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.
Alleged D.C. pipe bomber appearing in court to contest continued detention
Brian Cole was arrested and charged earlier this month for allegedly planting two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic Party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of late President John F. Kennedy, has died after announcing a terminal cancer diagnosis in late November.
ICE can access some Medicaid information for deportation efforts, judge says
U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria said in an order Monday the Department of Homeland Security can receive biographical, contact and location information from the Medicaid program.
Viral video prompts fraud probe at Minnesota day care centers
While many of the Minnesota day care centers in the video were cited and fined for safety violations, investigators previously found no evidence of fraud.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Cable car accident leaves 4 hurt, 100 stranded on mountain for hours
Four people were injured and around 100 stranded visitors had to be rescued by helicopter after a cable car accident in northern Italy, officials said.
U.S.
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Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of late President John F. Kennedy, has died after announcing a terminal cancer diagnosis in late November.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
Silver is rebounding after its worst trading day in four years
Silver prices have more than doubled in 2025, outpacing this year's surge in gold prices, as investors seek safe haven investments.
More artists cancel Kennedy Center performances after board vote on name change
The Kennedy Center board, whose members were appointed by President Trump, voted earlier this month to add his name to the building.
MoneyWatch
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Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Silver is rebounding after its worst trading day in four years
Silver prices have more than doubled in 2025, outpacing this year's surge in gold prices, as investors seek safe haven investments.
Judge blocks White House from defunding CFPB as its funds were about to run out
A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Ground beef recalled in 6 states over possible E. coli contamination
The recalled ground beef was sold to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Politics
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Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
ICE can access some Medicaid information for deportation efforts, judge says
U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria said in an order Monday the Department of Homeland Security can receive biographical, contact and location information from the Medicaid program.
More artists cancel Kennedy Center performances after board vote on name change
The Kennedy Center board, whose members were appointed by President Trump, voted earlier this month to add his name to the building.
Judge blocks White House from defunding CFPB as its funds were about to run out
A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Alleged D.C. pipe bomber appearing in court to contest continued detention
Brian Cole was arrested and charged earlier this month for allegedly planting two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic Party headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021.
HealthWatch
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Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
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Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Cable car accident leaves 4 hurt, 100 stranded on mountain for hours
Four people were injured and around 100 stranded visitors had to be rescued by helicopter after a cable car accident in northern Italy, officials said.
No sign of "broader terrorist cell" behind Bondi Beach attack, police say
Australian police say there's no evidence the Sydney father and son suspects in the attack on a Jewish holiday event got training or instruction in the Philippines.
Police compare Germany bank vault robbery to an "Ocean's Eleven" heist
Thieves apparently spent much of the weekend plundering deposit boxes inside a German bank vault after tunneling through from a parking garage.
U.S. and Iran trade threats as tension soars 7 months after U.S. strikes
After meeting with Israel's Netanyahu, Trump said he'd heard Iran is trying to rebuild its nuclear program, "and if they are, we're going to have to knock them down."
Entertainment
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George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Actor accusing Tyler Perry exchanged texts with him years after alleged assault
Actor Mario Rodriguez alleged in the lawsuit filed last week in California that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.
French split over Brigitte Bardot tribute due to her far right views
French politicians were divided on Monday over how to pay tribute to the late Brigitte Bardot who, despite her screen legend, courted controversy in later life with her far-right views.
MetroCard art: Swiping beauty from the mundane
On December 31, New York City will officially retire the transit system's MetroCard, that ubiquitous piece of plastic used to gain entrance onto subways and buses. But there is beauty in using MetroCards as the raw materials for art, as Thomas McKean has found in his collages and miniature sculptures depicting portraits of city life. Serena Altschul reports.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
Crime
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Crime
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
DHS probes fraud at MN day care centers
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video that has gone viral, alleging potential fraud at a dozen day care centers in Minnesota. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
Latest on proceedings against Tyler Robinson
A Utah judge ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in the case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of murdering Republican political influencer Charlie Kirk. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Police compare Germany bank vault robbery to an "Ocean's Eleven" heist
Thieves apparently spent much of the weekend plundering deposit boxes inside a German bank vault after tunneling through from a parking garage.
Space
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Lake-effect snow predicted for New York
A powerful winter storm that brought heavy snow, rain and winds to the Plains and Great Lakes has also slammed parts of the Northeast. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee is on the ground in Syracuse, New York.
Tatiana Schlossberg dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and an environmental journalist, has died at the age of 35 following a battle with cancer, the JFK Library Foundation announced Tuesday. In November, Schlossberg published an essay revealing she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia shortly after giving birth to her second child.
New details in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case
A newly unsealed order in the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia suggests Justice Department officials only pushed for his indictment after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
Search continues for missing Texas teen
An urgent search is underway in San Antonio, Texas, for a missing teenager who officials say may be in "imminent danger." Camila Mendoza Olmos, 19, was last seen on the morning of Christmas Eve. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has more.