Prosecutor who cleared Jussie Smollett believes he's guilty
Lawyers with the Chicago police department are trying to determine if they can legally release evidence in the investigation despite a judge sealing the case
Jussie Smollett
Charges dropped against Jussie Smollett
Actor Jussie Smollett was accused of staging a hate crime against himself. But on Tuesday, Chicago prosecutors dropped all charges and a judge sealed the case. Adriana Diaz reports.
Charges dropped against Jussie Smollett, attorneys say
Smollett said Tuesday he has been "truthful and consistent on every single level since day one"
Chicago mayor: "This is a whitewash of justice"
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday after charges against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett were dropped that "this is a whitewash of justice." He spoke alongside the superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, Eddie Johnson. Watch their remarks.
Smollett: "I've been truthful and consistent"
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett spoke to reporters in Chicago Tuesday after his attorneys said all criminal charged against the "Empire" actor have been dropped and "his record has been wiped clean."
Charlamagne the God on Owens and Smollett
The popular radio host spoke to CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers about two controversial figures in the African-American community: conservative activist Candace Owens and actor Jussie Smollett.
Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty
Actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of lying to police and staging a hate crime on himself. His defense said the indictment is "redundant and vindictive." Dean Reynolds has the latest.
Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty in a Chicago courtroom Thursday on charges he lied to police. Prosecutors allege Smollett staged a hate-crime attack against himself. CBS News national correspondent Dean Reynolds was inside the courtroom, and joins CBSN with more about the case.
Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty over alleged hate crime hoax
A lawyer for the "Empire" actor entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to 16 counts of disorderly conduct
Cameras allowed in courtroom for "Empire" actor's next hearing
Jussie Smollett has been accused of staging hate crime against himself
Brothers in Jussie Smollett case feel "betrayed," lawyer says
The attorney for two brothers involved in the allegedly staged hate-crime attack spoke to CBSN
Brothers "regret" involvement with Smollett
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett is facing 16 felony charges, and the two brothers who say they helped him stage the attack have since told police they regret their involvement. Gloria Schmidt, the lawyer for brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo, joined CBSN with more.
Jussie Smollett attorney calls 16-count indictment "vindictive"
He said the indictment is "prosecutorial overkill"
Jussie Smollett indicted in Chicago
Actor Jussie Smollett was arrested last month, accused of staging a hate crime against himself. Now he's been indicted on 16 felony counts. Dean Reynolds has the latest.
Jussie Smollett indicted on 16 felony counts by grand jury
Smollett was charged last month with a felony charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly making up the hate crime; Smollett insists he is innocent
Brothers in alleged Smollet hoax "regret" involvement: Lawyer
Chicago police say Ola and Abel Osundairo told them Smollett paid them to fake the alleged attack
Smollett written off final "Empire" episodes
Actor Jussie Smollett has been written out of the final two episodes of "Empire" this season. It comes after he was charged with filing a false police report, and allegations he staged an attack on himself. Dean Reynolds reports.
Jussie Smollett cut from "Empire" episodes
The executive producers of the television series "Empire" are removing Jussie Smollett's character from the last two episodes of the show's season "to avoid further disruption on set," they said Friday in a statement. CBS News national correspondent Dean Reynolds has more on the case.
What to expect when Smollett goes to court
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett says he is innocent, and his lawyers say he "feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process." CBS News legal analyst Rikki Klieman joins CBSN to talk about what to expect next in the case.
Jussie Smollett says he's innocent
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett says he's innocent of charges he faked an attack. CBS News national correspondent Dean Reynolds joined CBSN from Chicago, where Smollett could face up to 3 years in prison if convicted.
Jussie Smollett's character cut from "Empire" episodes
"The events of the past few weeks have been incredibly emotional for all of us," executive producers said in a statement
Chicago's top cop blasts Smollett; Bond set at $100,000
A judge ordered him to turn in his passport
2/21/19: CBSN Evening News
Jussie Smollett arrested for staging his attack; Is it possible to escape the tech giants?
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett arrested
"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett is in police custody after turning himself in overnight. He is accused of faking a hate crime after his story of being attacked by racists fell to pieces. Smollett has been charged with filing a false police report, which is a felony in Illinois. Dean Reynolds reports.
Smollett gave detailed instructions for "attack," prosecutor says
The "Empire" actor pointed out a camera he thought would capture the hoax attack, prosecutor says
Trump says he will impose tariffs on countries that oppose Greenland plan
Mr. Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs against countries that do not support his plans to acquire the territory.
Trump endorses possible primary challenger to Sen. Bill Cassidy
President Trump pledged to back GOP Rep. Julia Letlow if she launches a bid in the Louisiana Senate race.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
CBS News poll: One year in, Americans call for more inflation focus from Trump
Most Republicans feel Trump has done more than expected, while others have views that are more mixed.
Indonesian rescuers find body, wreckage after passenger aircraft goes missing
The aircraft lost contact with ground control while approaching a mountainous region.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Hundreds of soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid protests
About 1,500 active-duty soldiers are on standby in Alaska for possible deployment to Minneapolis, a U.S. defense official told CBS News Saturday.
Israel objects to U.S. announcement on Gaza reconstruction committee
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the Gaza executive committee was "not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy."
Iran's Khamenei says Trump is "guilty for the casualties" in protests
The country's leader criticized President Trump on Saturday, blaming him for "casualties, damages and accusations" against Iran.
U.S.
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Trump endorses possible primary challenger to Sen. Bill Cassidy
President Trump pledged to back GOP Rep. Julia Letlow if she launches a bid in the Louisiana Senate race.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
WestJet reverses course on tighter seat layout plan following criticism
Since October, WestJet had added an extra row of seats to nearly two dozen aircraft.
MoneyWatch
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Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
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Trump endorses possible primary challenger to Sen. Bill Cassidy
President Trump pledged to back GOP Rep. Julia Letlow if she launches a bid in the Louisiana Senate race.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
CBS News poll: One year in, Americans call for more inflation focus from Trump
Most Republicans feel Trump has done more than expected, while others have views that are more mixed.
L.A. County DA Hochman says employee was "wrongfully detained" by ICE
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says that federal agents wrongfully detained a member of his office on Friday.
Abigail Spanberger sworn in as Virginia's 1st female governor
Gov. Abigail Spanberger will be referred to with traditional formality: "Madam Governor" or, as some officials phrase it, "her excellency."
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
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U.S. strike kills Al-Qaeda affiliate leader linked to ambush in Syria
U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, conducted the strike on Jan. 16, killing Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, authorities said.
Man takes historic ski down Mount Everest's North Face
Elite mountaineer Jim Morrison, fueled by a promise he made to his deceased partner, ascended and then skied down Mount Everest's treacherous North Face.
Trump announces U.S. delegation to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan
The Olympic Winter Games in Milan are scheduled to open on February 6, 2026.
Israel objects to U.S. announcement on Gaza reconstruction committee
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement that the Gaza executive committee was "not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy."
Exclusive
Man on FBI's "Top 10 Most Wanted" list to be extradited from Mexico, sources say
The FBI plans to extradite Alejandro Rosales Castillo, 27, who was wanted for the killing of a co-worker in 2016.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Whitney performs "Dandelions"
Whitney formed in Chicago more than a decade ago, gaining popularity for their blend of classic indie and '70s soft rock. Their latest album, "Small Talk," draws on that throwback sound with a modern twist. Here's Whitney performing "Dandelions."
Whitney performs "Won't You Speak Your Mind"
Whitney formed in Chicago more than a decade ago, gaining popularity for their blend of classic indie and '70s soft rock. Their latest album, "Small Talk," draws on that throwback sound with a modern twist. Here's Whitney performing "Won't You Speak Your Mind."
Whitney performs "Back to the Wind"
Whitney formed in Chicago more than a decade ago, gaining popularity for their blend of classic indie and '70s soft rock. Their latest album, "Small Talk," draws on that throwback sound with a modern twist. Here's Whitney performing "Back to the Wind."
Roger Federer celebrates career at Australian Open kick-off
Federer played exhibition doubles matches with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty.
Alicia Keys on "Hell's Kitchen" success
In an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings," Alicia Keys reflects on "Hell's Kitchen's" Broadway run ending after nearly two years of sold-out performances. The musical is inspired by Keys' own experiences and will continue its national tour. She speaks about the decision for it to leave Broadway and how she has found a healthy relationship with success.
Technology
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Technology
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
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.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
Science
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Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Crime
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Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Robinson attorneys trying to disqualify prosecutor
Lawyers for the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are trying to disqualify one of the prosecutors on the case. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
ICE holding about 73,000 people, data shows
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding about 73,000 people facing deportation, a new record high, according to data. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
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
"Hail to Indiana!"
On Monday night the Miami Hurricanes take on the Indiana Hoosiers in the highly-anticipated national college football championship game – and Jane Pauley, a fifth-generation Hoosier on both sides, will be watching. She reflects on Indiana University's come-from-behind underdog story, from holding the NCAA Division I record for most losses, to this year's 15-0 record – IU's first perfect season in 139 years – and fondly remembers the school anthem, "Hail to Old IU."
Web extra: "Hail to Old IU"
The Indiana University Marching Hundred perform their school song, "Hail to Old IU." Gloriana, Frangipana!
Melissa Rocuba's Final Moments
A woman dies after an "accidental" shooting in her bedroom. Eight years later, surveillance video upends the case. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports.
Therapy dog helps ease anxiety at the dentist
For many, a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking. This California doctor found a solution with four legs and a tail. Itay Hod has the story.
WestJet ends plan to add more seats to its planes
WestJet reversed its plan to add extra seats to its planes after the idea didn't fly with many passengers. Ali Bauman has the story.