Paramount Skydance, and Warner Bros. Discovery the green light. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the latest.
Shawn Hatosy talks acting on "The Pitt"
Actor Shawn Hatosy went from guest star to Emmy Award-winning fan favorite as Dr. Jack Abbot on the hit medical drama "The Pitt." Dr. Abbot "is very calm in the face of chaos and he can handle anything, but he's struggling, as is Robby, and they have to come together," Hatosy tells "CBS Mornings."
Taylor Swift is youngest woman inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
Taylor Swift became the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Thursday night, at the age of 36.
KISS on Songwriters Hall of Fame induction
KISS' Paul Stanley says it's an honor to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame along with his band member Gene Simmons. "This is what the American dream is about," Simmons tells "CBS Mornings."
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
Technology
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As SpaceX IPO launches, Texans near its Starbase HQ are mixed on the company
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
SpaceX expansion plans impact local community
Residents near SpaceX's South Texas campus have mixed opinions about Elon Musk's company and its plans to expand operations. CBS News' Jason Allen reports from Starbase, Texas.
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.
Why the liberal arts can help young Americans prepare for the era of AI
The advent of AI puts a premium on developing skills like critical thinking and communication, according to education experts. The liberal arts can help.
Uproar over planned data center near zoo
Residents are protesting plans for a 70,000-square-foot data center near the Nashville Zoo. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
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Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
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Crime
Relative blames parents in cruise killing
Timothy Hudson, 16, has been charged with the death and sexual assault of his stepsister, Anna Kepner, who was on a Carnival cruise ship with her family when she was killed. Hudson's step-grandmother, Sonya Ziske, spoke to CBS News about Kepner's death, blaming parental irresponsibility as a major factor. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Latest news on Midland, Texas, shooting
Officials provided an update after a mass shooting in Midland, Texas, where at least one person was killed. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
TX mass shooting suspect dead, officials say
The suspect in a deadly mass shooting in Midland, Texas, is dead, officials say. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
Witness on Midland, Texas, shooting
A witness who saw victims being brought to a local hospital describes the tense moments after an active shooting in Midland, Texas. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe has more.
11 victims confirmed after Texas shooting
Officials confirmed at least 11 victims after an active shooting in Midland, Texas, on Friday. CBS News Texas' Ken Molestina reports.
Space
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NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
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Trump disputes Iranian claims about a deal
A U.S. official said they are 80-85% confident that a deal with Iran will be signed in the coming days, but it's not 100% certain. Washington and Tehran also shared different terms on a potential deal. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has more.
Republicans with same name compete for same seat
Two Republicans with the same name, incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and challenger Dan J. Sullivan, are battling on the ballot in Alaska. CBS News election law expert and contributor David Becker joins to unpack the campaign confusion.
Elon Musk becomes first trillionaire
SpaceX officially went public on Friday, making history as the largest initial public offering of all time and making Elon Musk a trillionaire. Also on Friday, the Justice Department gave the green light for a merger between CBS News' parent company, Paramount Skydance, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Jo Ling Kent has more.
White House hosting $60 million UFC fight
A federal judge has ruled the White House can host UFC matches on its South Lawn on Sunday, which marks President Trump's 80th birthday. CBS News political director Fin Gómez, along with political strategists Chuck Rocha and Leslie Shedd, join with analysis.
DOJ approves Paramount-Warner Bros. merger
The Justice Department has given the merger between CBS News' parent company, Paramount Skydance, and Warner Bros. Discovery the green light. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has the latest.