Legendary drug lord released after serving 25 years in U.S. prison
Fabio Ochoa Vásquez and his brothers amassed a fortune when cocaine started flooding the U.S. in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Drug Cartels
Police across U.S. illegally selling firearms
A CBS News investigation found dozens of law enforcement leaders buying and illegally selling guns. A review of government audits and court records over the last 20 years uncovered instances in 23 states across the U.S., plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., for more than 50 cases. CBS News crime and public safety producer Erin D. Cauchi has the details.
Hundreds killed in Mexican city since cartel leaders' arrest in U.S.
The war between the cartel's "Mayos" and "Chapitos" has left more than 400 people dead and hundreds missing, according to the state prosecutor's office.
8 killed in mass shooting at strip mall in cartel stronghold
Video posted on social media showed bodies with apparent head wounds scattered outside a food stand.
1,400 tons of drugs, "narco subs" found on new Pacific trafficking route
More than 400 people were arrested in the operation targeting oceans, coasts, rivers and ports around the globe in October and November.
Drug cartel reeling in huge profits with illegal fishing in Gulf of Mexico
The cartel allegedly uses fishing boats to smuggle drugs and migrants — and catch tons of red snapper, a commercially valuable but vulnerable species.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
Mexican cartel leader who faked own death arrested in California
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.
3 police officers, 4 cartel suspects killed near U.S. border
Drug cartel gunmen also attacked a funeral convoy of cars accompanying the body of one of the victims in the first attack, officials said.
14 suspects linked to powerful cartel arrested in Spain murder probe
The arrests came after a murder victim's family received a large ransom request and $32,000 was paid in cryptocurrency.
Former prosecutor is arrested in beheading of mayor in Mexico
Germán Reyes was arrested on charges of homicide for the killing of Alejandro Arcos just a week after he took office as mayor, officials said.
Boy seen in cartel kidnap video among 11 found dead in truck
14-year-old Ángel Barrera Millán was one of 11 people whose dismembered bodies were found on the side of a highway, authorities said.
Bodies of 11 people, including 2 children, found on highway in Mexico
The gruesome discovery in the city of Chilpancingo comes just weeks after the city's mayor was murdered and decapitated.
Gunmen storm hospital, kill patient and 2 police officers
The attackers shot a man recovering from a gunshot wound more than 10 times, then killed officers who tried to stop them, officials said.
2 women, boy shot dead at altar to folk saint cult "Holy Death"
A leader of the folk saint cult was gunned down along with another woman and child at an altar to the skeletal figure, authorities said.
U.S. sanctions members of cartel linked to killings of Americans
The sanctions come two years after a judge ordered La Linea to pay $4.6 billion to the families of nine Americans killed in a 2019 ambush in Mexico.
2 journalists killed in separate attacks in Mexico within hours
Hours after gunmen killed a journalist who had just interviewed a mayor, an entertainment reporter was killed inside a restaurant she owned.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran shot dead by cartel gunmen in Mexico
Nichola Quets was traveling to the beach resort of Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, at the time of the attack, local media reported.
Journalist shot dead in Mexico amid wave of cartel violence
Radio host Mauricio Cruz Solis was a "source of inspiration and a tireless voice in the service of our community," the station said.
16 gunmen killed, car bomb wounds 3 police officers in Mexico
Multiple clashes left at least 16 people dead on the same day that a car bomb left outside a police station in western Mexico wounded three officers.
Mafia fugitive caught in Colombia seen at infamous drug lord's grave
Luigi Belvedere has been sentenced to almost 19 years in jail for international drug trafficking but has been on the run since December 2020.
19 suspected cartel members killed in shootout with troops
Sinaloa has seen a surge in violence since the July arrest of the cartel's co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in the U.S.
Suspect arrested after well-known priest shot dead following Mass
Father Marcelo Perez, 51, was shot dead by two gunmen just after he had finished celebrating Mass, officials said.
Priest shot dead after officiating Mass amid surging cartel violence
Rev. Marcelo Pérez was shot dead by two gunmen when he was in his van, just after he had finished celebrating Mass, the state prosecutors' office said.
Bombshell claim about murder coverup backs up cartel boss' story
Police and prosecutors conspired to cover up the killing of an opponent of a governor, using a blood-stained truck found at the crime scene, federal prosecutors said.
Men detained in El Salvador's notorious prison detail harrowing experiences
Venezuelans spent months in a Salvadoran prison after being sent there by the U.S. Imprisoned men described torture — and research and records back up many of their claims.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Can Americans trust the investigation into Renee Good's killing?
Senior ICE official Marcos Charles said videos of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis don't tell the entire story. He said officers are acting lawfully and with professionalism.
Europeans reeling from Trump threat to impose tariffs on 8 countries
Europeans were reeling Sunday from President Trump's announcement that eight countries will face a 10% tariff for opposing American control of Greenland.
Minneapolis police chief angered by some of ICE's tactics
After seeing footage of an ICE arrest in Minneapolis, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that if those federal officers worked for him, "they'd have a problem right now."
Man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis dies in federal custody in Texas
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
High-speed train derailment kills at least 39 in Spain
Emergency services in Andalucia, the province where the accident happened, said at least 25 people were seriously injured.
U.S.
More U.S.
Man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis dies while in federal agency's custody
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
More Politics
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
More World
Man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis dies while in federal agency's custody
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
High-speed train derailment kills at least 39 in Spain, police say
Spanish police said Monday that at least 39 people died in a high-speed train collision Sunday in southern Spain and rescue efforts were continuing.
8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Wildfires in Chile kill at least 15 people, force 50,000 to evacuate
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as nearly 4,000 firefighters battled flames fueled by gusting winds and hot weather.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Extended interview: Stellan Skarsgård
In this web exclusive, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film "Sentimental Value," in which he plays a director trying to reconnect with his daughter, an actress, by writing a role for her to play. He also talks about the effect of his 2022 stroke, which occurred during production of "Andor" and the "Dune" films, and how he feels he has changed as an actor after more than 150 film and TV credits.
"Sentimental Value" star Stellan Skarsgård
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Good Will Hunting," to "Mamma Mia!" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor." He just won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his estranged actress-daughters. Skarsgård talks with Seth Doane about why he's never bored making films; being a father of eight; and working with the effects of a 2022 stroke.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
More Science
Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
More Crime
8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Bison returning to parts of North America
After decades of careful land management, bison are returning in small pockets across their historic North American range. Marissa Perlman reports.
Vegas casino turns to electronic table games
Las Vegas' Golden Gate Hotel Casino has removed all of its live dealers, making every table game electronic. That move comes as data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city hosted roughly 7% fewer visitors in 2025 compared to 2024. Andres Gutierrez reports.
At least 21 dead in Spain train crash
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Spain on Sunday. At least 21 people are dead and more than 100 others are injured, some of them seriously.
Snow, cold temperatures hit Midwest, Northeast
A winter blast brought more snow and frigid temperatures to the Midwest and East Coast this weekend. Shanelle Kaul reports on the conditions and Andrew Kozak has a look at the forecast.
Rough numbers for Trump in new CBS News poll
A new CBS News poll shows only 41% of Americans approve of the job President Trump is doing, but there are wide partisan divides on his handling of specific issues like immigration. Willie James Inman has more.