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.
Joe Biden
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.
Field grows in DNC chair race
The field in the race to lead the Democratic National Committee is growing. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler and former Maryland Senate candidate Robert Houton jumped in on Sunday. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has more on what they're saying about the party's future after losses this year.
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.
Hunter Biden pardon gets mixed reactions
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reacting to news of Hunter Biden's pardon and President-elect Donald Trump's plan to make Kash Patel the FBI director. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Jill Biden, Hunter Biden react to pardon
First lady Jill Biden reacted to the news of President Biden pardoning his son. Hunter Biden also issued a statement on the development as the White House navigates the political backlash on the president's decision. CBS News' Willie James Inman reports, and Katrina Kaufman has more on President-elect Donald Trump's reaction. Plus, more on Trump's latest team picks for his second term.
How Trump reacted to Biden pardoning son
President-elect Donald Trump called President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, a miscarriage of justice. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes breaks down the former president's reaction and reports on the history of past presidents pardoning family members.
Will Biden comment on pardon decision?
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden made the decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden over the weekend. CBS News' Willie James Inman has more on Mr. Biden reversing his stance on the pardon as he begins his trip to Africa before departing the White House in January.
Details on Biden's pardon for son Hunter
President Biden has issued a wide-ranging pardon for his son Hunter after saying several times that he wouldn't. The pardon applies to federal crimes Hunter Biden may have committed since 2014. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Presidential pardons and their implications
What can history teach us about presidential pardons? Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of "The Leadership Journey" and "An Unfinished Love Story," joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to break it down.
Read Hunter Biden's pardon and President Biden's full statement
The pardon covers offenses Hunter Biden "has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024."
President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden
President Biden announced on Sunday he signed a pardon for his son Hunter Biden after previously saying he would not issue a pardon. Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies in a Delaware federal gun possession case in June. He faced sentencing for the case in Delaware and a federal tax evasion case in California.
President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden
President Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, that applies to all crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. The president had repeatedly said he wouldn't pardon his son, who had been facing prison time in two separate federal cases. CBS News' Willie James Inman, Katrina Kaufman and Rebecca Roiphe have the latest.
Biden knocks Trump's proposed tariffs
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs against Mexico and Canada drew a critique from President Biden on Thursday, with Biden saying in part, "We're surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships." CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more on that, the president-elect's call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and some of the other top political news of the day.
Bidens spending last Thanksgiving as president on Nantucket, a family tradition
"Whatever bumps and bruises we were suffering, we put it all aside and celebrated Thanksgiving in Nantucket," President Biden wrote in his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad."
Threats made against Trump's picks
The FBI is investigating multiple threats made against some of President-elect Donald Trump's administration picks like Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick and others. CBS News political reporter Libby Cathey has more on the attacks and the Trump transition.
Lt. Gen. Kellogg wants a Ukraine ceasefire
President-elect Donald Trump selected retired three-star army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg on Wednesday to be his special envoy to Russia and Ukraine. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the pick and if plans for a ceasefire in the region are attainable.
What's behind the U.S.-China prisoner swap
The White House announced a deal with China Wednesday to free Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung, who the U.S. considered wrongfully imprisoned. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more on how the deal came about and what it means for the countries' relationship.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
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.
Single ticket wins Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
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.
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.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
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.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed "substantive details" of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas.
U.S.
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More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
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.
Single ticket wins Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
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.
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" potentially related to Epstein found
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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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.
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)
World
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Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed "substantive details" of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas.
Imprisoned Brazilian ex-president Bolsonaro undergoes surgery
Jair Bolsonaro, who has been hospitalized since Wednesday, has been serving a 27-year prison sentence since November for an attempted coup.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
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.
Entertainment
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King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
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.
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
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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
"The Polar Express" children's book turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, "The Polar Express." He tells CBS News' Bradley Blackburn about how he came up with the classic Christmas tale at just 34 years old.
Winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas
The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion, the second-largest ever, was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas.
Leo XIV celebrates first Christmas as pope
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas since he became pontiff. At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Leo urged people to care for the poor and for migrants.
Powerful storm slams California
A powerful storm brought heavy rain to parts of California on Wednesday, flooding roads and prompting evacuations in some areas. The deluge of rain is causing dangerous travel conditions on Christmas Day.
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.