10/18/18: Red and Blue
President Trump says it "certainly looks" like Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead; Is the Trump era damaging democracy?
Democracy
What is the "Appeal to Heaven" flag?
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is under scrutiny after The New York Times reported Alito's home displayed a second flag used by Jan. 6 protesters. The "Appeal to Heaven" flag has been associated with a push for a more Christian-minded government and opposition to left-leaning politicians. Matthew Taylor, senior scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, joins "America Decides" to unpack the flag's history.
Samuel Alito flag controversies: What to know
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is under increased scrutiny over a second controversial flag. Another flag used by Jan. 6 protesters was seen flying at Alito's vacation home last summer, according to The New York Times. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
How China, Russia wage propaganda war with U.S.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stood side by side last week declaring the strength of their partnership while condemning what they called a "destructive and hostile" U.S. Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins CBS News to examine how U.S. adversaries are working to undermine to the concept of Western democracy.
Threats surge against top congressional aides
Top congressional aides are subjected to threats of violence regularly. A survey conducted by the nonprofit Congressional Management Foundation reveals that a large majority are feeling "anxiety and fear" about the safety of working in their jobs. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
What makes for a good presidential debate?
Presidential debates have become a standard part of the four-year contest, but this contest is anything but standard. With two debates finally on the calendar, the two qualifications for a good debate are also two issues totally up for grabs in U.S. democracy. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson explains.
What to know as India's 2024 election gets underway
Voting has begun in India's national election, the world's biggest exercise in democracy, but there's concern that democratic values are being eroded.
Arizona officials prepare for 2024 election
The office of Arizona's Secretary of State hosted exercises on election security Thursday. The event allowed media members to experience firsthand how officials in the state are preparing for the 2024 election. CBS News producer Elizabeth Campbell has more.
Biden heading out West for major fundraisers
With the 2024 election less than six months away, President Biden is traveling to the West Coast on Thursday night to drum up support. Kevin Munoz, spokesperson for the national Biden 2024 campaign, joins "America Decides" to discuss what the president has planned.
Major Garrett reflects on grand jury service
For five weeks, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett served on a grand jury in the District of Columbia. On Wednesday, Garrett returned to "America Decides" and reflected on what he took from the experience.
What Putin hopes to accomplish in 5th term
Russian President Vladimir Putin was inaugurated Tuesday for a fifth term. If he completes this six-year term, he'll become the longest-serving Russian leader since Empress Catherine the Great in the 18th century. David Herszenhorn, international desk editor for The Washington Post, joins CBS News to examine Putin's ambitions.
Trump attorney on SCOTUS immunity hearing
Attorneys representing former President Donald Trump argued to the Supreme Court on Thursday that all presidents should have total immunity from criminal prosecution. Will Scharf, co-counsel to Trump, joins "America Decides" to discuss the arguments.
How Trump reshaped the Republican Party
A new book titled "Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement's Ground War to End Democracy" examines the origins, evolution and future of the "Make America Great Again" movement. Author and Washington Post reporter Isaac Arnsdorf joins "America Decides" to discuss what went into the book.
Biden calls Trump biggest threat to democracy
President Biden called his predecessor the biggest threat to democracy in an interview with Televisa-Univision. CBS News contributor and Televisa-Univision anchor Enrique Acevedo, who spoke with the president, joins "America Decides" to assess Mr. Biden's latest warning about former President Donald Trump.
Officials warn of risks to democracy in 2024
Even as sentences are handed out to Jan. 6 defendants, some judges, witnesses and prosecutors involved in the cases are warning of future threats to democracy ahead of November's presidential election. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane explains.
Judges, witnesses in Jan. 6 cases warn of threats to democracy in 2024 elections
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said during a recent Jan. 6 sentencing, "Unless democracy is protected, it will be destroyed."
Putin hails election win, but his critics make their presence felt
Presidential election results underline Vladimir Putin's total control of Russia's political system, but his foes made their presence known.
Polls vandalized as Russia's "sham elections" get underway
With Russia's political opposition, dead, jailed or living in exile, Vladimir Putin is virtually guaranteed to win a new 6-year term.
State of the Union: Biden hits age criticisms
As he neared the end of his State of the Union address, President Biden addressed criticisms about his age head-on, and said his years in public service have provided him clarity. The president said he has learned to "embrace freedom and democracy."
Biden's opening State of the Union remarks
President Biden began his third State of the Union address by raising the stakes of the 2024 presidential election, telling those assembled in the House chamber that Americans "face an unprecedented moment in the history of the union."
White House preview of State of the Union
President Biden will denounce extremism and discuss the U.S. economy, the state of democracy, and civil and women's rights during Thursday's State of the Union address before both chambers of Congress. CBS News White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe chats with Olivia Dalton, a White House press secretary, about the president's priorities for the yearly address.
State of the Union 2024: What to expect
President Biden's 2024 State of the Union address could be an opportunity for him to make his case to voters heading into the November general election. Tom Perez, senior adviser and assistant to the president, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
How is U.S. democracy doing on Super Tuesday?
Millions of Americans from coast to coast on Super Tuesday are exercising the centuries-old right to vote. But that right could be at risk from both domestic and international attacks. CBS News election law contributor David Becker joins to assess the health of the U.S. electoral system.
What Alexey Navalny wanted people to know "if they decide to kill me"
Opposition leader Alexey Navalny told Russians what to do if he was killed, and his wife has a message for the world now.
Meet Prabowo Subianto, who's likely to be Indonesia's next president
It's taken him 3 tries, but former Indonesian army commander Prabowo Subianto looks set to become president of the Muslim world's largest democracy.
Live
Iran insists it's ready for a new U.S. attack as Trump arrives in China
Iran's military says it's trained and ready for any new U.S. assault as Trump predicts a "long talk" about the war with China's President Xi in Beijing.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial
Alex Murdaugh was convicted of his killing his wife and his son at the family's home in 2021.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Amid fraud probe, Medicare pauses enrolling new hospice, home health providers
The Trump administration is also warning states to crack down on Medicaid fraud or risk losing funding for their anti-fraud units.
Top CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Exclusive
House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims
Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are preparing to announce a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirm to CBS News.
U.S.
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Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Exclusive
House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims
Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are preparing to announce a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirm to CBS News.
MoneyWatch
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AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Will Trump seek investment to join China in a "dark factory" future?
A Chinese manufacturing giant tells CBS News how its sprawling factory runs with a fraction of the human workforce previously required.
Politics
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Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw Georgia's congressional map
Georgia lawmakers will return to the Capitol on June 17 for a special session focused on redistricting.
HealthWatch
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AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
Sponsored
How diet and nutrition may help boost your brain health
Alzheimer's Association CEO and president Joanne Pike shares some recommendations on which foods to eat, and which foods to limit, for better brain health. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Sponsored
How can movement boost your brain health?
A recent survey by the Alzheimer's Association found most adults think maintaining brain health is very important, but they don't know what steps to take. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Sponsored
How exercise can improve brain health
Daily physical activity is one of the important steps to building healthy habits to lower the risk of dementia. As part of a three-part series, "Brain Health: From Awareness to Action," Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Joanne Pike joins "CBS Mornings" with tips on incorporating exercise into your routine as part of their "(re)think your brain" initiative. Learn more about their "6-Step Challenge" at rethinkyourbrain.org (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association)
World
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Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite new GOP defection
The Senate rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran, but one new Republican senator voted in favor of advancing the measure.
Bear kills worker at uranium mining facility in Canada
A black bear killed a man working for a Canadian uranium exploration and acquisition company in Saskatchewan.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
Dua Lipa alleges Samsung uses copyrighted image of her to sell TVs
Pop singer accuses electronics manufacturer Samsung of using a copyrighted image of her face to sell TVs.
Technology
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Technology
Tips to boost your phone's battery life
As smartphones become more advanced, are batteries keeping up? CNET senior mobile expert Abrar Al-Heeti joins to explain how you can improve your phone's battery life.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
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.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
The good behind the rise of AI
Josh Tyrangiel, a producer, journalist and author, breaks down the potentially positive uses of artificial intelligence amid concerns. Tyrangiel explains how AI can help solve meaningful problems and breaks down its use in schools.
Science
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Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Crime
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Crime
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.
Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote a book about grief, to life without parole for the murder of her husband. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's conviction
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions against Alex Murdaugh and ordered a new trial. Murdaugh was found guilty in 2023 of killing his wife and son in 2021. The court questioned "improper" conduct by the county clerk, Becky Hill, who later wrote a book about her time working on the trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial
Alex Murdaugh was convicted of his killing his wife and his son at the family's home in 2021.
Space
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UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Trump's China trip underway as inflation rises
President Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr. Trump's trip comes as Americans face higher costs for gas, food and more. CBS News' Anna Coren and Samantha Vinograd report.
High-powered tech leaders join Trump in China
President Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Accompanying the president are several high-profile business and tech CEOs. Chris McGuire, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins CBS News to discuss.
Mullin doesn't rule out ICE arrests at World Cup
In an interview with CBS News' Nicole Sganga, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE arrests at the World Cup are not off the table. Sganga joins "The Takeout" with more on the conversation.
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.