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
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees.
U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Live
Iran declares it has won the war as U.S. turns to economic warfare
Iran's president said Friday the world had "approved" the country's victory, as Vice President JD Vance declares economic pressure "the most effective tool that we have."
Russian strike on Ukraine kills at least 7, a day after deadly mall attack
The attack comes after a two-wave drone strike on a shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown killed 16 people.
First on CBS
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor in chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
Drastic water cuts issued for California, Nevada and Arizona from Colorado River
Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.
Nearly 25% of workers are "functionally unemployed," analysis finds
An alternative measure of unemployment that accounts for wages suggests the U.S. labor market is weaker than it looks.
Another child's room now a silent memorial to the toll of school shootings
In south Minneapolis, a second-floor bedroom remains much as it was. For the parents of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, it's something every American should see.
U.S.
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Drastic water cuts issued for California, Nevada and Arizona from Colorado River
Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.
Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire
"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," a pilot can be heard saying in air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News.
Trump campaigns with Darline Graham in South Carolina ahead of runoff
Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother on the ballot in November.
Another child's room now a silent memorial to the toll of school shootings
In south Minneapolis, a second-floor bedroom remains much as it was. For the parents of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, it's something every American should see.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
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U.S. set to impose 50% tariffs on Canada after failed talks; Canada to match them
The U.S. was set to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney countered that Canada would match them "dollar for dollar."
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
Trump campaigns with Darline Graham in South Carolina ahead of runoff
Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother on the ballot in November.
Reports of sexual assault in U.S. military declined for third straight year
The review included data from an anonymous survey conducted every other year that asks service members whether they've been the victim of unwanted sexual conduct or harassment.
HealthWatch
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How a teen found "a sense of control" as she fought cancer
Alayna Riozzi-Bodine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma the summer before her senior year of high school.
Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Cardiac event reveals Olympian's rare heart condition: "There was a God present"
Olympian Jenny Simpson said she won't be able to run again after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition earlier this year.
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
Drug mix-up at hospital causes dire complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
World
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Russian strike on Ukraine kills at least 7, a day after deadly mall attack
The attack comes after a two-wave drone strike on a shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown killed 16 people.
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Sword attack at school in Sweden leaves 1 dead, police say
An 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school Friday in central Sweden, killing one person and seriously injuring at least two others.
Russian strike kills 15 people at shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown
Zelenskyy described the attack as a double-tap strike, in which an initial wave of drones hit the area, followed by a second wave as rescue workers responded.
Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. after six years in California. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the homecoming could look like.
Man who took final photo of Tupac testifies
The man who took the last known photo of Tupac Shakur testified on Friday in the trial of a man accused of organizing the rapper's killing. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Book excerpt: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" writes about embracing gratitude and reciprocity in our dealings with nature, and the importance of recognizing and sharing the many gifts the world gives us.
Hayden Panettiere's mom speaks out
Hayden Panettiere's mom is speaking out on their strained relationship. This comes as Neutrogena comments on its working relationship with the late actor.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Psychiatrist testifies in Clancy trial
Dr. Phillip Resnick, whose testimony contributed to an acquittal in another high-profile child-killing case in 2001, testified in Lindsay Clancy's defense on Friday. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Inside an 8-year-old shooting victim's room
It's been a year since a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis killed two children and injured dozens. Steve Hartman visits the bedroom of a little boy who lost his life that day.
Panettiere given emergency drug, witness says
New details in Hayden Panettiere's sudden death have emerged as her on-and-off boyfriend's brother, who was present when she died, speaks out. Mark Strassmann has more.
Flock cameras sabotaged over privacy issues
Cities across the country are unplugging Flock cameras used to record traffic and other violations as privacy concerns grow. Jason Allen has more.
First week wraps in Tupac murder trial
The trial of Duane "Keefe D" Davis wrapped up its first week Friday with Davis telling the judge that he has concerns about the safety of his family. Davis is accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: The Shatners
William Sahtner and his daughter Melanie Shatner-Gretsch open up about their individual cancer battles that led to a strengthened bond between them. Plus, more heartwarming news
NFL storylines as preseason hits Week 2
Jacob Robinson, staff writer for the Athletic, joins CBS News to discuss the biggest headlines in the NFL as the league gears up for the regular season.
Liberia receives first group of U.S. deportees
The western African nation of Liberia has received the first round of "third country" deportees from the United States. The plane with roughly 20 deportees landed on Thursday. U.S. officials tell CBS News some of the passengers refused to deboard upon landing. The Trump administration has brokered deals with at least 35 countries to deport people to places where they have no ties. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Powerful storms rock East Coast
Violent storms are bringing multiple tornadoes and record rainfall across the East Coast and beyond. Jared Ochacher reports.
Psychiatrist testifies in Clancy trial
Dr. Phillip Resnick, whose testimony contributed to an acquittal in another high-profile child-killing case in 2001, testified in Lindsay Clancy's defense on Friday. Shanelle Kaul has more.