Soccer player's wife, 5-year-old child rescued after being kidnapped
The kidnappers demanded $500,000 for the release of the wife and son but the family refused to pay, police said.
Ecuador
Gunmen disguised as soldiers kill 12 spectators at cockfight
Footage of the shooting, circulated on social media, showed spectators flinging themselves to the ground and taking cover under their seats.
Ecuador imposes state of emergency before razor-close election
Ecuador declared a state of emergency Saturday in seven of its 24 provinces, including the capital Quito, saying it was needed to fight a dramatic rise in drug-linked violence.
U.S. intelligence report favors incumbent Ecuadorian president in election
Ahead of the Ecuadorian presidential elections Sunday, CBS News has learned a U.S. intel assessment favors the incumbent president, viewing him as better for U.S. interests.
"Freddy Kruegers" and "Peaky Blinders": The mafias terrorizing Ecuador
A flood of cocaine from Colombia and Peru through Ecuadoran ports has created a plethora of mafias with striking names and ferocious reputations.
Fugitive leader of notorious Ecuador drug gang is indicted in U.S.
José Adolfo Macías Villamar — known as "Fito" — has led Los Choneros and its "network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers" since at least 2020, federal prosecutors said.
Man found alive after 94 days stranded at sea eating turtles, birds
Maximo Napa was rescued in his small fishing boat after being spotted by an Ecuadoran vessel off the coast of northern Peru.
22 killed, 3 wounded in narco gang gun battles in Ecuador
A police source told AFP the gunfights involved opposing factions of a powerful gang called Los Tigerones.
14 killed in narco gang clashes as police warn of "reprisals"
In one incident, gunmen on motorcycles fired into a crowd gathered outside a grocery store, killing a child and six adults, police said.
Air force colonel shot dead by hitmen in Ecuador
Police said Colonel Porfirio Cedeño, who led an air force special operations unit, was the passenger in a van when more than 20 shots were fired.
Ecuador gangs turn to "death saint" for protection — and human sacrifices
"They stole children from other towns and sacrificed them in front of her (Santa Muerte) when they wanted to land a big hit," a former gang member said.
Pregnant woman's remains, showing signs of sacrifice, unearthed in Ecuador
The young woman is believed to have been part of the Manteño people, who lived along the Ecuadorian coast and survived by agriculture and seafaring.
Ecuador arrests leader of powerful cartel targeted by U.S.
Carlos D was the second-in-command of Los Lobos (The Wolves) and "considered a high-value target," the armed forces said in a statement.
Trump closes immigration offices abroad
At the direction of President Trump, about 1,500 troops are being deployed to the southern border with increased operations to block illegal immigrant crossings set to start in the coming days. Meanwhile, his administration is closing immigration offices former President Joe Biden opened in Latin America. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.
Boys who vanished while playing soccer found dead near military base
Saul Arboleda, Steven Medina, and brothers Josue and Ismael Arroyo were playing soccer in Guayaquil on Dec. 8 when they went missing.
Giant waves kill at least 1 in Ecuador, close ports in Peru
Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until Jan. 1, authorities said.
Kidnapped soccer star rescued after shootout in jungle
Soccer player Pedro Perlaza was freed along with another person, authorities said. "They've been badly treated, but they're alive," police said.
MLS player Marco Angulo, 22, dies from car crash injuries
Marco Angulo died from injuries sustained in a car crash that also killed his former youth team teammate Roberto Cabezas, officials said.
Ecuador imposes overnight blackouts as drought saps hydroelectric power
A drought has dried up Ecuador's hydroelectric power capacity, prompting four consecutive overnight blackouts to conserve energy.
Prison chief shot dead as she drove, 2nd such killing this month
Maria Daniela Icaza's death comes just days after the head of another prison was killed in Ecuador.
Police dogs sniff out 6 tons of cocaine hidden in banana shipment
The discovery of $224 million of cocaine marked yet another major seizure of the drugs concealed alongside the tropical fruit.
Blackout affects millions in Ecuador after transmission line fails
A failure in an energy transmission line produced a blackout throughout Ecuador, the government reported, days after announcing that there would be outages due to production problems.
Ecuador requiring visas for Chinese nationals amid irregular migration
Ecuador is suspending a visa exemption with China after authorities noted many Chinese visitors to the South American country aren't leaving the way the law requires them to.
U.S. sanctions powerful Ecuador crime gang Los Lobos and leader "Pipo"
The U.S. has sanctioned Los Lobos, an Ecuadorian crime gang that officials say is behind much of the violence shaking the country.
Plan to resettle migrants in Europe
The Biden administration is planning to resettle some migrants from four Latin American countries in Italy and Greece, CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has learned. The plan is meant to curtail illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein case have been found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second biggest winning jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
Pope Leo laments conditions for Palestinians in Gaza in first Christmas homily
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
U.S.
More U.S.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Pope Leo laments conditions for Palestinians in Gaza in first Christmas homily
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Blast at Nigeria mosque kills 5, injures 35 in apparent suicide attack
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack.
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
Photos of ways Christmas is celebrated all around the world
Billions worldwide mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth with various traditions.
Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Entertainment
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
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.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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.
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
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.
Christmas celebrations slowly return to Bethlehem
Thousands traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual tree lighting ceremony in Manger Square -- the first such celebration since 2023. As Imtiaz Tyab reports, there's hope for a brighter future and lasting peace.
Gas leak suspected in deadly nursing home blasts
At least two people were killed, and about 20 others were taken to hospitals, after a gas leak is believed to have sparked two explosions and a fire at a nursing home in Pennsylvania. Lilia Luciano has more on the victims and the investigation.
Burn areas at risk for mudslides in California
The hills of Altadena, California, scorched at the beginning of this year by a wildfire, are now sliding amid heavy rain. Andres Gutierrez spoke to one homeowner who plans to ride out the storm. Andrew Kozak has the forecast.
Heavy rain turns roads to rivers in Los Angeles
The Christmas Eve drive was anything but a holiday gift for many across Los Angeles as heavy rain turned roads into rivers in some areas. At LAX, the last-minute dash to make it home before Christmas had flyers lining up early hoping the storm didn't keep them grounded. Kris Van Cleave reports.