What is Section 230, the rule that shaped the modern internet?
Legal phrase tucked into 1996 law protects companies Facebook, Twitter and Google from being sued into oblivion for libel.
American Civil Liberties Union
Utah becomes first state to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth in 2023
"Trans kids are kids — they deserve to grow up without constant political attacks on their lives and health care," wrote the ACLU's Utah chapter on Twitter.
Judge rules Missouri 19-year-old can't see father's execution
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of Khorry Ramey asking a federal court to allow her to attend the execution.
The Chairman, ACLU, Genetic Revolution
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is asked if the Fed is done raising interest rates and whether or not he thinks President Trump can fire him; then, the ACLU's surprising new political strategy, modeled in part after the NRA; and, could gene therapy cure sickle cell anemia?
Doctor who gave ivermectin to inmates commended for "job well done"
The doctor has also been sued dozens of times for allegedly providing inadequate medical care to detainees, including for mistreating broken bones.
CBS Evening News, July 17, 2020
Florida counties impose curfews as coronavirus cases spike; New York man paints portraits of frontline workers as tribute.
7/16: Red and Blue
Shakeups at Trump's reelection campaign; Twitter investigating massive hack on prominent accounts
Oklahoma ACLU files lawsuit against ban on critical race theory
The lawsuit claims the bill imposes on the free speech and academic freedom of Oklahoma students and teachers.
ACLU arm publishes database tracking fatal encounters with CBP
The database by the ACLU of Texas identified fatalities going back to 2010.
Britney Spears allowed to choose own attorney
A Los Angeles judge awarded Britney Spears the right to choose her own attorney to represent her in her conservatorship case. The 39-year-old pop singer continues to fight to regain control of her personal life and $60 million estate from her father, Jamie Spears. Carolyn Reinach Wolf, an executive partner and director of mental health law for the firm of Abrams Fensterman, joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss where Spears' case now stands.
Britney Spears' conservatorship back in court
Britney Spears 's conservatorship case is going back before a judge weeks after her testimony describing her situation as "abusive." The American Civil Liberties Union has filed an amicus brief in support of the singer's right to choose her own attorney. Zoe Brennan-Krohn, a staff attorney for the ACLU Disability Rights Project, joins Tanya Rivero on CBSN to discuss the issues at stake.
Judge rejects most claims over clearing of protesters from D.C. park
She tossed allegations that Trump, Barr and other federal officials violated demonstrators' civil rights when they were forced from Lafayette Square, near the White House.
U.S. to admit 250 asylum-seekers per day
The Biden administration has agreed to allow up to 7,750 vulnerable migrants stranded in Mexico to enter the U.S. each month as part of negotiations in an ongoing lawsuit brought by American Civil Liberties Union. CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the latest with the new agreement.
U.S. commits to admitting 250 asylum-seekers per day
The Biden administration has been negotiating with the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued the government over the expulsions of migrant families.
U.S. stops flying migrant families across southern border states
The Biden administration has continued a Trump-era public health order to expel migrants and asylum-seekers, but the policy is being challenged in federal court.
Mass. drug lab scandal
At least 8,000 drug convictions in Massachusetts are likely to be thrown out because of a state drug lab scandal. The state attorney general joined public defenders and the ACLU in pushing for the dismissals. The tainted cases are tied to former lab employee Sonja Farak who admitted to using drugs she was suppose to be testing. Paula Reid reports.
ACLU lawyer on family reunification efforts
The Department of Homeland Security is working with the American Civil Liberties Union to reunify migrant families separated under the Trump administration, as the Biden administration continues to use a public health policy to justify deportations. Lee Gelernt of the ACLU spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about why he says the rule is unfair, and how's working to bring families back together.
Religious liberty policy
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued new guidance on religious liberty which could have an impact on issues ranging from birth control to LGBT rights. The ACLU already says it will sue. CBS News justice reporter Paula Reid joins CBSN to explain the new policy.
Phoenix clashes
While President Trump was speaking in Phoenix Tuesday night, thousands of protesters clashed with police on the streets. CBS News' Carter Evans got an up-close look at the violence, and the ACLU is now calling for an investigation into possible excessive force.
ACLU sues Baltimore
The ACLU said it is suing the city of Baltimore and its police department because people who settled allegations of police abuse are being silenced, CBS Baltimore's Ava-Joye Burnett reports.
Dashcam arrest video
The ACLU has released dashcam footage of a violent traffic stop from 2016 and is now calling for an investigation into the officer's actions, CBS Minnesota reports.
Biden speech expected to focus on proposals
President Biden will deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night. Mr. Biden is expected to highlight a proposal to provide free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds among other priorities. CBS News correspondent Laura Podesta reports on what else to expect from the speech, and CBS News White House reporter Bo Erickson join CBSN AM to discuss the president's first 100 days in office.
ACLU calls on Biden administration to close dozens of ICE facilities
During the presidential campaign, President Biden pledged to discontinue for-profit immigration detention, but no announcements have been forthcoming.
ACLU sues school
The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri is suing Kansas City's public school district after a 7-year-old boy ended up in handcuffs. The incident happened in 2014 and the boy has been homeschooled since. CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers and Kristine Johnson have more.
3rd grader restraining order
An 8-year-old boy has had a restraining order filed against him. His mother says he's not allowed to attend school. Matt Sezney of our St. Louis affiliate, KMOV, has the story.
Men detained in El Salvador's notorious prison detail harrowing experiences
Venezuelans spent months in a Salvadoran prison after being sent there by the U.S. Imprisoned men described torture — and research and records back up many of their claims.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Can Americans trust the investigation into Renee Good's killing?
Senior ICE official Marcos Charles said videos of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis don't tell the entire story. He said officers are acting lawfully and with professionalism.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
Minneapolis police chief angered by some of ICE's tactics
After seeing footage of an ICE arrest in Minneapolis, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that if those federal officers worked for him, "they'd have a problem right now."
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
High-speed train derailment kills at least 39 in Spain
Emergency services in Andalucia, the province where the accident happened, said at least 25 people were seriously injured.
U.S.
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Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
MoneyWatch
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Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
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Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
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High-speed train derailment kills at least 39 in Spain
Emergency services in Andalucia, the province where the accident happened, said at least 25 people were seriously injured.
8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Wildfires in Chile kill at least 15 people, force 50,000 to evacuate
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as nearly 4,000 firefighters battled flames fueled by gusting winds and hot weather.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Transcript: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Entertainment
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Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Extended interview: Stellan Skarsgård
In this web exclusive, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film "Sentimental Value," in which he plays a director trying to reconnect with his daughter, an actress, by writing a role for her to play. He also talks about the effect of his 2022 stroke, which occurred during production of "Andor" and the "Dune" films, and how he feels he has changed as an actor after more than 150 film and TV credits.
"Sentimental Value" star Stellan Skarsgård
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Good Will Hunting," to "Mamma Mia!" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor." He just won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his estranged actress-daughters. Skarsgård talks with Seth Doane about why he's never bored making films; being a father of eight; and working with the effects of a 2022 stroke.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Crime
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8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Bison returning to parts of North America
After decades of careful land management, bison are returning in small pockets across their historic North American range. Marissa Perlman reports.
Vegas casino turns to electronic table games
Las Vegas' Golden Gate Hotel Casino has removed all of its live dealers, making every table game electronic. That move comes as data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city hosted roughly 7% fewer visitors in 2025 compared to 2024. Andres Gutierrez reports.
At least 21 dead in Spain train crash
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Spain on Sunday. At least 21 people are dead and more than 100 others are injured, some of them seriously.
Snow, cold temperatures hit Midwest, Northeast
A winter blast brought more snow and frigid temperatures to the Midwest and East Coast this weekend. Shanelle Kaul reports on the conditions and Andrew Kozak has a look at the forecast.
Rough numbers for Trump in new CBS News poll
A new CBS News poll shows only 41% of Americans approve of the job President Trump is doing, but there are wide partisan divides on his handling of specific issues like immigration. Willie James Inman has more.