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
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.
Fallout from Ecuador raid on Mexican Embassy
Venezuela is the latest country to cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador over a raid on Mexico's Embassy in early April. Ryan Dubé, a reporter at The Wall Street Journal covering politics and economics in Latin America, joins CBS News to discuss how the raid impacts diplomacy in the region.
Mexico's president says country will break diplomatic ties with Ecuador
Police broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former vice president who had sought political asylum there after being indicted on corruption charges.
5 tourists killed in case of mistaken identity in Ecuador
Attackers stormed a hotel and kidnapped six adults and a child, police said.
Ecuador's youngest mayor and her adviser found shot to death
Brigitte Garcia, the 27-year-old mayor of coastal San Vicente, was found dead along with the municipality's communications director, Jairo Loor.
Climate change will make bananas cost more. Experts say prices should rise.
Experts say climate change will drive up the price of bananas, but consumers should already be paying more.
Breaking down the Assange extradition saga
The extradition hearing for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange concluded Wednesday in the United Kingdom. Assange faces 18 espionage charges in the U.S. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab breaks down the case.
Alleged drug lord linked to murders of 3 reporters captured in Ecuador
Carlos Arturo Landazuri Cortes, a "high-value target," was captured after months of intelligence work, Ecuador's police chief said.
Ecuador prosecutor investigating TV studio attack killed, official says
Cesar Suarez was investigating the dramatic live-broadcast armed assault last week on an Ecuadoran television station.
"Spidermen" narcos use ropes to hide drugs on U.S.-bound ships
The intruders usually act under the cover of darkness, sometimes with the complicity of the crew, according to Ecuador's coast guard.
Live
Iran dismisses Trump's "economic D-Day" threat as more "failed policies"
Iran has shrugged off President Trump's threat to hit the Islamic Republic with an "economic D-Day" as a "doubling down on failed policies."
Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
New details about Trump's plans for the Kennedy Center and White House ballroom
The latest court filings in cases involving the Kennedy Center and the White House ballroom project detail the work being done at the two institutions.
Drug mix-up at Nashville hospital causes complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
FBI seizes Swalwell's devices, executes warrants in sexual misconduct probe
FBI agents executed search warrants targeting former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and seized his electronic devices, two sources told CBS News.
First on CBS
New U.S. sanctions target cocaine smuggling network in Ecuador
The U.S. on Thursday imposed fresh sanctions on 15 individuals and entities based in Ecuador for their roles in an alleged maritime cocaine trafficking operation.
First on CBS
Tulsi Gabbard shares story of husband's cancer diagnosis: "It was tough"
In a new video shared first with CBS News, Tulsi Gabbard said doctors discovered the cancer, a sacral chordoma, a rare tumor, after her husband, Abraham Williams, experienced back pain.
AI apps that can digitally undress any photo pose back-to-school risk
Think that back-to-school photo is safe to post online? Bad actors could use AI "nudify" apps to make it X-rated.
Prince Harry and Meghan moving back to U.K.
The couple said in January 2020 that they would be stepping away from "senior" royal roles and were working to become financially independent from the royal family.
U.S.
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Coinbase CEO says CLARITY Act will prevent another FTX collapse
Brian Armstrong made the case for the cryptocurrency legislation, which is scheduled for a Senate vote in September.
New details about Trump's plans for Kennedy Center and White House ballroom
The latest court filings in cases involving the Kennedy Center and the White House ballroom project detail the work being done at the two institutions.
Drug mix-up at Nashville hospital causes complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
Woman accused of plotting "major attack" on New York State Capitol building
A New York woman is accused of plotting "a major attack" on the state capitol building in Albany, authorities said Thursday.
Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
MoneyWatch
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Coinbase CEO says CLARITY Act will prevent another FTX collapse
Brian Armstrong made the case for the cryptocurrency legislation, which is scheduled for a Senate vote in September.
Clear Eyes eye drops recalled nationwide over contamination risk, FDA says
The recall affects 15mL bottles of Clear Eyes' Maximum Itchy Eye Relief.
FTC says "personalized pricing" based on consumer data could violate law
The FTC warned businesses against changing prices based on their analysis of a customer's personal data, which could violate consumer law.
Walmart says it is using $2.9 billion in tariff refunds to lower prices
The company told CBS News it will direct the refunds toward groceries and general merchandise.
AI apps that can digitally undress any photo pose back-to-school risk
Think that back-to-school photo is safe to post online? Bad actors could use AI "nudify" apps to make it X-rated.
Politics
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Dan Green wins crowded GOP primary in Florida's 9th District
Green will face Democratic Rep. Darren Soto after gerrymandering reshaped the district to heavily favor Republicans.
New details about Trump's plans for Kennedy Center and White House ballroom
The latest court filings in cases involving the Kennedy Center and the White House ballroom project detail the work being done at the two institutions.
Woman accused of plotting "major attack" on New York State Capitol building
A New York woman is accused of plotting "a major attack" on the state capitol building in Albany, authorities said Thursday.
Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
First on CBS
New U.S. sanctions target cocaine smuggling network in Ecuador
The U.S. on Thursday imposed fresh sanctions on 15 individuals and entities based in Ecuador for their roles in an alleged maritime cocaine trafficking operation.
HealthWatch
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Drug mix-up at Nashville hospital causes complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
How Moderna's melanoma mRNA vaccine could fight deadliest skin cancer
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, who has had melanoma herself, said Moderna's experimental trial is "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer."
Melanoma vaccine shows promising results
An experimental melanoma vaccine could reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading for some high-risk patients. It's personalized for each patient and optimized using artificial intelligence. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
World
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Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
Fishermen missing for 5 days found alive floating on cooler in Pacific
A video shared by Mexican officials shows the fishermen inside a blue cooler as the container bobs on ocean waves.
American student says she was raped in Vietnam, pressured to drop case
An American student says she was raped during a group holiday in Vietnam, then pressured to drop the case against a wealthy suspect.
Famed century-old ship "Sava's Titanic" emerges amid drought in Europe
The boat was carrying wounded fighters when it hit a German mine in late April 1945, experts say.
Live
Iran dismisses Trump's "economic D-Day" threat as more "failed policies"
Iran has shrugged off President Trump's threat to hit the Islamic Republic with an "economic D-Day" as a "doubling down on failed policies."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Recess Therapy" host on embracing kid behavior
Julian Shapiro-Barnum is known for his conversations with kids on his series "Recess Therapy." He tells "CBS Mornings" why he thinks adults need to act more childish and embrace some behaviors of children.
Isla Fisher talks "Spa Weekend"
Isla Fisher gives an inside look at the new film, "Spa Weekend," how it highlights the importance of female friendships and how the star-studded cast connected.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Technology
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Coinbase CEO says CLARITY Act will prevent another FTX collapse
Brian Armstrong made the case for the cryptocurrency legislation, which is scheduled for a Senate vote in September.
Book publishers forced to navigate AI
Book publishers are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on the publishing industry. Tisha Morris, an entertainment attorney and author, joins CBS News with more insight.
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.
Data on how people are using AI chatbots
Recent data from the AI Observatory shows more people are using artificial intelligence chatbots for more intimate issues. Shayne Longpre joins with more on the recent study.
AI "nudify" apps pose risk to students
Students nationwide are grappling with a new reality -- AI-generated pornography, sometimes featuring themselves or someone they know. CBS News found more than a dozen AI "nudify" apps easily accessible in app stores, some without age restrictions. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy murder trial winding down
Day 17 wrapped early on Thursday in the trial against Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her three children. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Why are federal officials probing Swalwell?
The FBI seized former Rep. Eric Swalwell's electronic devices after serving warrants on a sexual misconduct probe, sources say. As state and local authorities prosecute most sex crimes, what got the federal government involved? CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Woman arrested for Albany, New York, bomb plan
A 35-year-old woman has been arrested for plotting a "major attack" on New York's state capitol building in Albany. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more.
Latest details in Lindsay Clancy trial
Sheila Cavanaugh, a chaplain at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, testified on Day 17 of Lindsay Clancy's murder trial. CBS News' Meg Oliver has more details.
Woman accused of plotting "major attack" on New York State Capitol building
A New York woman is accused of plotting "a major attack" on the state capitol building in Albany, authorities said Thursday.
Space
More Space
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
On the ground in Kyiv after Russian strikes
Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv overnight Wednesday into Thursday, killing at least 16 people and wounding 40 more. These videos show the moment strikes hit the Ukrainian capital and the damage after.
Dow falls 700 points over bond market, debt
The Dow closed down over 700 points on Thursday amid rising national debt and fears over bond market volatility. Jessica Inskip, director of investor research at Stockbrokers.com, joins CBS News to discuss.
Lindsay Clancy murder trial winding down
Day 17 wrapped early on Thursday in the trial against Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her three children. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Trump, Cohen hold first public talks in years
The rift between President Trump and his former ally, attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, may be on the mend because, after eight years of silence, they held their very first public conversation. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Why are federal officials probing Swalwell?
The FBI seized former Rep. Eric Swalwell's electronic devices after serving warrants on a sexual misconduct probe, sources say. As state and local authorities prosecute most sex crimes, what got the federal government involved? CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.