12/13: America Decides
House set to vote on Biden impeachment inquiry; Trump has massive lead ahead of Iowa Caucuses
Hunter Biden
Justice Dept releases special counsel's report on Hunter Biden
Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss to be special counsel, giving him expanded powers to continue his investigation of Hunter Biden.
Hunter Biden special counsel report released
The Justice Department on Monday released special counsel David Weiss' final report on his investigation into Hunter Biden. CBS News reporter Rob Legare has the latest.
Who did Biden include in round of clemency?
In one of the final major acts of his administration, President Biden commuted nearly 1,500 people's sentences and pardoned another 39. The White House said it is the largest single-day act of clemency in history. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Historic Biden clemencies: What to know
On Thursday, President Biden announced the largest number of commutations and clemencies ever granted in a single day. In addition to pardoning 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes, the president is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Dec 3: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
President Biden does not comment on pardon for Hunter during address in Angola; Stowaway passenger on Delta flight in Paris to return to U.S. tomorrow.
Dec 2: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden for federal gun charges and tax evasion; Closing arguments to end trial of veteran accused of deadly chokehold
Who might get a preemptive pardon from Biden?
CBS News has learned President Biden is considering issuing blanket preemptive pardons to some of President-elect Donald Trump's biggest critics. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the details.
White House on Hunter Biden pardon and more
The White House held its first press briefing Friday since President Biden pardoned his son Hunter and as he considers blanket preemptive pardons for some prominent critics of President-elect Donald Trump. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she would not "get ahead of the president" and added Mr. Biden was reviewing "other pardons and commutations."
Biden facing calls to issue more pardons
President Biden is facing growing calls to issue more pardons following his controversial decision to grant one to his son Hunter. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is one of many making the demand. Jasmine Wright, politics reporter for NOTUS, joins "America Decides" with the details.
Hunter Biden's federal gun case dismissed after being pardoned by his father
Hunter Biden could have faced up to 25 years in prison, though as a first-time offender he likely would have gotten far less time or avoided prison entirely.
What to know about Trump FBI pick Kash Patel
Kash Patel has said he wants to reshape the bureau President-elect Donald Trump picked him to lead. Elaina Plott Calabro, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins "America Decides" to dive deeper into the background of the potential next FBI director.
Ex-congressmen on fight to confirm Trump picks
Now that President-elect Donald Trump has named most of his top Cabinet roles, how likely will they get through the confirmation process? Former Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan and former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones of New York join "America Decides" to weigh in.
Biden not answering Hunter pardon questions
It's been two days since President Biden announced his decision to pardon his son Hunter, and the elder Biden has still not answered questions about the move. President-elect Donald Trump's attorneys cited the controversial pardon in a motion made public Tuesday to dismiss his criminal New York "hush money" case. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports.
More on Biden's pardon decision reversal
President Biden did not offer more details on his reversal regarding a pardon for his son Hunter Biden. Zeke Miller, the chief White House correspondent for the Associated Press, joins CBS News with more on Mr. Biden as his Africa trip continues.
Biden to deliver remarks in Angola
President Biden will deliver remarks Tuesday at Angola's National Museum of Slavery in the nation's capital. Mr. Biden is the first sitting U.S. president to visit Angola and the first president to visit Sub-Saharan Africa since 2015. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has a preview of the president's address.
Fallout from Hunter Biden pardon
Some Democrats are criticizing President Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, in fears that it could undermine trust in the court system. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Biden not answering questions about pardon
The fallout from President Biden's pardon for his son, Hunter, has followed the president on his trip to Angola where he's been peppered with questions about the move. Mr. Biden had previously said several times he wouldn't issue a pardon for his son, who was convicted of federal gun and drug charges and pleaded guilty to tax charges in California, but changed course last weekend. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Examining the history of presidential pardons
President Biden granted his son Hunter a "full and unconditional pardon" Sunday after the younger Biden was convicted in two separate criminal cases earlier this year. Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins CBS News to discuss the history and constitutionality of presidential pardons.
Biden claims Hunter charges were political
There's growing fallout from President Biden's decision to grant a "full and unconditional pardon" to his son, Hunter Biden, just weeks before he was due to be sentenced on federal gun and tax convictions. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett joins with analysis. Then, CBS News reporter Olivia Rinaldi joins with the latest on President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks.
What is a presidential pardon?
Presidents are granted the authority to issue pardons under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.
Biden faces backlash for granting pardon to son
Republicans and some Democrats are criticizing President Biden's decision to grant a sweeping pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing on gun and tax charges. Ed O'Keefe has details.
Trump taps in-laws for key diplomatic posts
President-elect Donald Trump is giving key diplomatic posts to the fathers-in-law of his two daughters. He has tapped Charles Kushner to serve as the ambassador to France and Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Political strategists Joel Payne and Maura Gillespie join "America Decides" to discuss what the moves say about Trump's foreign policy plans.
Trump links Hunter Biden pardon, Jan. 6 cases
Shortly after President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump turned to social media to tie it to the Jan. 6 cases. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Biden reneges on pledge to not pardon son
With major changes looming at the Justice Department, President Biden has wiped away the prosecution of his son, Hunter Biden. Plus, President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Kash Patel for FBI director is sending shockwaves through Washington, D.C. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Live
U.S. wraps up 3rd night of Iran strikes as Trump vows to "keep" Strait of Hormuz
President Trump says the U.S. will "probably run" the Strait of Hormuz, as dueling attacks with Iran continue over control of the strategic waterway.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
Man fatally shot by ICE in Maine was not intended target of warrant, lawmakers say
Maine Sen. Angus King said he told Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin that he wanted a transparent investigation into the shooting in Biddeford.
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
U.S.
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Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
First on CBS
Video shows NBA's Brandon Clarke stopped by police 6 weeks before his death
Arkansas police said they found bags of capsules containing a green powdery substance in Brandon Clarke's car, which he told them was kratom.
Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
MoneyWatch
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AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
12 states sue to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The suit poses a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies.
Millions of Americans take on debt and drain savings to afford food
A quarter of working-age adults use credit cards to purchase groceries but struggle to repay their debts, a new study finds.
High energy costs from Iran war heighten pressure on struggling farmers
As the agriculture industry in Louisiana contends with major energy cost hikes brought on by the Iran war, some farmers are unsure if their businesses will survive.
Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump refuses to sign it
A landmark housing bill automatically became law overnight after President Trump declined to sign it.
Politics
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Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Sources: FBI fires 2 analysts who raised concerns about Georgia 2020 election probe
The two analysts expressed concerns that the 2020 election investigation in Fulton County, Georgia, was thin on evidence, sources said.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit in scathing decision
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams said President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS had been filed for an "improper purpose."
Who could replace Lindsey Graham in the Senate after his sudden death?
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death late Saturday has set off a scramble for who will succeed him in the Senate.
Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham's sister, appointed to fill Senate seat
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced his pick to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Lindsey Graham's death.
HealthWatch
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Sen. Lindsey Graham just died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
Common knee surgery may do more harm than good, 10-year study shows
A Finnish study followed patients for 10 years after they had a popular knee surgery. For many, the pain continued or even worsened.
New Jersey works to destroy firefighting foam laced with cancer-linked PFAS
New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states that are working to collect, remove and destroy all of their aqueous film-forming foam.
Departments getting rid of firefighting foam
Fire departments across the U.S. are changing how they extinguish fires. For decades, they used foam that contained so-called "forever chemicals" that are now linked to cancer. More than a dozen states are now working to collect, remove and destroy all of it. Mark Strassmann has more.
U.S. citizen working in Congo tests positive for Ebola, CDC says
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak recorded on the continent.
World
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Music group "still shocked" after bandmates killed in small plane crash
Surviving members of the beloved Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band are speaking out about their friends who were killed when a small plane crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing 10 people.
Military action against Iran formally restarted last week, Trump told lawmakers
President Trump formally notified Congress that "military action" against Iran restarted last week in a letter obtained by CBS News, as a monthslong ceasefire comes to an end.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Trump says U.S. reinstating Iran blockade in Strait of Hormuz
Trump says the U.S. will be known as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT," and will charge 20% on all cargo shipped via the waterway to cover security costs.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
Technology
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AI companies are creating "generative ghosts" of deceased loved ones
Startups are using emails, photos and voice recordings to create AI simulations that family and friends can interact with after a loved one's death.
Family says they're forced to sell home to help power data centers
Georgia Power says building a new transmission line will require acquiring more than 300 parcels of land, including residential properties.
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.
Apple sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT maker of stealing trade secrets
Apple alleges that OpenAI and two of its employees stole trade secrets and engaged in a "pattern of misconduct."
AI slop floods social media, report says
A new report from AI detector Pangram found that AI-generated content is flooding socials like X and Reddit, with LinkedIn accounting for nearly two-thirds of all AI content detected. Pangram CEO and co-founder Max Spero joins CBS News to discuss his findings.
Science
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Science
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
Crime
More Crime
Deputy U.S. marshal shot dead serving arrest warrant in Louisiana, agency says
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Louisiana, authorities say. The suspect is in custody.
Police chase goes through Ohio golf course
Video from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows the chaotic chase through a golf course for a suspect wanted in a stabbing last week in Ohio. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Investigation
Innocent bystander shot by police is one of dozens of cases nationwide
CBS News reviewed police records, body camera footage, court documents and local news reports to find more than 50 cases of innocent bystanders shot by police.
Investigating police shootings of bystanders
A CBS News investigation found that no federal agency is tracking police shootings of innocent bystanders, making it difficult to hold officers accountable. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
British counterterrorism police lead probe into murder of politician
British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence" came to light.
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
Surviving members of Da Pond Band discuss crash
Surviving members of the beloved Bahamian musical group Da Pond Band are speaking out about their friends and bandmates who were killed when a small plane operated by Flamingo Air crashed in the Bahamas on Friday, killing all 10 people on board.
Judge rebukes Trump and DOJ over IRS lawsuit
A federal judge on Monday imposed professional penalties against lawyers representing President Trump in a civil lawsuit he brought against the IRS and harshly criticized the Justice Department for its handling of the case, concluding that the suit was brought for an "improper purpose." CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
GOP strategist on memories of Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham is being remembered for his wit and political effectiveness after his sudden death over the weekend. Republican strategist Matt Whitlock joins CBS News to discuss.
Details on newest U.S. strikes against Iran
The United States is carrying out a third night of airstrikes against Iran. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.