Top news headlines of 2024, month-by-month
From Boeing's turbulence and a catastrophic hurricane, to Trump's election victory, "Sunday Morning" host Jane Pauley looks back at key events of a year that was monumental.
Hurricane
Scientists say people hit with 41 extra days of dangerous heat this year
Researchers say human-caused climate change dealt people an average of nearly six weeks of extra extreme heat in 2024, while also fueling more destructive storms.
How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts
After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.
Deadline to avoid government shutdown
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are racing against the clock to avoid a Friday night deadline before another government shutdown occurs. CBS News' Taurean Small breaks down the latest in Congress.
Some still waiting on disaster aid after Helene
Following the historic flooding from Hurricane Helene, many people affected by the storm were denied disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration because it had run out of money. Scott MacFarlane takes a look at why Congress has been so slow to replenish the much-needed aid.
Tennessee hospital was destroyed by Helene — others face risk
Flash flooding from Hurricane Helene trapped dozens of people on the rooftop of Unicoi County Hospital.
Secret Santa gives thousands of dollars to North Carolina victims of Helene
Every year, this anonymous, wealthy businessman travels the country during the holidays, giving away about $100,000 in $100 bills.
FEMA administrator on dwindling funds
The U.S. faced an unprecedented 179 disasters in 2024, according to FEMA, affecting millions of Americans and wiping out some towns. CBS News' Nicole Sganga spoke with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about these catastrophes and the dwindling funds to help those affected.
North Carolina GOP passes election changes
North Carolina's Republican legislature on Wednesday overrode the Democratic governor's veto on hurricane disaster relief legislation that includes controversial election provisions. The bill overhauls how elections are administered in the state, effectively expanding the party's control over the process. CBS News election law expert David Becker joins to examine the impact of the changes.
Future of FEMA in question
FEMA's place in President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration is unclear after Trump subjected the agency to attacks and misinformation in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some conservatives are suggesting individual states handle disaster recovery. CBS News Homeland Security and Justice reporter Nicole Sganga spoke with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about that.
Frigid temperatures in Southeast U.S. impact recovery for Helene survivors
A cold snap is hitting the Southeast U.S., including western North Carolina, which is still recovering from the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina still recovering amid the cold
Several North Carolina counties opened warming shelters for people without heat access or who were displaced by Hurricane Helene last September. Some are enduring the cold while living in tents as they wait for more aid. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian reports.
NC residents still struggle to recover from Helene
December has delivered snow and biting cold, a different type of storm from Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina in late September. Hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed are still living in campers and tents amid the cold temperatures. Janet Shamlian has more.
Beloved dog rescued from Hurricane Milton finds forever home
"CBS Mornings" contributor David Begnaud shows how Trooper got a second chance with a couple who share a longstanding connection with his breed.
Businesses still waiting for Helene aid
Two months after Hurricane Helene, many homeowners and businesses have not received any aid from the federal government as the U.S. Small Business Administration's disaster loan fund ran out of money. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports and North Carolina business owner Jessie Dean shares her story.
FEMA boss testifies on hurricane response
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency testified before the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday about the agency's response to hurricanes Helene and Milton and its future funding. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Tropical Storm Sara forms in Caribbean
Tropical Storm Sara formed in the Caribbean on Thursday and is churning west. It is forecast to bring life-threatening flooding to portions of Central America this weekend.
FEMA employee fired for telling workers to ignore homes of Trump supporters
The agency did not say where the situation happened, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said it occurred in Florida, calling it "targeted discrimination."
Hurricane Rafael leaves Cuba reeling, moves into Gulf of Mexico
Cuba was reeling from a fierce major hurricane that ripped across the island and knocked out its power grid, after ravaging parts of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica.
Hurricane Rafael knocks out power in Cuba, weeks after nationwide blackout
Cuba was without power nationwide for the second time in just weeks, as Hurricane Rafael made landfall on Wednesday afternoon.
Hurricane Rafael forms in Caribbean as path heads toward Cuba
Rafael, the 18th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, became a hurricane on Tuesday evening as it approached the Cayman Islands.
The Climate Election: Disaster recovery
Hurricane Helene is one of the deadliest hurricanes to make landfall in the mainland U.S. For many places across Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas, recovery could take months or even years — and the next president will play a vital role in what that process looks like when they take office in three months. Here's what to know about Project 2025, former President Donald Trump's and Vice President Kamala Harris' stances on extreme weather, disaster recovery, and the root of the increasing frequency and power of storms — climate change.
The Climate Election: Mining, explained
Viral claims in the wake of Hurricane Helene suggested that the government controlled the devastating storm to hit certain areas and that authorities were attempting to seize Chimney Rock, North Carolina, to commandeer mining operations. These claims are false — but extreme weather does have a significant impact on U.S. mines, particularly coal mines. Here's what to know.
Hurricane Helene and Milton relief benefit airing on CBS, CMT
A benefit raising money for relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will be broadcast Saturday night.
Tap water in Asheville still unsafe to drink
One month after Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, residents of Asheville are still struggling to find clean drinking water. New York Times reporter Christina Morales joins CBS News to explain how it's affecting families and businesses and what officials are doing to try to fix the issue.
Politics may have spurred August purge of 5 veteran FBI agents
Details are emerging about the possible motivation behind the firing of five senior FBI agents.
House committee to make Epstein files public after Justice Department subpoena
The House Oversight Committee intends to release the documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, a spokesperson said.
Hurricane Erin threatens East Coast with dangerous rip currents
Meteorologists are closely tracking the projected path and forecast of Hurricane Erin, which is the first hurricane to develop over the Atlantic this year.
Noem says entire southern border wall will be painted black to stop climbing
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the entire southern border wall with Mexico is being painted black to deter illegal immigration, at President Trump's request.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia's lawyers ask judge to dismiss criminal charges
Kilmar Abrego Garcia — who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador only to be brought back to face smuggling charges — asked a federal judge to dismiss his indictment.
Maps show Ukrainian territories claimed by Russia
Russian troops currently control about 20% of Ukrainian territory, but the Ukrainian constitution forbids giving up territory or trading land.
Nebraska governor announces plan for immigrant detention center
Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in a farming area in the state's southwest corner.
Hurricane Erin forces Outer Banks evacuations; East Coast beaches close
Hurricane Erin is forcing evacuations on North Carolina's Outer Banks as it threatens to whip up wild waves and tropical force winds.
Exclusive
U.S. strikes deportation deals with Honduras and Uganda, documents show
The U.S. has expanded its campaign to persuade countries to aid its crackdown on illegal immigration by accepting deportations of migrants who are not their own citizens.