U.S.

This Morning from CBS News, Dec. 9, 2014

By Dan Woo

December 9, 2014 / 7:20 AM EST / CBS News

CIA report

Senate Democrats will use some of their last hours in the Senate majority today to release the much-anticipated report about the CIA's methods of extracting information from terror suspects, called "enhanced interrogation" by some and "torture" by others. CBS News correspondent Bob Orr reports only the 480-page executive summary will be released. It is contentious. Those concerned about the impact the release will have include Secretary of State John Kerry, Republicans and former CIA officials. A CBS News team will be sifting through the summary and reporting on the facts throughout the day on our streaming network, CBSN.

Royal protests

These visits can be planned, but the events around them are unpredictable. This is America. Things are complicated. And, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reports, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, for all their popular appeal, and all the advance planning, are victims of circumstance here. And, right now, the circumstances are messy.

FBI hacker

Anonymous is one of the biggest online vigilante groups. Its members hack into computer networks and websites of companies and governments. Hector Monsegur, a former top Anonymous member who helped carry out cyber attacks that caused some $50 million in damage, is breaking his silence in his first television interview, with "CBS This Morning" co-host Charlie Rose.

For the big one

A major earthquake is inevitable in Southern California. So, after a long review, the mayor of Los Angeles has proposed the most ambitious safety program in California history. CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reports the year-long study found the city of Los Angeles has been complacent and isn't ready for a massive quake.

Evolving power grid

The demand for electricity has grown, and it's expected to keep rising; the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates we'll be using almost one-third more by 2040. But while the grid has developed into a vast network, it sometimes struggles to meet demand and to withstand bad weather and technical failures. A number of different approaches and innovative technologies are being developed to try to meet those challenges and deliver power for the next generation.

Gas tax?

For two decades, politicians have generally stayed far away from the gas tax. Americans are so sensitive to what they pay at the pump that the idea of raising gas taxes was considered politically untouchable. But that may be changing, now that gas prices have plunged to their lowest levels in four years. If there was ever a perfect time to raise gas taxes, now would be it.

Women and whiskey

Women want whiskey, and they're not just drinking it. Some of the most well-known whiskey brands were either founded, owned, managed or saved by women. There are even clubs for women to experience and learn about different whiskeys and whiskey cocktails. CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller reports on the spirited role of ladies who sip whiskey.