2/16: CBS Evening News
Police: Gunman in deadly Illinois shooting should not have owned gun; U.S.-backed Syria forces say ISIS defeat is near.
Jussie Smollett
Brothers say Jussie Smollett paid them to participate in alleged attack, source says
The two Nigerian brothers arrested in connection with the assault on "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett are no longer suspects in the attack and they're now cooperating with police. A source close to the investigation told CBS News the brothers told detectives that Smollett paid them to participate in the alleged attack. Carter Evans reports.
Brothers say Jussie Smollett paid them to participate in alleged attack, source says
Smollett's attorneys issued a statement saying Smollett is "angered and devastated" by reports that he knew the people associated the alleged attack
Brothers released without charges in Jussie Smollett case
The two brothers are no longer considered suspects, police said
Brothers arrested in Jussie Smollett assault case
Chicago police announced Friday two brothers from Nigeria have been arrested after being questioned for assaulting "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett. Dean Reynolds reports.
2 men questioned in alleged attack of Smollett
Two brothers are being questioned as "persons of interest" in the alleged beating of "Empire" star Jussie Smollett. Their Chicago home was raided Thursday. A source tells CBS Chicago station WBBM-TV that investigators want to know whether the men helped the actor stage the incident. Dean Reynolds reports.
Police dispute reports that attack on "Empire" actor was a hoax
Authorities in Chicago said the reports were unconfirmed as they questioned two possible persons of interest
Persons of interest ID'd in alleged attack on "Empire" actor
The "Empire" actor gives a detailed account to "Good Morning America," says attack left him "forever changed"
Jussie Smollett: "I will only stand for love"
Singer and actor Jussie Smollett thanked fans for their support in his first public appearance since he says he was attacked. Police are investigating last Tuesday's incident in Chicago as a possible hate crime. Dean Reynolds reports.
"Empire" actor says he fought back in alleged hate-crime attack
"Empire" star who was victim of hate crime makes first public appearance since attack in Chicago
Jussie Smollett speaks out on alleged attack
Actor Jussie Smollett is thanking fans for their support after he said he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago. The actor also said he has been working with authorities and believes "justice will be served." Dean Reynolds reports.
"Empire" actor after alleged hate-crime assault: "Justice will be served"
Smollett told police two white men shouting racial epithets and gay slurs attacked him in Chicago this week
Possible hate crime against Jussie Smollett
Chicago police are looking for two potential persons of interest in a possible hate crime against actor Jussie Smollett. Police say a surveillance camera took images of the two men on the night Smollett says he was beaten. The star of the TV drama "Empire" said his masked attackers yelled racist and homophobic slurs. Dean Reynolds reports.
Jussie Smollett's family condemns "racial and homophobic hate crime"
Family of the "Empire" actor who says he was attacked by men yelling racial and homophobic slurs says his story hasn't changed
Possible hate crime against "Empire" actor
Police are investigating a possible hate crime against "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett who claims he was attacked on a Chicago street by two men who wrapped a rope around his neck and yelled racial and homophobic slurs.The FBI is also involved in the case, but so far investigators have been unable to put out a description of the suspects. Dean Reynolds reports.
Probe ongoing in alleged attack on actor
Chicago police on Wednesday released an image of people of interest in the alleged attack on "Empire" star Jussie Smollett. Smollett told police two white men shouting racial epithets and gay slurs beat him up, doused him with an unknown chemical and tied a rope around his neck around 2:00 a.m. He said they also allegedly yelled "this is MAGA country." Dean Reynolds reports.
Persons of interest sought in alleged Jussie Smollett attack
Smollett told police he was attacked by two white men early Tuesday who allegedly yelled "this is MAGA country"
"Empire" actor had noose around his neck, police say
He said he was beaten on a Chicago street by two masked men who shouted racist epithets, gay slurs and put a noose around his neck
"Empire" actor assaulted in possible hate crime, police say
The actor told Chicago Police a group of men yelled racial and homophobic slurs and wrapped a rope around his neck
"Empire" actor injured in possible hate crime
Chicago police and the FBI have opened a hate crime investigation after Jussie Smollet, a cast member of the Fox television show "Empire," alleged he was attacked by men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs at him and physically attacked him.
"Empire" actor attacked in possible hate crime
Police in Chicago say an "Empire" cast member was attacked Tuesday by men who yelled racial and homophobic slurs. Fox Television said it's "saddened and outraged" to learn that Jussie Smollett was "viciously attacked."
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived a U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Russia targets Ukraine with massive drone attack amid diplomatic talks
Russia launched a huge attack on Ukraine overnight as the country marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Ukraine's air force said.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Michael Annett, former NASCAR racing star, dies at 39
Michael Annett won the Xfinity Series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.
Protesters arrested after smearing food on case holding England's Crown Jewels
Four protesters have been arrested after splattering food on the case of a diamond-encrusted crown at the Tower of London.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
U.S.
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Michael Annett, former NASCAR racing star, dies at 39
Michael Annett won the Xfinity Series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Trump's birthday added to list of free days at national parks; MLK Day, Juneteenth removed
The change to the schedule comes shortly after the Trump administration announced new fees for non-resident visitors.
Prominent U.S. playwright arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling
Japanese officials said Jeremy O Harris, known for his Tony-nominated "Slave Play," was arrested on the island of Okinawa on Nov. 16.
National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the family expects Andrew Wolfe to be in acute care for another two to three weeks.
MoneyWatch
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For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
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U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
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Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
World
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Gaza ceasefire talks in "critical moment" as second phase in deal yet to begin
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told an international conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working toward the second phase of peace deal.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to travel to Oslo for peace prize
Maria Corina Machado has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election.
11 killed, including 3 children, in shooting at a South African bar
Over a dozen people were wounded and taken to the hospital, the South African Police Services said in a statement.
Protesters arrested after smearing food on case holding England's Crown Jewels
Four protesters have been arrested after splattering food on the case of a diamond-encrusted crown at the Tower of London.
Prominent U.S. playwright arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling
Japanese officials said Jeremy O Harris, known for his Tony-nominated "Slave Play," was arrested on the island of Okinawa on Nov. 16.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Tim Blake Nelson on his new book "Superhero"
You may recognize Tim Blake Nelson from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," but his latest book "Superhero" explores what he considers Hollywood's favorite genre.
Netlix and Warner Bros. deal sparks concern
Netflix is set to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $72 billion, but the announcement has sparked concern among industry workers.
AVTT/PTTN perform "Dark Night of My Soul"
AVTT/PTTN is a collaboration between The Avett Brothers and former "Faith No More" frontman Mike Patton. Their self-titled album AVTT/PTTN is a collection of nine songs that came out in November, and here they are performing "Dark Night of My Soul."
AVTT/PTTN perform "Eternal Love"
AVTT/PTTN is a collaboration between The Avett Brothers and former "Faith No More" frontman Mike Patton. Their self-titled album AVTT/PTTN is a collection of nine songs that came out in November, and here they are performing "Eternal Love."
AVTT/PTTN perform "Received"
AVTT/PTTN is a collaboration between The Avett Brothers and former "Faith No More" frontman Mike Patton. Their self-titled album AVTT/PTTN is a collection of nine songs that came out in November, and here they are performing "Received."
Technology
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Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
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.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
11 killed, including 3 children, in shooting at a South African bar
Over a dozen people were wounded and taken to the hospital, the South African Police Services said in a statement.
Questions remain after D.C. pipe bomb arrest
The man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is facing two federal charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Louisiana inmate who escaped through damaged wall recaptured; 1 still on the run
Officials in Louisiana say one of two inmates accused of violent crimes was recaptured after an audacious escape.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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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.
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Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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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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New Orleans immigration crackdown underway
A 22-year-old woman who says she was born and raised in the United States tells "CBS Saturday Morning" about being chased down the street by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents as the Trump administration's New Orleans immigration crackdown ramps up.
NFL owner helps North Carolina bee farm
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On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we feature some gift ideas you'll save money on. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Tim Blake Nelson on his new book "Superhero"
You may recognize Tim Blake Nelson from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," but his latest book "Superhero" explores what he considers Hollywood's favorite genre.
Christmas returns to Bethlehem
The Christmas tree in Bethlehem is set to be lit for the first time since 2022, since celebrations at Jesus' birthplace were paused for the war in Gaza.