Judge fired after telling alleged rape victim to "close your legs"
Superior Court Judge John Russo Jr. will never be allowed to work in New Jersey again.
New Jersey
Marijuana legalization stalled in N.Y. & N.J.
Just a few months ago, New York and New Jersey appeared to be on the way to legalizing recreational marijuana. Now, efforts in both states appear to be falling apart. Vivian Wang, a reporter for the New York Times, has covered the issue and joins CBSN with more.
Beaches brace for Memorial Day weekend crowds amid pandemic
In one southern New Jersey county, volunteers called social distance ambassadors will patrol high traffic areas.
America's beaches prep for holiday weekend
As temperatures rise, along with American cabin fever, many in the United States are planning to hit the beach for Memorial Day weekend. Don Dahler heads to one of New Jersey's most popular summer destinations to speak with likely beach-goers and local officials and find out how they plan to deal with the anticipated surge of people.
Oprah donates $500,000 to N.J. school
Oprah Winfrey made a surprise visit Friday to West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, after seeing a report on "CBS Evening News" about the "Lights On" program that allows kids to stay over Friday night and even do their laundry. Watch her tell the students she is donating $500,000 to keep the program running through the summer.
Newark principal on Oprah's $500K donation
Oprah Winfrey was so inspired by a CBS News story on a high school principal changing his students’ lives, she decided to help in a big way. New Jersey principal Akbar Cook started the Lights On program in Newark to give students somewhere safe to hang out on Friday nights. Last Friday, Oprah showed up with a half million dollar donation and pizza. David Begnaud reports on the surprise. Principal Cook also joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss what he plans to do with Oprah's donation.
Record Memorial Day weekend travel
The largest number of people ever is expected to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates nearly 43 million Americans will travel, 88 percent of them by car. Jericka Duncan reports.
New Jersey bar shooting leaves 10 injured
Police said at least 10 people were injured in a shooting at a New Jersey bar. Trenton police said the investigation is ongoing.
Measles : What you need to know before flying
This summer, travelers may be dealing with more than just crowded airports. The measles virus has impacted at least four U.S. airports so far this year, with reported exposures in California, New Jersey and most recently Texas. The outbreak is still growing dramatically, with 60 new cases reported across the U.S. for a total of 940 measles cases in 26 states. Mola Lenghi reports.
New Jersey cracks down on craft breweries
New Jersey is cracking down on craft breweries, including limitations on where beer is sold. George Mason University law professor Baylen Linnekin joins CBSN to explain the impact of these new regulations.
Mother allegedly attacked by bully
A 13-year-old boy from New Jersey is charged with assault after allegedly punching a 35-year-old woman. She says the boy had bullied her son with racist taunts. Jericka Duncan reports.
Student's military sash banned at graduation
A New Jersey high school senior joining the Marines was denied the opportunity to wear his military sash at graduation. His parents said the school principal even threatened to have their son escorted out by police. CBS New York's Lisa Rozner reports.
Funnel cloud spotted in New Jersey
Powerful thunderstorms hammered parts of the northeast on Saturday with a possible funnel cloud was spotted in New Jersey. There were reports of minor damage and no one was hurt.
Judge under fire over "close your legs" remark
A New Jersey judge is facing censure for asking an alleged rape victim if she tried to close her legs to prevent an assault. Judge John Russo Jr. made the comments in 2016 when a woman asked for a restraining order against a man who allegedly assaulted her. Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers have more.
New Jersey feast breaks down barriers
On the second Monday of each month, folks from Hoboken, New Jersey, gather to share a meal. It started two years ago as a way to help heal after a tragic shooting, but after finding a comfort in food and community with he dinners they decided to keep up with the tradition. Don Dahler reports.
Officer charged in wife's shooting death
Authorities say an off-duty police officer has been charged in the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and wounding of a man at a New Jersey home. Morris County prosecutors say Newark Police Lt. John Formisano was arrested Monday in the death of 37-year-old Christine Formisano. CBSN New York's Alice Gainer reports.
Pizza boxes feature flyers of missing pets
A pizza shop owner in Matawan, New Jersey, was inspired to help pet owners reunite with their lost animals, so he's putting missing pet flyers on all of his pizza boxes. If it worked on milk cartons, why not pizza boxes?
Woman may use new law to end her life
A new law in New Jersey allows terminally ill patients to end their lives. A group of CBS News interns spoke with a woman who has a disease that severely affects her lungs, and she may one day use the law to end her life. Interns Lily Cummings, Brijea Daniel, Kevin Gaiss, Marco Ramirez and Harmony Zhao join CBSN to discuss their story and their internships.
Concerns mount over lead in Newark water supply
There are serious concerns about the water supply in Newark, New Jersey. Filters that were supposed to get the lead out don't appear to be working. Don Dahler reports.
Newark experiencing water crisis
There are some serious concerns about the water supply in Newark, New Jersey and city officials are now handing out bottled water to the residents. CBS News correspondent Don Dahler joins CBSN to discuss the latest about the crisis.
Sarfraz Manzoor on "Blinded by the Light"
Sarfraz Manzoor fell in love with the music of Bruce Springsteen while growing up in working-class England. His story is the basis for the new movie "Blinded by the Light," which will be in theaters nationwide this weekend. “CBS This Morning” co-host Anthony Mason met up with Manzoor at the place that helped launch Springsteen's career, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, to discuss the Boss’ influence on his life – and what it was like to meet him face-to-face.
Rashida Tlaib speaks out on being barred from Israel
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is speaking out for the first time about being barred from visiting Israel. She's upset she won't visit her grandmother in the West Bank. President Trump is also weighing in on the issue. Paula Reid reports.
Trump returns to Washington after 10 days
Donald Trump returns to Washington today after spending 10 days at his New Jersey golf club. After months of tough trade talk with allies and China, the president now finds himself on the defensive about the risks of a recession. Paula Reid reports.
Airport used in Epstein's alleged trafficking
The North Jersey Record reports flight logs obtained in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein show Teterboro Airport in New Jersey was a travel hub for his private jets and alleged sex trafficking ring. Columnist Chris Maag wrote the article for the New Jersey Record and joined CBSN to discuss.
98-year-old "bag boy" gets surprise party
98-year-old WWII veteran Bennie Ficeto is known as "Bennie the Bagger" at the Stop & Shop grocery store in Edison, New Jersey. To thank the beloved bagger for his service, his coworkers threw him a surprise birthday party.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $1.6 billion ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot grew to an estimated $1.6 billion after no tickets matched all six winning numbers at Saturday night's drawing. It's the fifth-largest prize among U.S. lottery jackpots.
Bowen Yang leaves "SNL" after 8 seasons
Comedian and actor Bowen Yang performed his final sketch on "SNL" Saturday night, after announcing his unexpected mid-season exit from the show.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $1.6 billion ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot grew to an estimated $1.6 billion after no tickets matched all six winning numbers at Saturday night's drawing. It's the fifth-largest prize among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Sean Ono Lennon on the legacy of John & Yoko
The music of The Beatles, and of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is timeless. And yet, musician, songwriter and producer Sean Ono Lennon says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, by reminding the world of its power. He talks with Anthony Mason about the Oscar-winning animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"; and of the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko," which features material he'd never heard before.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
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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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
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.
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.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna join to discuss the newest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell also join.
Nature: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota
We leave you this Sunday before Christmas with trumpeter swans a-swimmin' near Brainerd, Minnesota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. Faith Salie pays a visit.