Transgender woman on death row asks Missouri governor for mercy
A judge sentenced Amber McLaughlin to death for the 2003 killing of Beverly Guenther after a jury was unable to decide on the punishment.
Death Penalty
Oregon governor commutes all 17 of the state's death sentences
Kate Brown said they'll get life in prison without the possibility of parole instead. A leading Republican state lawmaker said, "Democrats have consistently chosen criminals over victims."
Union "sickened" as Iran soccer player faces possible death sentence
A judiciary official said the 26-year-old stood accused of "rebellion, membership in illegal gangs, collusion to undermine security" and "emnity against God."
Taliban carries out 1st public execution since retaking Afghanistan
The extremists have made it clear that they'll bring back all of the brutal policies they were known for before being ousted with the U.S.-led invasion of 2001.
Alabama won't try lethal injection again on "execution survivor"
Any future effort to execute Miller will be done by nitrogen hypoxia, a method authorized in Alabama, but never used in the U.S.
"Botched" Alabama execution caused pain and torture, attorneys say
Prison staff subjected Kenneth Eugene Smith to numerous needle jabs, including in the neck and collarbone region while an official held his head, attorneys wrote in a court filing.
How a man's beheading 50 years ago led France to end the death penalty
On November 28, 1972, Roger Bontems was guillotined for a murder he did not commit. His lawyer would spend the rest of his life campaigning to end the death penalty.
19-year-old asks court to let her watch father's death by injection
Kevin Johnson, now 37, has been incarcerated since his daughter was 2 years old.
Alabama governor orders executions pause after third failed lethal injection
The state did not complete the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith because officials couldn't find a suitable vein to inject the lethal drugs.
Alabama stops execution due to trouble finding suitable vein
Officials were trying to put Kenneth Eugene Smith to death after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a stay issued hours earlier by a lower federal court.
Oklahoma executes man for 1993 "torture" slaying of 3-year-old boy
Attorneys for Fairchild argued that he was abused as a child, mentally ill and remorseful for his actions.
Alabama set to execute man after jury recommended life sentence
Alabama judges are no longer allowed to sentence an inmate to death if a jury recommends a life sentence, but the 2017 change was not retroactive.
Arizona executes man for 1980 killings after Supreme Court rejects appeal
The execution was the third in Arizona since the state resumed carrying out the death penalty in May.
Texas set to execute man who killed his mother and buried her in her backyard
Tracy Beatty's lawyers say he has a history of mental illness and have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay his execution.
Life sentence for Parkland school shooter
A Florida jury recommended a life sentence without parole, instead of the death penalty, for the gunman who shot and killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018. Criminal defense attorney Julia Jayne joined CBS News' John Dickerson to discuss the sentencing in the case.
Closing arguments in Parkland sentencing trial
A Florida jury will decide whether the convicted gunman in the Parkland school massacre should receive the death sentence after hearing closing arguments in his sentencing trial Tuesday. David Weinstein, a partner at Jones Walker LLP, and a former federal prosecutor, joined CBS News to discuss the trial.
Parkland victims' families react to sentencing
Several families of Parkland shooting victims are distraught after a Florida jury did not recommend the death penalty for the shooter — saying that “justice wasn’t served.”
Parkland shooter spared death sentence
After deliberating for seven hours, a jury recommended life in prison for convicted Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz, instead of the death penalty. The decision stunned some of the victims' family members -- many were visibly angry and some broke down in tears. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Inmate endured "torture" during botched execution, attorneys say
Alan Eugene Miller said prison staff poked him with needles for over an hour as they tried to find a vein during an aborted lethal injection last month.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from Dylann Roof
Roof was convicted in 2016 of killing nine in a racist attack on a South Carolina church's Black congregation.
Alabama sets execution date in 1988 contract killing of pastor's wife
A judge overrode the jury's recommendation of a life sentence and sentenced Smith to death
Judge blocks lethal injection for inmate who says he prefers death by nitrogen
Alabama killer Alan Miller says the state lost his request for the hydrogen method. Alabama says he's just trying to delay his execution.
Alabama may use untried execution method on man convicted in triple killing
Alabama could be ready to use a new, untried execution method to carry out a death sentence later this month.
Potential plea deals for 9/11 terrorists
Families of victims of September 11 are outraged over reports that plea deals are in the works for five defendants accused of orchestrating the attacks nearly 21 years ago. The plea deals would take the death penalty off the table, instead allowing the defendants to remain in Guantanamo Bay indefinitely. Catherine Herridge reports.
With much backing, Alabama death row inmate claims innocence, seeks new trial
Toforest Johnson has seen former judges, prosecutors and the local district attorney join in calls to reexamine his 1998 conviction for a murder he insists he didn't commit.
Supreme Court to hear major test of presidential power in case over FTC firing
President Trump's efforts to reshape the executive branch and flex his presidential power are set to be tested at the Supreme Court on Monday.
Himes says Pete Hegseth has "zero credibility" on boat strikes
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that it's "really important" that video of the strikes "be made public."
"Family of Spies": Christine Kuehn discovers her grandfather's Nazi past
In 1994 Christine Kuehn received a letter that revealed a family history from which her father had tried to shield her: Christine's grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who was the only person tried and convicted for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Netanyahu says he expects Gaza ceasefire second phase to begin soon
The next phase of the Gaza ceasefire involves an international security force and other measures and has not yet started.
Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
Trump's birthday added to list of free days at national parks; MLK Day, Juneteenth removed
The change to the schedule comes shortly after the Trump administration announced new fees for non-resident visitors.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
Indonesian zoo releases photos of the first panda cub born in the country
A zoo on Java island has released photos of Indonesia's first locally born giant panda cub.
Michael Annett, former NASCAR racing star, dies at 39
Michael Annett won the Xfinity Series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.
U.S.
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Himes says Pete Hegseth has "zero credibility" on boat strikes
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that it's "really important" that video of the strikes "be made public."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Rep. Ilhan Omar join Margaret Brennan.
210,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks
The recall involves INIU 100,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41that were sold on Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022, the recall notice says.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus (a.k.a. David Pogue)! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
"Family of Spies": Christine Kuehn discovers her grandfather's Nazi past
In 1994 Christine Kuehn received a letter that revealed a family history from which her father had tried to shield her: Christine's grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who was the only person tried and convicted for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
MoneyWatch
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210,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks
The recall involves INIU 100,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41that were sold on Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022, the recall notice says.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus (a.k.a. David Pogue)! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Politics
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Himes says Pete Hegseth has "zero credibility" on boat strikes
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that it's "really important" that video of the strikes "be made public."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Rep. Ilhan Omar join Margaret Brennan.
Transcript: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Rep. Ilhan Omar on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who now serves on the boards of Pfizer and United Healthcare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
HealthWatch
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Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
California warns against foraging mushrooms after cluster of poisonings, 1 death
California's public health department said one person has died and several others have suffered severe liver damage due to eating toxic mushrooms that were foraged.
Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
World
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Transcript: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Indonesian zoo releases photos of the first panda cub born in the country
A zoo on Java island has released photos of Indonesia's first locally born giant panda cub.
Transcript: Rep. Ilhan Omar on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who now serves on the boards of Pfizer and United Healthcare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Rep. Jim Himes on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Entertainment
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Book excerpt: "The Colonel and the King" by Peter Guralnick
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book traces the relationship between the King and Colonel Tom Parker, a manager whose marketing savvy helped launch a rock 'n' roll revolution.
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford: "I know that we don't have forever anymore"
The bestselling author had said she would no longer write novels set in the make-believe mountain village of Mitford. After the death of her daughter, she wrote through her grief – which led to her 15th Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford
Novelist Jan Karon has written 25 bestsellers, including 15 about a make-believe mountain village, Mitford – stories in which the humanity of her characters is evoked in what she calls "a place of refuge." Karon talks with Faith Salie about discovering her voice as a writer at a very young age; the comforting qualities of her stories; and how the death of her daughter, Candace, led to her latest Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Extended interview: Ethan Hawke
In this web exclusive, actor Ethan Hawke talks with Tracy Smith about his first experiences with Broadway. He also discusses his films "Explorers," "Dead Poets Society," "Reality Bites," "Training Day," and his latest, "Blue Moon," Leonardo DiCaprio's success, and his obsession with Jack Nicholson's performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Ethan Hawke on "Blue Moon," and taking nothing for granted
The star of "Blue Moon" talks about playing famed songwriter Lorenz Hart, whose successful collaboration with Richard Rodgers ended owing to Hart's heavy drinking; and about his own youthful ambitions.
Technology
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Technology
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus, a.k.a. David Pogue! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. What might that mean for the media industry?
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.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. Jo Ling Kent talks with Tilly's creator, Eline Van der Velden, about her goal of producing "the Scarlett Johansson of the AI genre." Kent also talks with Kevin Reilly, CEO of Kartel ai, a Beverly Hills tech startup; and with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin, about the impact of AI on Hollywood and the actors' union.
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Science
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"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.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
11 killed, including 3 children, in shooting at a South African bar
Over a dozen people were wounded and taken to the hospital, the South African Police Services said in a statement.
Space
More Space
"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.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
Face the Nation: Himes, Gottlieb
Missed the second half of the show? Rep. Jim Himes and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb join.
Gottlieb on Hepatitis B vaccine birth dose
As the CDC vaccine panel voted last week to stop recommending the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who now serves on the boards of Pfizer and United Healthcare, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the birth dose is " almost 99% effective at preventing that chronic infection."
Himes on strikes on alleged drug boat
Democratic Rep. Jim Himes, who is one of the lawmakers briefed on the U.S. strikes on a boat allegedly carrying drugs, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that it is "really important" the video of the strikes be released to the public. He added that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has "zero credibility" about the issue.
Bessent on economy during holiday season
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that it will be a "strong holiday season" despite some major toy companies noting higher prices due to tariffs and inflation. "The economy has been better than we thought," Bessent said, adding "we've had the 4- 4% GDP growth in a couple of quarters."
Omar on alleged Somali fraud case
Amid charges against dozens of Somali immigrants in a series of multimillion-dollar alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose district includes much of Minneapolis, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and al Qaeda affiliate al Shabaab are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system." She added that "if that is the case, if money from U.S. tax dollars is being sent to help with terrorism in Somalia, we want to know and we want those people prosecuted and we want to make sure that it doesn't ever happen again."