Rise and fall of ISIS in Syria and Iraq
CBS News' Holly Williams talks with Anthony Mason about the downfall of ISIS, and the future of Iraq and Syria.
Battle For Mosul
ISIS launches payback attack
An American military adviser has died in the attack to drive ISIS out of Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul. Officials say his vehicle hit a roadside bomb and overturned. Meanwhile, ISIS forces attacked targets around the city of Kirkuk overnight. Security forces there tell CBS News at least 35 people were killed. Holly Williams reports from Iraq.
Syria and Iraq in debate
One topic covered in Wednesday's presidential debate was foreign policy. CBS News' Holly Williams, who is covering the battle for Mosul, and Elizabeth Palmer, who recently reported from Aleppo, tell Scott Pelley what they thought of the candidates' ideas.
Battle to retake ISIS-held Mosul
Iraq's prime minister says the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS is going "more quickly than" expected. The military offensive advanced overnight to liberate more villages on the outskirts of Iraq's second largest city. Holly Williams reports from north of Mosul.
Mosul offensive slowed
Iraqi and Kurdish forces heading towards Mosul have slowed to a crawl in the past 48 hours. When ISIS fled the village of Kabali on Monday, they left many of the houses rigged with homemade bombs. Holly Williams reports.
Mosul front lines
CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams joins CBSN by phone from the front lines of the battle for Mosul. Iraqi and Kurdish fighters, supported by the U.S., are battling to recapture the city from ISIS militants.
Troops close in on Mosul
Iraqi and Kurdish troops are closer to the ISIS-held city of Mosul. Video shows mines being cleared from newly-liberated territory outside Iraq's second largest city. The American-backed operation has already freed up to 20 villages east of Mosul. Holly Williams reports.
Reclaiming Mosul
Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, fell to ISIS in 2014. With the help of American special forces and airstrikes, Iraqi troops have been able to secure villages on the outskirts of town. Their battle for the city entered its second day Tuesday. Holly Williams reports.
Chasing ISIS away from Mosul
Iraqi and Kurdish troops near Mosul are clearing villages recaptured from ISIS. American warplanes pounded ISIS targets Monday. The extremists lost territory and fighters in the massive offensive. Holly Williams reports from the village of Tarjala, which was just liberated from ISIS.
Kurds fight for Mosul
In Iraq, ground forces backed by American warplanes began a long awaited operation to retake Mosul, the largest city controlled by ISIS. The U.N. warns the fighting could force hundreds of thousands from their homes. Holly Williams is with the invasion force just outside of Mosul.
Major offensive against ISIS
The battle to retake Iraq's second-largest city from ISIS militants is underway, as thousands of Iraqi and Kurdish fighters are advancing on villages outside Mosul. With American warplanes and Special Operations commandos providing support, the opening phase of the fight could take weeks or months. Holly Williams reports from the front line.
Upcoming battle against ISIS
Americans may soon be going back to the front lines in Iraq. Iraq's army is preparing an assault on Mosul, the country's second-largest city. They want to push out any remaining ISIS forces in Mosul. Holly Williams got rare access to the base where American advisers are helping the Iraqis get ready.
Retaking Mosul from ISIS
Final planning is underway for the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS, with U.S. forces training and advising the Iraqi military. ISIS captured the northern Iraqi city in 2014. Holly Williams reports from the air base that will lead the effort.
U.S. preps Iraqis to take Mosul
The U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division is preparing an airbase in northern Iraq that will be the tip of the spear for the coming battle to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, from ISIS. CBS News correspondent Holly Williams spoke with Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky about the role of Americans in the fight.
Angelina Jolie: Mosul is "worst devastation I have seen"
The UNHCR special envoy implores the international community restore the city; corpses are still trapped under ruins.
AP: Death toll in Mosul 10 times higher than acknowledged
Investigation based on accounts from local officials, NGOs, suggests U.S., Iraq and ISIS all understating horrific loss of civilian life
Behind the Lens: Children of ISIS
In the ruins of Mosul, Charlie D'Agata gets a sense of the desperation on which ISIS preys to recruit a new generation
German girl found in ISIS hideout wants "to go home"
Linda Wenzel, a 16-year-old Muslim convert, was caught with other "ISIS brides" as Iraqi forces reclaimed Mosul
As ISIS "sleepers" hunted in Mosul, focus shifts to Raqqa
U.S.-backed forces go after ISIS "sleeper cells," suspected to be using their families as human shields, day after city declared liberated
Iraqi PM congratulates troops in Mosul, declares victory over ISIS
Dressed in a black military uniform, a smiling Haider al-Abadi walked amid the soldiers, at one point grabbing an Iraqi flag and briefly draping it on his shoulders
Iraq PM says "we managed to liberate" Mosul
Lt. Gen. Abdel Ghani al-Asadi, of Iraq's special forces, said earlier in the day that Iraqi forces are just 250 meters from the Tigris River, in the western half of Mosul
ISIS clings to last tiny urban patches of crumbling "caliphate"
Extremists now hold just a few blocks of Iraq's 2nd largest city, as U.S.-backed forces breach wall surrounding their de-facto capital in Syria
ISIS hides female suicide bombers among fleeing civilians
Two suicide bombings against Iraqi soldiers follow three other attacks by women
Shrinking "Islamic State" loses its symbolic birthplace
Militants tried to level ancient al-Nuri mosque as they fled the Mosul landmark, but Iraqi troops now control the compound
"Stench of death" from bodies of ISIS fighters fills Mosul
U.S.-backed Iraqi special forces said Sunday they've retaken two-thirds of the Old City, and Iraqi forces opened exit routes this weekend for hundreds of civilians to escape
World
Thousands waiting for help as Indonesia earthquake death toll nears 70
Thousands of people are still waiting for aid on Indonesia's Flores island days after a powerful earthquake killed at least 68 people.
U.K. prime minister messages with impersonator of top Trump staffer
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messaged with someone pretending to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
U.S. tourist reportedly killed by lightning strike on Italy's Mount Etna
An American man hiking up Italy's active Mount Etna volcano was killed by a lightning strike, the national news agency ANSA reports.
Live
Trump threatens Oman, Iran war in stalemate as 60-day talks window ends
The 60-day deadline for the U.S. and Iran to negotiate a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expiring, with no agreement in sight.
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump said Sunday that the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
U.S.
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Woman fights off bear with spray after being attacked on trail in Alaska
A woman was running alone on a path called the Wolverine Bowl Trail when the brown bear attacked her, officials said.
Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment.
MoneyWatch
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CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
Politics
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U.K. prime minister messages with impersonator of top Trump staffer
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messaged with someone pretending to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump said Sunday that the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
World
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Thousands waiting for help as Indonesia earthquake death toll nears 70
Thousands of people are still waiting for aid on Indonesia's Flores island days after a powerful earthquake killed at least 68 people.
U.K. prime minister messages with impersonator of top Trump staffer
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messaged with someone pretending to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
U.S. tourist reportedly killed by lightning strike on Italy's Mount Etna
An American man hiking up Italy's active Mount Etna volcano was killed by a lightning strike, the national news agency ANSA reports.
Live
Trump threatens Oman, Iran war in stalemate as 60-day talks window ends
The 60-day deadline for the U.S. and Iran to negotiate a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expiring, with no agreement in sight.
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump said Sunday that the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Hayden Panettiere dies at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Remember the Titans" and "Heroes," has died at 36, her publicist confirmed. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
Hayden Panettiere dies at 36
Actor Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, her father confirmed in a statement. The star was known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville." Gayle King has a look at her life and career.
Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Movie theaters boom amid studio hits
The box office has been booming in 2026, with five blockbuster hits making over $1 billion. Mark Strassmann has more details from Los Angeles.
8/16: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: Weather becoming more extreme; Rahm Emanuel; The Eagles' Don Henley; ex-Amish, now social media creator Lovina Zook; trophy bull riding belt buckles; the iNaturalist app; and the long and short of short pants.
Technology
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Technology
States crack down on misleading home listings
More home listings are using AI to add furniture, repaint walls, spruce up landscaping and even add windows. But when does virtual staging cross the line into deception or even fraud? CBS News' Evyn Moon explores.
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
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.
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Trial starting after Microsoft exec's alleged murder-for-hire involving ex-wife
Jared Bridegan was repeatedly shot outside his vehicle while his 2-year-old child was strapped in a car seat.
Security video helps lead to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime
Dr. Steven Milner, a well-respected Oregon veterinarian, was accused of stalking and disguising himself before murdering Kenny Fandrich — the husband of a former employee. Security cameras played a key role in how detectives pieced the case together.
Violent crime down in big cities
Violent crime numbers are down across many major U.S. cities. Ali Bauman is in Newark, New Jersey, which has seen a large drop in homicides.
5 hurt in Virginia State University shooting
Police say multiple suspects were involved in the Virginia State University campus shooting that wounded five on Saturday.
Mozart statuettes snatched in classical caper
To celebrate Mozart's 270th birthday this year, German artist Ottmar Hörl made 320 statuettes of the composer and his dog, Pimperl, placing them around Salzburg, Austria. However, the statuettes have been pilfered.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rising tensions over Flock cameras
There's rising scrutiny over Flock Safety's nationwide network of cameras that record license plate numbers. Over the weekend, a protest turned physical in Fargo, North Dakota, while officials in Hood County, Texas, shut down and covered its cameras over privacy concerns. Anna Schecter reports.
Hayden Panettiere dies at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in "Remember the Titans" and "Heroes," has died at 36, her publicist confirmed. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
World Liberty Financial granted bank status
A Trump-appointed bank regulator has given conditional approval for World Liberty Financial, a crypto business established by President Trump's sons and the sons of special envoy Steve Witkoff, to become a bank. Nancy Cordes reports.
Questions over when USS Lincoln will return
The head of U.S. Central Command visited the USS Lincoln over the weekend amid questions over when the ship will return from the Middle East. Families of sailors and members of Congress raised concerns over conditions on the ship during its nine-month deployment. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Cleanup after Hurricane Lala pummels Hawaii
The cleanup is beginning in Hawaii after it was hit by Hurricane Lala, which has now weakened to a tropical storm. Floodwaters washed out roads, and thousands of people are without power. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.