Lawmakers vote to abolish death penalty in Virginia
The legislation repealing the death penalty now heads to Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, who has said he will sign it into law, making Virginia the 23rd state to stop executions.
Capital Punishment
Alabama scraps execution after U.S. Supreme Court ruling on pastor
The high court said Alabama had to let Willie B. Smith III have his pastor in the chamber when he was put to death. Alabama insists non-prison personnel should be kept out for security reasons.
Virginia legislature votes to end death penalty
Virginia has put more people to death over its centuries-long history than any other state.
Sotomayor slams "unprecedented rush" in federal executions
"The Federal Government will have executed more than three times as many people in the last six months than it had in the previous six decades," Sotomayor dissented. "...This is not justice."
U.S. executes drug trafficker who recently contracted COVID
Lawyers argued that would cause excruciating pain for Corey Johnson during the execution – the second-to-last under Trump administration.
Federal government executes a woman for the first time since 1953
The Supreme Court cleared the way for Lisa Montgomery to be put to death. In 2004, she killed a woman and took her fetus from her abdomen.
Lisa Montgomery's sister speaks out ahead of execution
In 2004, Lisa Montgomery was arrested after she murdered 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in Missouri, who was eight months pregnant. She was later convicted of capital murder and federal kidnapping -- leading to a death sentence. Now on the eve of her execution, her sister, Diane Mattingly, spoke to CBSN's Lana Zak about why Montgomery should be given clemency for her crimes.
Federal execution set for Lisa Montgomery
Lisa Montgomery is the only woman on federal death row. She was convicted of the 2004 kidnap and murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnet, who was eight-months pregnant at the time. Thirteen years after Montgomery was sentenced the death penalty, her lawyer Kelley Henry joins CBSN's Lana Zak to explain that her client is incompetent and has been mentally ill for most of her life. (Warning: Details of this story may be disturbing to some viewers)
Federal executions under Trump
The U.S. government later this month is set to execute the only woman on federal death row. Federal executions have become commonplace under the Trump administration, with 10 people having been put to death since July and three more executions scheduled before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. According to a recent article published by ProPublica, in the Trump administration's rush to carry out these executions, it quote "trampled over an array of barriers, both legal and practical." ProPublica reporter Isaac Arnsdorf joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss his reporting.
Appeals court lifts delay of Lisa Montgomery's execution
A lower court judge had earlier vacated an order from the Bureau of Prisons scheduling her death for January 12.
In a first, feds have executed more inmates this year than states
Death Penalty Information Center head says, "We never expected to see it. And it may be a long time before we ever see it happen again."
U.S. executes Louisiana man who killed 2-year-old daughter
Bourgeois was the 10th federal death-row inmate put to death since federal executions resumed under President Trump in July after a 17-year hiatus.
Brandon Bernard executed for role in 1999 murder of couple
Brandon Bernard was executed Thursday for his involvement in a 1999 murder, despite pleas for a commutation from former jurors, criminal justice advocates and celebrities.
U.S. bishops call for end to executions
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City joined CBSN's "Red and Blue" to discuss the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty ahead of Brandon Bernard's scheduled execution.
Advocates fight to stop the ninth federal execution of 2020
Brandon Bernard, a 40-year-old inmate, is scheduled to die Thursday at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.
New LA County district attorney sworn in
Newly sworn-in George Gascón announced that county prosecutors will no longer seek cash bail for any misdemeanor or non-violent, non-serious felony offenses, among other changes. CBS Los Angeles' Jasmine Viel reports.
Los Angeles County prosecutor to end cash bail for most offenses
George Gascón, the newly sworn-in DA, announced a series of sweeping changes, including the end of charging minors as adults.
Former prosecutor now says inmate "does not deserve" death sentence
The 40-year-old was convicted for his role in the murders of youth ministers Todd and Stacie Bagley in 2000.
Feds execute drug dealer who helped bury teen alive
Orlando Hall's execution was opposed due to coronavirus fears and because all-white jury recommended the Black man be put to death.
Bangladesh approves death penalty for rape, but will it help?
Activists who have pushed for an end to the Asian nation's "culture" of rape say the law change is aimed at easing pressure on the government, not protecting women.
US executes first Black man since federal executions resumed
Christopher Vialva was executed for a double murder he committed at 19.
Only Native American man on federal death row executed
Lezmond Mitchell had no last words, simply responding, "No, I'm good."
DOJ to seek death penalty once again for Boston Marathon bomber
This decision comes after a federal appeals court in Massachusetts overturned Tsarnaev's death sentence last month.
Death sentence overturned for Boston Marathon bomber
A Massachusetts appeals court on Friday overturned the death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the man convicted in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. CBSN Boston reports.
Appeals court overturns death penalty for Boston Marathon bomber
Tsarnaev was convicted in 2015 of murdering three people and wounded hundreds more in the attack, which led to dayslong manhunt that shut down Boston.
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, found dead in their Los Angeles home
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide.
At least 15 killed in targeted attack on Jewish Australians, police say
At least 15 people were killed at a Jewish gathering on Australia's Bondi Beach, according to Australian government officials and police. One of two gunmen was also dead.
Person of interest released after questioning in Brown University shooting
Two people were killed and nine more wounded in the Saturday afternoon shooting in a building on Brown University campus in Rhode Island, authorities said.
7 highlights from Erika Kirk's CBS News town hall
Erika Kirk recalls the emotional fog of Charlie Kirk's assassination, addresses conspiracy theories and takes questions during a CBS News town hall hosted by Bari Weiss.
Germany, driven by war in Ukraine, rearms its military
Germany is stepping up military recruiting and investing in everything from drones to spy cockroaches to build up its defense.
Jan. 6 police hero becomes go-to witness for Democrats in Congress
Daniel Hodges, a D.C. metropolitan police officer, says he's trying to block the whitewashing of the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, convicted in landmark trial
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial. He faces a possible life sentence.
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar says her son was pulled over by ICE
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said federal immigration agents pulled over her son on Saturday and asked him to prove his citizenship.
Machado says "I absolutely support President Trump's strategy" on Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado said she's "absolutely" supportive of President Trump's strategy in the country.
U.S.
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Man suspected of killing wife in California extradited to U.S. from Peru
Jossimar Cabrera, suspected of killing his wife and dumping her body in a Southern California forest has been extradited back to the U.S. from Peru to face a murder charge, L.A. officials say.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary names its 2025 word of the year
"Slop," which refers to creepy, zany and demonstrably fake content, has landed the title of Merriam-Webster's 2025 word of the year.
Erika Kirk and Candace Owens to meet Monday
Erika Kirk said on X that she and Candace Owens would have a "private, in-person meeting" Monday.
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, found dead in their Los Angeles home
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide.
Jan. 6 police hero becomes go-to witness for Democrats in Congress
Daniel Hodges, a D.C. metropolitan police officer, says he's trying to block the whitewashing of the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
MoneyWatch
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A guide to "Made in America" holiday gifts, state by state
The Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, promoting products made in the U.S., includes more than 150 companies from all 50 states. For small business owners, being included in this year's gift guide feels close to a Christmas miracle.
What are the prospects for laid-off workers?
In 2025, more than 1.1 million Americans were laid off from their jobs, the most since the COVID pandemic, even as corporate profits remain high. Business experts discuss the reasons why companies resort to layoffs.
Law prof sues Boeing, alleging exposure to toxic fumes on Delta flight
A Temple University law professor alleges in a suit that he breathed in contaminated air on a Boeing craft, leaving him physically impaired.
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
U.S. could owe businesses $168B if Supreme Court rejects Trump tariffs
A ruling striking down emergency levies could force the federal government to return most of the tariff revenue it has collected this year, according to Penn Wharton.
Politics
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Jan. 6 police hero becomes go-to witness for Democrats in Congress
Daniel Hodges, a D.C. metropolitan police officer, says he's trying to block the whitewashing of the history of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 14, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado and Sen. Bill Cassidy join Margaret Brennan.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 14, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett tthat aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 14, 2025.
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar says her son was pulled over by ICE
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar said federal immigration agents pulled over her son on Saturday and asked him to prove his citizenship.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 14, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Mark Warner, Democrat of Virginia, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 14, 2025.
HealthWatch
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He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
World
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Gang using helicopters to smuggle drugs busted in Spain
Police seized one of the helicopters, 1,448 pounds of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids.
Man suspected of killing wife in California extradited to U.S. from Peru
Jossimar Cabrera, suspected of killing his wife and dumping her body in a Southern California forest has been extradited back to the U.S. from Peru to face a murder charge, L.A. officials say.
Remains of ancient king's temple dedicated to sun god found in Egypt
An archaeological team has uncovered for the first time more than half of the temple, long buried under River Nile sediment.
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, convicted in landmark trial
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial. He faces a possible life sentence.
Australia terror attack raises questions about police preparedness
The deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney comes amid a significant spike in antisemitic rhetoric and attacks in Australia.
Entertainment
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Rob Reiner and wife found dead in their Los Angeles home: What to know
Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home Sunday, sources told CBS News, in what police are investigating as an apparent homicide.
Yuletide Carolers keeping tradition alive
A Pew Research Center poll finds nearly 80% of Americans put up Christmas trees, but only 16% go Christmas caroling as adults. Jericka Duncan met a group of singers sharing some favorites while spreading yuletide cheer.
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, found dead in their Los Angeles home
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on the musical alchemy of "Song Sung Blue"
In their new movie, "Song Sung Blue," Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson play Mike and Claire Sardina, the real-life musical impersonators from Milwaukee who sang as the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on "Song Sung Blue"
In their new movie, "Song Sung Blue," Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson play Mike and Claire Sardina, the real-life musical impersonators who sang as Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. Jackman reveals to Tracy Smith how he "discovered" his co-star (watching her sing on "CBS Sunday Morning"!) and their shared chemistry, while Hudson talks about playing a less glamorous role.
Technology
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Technology
What's next after Trump's AI rule order?
President Trump signed an executive order restricting states from creating their own regulations for artificial intelligence. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
College grads struggling to launch careers
New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor's upcoming book "How to Start" looks at the difficulties of beginning your career. Kantor joins "The Takeout" to unpack some of the difficulties college students face, artificial intelligence and more.
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.
Trump targets state regulations for AI
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday that aims to prevent states from enforcing their own regulations on artificial intelligence. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump signs order to block state AI rules
Stocks dipped lower on Friday as tech and AI companies came under pressure from President Trump. He signed an executive order on Thursday to stop state regulation of artificial intelligence, arguing that a patchwork set of rules could hold the U.S. back from dominating the competition. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
Science
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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.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Gang using helicopters to smuggle drugs busted in Spain
Police seized one of the helicopters, 1,448 pounds of hashish, five firearms, cash and vehicles during raids.
Man suspected of killing wife in California extradited to U.S. from Peru
Jossimar Cabrera, suspected of killing his wife and dumping her body in a Southern California forest has been extradited back to the U.S. from Peru to face a murder charge, L.A. officials say.
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, found dead in their Los Angeles home
Director Rob Reiner and wife, Michele, were found dead in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide.
Australia terror attack raises questions about police preparedness
The deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney comes amid a significant spike in antisemitic rhetoric and attacks in Australia.
At least 15 killed in Australia attack
A mass shooting on a beach in Australia has killed at least 15 people with dozens more injured. Police say it was a terrorist attack coming at the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. CBS' Tina Kraus reports.
Space
More Space
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
"This is Rob Reiner" | 60 Minutes Archive
American entertainment giant Rob Reiner spoke with Lesley Stahl this past October about the bold choices he made to launch his directing career—a career that would go on to include American cultural touchstones including "A Few Good Men" and "When Harry Met Sally," among many others. Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found deceased at their home in Los Angeles.
Rob Reiner (1994) | 60 Minutes Archive
60 Minutes first profiled filmmaker Rob Reiner in 1994. Steve Kroft spoke with the director, screenwriter and actor about growing up the son of Carl Reiner, playing the role of "Meathead" and more. Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found deceased at their home in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Brown University person of interest released
A person of interest who had been detained overnight in connection with the deadly shooting at Brown University is being released, officials said Sunday night.
Rob Reiner found dead | Special Report
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide. Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Reiner was 68. Carissa Lawson reports.
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, found dead
Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their home Sunday, sources told CBS News. CBS News Los Angeles reports.