Obama says it again: No ground troops in Iraq
The president repeated his opposition to U.S. boots on the ground in Iraq, a day after his top military adviser said he could recommend troops there
The Fight Against ISIS
Robert Gates: U.S. will need to put boots on the ground in ISIS fight
Former defense secretary shares concerns about president's strategy to defeat Islamic militant group
Barak Barfi, a longtime friend of the Sotloff family, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss Steven Sotloff's execution by ISIS, government threats and paying ransoms
Barak Barfi, a longtime friend of the Sotloff family, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss Steven Sotloff's execution by ISIS, government threats and paying ransoms.
A Rochester, New York, man was indicted by a grand jury after being accused of recruiting people to fight for ISIS
A Rochester, New York, man was indicted by a grand jury after being accused of recruiting people to fight for ISIS. The plot to recruit members involved violence in the U.S. Bob Orr reports.
In his first interview about the ISIS threat, former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told CBS News correspondent Anna Werner that the U.S. will likely need to send ground troops to Iraq and Syria
In his first interview about the ISIS threat, former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told CBS News correspondent Anna Werner that the U.S. will likely need to send ground troops to Iraq and Syria.
This goes against President Obama's assertion that ground forces are off the table
While testifying in front of Congress Tuesday, Gen. Martin Dempsey, charman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that U.S. ground troops might be necessary in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. This goes against President Obama's assertion that ground forces are off the table. Nancy Cordes reports from Washington.
Is Obama tough enough in dealing with ISIS?
A new CBS News/NY Times poll looks at the president's ratings and how voters feel heading into November's midterm elections
Dempsey: Will recommend ground troops if needed
Leigh Munsil, Defense Reporter for POLITICO, discusses the US and Global Coalition's strategy to defeat ISIS.
NY man arrested on charges of trying to aid ISIS
Rochester man, 30, allegedly tried to aid 3 men to join and fight with ISIS
From hairdresser to ISIS fighter
CBS News speaks with man in Turkey who said he fought with ISIS in Syria, taking advantage of the country's infamously porous border
In a Turkish town near the Syrian border, Holly Williams interviewed a former hairdresser who said he fought with ISIS, after initially joining the so-called moderate rebels
In a Turkish town near the Syrian border, Holly Williams interviewed a former hairdresser who said he fought with ISIS, after initially joining the so-called moderate rebels. Like many other ISIS fighters, he's used the Turkish border with Syria to cross into the war zone.
Why ISIS fight will be led from the State Department
In an effort to combat ISIS with more than American firepower, Gen. John Allen will be coordinating operations against the group from inside the State Department. Allen, in conjunction with the backing of 40 countries, will aim to cut off the militant's finances, and arrange training for Iraqi and Syrian forces. Margaret Brennan reports.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, admitted that American advisers may need to accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific ISIS targets
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, admitted that American advisers may need to accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific ISIS targets. This comes after President Obama stated that the U.S. would not be dragged into another ground war. David Martin reports.
Dempsey: I'll suggest U.S. troops in Iraq if ISIS strategy fails
Joint Chiefs chair opens the door for boots on the ground, bucking Obama's declaration of no combat troops
The House speaker said he agrees with President Obama’s requests in his campaign to combat militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), but believes the United States needs to do even more
The House speaker said he agrees with President Obama’s requests in his campaign to combat militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), but believes the United States needs to do even more.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate panel that the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will be "persistent and sustainable"
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate panel that the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will be “persistent and sustainable.”
Congress forges ahead with Obama's request to arm Syrian rebels
The House and Senate will likely vote before leaving town for another break next week
American airstrikes targeting ISIS in Iraq have reached the Baghdad area as part of President Obama's expanded initiative
American airstrikes targeting ISIS in Iraq have reached the Baghdad area as part of President Obama's expanded initiative. This comes as the administration is attempting to build a coalition to join the fight. Margaret Brennan reports from Washington.
Obama's ISIS plan faces a grilling from all sides
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Secretary of State John Kerry will spend the week facing tough questions about Obama's ISIS strategy
Pres. Obama to meet Ret. Marine General Allen who will lead the international coalition
Maj. Mike Lyons (Ret.), CBS News Military Analyst, discusses the role Ret. Marine General John Allen will play in leading the international coalition to take on ISIS.
U.S. conducts airstrikes in first steps of expanded fight against ISIS
The U.S. military conducted the aerial assaults near Baghdad, where Iraqi security forces were being attacked by enemy fighters
U.K. prime minister under increased pressure after ISIS killing
With the killing of a British aid worker last week and the threat to kill another, plus a Scottish secession referendum, Prime Minister David Cameron has his hands full
The U.S. is keeping up the pressure on the terrorists with air strikes on ISIS targets
The U.S. is keeping up the pressure on the terrorists with air strikes on ISIS targets. The new strategy President Obama announced last week includes expanding the strikes into Syria. But CBS News' Major Garrett reports the planning is still underway.
Some countries have to be convinced to join the U.S.-led campaign against the terror group
Some countries have to be convinced to join the U.S.-led campaign against the terror group. But after the execution of British citizen David Haines at the hands of ISIS, Prime Minister David Cameron said the country must confront the "monsters." Elizabeth Palmer reports.
Kerry: Stopping foreign ISIS fighters more important than air strikes
The coalition against the extremist group needs to "start drying up this pool of jihadis," the secretary of state says
World
12 bodies found outside Guatemala City linked to gang violence, officials say
At least 12 bodies were found in three days in a wooded area on the outskirts of Guatemala City, authorities said Sunday, linking the discovery to gang violence.
MS-13 gang member sentenced to 1,335 years in prison in El Salvador
Earlier this year, the U.S. designated MS-13, which was formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, a terrorist organization.
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Thousands gather for winter solstice celebrations at Stonehenge
Many make the pilgrimage to the stone circle every summer and winter and consider it a spiritual experience.
Transcript: Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Transcript: UNICEF's Catherine Russell on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Transcript: Massie, Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Paul S. Coakley, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Oklahoma City Archbishop, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
U.S.
More U.S.
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.
Georgetown coach suspended for one game for water bottle throw
Georgetown men's basketball coach Ed Cooley was suspended by the school on Sunday for one game after throwing a water bottle into the stands at the end of a loss to Xavier the night before.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna join Margaret Brennan.
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
Hassett says $2,000 tariff checks for Americans will depend on Congress
Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said Sunday that President Trump's idea to give Americans $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue will "depend on what happens with Congress."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
More Politics
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna join Margaret Brennan.
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Khanna says DOJ Epstein files release was a "slap in the face" to survivors
Rep. Ro Khanna said the release of an initial tranche of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a "slap in the face of survivors," while Rep. Thomas Massie said the DOJ is "flouting the spirit and the letter of the law."
Transcript: Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Transcript: UNICEF's Catherine Russell on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
World
More World
12 bodies found outside Guatemala City linked to gang violence, officials say
At least 12 bodies were found in three days in a wooded area on the outskirts of Guatemala City, authorities said Sunday, linking the discovery to gang violence.
MS-13 gang member sentenced to 1,335 years in prison in El Salvador
Earlier this year, the U.S. designated MS-13, which was formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, a terrorist organization.
U.S. Coast Guard pursuing third oil tanker off Venezuela coast, source says
The pursuit of the tanker, off the coast of Venezuela, is the second such operation this weekend and the third in less than a week.
Thousands gather for winter solstice celebrations at Stonehenge
Many make the pilgrimage to the stone circle every summer and winter and consider it a spiritual experience.
Transcript: Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Entertainment
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Actor James Ransone, known for his role in "The Wire," dies at 46
James Ransone, the actor who played Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO series "The Wire" and appeared in many other TV shows and movies, has died.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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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.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Khanna on full Epstein file release
Reps. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, who pushed for the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, said the problem with the release isn't that it's "taking too long" and but that Friday's release is a "slap in the face of survivors."
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Space
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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.
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.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Riding along on the CPKC Holiday Train
Canadian Pacific Railway decked out its first holiday train 27 years ago. Now merged with Kansas City Southern and known as CPKC, the company is delivering festive fun all across North America. Lana Zak started her travels in Milwaukee.
Inside the idea of 50-year mortgages
Carter Evans reports on the perceived benefits and downsides of 50-year mortgages.
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
Thousands honor Bondi Beach victims
On the final night of Hanukkah, thousands came to Bondi Beach to honor the victims of last week's targeted attack in Australia. Leigh Kiniry has more.
Power coming back online in San Francisco
Most of the lights in San Francisco are back on after a power outage left about 130,000 customers in the dark. Nicole Valdes has more.