8/11: CBS News Mornings
Death toll rises in Maui wildfires; Ancient fossils of new whale species discovered in Egypt.
Wildfire
Maui resident describes fleeing wildfires
JD Hessemer, a Maui resident and co-owner of Kohola Brewery in Lahaina, said he had to make the difficult decision to evacuate without official guidance due to worsening conditions and a lack of power. He joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about widespread destruction on the island.
How climate change fueled Hawaii's wildfires
At least 55 people have died in the wildfires that have ravaged Hawaii and around 1,000 are still missing. The historic town of Lahaina was almost completely destroyed by fire. Dr. Eric Kennedy, associate professor of disaster and emergency management at York University in Toronto, joined CBS News to discuss the environmental conditions that fueled the destruction.
Questions about warnings before Maui wildfire
At least 55 people are dead and around 1,000 people are missing in Hawaii as desperation grows following multiple wildfires that some residents say they never received official warnings about. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports from Wailuku, Hawaii.
55 confirmed dead after Hawaii wildfires
Hawaii Governor Josh Green says the wildfire that swept through Maui is "likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history," with at least 55 people dead and more than 1,000 homes and structures damaged or destroyed. "We know the death toll will rise," Green said. CBS News' Jessica Kartalija has the latest.
Maui fires death toll rises, hundreds forced to evacuate
At least 55 people have lost their lives and the toll is expected to climb. The historic town of Lahaina has been devastated.
Maui residents' business destroyed by fires
The wildfires on Hawaii's Maui island have killed dozens of people and destroyed structures, including Lahaina resident Aaron Diaz's family business. Diaz explains the current situation on Maui and how people can help.
Firefighters battle deadly Maui wildfires
At least 53 people are dead as wildfires continue burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Officials warned the death toll is likely to rise. CBS News reporter Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest from Maui, where search and rescue efforts are underway.
Hawaii resident describes wildfire escape
Dustin Kaleiopu said "there was no warning" before he and his grandfather made a dash for their lives as flames engulfed their Hawaii neighborhood. Kaleiopu joined CBS News to describe the dramatic escape.
Red Cross mobilizing for Hawaiian wildfires
At least three dozen people are confirmed dead and thousands have been displaced by wildfires that have swept through Hawaii's island of Maui. Jonathan McNamara, national spokesperson for the American Red Cross, joined CBS News to discuss how his organization is assisting.
Wildfires' impact on Hawaii tourism
Hawaiian officials confirm at least 36 people have been killed in fast-moving wildfires with hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed on the island of Maui. Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, joined CBS News to discuss the situation.
In Spain, goats are a solution to wildfires
With their ability to clear underbrush and create fire breaks at low costs, goat herds are a key tool for wildfire mitigation.
At least 6 killed on Hawaii's Maui island as fires force people to flee
The wind-whipped wildfires even led some to jump into a harbor and the Coast Guard said it rescued 14.
Climate change making Hawaii wildfires worse
Eyewitnesses are describing wildfires spreading across Maui, Hawaii's second-largest island, as an apocalyptic scene amid mass evacuations and growing flames. Elizabeth Pickett, executive director for the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, discusses how the state can prepare for future fires.
Wildfire evacuations underway in Hawaii
Mandatory evacuations are underway in parts of Hawaii as devastating wildfires, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, burn through several island communities. Widespread power outages are also being reported and the 911 system is down in some areas. Mahina Martin, chief of communications and public affairs for Maui County, joined CBS News to discuss the situation.
Hawaii wildfire forces evacuations
People jumped into the water Tuesday in the Hawaiian town of Lahaina on Maui to escape flames and smoke from a wildfire. Another wildfire, in central Texas just north of Austin, destroyed an apartment building Tuesday night.
3 killed in California helicopter crash
A mid-air collision of two helicopters dispatched to fight a fire east of Los Angeles Sunday night caused one of the aircraft to crash, killing three people onboard. The other chopper landed safely. CBS News Los Angeles reporter Kara Finnstrom has the latest.
"Fire whirls" are spewing from massive wildfire raging in the West
Fire whirls are spinning columns of fire that can grow to be "several hundred feet in height."
Summer of Smoke: Inside Canada's hub of operations battling wildfires
More than 5,000 fires have raged since May across Canada, tearing through at least 29 million acres of land — and counting.
Drone helps Italian police nab suspected arsonist in the act
"Calabria is a civilized region, but it also has some imbeciles who go to set fires in the woods," mocked Calabria's governor.
Record evacuations due to wildfires in Greece
The relentless wildfires in Greece have forced a record number of evacuations on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu. Azadeh Moshiri, a reporter with CBS News' partner the BBC, is covering the story from Rhodes. She and her crew were forced to evacuate one area of the island Tuesday.
Wildfires ravage southern Europe and beyond
Greece is continuing to evacuate tens of thousands of residents and tourists as wildfires burn on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu and part of the mainland. In Algeria, at least 34 people, including 10 soldiers, were killed in wildfires. Other countries, like Italy, are also seeing the impacts of extreme heat, as Chris Livesay reports.
Greece fires smash 2007 July emissions record in just over a week
The wildfires in Greece spiked on July 17, and have since spewed more carbon than wildfires have in the country in two decades.
Death toll hits 40 as wildfires char parts of Europe and North Africa
Relentless heat waves have fueled deadly blazes in Algeria, Italy and Greece, while parts of Europe further north grapple with torrential rain and wind.
Yet another heat wave fuels fires forcing mass evacuations in Greece
More than 20,000 people have been forced to flee homes and hotels on one Greek island, and the fire danger, along with the heat, is spreading.
Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
National Guard troops patrol New Orleans on New Year's a year after attack
Hundreds of National Guard troops are patrolling New Orleans on New Year's Eve, one year after a deadly terror attack.
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
Christian Barmore, Patriots defensive star, charged with domestic assault
Christian Barmore, a star defensive tackle with the New England Patriots, is facing a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several days of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
U.S.
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National Guard troops patrol New Orleans on New Year's a year after attack
Hundreds of National Guard troops are patrolling New Orleans on New Year's Eve, one year after a deadly terror attack.
Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
Trump Mobile pushes back release of gold-colored phone
The Trump Organization announced the $499 phone and wireless plan this summer, promising to deliver "all-American service."
Maps show New Year's weather forecasts, with more snow and rain on the way
Lake effect snow, intense rain and chilly temperatures dominate the forecasts for different parts of the U.S., before and after the new year arrives.
MoneyWatch
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Trump Mobile pushes back release of gold-colored phone
The Trump Organization announced the $499 phone and wireless plan this summer, promising to deliver "all-American service."
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Politics
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Videos released in Epstein files raise fresh questions about jail footage
A recently released cache of security videos is raising new questions about the prison cameras at the facility where Jeffrey Epstein died in his cell in 2019.
Law enforcement ramps up New Year's security measures across the country
Recent memory serves as a sobering reminder of how critical it is for law enforcement and civilians to be vigilant as crowds gather to celebrate New Year's Eve.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
Photos show the year in politics for 2025
In 2025, President Trump returned to power and instituted change in Washington. Here's a roundup of photos of key moments throughout the year.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
HealthWatch
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Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
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New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Women Japanese lawmakers point to unique shortage — toilets for them
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several days of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, when crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
Crime
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Crime
New details on charges against Stefon Diggs
Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of strangulation, assault and battery following an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month. Diggs' attorney, David Meier, said in a statement that the wide receiver "categorically denies" the allegations and "looks forward to establishing the truth" in court. CBS News Boston's Aaron Parseghian has more.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock ordered to forfeit $5.2 million
The ringleader of what authorities called the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States has been ordered to forfeit more than $5 million.
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
DHS probes fraud at MN day care centers
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video that has gone viral, alleging potential fraud at a dozen day care centers in Minnesota. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
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.
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
New Orleans boosts New Year's security
National Guard troops were deployed to New Orleans to help with security for New Year's celebrations in wake of the deadly truck attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens on New Year's Day last year. CBS News' Kati Weis has the latest.
Latest on deadly nursing home explosion
Community members are still reeling after the deadly explosion at a Bristol, Pennsylvania, nursing home last week. CBS Philadelphia's Liz Crawford has the latest.
Winter storms slam Northeast, Great Lakes
Winter storms are hammering the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the U.S. CBS News' Ian Lee and Rob Marciano have the latest.
Australia rings in 2026 with tighter security
Australia's New Year's celebrations included tighter security as the nation continues to mourn the 15 victims of the deadly antisemitic Bondi Beach attack. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Police boost security for Times Square event
The New York City Police Department is expecting more than one million people to gather in Times Square to celebrate New Year's Eve on Wednesday. CBS News' Elaine Quijano has more on how the police are preparing ahead of the ball drop.