Even war and COVID fail to dampen U.S. troops' Thanksgiving spirit
More than 100 service members have COVID-19 at a single base in Iraq, but the doctor in charge says the invisible enemy has united the troops in a way he's never seen.
Syria Crisis
Trump sent officials to Syria to try to negotiate Austin Tice's release
Sources say the president quietly sent senior officials to Damascus in a bid to get kidnapped journalist Austin Tice home before the election, but they couldn't make a deal.
As Syria crumbles, many face the "terrifying" option of refugee life
"I would feel guilty if I go, but I would also feel guilty if I don't."
Trump appears to contradict earlier remarks on killing Syria's leader
President tells Fox & Friends he wanted to target Bashar Assad, but Jim Mattis "didn't want to." Two years ago he said it was "never even contemplated."
Russia vows to help Syria "break through" crippling U.S. sanctions
Vladimir Putin has vowed once again to come to the rescue of his ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad.
U.S. troops injured in tense encounter with Russian forces in Syria
The injuries were minor, but such confrontations have become common, and a U.S. official says the Russians were "reckless" on this occasion.
Deadly clash reported between U.S. and Syrian forces
Syrian media and a war monitoring group say the incident started when American forces were denied passage at a checkpoint near a Syrian air base.
Will new U.S. sanctions hurt Bashar Assad, the Syrian people, or both?
The U.N. estimates at least 80% of Syrians are already living in poverty, and many fear the new sanctions from Washington will make life even harder.
Why a Syrian refugee-turned-filmmaker is volunteering as a hospital cleaner
Hassan Akkad survived torture and near drowning to carve out a new, successful life, but right now he's busy cleaning a hospital to "pay it forward."
Fears COVID-19 could sweep through camps in Syria's last rebel enclave
Doctor working in war-torn Idlib province says it's "impossible" to self-isolate in the crowded camps for displaced Syrians, so if COVID-19 arrives, "it would be a disaster."
Inside Syria's worst humanitarian crisis
A province in Syria's northwest, Idlib is the last opposition stronghold against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Inside the lives of children living in Syrian civil war
Inside the lives of Syria's children, who have been the most affected by the country's war. Ian Lee reports.
U.S. Syria envoy says situation in Idlib is "far more" than a humanitarian catastrophe
"It's a dangerous geostrategic escalation. It's a dangerous international situation that needs to be brought under control with a ceasefire," said James Jeffrey, U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement.
Syrian girl who went viral laughing at bombs makes it to safety
Salwa Mohammad's father taught her to laugh through fierce bombing around their home in Idlib, and it may have saved both their lives.
33 Turkish soldiers killed by airstrike in northwestern Syria
It was the largest death toll for Turkey in a single day since it first intervened in Syria in 2016.
Syria's Aleppo airport resumes flights amid nearby offensive
The airport has been closed since 2012 due to fighting.
U.N. official says Syrian refugee crisis "cruel beyond belief"
Since December, 900,000 civilians have been forced to flee Syrian and Russian bombs in the northwest. Most are women and children.
Displaced Syrians are camping in freezing conditions
A military offensive in northwestern Syria has created one of the worst catastrophes for civilians in the country's long-running war.
U.S. convoy comes under fire in Syria, sparking deadly clash
"In self-defense, coalition troops returned fire" after forces loyal to Syria's government opened fire on several vehicles, the U.S. military says.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker on the suffering "still happening" in Syria
Filmmaker Waad al-Kateab's Oscar-nominated documentary is a moving account of life during the five-year siege of Aleppo, Syria.
Syria's White Helmets try to start new lives
One man who spoke to CBS News said it's hard to forget the years of war.
Inside a school for Syrian refugee children fleeing bombs
Children make up the vast majority of more than 200,000 people who fled the Turkish invasion, according to the U.N.
Chemical weapons watchdog defends Syria report amid claims of bias
Russia and Syria have always denied using chemicals in deadly Douma attack, and now WikiLeaks claims whistleblower evidence backs them up
Russia establishes base in Syria amid spike in violence
CBS News saw Russian attack helicopters in the region, followed by a long U.S. military convoy
U.S. forces ramp up firepower in Syria
The power is not to match ISIS, but the Syrian regime, Russians and militias backed by Turkey
World
Trump orders most US troops to withdraw from Somalia
The move continues a post-election push by Mr. Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
"Black Panther" star Letitia Wright faces backlash after posting anti-vax video
The actress stood by her comments Friday morning, saying her "intention was not to hurt anyone."
China plants flag on the moon as spacecraft lifts off
The lander unfurled what the space administration called the first free-standing Chinese flag on the moon.
Koala wanders into family's home, climbs Christmas tree
It seems that everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit this year — even koalas.
Egypt frees civil rights leaders, Scarlett Johansson gets the thanks
The movie star was among a handful of prominent figures to call for the activists' release, but she's the one being lauded by many - but not all - for the government's "extremely odd" move.
India sees 1st arrest under controversial new "love jihad law"
India's Uttar Pradesh state enacted a law targeting "forced" or "fraudulent" religious conversion, but many see it as the latest "ploy" by Hindu nationalist politicians targeting the Muslim minority.
How to watch the Geminids meteor shower, one of the year's best
The year is ending with one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
2020 on track to be one of the 3 warmest years on record
As climate impacts reach unprecedented levels, several nations' new emission reduction targets offer renewed hope.
Egyptian model arrested over photo shoot at ancient pyramid
Both model Salma El-Shimy and her photographer were arrested and were accused by one lawyer of "insulting the great Pharaonic history."
Migrant girl fled to the U.S. fearing sexual abuse but was expelled
15-year-old Marjory is one of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children U.S. border officials have expelled during the pandemic.
Hollywood stars, U.S. politicians push Egypt to free civil rights trio
3 leaders of a prominent human rights group are facing terrorism charges, but as pressure mounts from D.C. and Hollywood, Egypt is rejecting "interference."
U.N. agency removes cannabis from most dangerous drug category
A U.N. commission voted to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from a category of the world's most dangerous drugs.
"Lord of the Rings" stars want to help buy Tolkien's former home
Sir Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and other "Lord of the Rings" stars and scholars hope to transform Tolkien's home into a literary center.
Climate action needs American leadership, U.N. chief says
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that three-fourths of new and emerging human infectious diseases are animal-to-human.
World
More World
Trump orders most US troops to withdraw from Somalia
The move continues a post-election push by Mr. Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
"Black Panther" star Letitia Wright faces backlash after posting anti-vax video
The actress stood by her comments Friday morning, saying her "intention was not to hurt anyone."
China plants flag on the moon as spacecraft lifts off
The lander unfurled what the space administration called the first free-standing Chinese flag on the moon.
Koala wanders into family's home, climbs Christmas tree
It seems that everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit this year — even koalas.
U.S.
More U.S.
Biden officially secures Electoral College majority
It's been apparent for weeks that Biden won the election — but California certifying its results officially pushed Biden over 270 electors.
Council denies request for new prosecutor in Breonna Taylor case
"Daniel Cameron completely undermined the integrity of our justice system..." an attorney for Taylor's family said. "Rather than fix this, eight prosecutors today chose to condone it."
Health care workers ask for help to slow COVID-19 spread
Health care workers in several states are demanding state officials do more to slow the spread of the coronavirus – not just to protect frontline workers, but to protect the entire health care system from being overwhelmed.
Trump orders most US troops to withdraw from Somalia
The move continues a post-election push by Mr. Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in U.S. this week
In the U.S., COVID-19 cases have surpassed 14.3 million, and more than 278,500 deaths have been recorded, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
Politics
More Politics
Biden officially secures Electoral College majority
It's been apparent for weeks that Biden won the election — but California certifying its results officially pushed Biden over 270 electors.
Trump orders most US troops to withdraw from Somalia
The move continues a post-election push by Mr. Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
What another stimulus deal could mean for jobless benefits
Two bills would offer markedly different levels of support for the 12 million jobless workers about to lose benefits.
Biden confident Congress will pass COVID relief bills
Biden would not say whether or not he has spoken with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Judge orders restoration of DACA, opens program to new applicants
One million undocumented immigrant teens and young adults who qualify for DACA on paper could apply for the Obama-era protections from deportation following the court order.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Warner Bros. to stream all new movies in 2021
Warner Bros. is taking the unprecedented step of making all of its 2021 movie releases available on its HBO Max streaming service at the same time they're released in theaters. Sharon Waxman of The Wrap joined CBSN to break down what that means for the movie industry.
Amy Adams addresses "Hillbilly Elegy" critics
"Hillbilly Elegy" has been one of the most popular movies on Netflix in recent weeks, but critics have tossed almost nothing but hatchets, creating what director Ron Howard called "the biggest differential" he's ever had "between critical consensus and audience approval ratings." Award-winning actress Amy Adams, who plays Beverly Vance in the film, talked with "CBS This Morning" co-host Tony Dokoupil about this gap and why the movie resonates with viewers.
Warner Bros. to release all its 2021 films on HBO Max
Its slate of 2021 films, including "Dune," will debut simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in the U.S.
Will retailers have more PS5 and Xbox consoles this year?
Two of this holiday season's hottest gifts sold out fast, but more game consoles may be available before year-end.
Warner Bros. to release 2021 films on HBO Max
Warner Bros. will release its entire slate of 2021 movies simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, delivering another blow to struggling theaters. Carter Evans reports.
Technology
More Technology
Santa adjusts to new normal during COVID
Santa is doing thousands of virtual visits during the holiday season.
Those holiday returns come with a massive environmental footprint
Americans are spending record amounts of money online — also expect record amounts in landfills soon.
Will retailers have more PS5 and Xbox consoles this year?
Two of this holiday season's hottest gifts sold out fast, but more game consoles may be available before year-end.
Google accused of firing employees pushing for workplace rights
Search giant "surveilled" and "interrogated" activist workers and then illegally fired two, labor watchdog charges.
Feds say Facebook's hiring discriminated against Americans
Social media company created jobs for foreigners who wanted permanent residency in the U.S., government alleges.
Science
More Science
Australia's Great Barrier Reef status lowered to "critical"
The world's largest coral reef is now in "critical" condition — the most urgent designated status.
Jupiter and Saturn will form the first "double planet" in 800 years
The largest planets in our solar system will soon align for the great conjunction — the greatest skywatchers have observed since medieval times.
China plants flag on the moon as spacecraft lifts off
The lander unfurled what the space administration called the first free-standing Chinese flag on the moon.
Thousands flee as wildfire spreads through Southern California
The flames have scorched an area larger than 3,000 football fields overnight.
Dramatic video shows collapse at Arecibo Observatory
Already slated for demolition after earlier cable failures, the collapse marked the end of the road for the fabled observatory.
Health
More Health
Health care workers ask for help to slow COVID-19 spread
Health care workers in several states are demanding state officials do more to slow the spread of the coronavirus – not just to protect frontline workers, but to protect the entire health care system from being overwhelmed.
COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in U.S. this week
In the U.S., COVID-19 cases have surpassed 14.3 million, and more than 278,500 deaths have been recorded, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.
CDC recommends "universal mask wearing" outside home
New guidance lists "universal wearing of face masks" as the first strategy to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The most expensive states for ER visits, ranked
No one wants to go to the emergency room. Here's what it may cost once you're there.
NFL star opens up about depression and his "second shot" at life
"As bad, as dark as it gets, I promise you there's someone out there who cares and wants to see you succeed at whatever you do," Hurst said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Can your employer force you to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
With vaccines on the way, companies must weigh whether to encourage — or compel — workers to get inoculated.
Second shot no-shows could foil COVID-19 vaccination efforts
Experts say a vaccine-resistant mutation is more likely if millions of Americans end up getting only one dose.
What another stimulus deal could mean for jobless benefits
Two bills would offer markedly different levels of support for the 12 million jobless workers about to lose benefits.
Those holiday returns come with a massive environmental footprint
Americans are spending record amounts of money online — also expect record amounts in landfills soon.
Another lifeline ending as Trump's $300 in jobless aid winds down
As the job market slows. unemployment benefits could soon dry up for millions of jobless Americans.
Crime
More Crime
Foul play suspected after two bodies found at Fort Bragg
The bodies were found Wednesday in a training area, officials said.
High school football player who attacked referee charged with assault
Emmanuel Duron is facing the misdemeanor charge after a video showed him body-slamming a referee.
Arbery shooting suspects pose "significant" danger, judge says
A Georgia judge said video "showed the lengths the defendants would take to track down and restrain another person."
Cop dies after she was shot responding to parking complaint
The city of Charleston, West Virginia, announced officer Cassie Johnson's death.
Fatal shooting of Black teen roils liberal Oregon town
A white man is accused of killing Aidan Ellison who was playing loud music in a motel parking lot on November 23.
Space
More Space
Jupiter and Saturn will form the first "double planet" in 800 years
The largest planets in our solar system will soon align for the great conjunction — the greatest skywatchers have observed since medieval times.
China plants flag on the moon as spacecraft lifts off
The lander unfurled what the space administration called the first free-standing Chinese flag on the moon.
How to watch the Geminids meteor shower, one of the year's best
The year is ending with one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers.
China lands spacecraft on moon for historic sample collection
If successful, the Chang'e 5 mission will make China only the third nation to bring moon rocks back to Earth.
SpaceX launches 60 more internet satellites in 100th Falcon 9 flight
The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage set a new record, making its seventh flight from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
The most expensive states for ER visits, ranked
No one wants to go to the emergency room. Here's what it may cost once you're there.
Hardest colleges to get into in the U.S. in 2021
These schools have a combination of the lowest acceptance rates and the highest SAT and ACT scores. See which school tops the list for 2021.
Best movies streaming right now on Netflix
Looking for something fresh to watch? These are the top films available on the streaming platform.
New on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu and More
Shows and movies you'll want to stream soon.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Popular
More Popular
Popular
CBSN Originals: "The QAnon Effect"
What started out as a fringe conspiracy theory in 2017 has recently spread into the mainstream. Dozens of people linked to the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory ran for federal office in 2020, and two were elected to Congress. This CBSN Originals documentary explores how QAnon has taken root amid challenging times and a growing distrust in American institutions, and what it means for the future of the country.
CBSN Originals: "A City Under Surveillance"
The Detroit Police Department is using facial recognition technology and a network of surveillance cameras to combat the city’s high crime rates. But critics say the technology has racial bias built into it and has even landed innocent people behind bars. In this documentary, CBSN Originals explores the debate over high-tech policing that promises to make our communities safer yet at the same time threatens our civil liberties.
NOAA scientists discover new type of comb jelly
A team of NOAA oceanographers confirmed their discovery of a new type of comb jelly. The creature was first seen just off the coast of Puerto Rico. It's the first time NOAA has discovered a new species based solely off high definition video footage. Dr. Michael Ford was part of the team that made the discovery. He joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
Norah O'Donnell Reports: Sexual Assault in the Military
A year-and-a-half long investigation by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and the CBS News Investigative Unit into sexual assault within the U.S. military uncovered failures by leaders to address the issue. Over the course of the investigation, CBS News spoke with nearly two dozen survivors of sexual assault, whistleblowers who worked for the military's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and families of suicide victims who say the military grossly mishandled reports of sexual assault.
Dr. Anthony Fauci on "The Takeout"
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, joins Major for a conversation about U.K.'s approval of COVID-19 vaccines, a vaccine distribution plan for the U.S. and the incoming Biden administration on this week's episode of "The Takeout with Major Garrett."