Santa calms boy with autism
This boy with autism had been too nervous to meet Santa — until this year, when St. Nick's sweet act brought him tears of joy.
Autism
Boy with autism gets "Polar Express" experience
When this Arizona teen with autism was too overwhelmed to take a ride on "The Polar Express," the conductor personally visited him, giving him the gift he dreamed of.
11/8/19: CBSN Evening News
House Dems release deposition transcripts; Autistic man adopted for heart transplant.
Nurse takes in man with autism
When Jonathan Pinkard met Lori Wood, he was homeless and was told he only had months to live. Lori decided to take him in to help him get a heart transplant. Steve Hartman has their story on the road.
Welcoming autism into the workplace
Nearly three years ago, when tech giant Microsoft announced that it was starting a pilot program to hire autistic workers, they received more than 700 resumes within a few weeks. German software maker SAP has instituted a program to bring people with autism into its workforce worldwide, and other companies are following suit. By all accounts, giving those on the spectrum an opportunity to use their talents productively has been a tremendous success. Lee Cowan looks at the changing face of workplace diversity. (Originally broadcast on February 11, 2018.)
A house painting job for the starry-eyed
Lubek Jastrzebski and Nancy Nemhauser, of Mount Dora, Fla., noticed their autistic son, Chip, kept opening the same art book and turning to the same page: Van Gogh's "The Starry Night." They were inspired to paint a mural on their house based on the masterpiece. But could a city housing ordinance against graffiti defeat such ambitious artistic expression? Steve Hartman reports.
Putting a town treasure on a pedestal
Todd Kirnan, a 45-year-old man with autism, has been making deliveries and doing odd jobs for virtually every business in downtown Gresham, Ore. Todd is so treasured here that people have often joked that he should have his own statue, or have a parade thrown in his honor. Which is why Kirnan got a very special surprise recently. Steve Hartman reports.
Genius
"A wonderful mystery." That's what Morley Safer thinks when he meets three savants: a pianist, a math whiz, and a sculptor. All three are spectacularly talented in one skill but otherwise mentally disabled. How does savant syndrome produce "an island of brilliance" in the brain?
Major public health program cuts under Trump
The Trump administration has drastically overhauled staffing and funding at agencies that fall under Health and Human Services since he took office in January. CBS News digital reporter Alex Tin has more.
Here Comes the Sun: Kathy Bates and more
Actor Kathy Bates sits down with Ben Mankiewicz to discuss her latest role in the CBS drama "Matlock." Then, Lee Cowan meets Jacob Rock, a 20-year-old nonverbal man with autism who composed a symphony in his head. With the help of musician Rob Laufer, Jacob's ideas became a reality when the University of Southern California's orchestra played it. "Here Comes the Sun" is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on "CBS Sunday Morning."
Health agencies "not creating an autism registry," official says
"We are not creating an autism registry," a Department of Health and Human Services official said in a statement.
Judge in Idaho murders case makes ruling on death penalty
Bryan Kohberger is charged in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home on Nov. 13, 2022.
RFK Jr.'s autism study to amass medical records of many Americans
The autism study is planning to link confidential data "with broad coverage in the U.S. population" in one place for the first time.
NIH director pushes back timeline for RFK Jr.'s autism answers
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said "it's hard to guarantee when science will make an advance."
Face the Nation: Salvanto, Khanna, Marks
Missed the second half of the show? The latest on...As the tariff standoff continues, a CBS News poll conducted from April 8-11 found that 75% of Americans are concerned tariffs will raise prices, at least in the short term, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the deportation of a Maryland man to an El Salvandor prison and the airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis prove that the Trump administration is "taking actions that are unconstitutional", and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Friday that new research will find the cause of the "autism epidemic" by September. Dr. Peter Marks, the former top vaccines official at the Food and Drug Administration, warns on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "giving people false hope is something you should never do."
Autism rate rises to 3% of children in CDC study
CDC experts were not made available to discuss the findings showing a rise in autism prevalence.
Experts denounce RFK Jr.'s autism claims
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned a new CDC report on autism rates, prompting strong criticism from medical professionals. Dr. Celine Gounder has more.
What's behind the rise in autism rates?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pointed to new evidence that the U.S. is seeing a growing "epidemic" of autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics has disputed Kennedy's characterization, attributing rising rates to the fact that "more children have access to evaluations." Dr. Celine Gounder has more.
Autism rate rises, CDC finds
Autism diagnoses are increasing in the U.S., according to a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CBS News digital reporter Alexander Tin has more.
Latest results from CDC's new study on autism
The U.S. is now seeing a growing number of children diagnosed with autism, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows. Dr. Zachary Warren, executive director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's Treatment and Research Institute on Autism Spectrum Disorders breaks down the results of the study.
Autism rate increases, new research finds
New research finds there may be an increase in autism diagnosis rates among U.S. children. A CDC report found about 1 in 31 children were diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2022. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to explain the new findings.
Idaho teen with autism dies after police shooting
Last week, Idaho police shot 17-year-old Victor Perez who had autism and cerebral palsy and was holding a knife in his grandfather's yard. On Saturday, Perez was taken off life support. Andres Gutierrez reports.
Former top FDA official warns RFK Jr. against giving "false hope" on autism
"You can be incredibly supportive of people, but giving them false hope is wrong," said Dr. Peter Marks.
Former top FDA vaccine official questions RFK Jr.'s pledge to find cause of autism by September
Dr. Peter Marks, the former head of the vaccine program at the Food and Drug Administration, speaks with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan about some of the Trump administration's new public health priorities, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent promise to find the cause of autism by September.
As RFK Jr. focuses on autism, experts fear return of debunked theories
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says a "massive testing and research effort" will focus on the cause of autism, but his approach has raised alarms.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Live
Iran attacks Kuwait airport as Israel, Lebanon reach tentative ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of "pilot" security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah would be banned.
Senate advances reconciliation bill, dropping ballroom funds
Senate Republicans moved forward with a package to fund the Department of Homeland Security's immigration agencies Wednesday.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
U.S.
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Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Victim of "horrifying" Chelsea murder identified after 26 years
"Chelsea Jane Doe" has been identified as Tiffany Bradley of Pennsylvania.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
MoneyWatch
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American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Social Security checks could be cut by $500 a month in 2032, report finds
Beneficiaries would continue receiving payments if Social Security's trust fund is depleted, but checks could shrink by about 24%, according to a new report.
Politics
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Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Connie Chan and Scott Wiener advance in race to succeed Pelosi, CBS News projects
Voters in San Francisco on Tuesday advanced San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District, CBS News projects.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Update on California hostage situation
Authorities in Bakersfield, California, offered details Wednesday on the hourslong standoff with a suspect who barricaded himself in a bank "with several community members," according to police. The situation ended early Wednesday when FBI personnel shot the suspect, authorities said.
Space
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NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.