Mueller's family and friends: "The world wanted to be more like Kayla"
Relatives and those who knew Kayla Mueller best spoke about her Tuesday afternoon, hours after the American hostage's death was confirmed
The Fight Against ISIS
American ISIS hostage is dead, family confirms
Kayla Jean Mueller's family received an email and photo from her captors, which was verified by U.S. intelligence
Held by ISIS
The Islamic extremists have publicized the deaths of several hostages
Kayla Mueller's father briefly had hope, family friend says
Carl Mueller was overwhelmed by "devastation and hopelessness" while his daughter was help captive by ISIS, former Arizona secretary of state says
CIA insider on ISIS' influence: "Success breeds followers"
With affiliates forming in Egypt, Algeria and Afghanistan, officials are becoming increasingly worried by the terror group's long-reaching arm
Assad getting U.S. "information" on airstrikes
Syrian dictator denies direct cooperation, but says neighbor nations are sharing "messages" from the American military
Former ISIS member explains why he left terror group
In an interview with CBS News, the former ISIS fighter explains what life was like under ISIS and why he ultimately decided to leave
Afghan officials: Drone strike kills ISIS commander
Drone-fired missile strikes car allegedly carrying senior figure of militant group in southern Helmand province
Parents of ISIS hostage said to be in "fragile state"
Clinging to hope that she's still alive, a family friends says the ordeal of Kayla Jean Mueller "is starting to wear on" her parents
Will more Arab nations put ground troops against ISIS?
Wave of anger among Arabs after apparent immolation of Jordanian pilot has resulted in increased bombing, but many still call for ground troops
ISIS hostage may have been at site of U.S. rescue attempt
Rescue mission in July attempted to free ISIS hostages in terrorist stronghold where group says Kayla Jean Mueller was killed
Bosnian woman accused of aiding terror groups appears in court
6 Bosnian immigrants accused of sending money and military equipment to terrorist groups including ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Justice Dept. says
U.S. hostage's family addresses ISIS after death claim
Kayla Jean Mueller's parents speak out after Islamic extremist group claims she died in Jordanian airstrike
American ISIS hostage Kayla Jean Mueller wanted to help Syrian kids
26-year-old woman from Prescott, Arizona, said she felt like she "can't do enough" to aid Syria's civil war refugees
6 people charged in U.S. with supporting ISIS
Bosnian immigrants faces charges of providing material support to terrorists and trying to maim or kill people overseas, Dept. of Justice says
ISIS claims Jordanian airstrike killed American female hostage
Unconfirmed claim comes amid outrage among prominent Muslim clerics after militants burned captive Jordanian pilot alive
Jordan bombs ISIS targets, vows to "eliminate" militants
State TV shows pilots scribbling messages on missiles, including one that read: "For you, the enemies of Islam"
ISIS is killing, torturing and raping children in Iraq, U.N. says
Report cites "mass executions of boys, as well as reports of beheadings, crucifixions of children and burying children alive"
Jordan's king vows to hit ISIS "hard"
After pilot's murder, new airstrikes as King Abdullah hints at stepped-up coordination with U.S. against militants he says are "fighting Islam"
U.S. deploys search and rescue helicopters to Iraq in ISIS fight
Pentagon moves helicopters to northern Iraq after capture and apparent killing of a Jordanian pilot by ISIS
Is ISIS really losing ground?
U.S. helped win back Kobani, but nearby, former teachers and farmers holding the frontline worry ISIS may only have been displaced, and they're begging for help
U.S.: Key Arab ally no longer flying ISIS airstrikes over Syria
United Arab Emirates dropped out of group of countries conducting airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria in December, officials tell AP
CIA insider: 100,000 ground troops needed to fight ISIS
CBS News senior security contributor Michael Morell says U.S., Western Europe have few other options in fighting extremist group
Jordanian pilot's "obscene" burning death by ISIS sparks outrage in Mideast
Prominent cleric says God alone can punish by fire; another Muslim leader condemns the "abuse of Islam, the great religion of mercy"
Jordan executes 2 prisoners after ISIS killing of pilot
Executions come hours after video was released purportedly showing Jordanian fighter pilot being burned alive
World
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
After a bloody crackdown, Iran vows to teach protest backers a lesson
Iran's rulers want the world to know they've weathered a storm, and they're threatening a harsh "lesson" for anyone deemed to have supported protests.
U.S. reduces some personnel at airbase in Qatar as tensions rise with Iran
The Al Udeid airbase in Doha, Qatar, is the forward operating headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces across the Middle East.
U.S. used aircraft painted like civilian plane to attack alleged drug boat
The attack on an alleged drug-smuggling boat from Venezuela killed 11 people in September.
Senate GOP kills war powers effort to limit Trump on Venezuela, with Vance breaking tie
Two Republicans switched their votes after pressure from the White House.
"Fundamental" differences remain over Greenland's future, Denmark says after U.S. meeting
After the meeting, Denmark's foreign minister said they're eager to work with the U.S. while respecting the "red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
U.S.
More U.S.
Why Chicago's "death gap" has existed on the West Side for decades
The life expectancy for residents of The Loop is 87.3 years, according to numbers from the Chicago Department of Public Health. For West Garfield Park, it is 66.6 years.
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Timothy Busfield makes court appearance in child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Verizon customers report phone service outages across U.S.
A Verizon spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the company is aware of "an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers."
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Politics
More Politics
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
Changing Defense Department's name could cost up to $125 million, CBO estimates
The Trump administration's push to change the Defense Department's name to the Department of War could cost nine figures, according to a new estimate by Congress' budget watchdog.
Court upholds Prop 50, allowing California to use its redrawn congressional maps
A panel for the U.S. Central District Court of California ruled Democrats can proceed in using their redrawn congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
World
More World
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
After a bloody crackdown, Iran vows to teach protest backers a lesson
Iran's rulers want the world to know they've weathered a storm, and they're threatening a harsh "lesson" for anyone deemed to have supported protests.
U.S. reduces some personnel at airbase in Qatar as tensions rise with Iran
The Al Udeid airbase in Doha, Qatar, is the forward operating headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces across the Middle East.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Timothy Busfield makes court appearance in child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
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.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Science
More Science
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Timothy Busfield makes court appearance in child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Indicted Virginia coach still missing
The search continues in Virginia for a high school football coach charged with possessing child sexual assault material and using a computer to solicit a minor. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Man plotted murder to "get rid of" his wife after affair, au pair testifies
Brendan Banfield is charged with murder in the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia.
Space
More Space
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Judge weighs law banning masks for ICE agents
Legal representation for the state of California and the federal government were in court on Wednesday over the Golden State's new law that bans federal agents from wearing face coverings during operations. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos reports.
Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire
It's a long winter in Chicago when the Bears are bad, but walk into any bar in the city, especially after last week's comeback win over the Packers, and the winter is gone. Tony Dokoupil has details.
Chicago mayor on life expectancy disparities
In an interview with "CBS Evening News" anchor, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses what's driving disparities between different areas of the city, and what officials are doing to address them.
Chicago train ride reveals life expectancy gap
In a journey of just five miles in the city of Chicago, the housing thins out, the shopping fades and you step into a neighborhood where residents' lives are, on average, 20 years shorter than those just up the road. Tony Dokoupil takes a ride on the L Train to see it firsthand, followed by a live interview with Mayor Brandon Johnson.