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
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.
Expert on Hunter Biden pardon
A presidential pardon expert at America University compared the sweeping Hunter Biden pardon issued by President Biden to the pardon for former president Richard Nixon. CBS News' Natalie Brand breaks down the history of presidents pardoning family members.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
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Iran attacks Kuwait airport as Israel, Lebanon reach tentative ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of "pilot" security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah would be banned.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
Senate advances reconciliation bill, dropping ballroom funds
Senate Republicans moved forward with a package to fund the Department of Homeland Security's immigration agencies Wednesday.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
U.S.
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Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Victim of "horrifying" Chelsea murder identified after 26 years
"Chelsea Jane Doe" has been identified as Tiffany Bradley of Pennsylvania.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
MoneyWatch
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American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Social Security checks could be cut by $500 a month in 2032, report finds
Beneficiaries would continue receiving payments if Social Security's trust fund is depleted, but checks could shrink by about 24%, according to a new report.
Politics
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Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Connie Chan and Scott Wiener advance in race to succeed Pelosi, CBS News projects
Voters in San Francisco on Tuesday advanced San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan and state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District, CBS News projects.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Update on California hostage situation
Authorities in Bakersfield, California, offered details Wednesday on the hourslong standoff with a suspect who barricaded himself in a bank "with several community members," according to police. The situation ended early Wednesday when FBI personnel shot the suspect, authorities said.
Space
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NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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.
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
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.