Federal authorities are investigating racist text messages that were sent this week to residents in at least 19 states, from California to Connecticut. The texts were also sent to students at multiple schools and universities. Omar Villafranca has details. Source

More than 200 homes and structures have been damaged or destroyed in the Mountain Fire in Ventura County in Southern California. The blaze has scorched about 32 square miles. Firefighting efforts have been hampered by weather conditions that include extremely low humidity and no recent rainfall. Jonathan Vigliotti reports. Source

A new Axios report says that billionaire Elon Musk was on a phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring that Musk has a seat at the table as Trump navigates his return to power. Robert Costa has more. Source

Two men are in federal custody and a third is wanted in connection with what authorities are calling an Iranian murder-for-hire plot against President-elect Donald Trump. Prosecutors allege one of the suspects, Farhad Shakeri, was an operative for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He remains at large. Scott MacFarlane has the latest. Source

Gerri Eisenhauer’s father, Army Pvt. William Walters, was shipped off to World War II before she was even born. In 1944, her family got back his body and a letter that only stated he had died somewhere in France. Eighty years later, she finally received some answers. Steve Hartman has the story in “On the Road.” Source

A massive wildfire in Southern California has burned across more than 20,000 acres in Ventura County, destroying dozens of homes. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti spoke with residents about the heartbreak of losing their homes. Source

How to watch Butler vs. Austin Peay basketball game Source

Here’s a look at the top stories making headlines on the “CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell.” Source

Clemson must bounce back after a horrific home loss to Louisville Source

The Hurricanes can move to 10-0 with a win over the Yellow Jackets Source