Man linked to 1980s rapes by DNA on bill gets 650 years in prison
Steven Ray Hessler "derived great pleasure from his unnecessarily brutal methods of terrorizing and sexually torturing his victims," prosecutors said.
Rape
DNA leads to arrest of man two decades after rapes of women
Kenneth Downing was arrested at a construction site after police say his DNA matched evidence collected at multiple crime scenes.
London cop convicted of rape and murder faces 4 new charges
The offenses allegedly took place just before former police officer Wayne Couzens killed Sarah Everard on March 3 in a case that sparked nationwide protests.
Epstein accuser on Ghislaine Maxwell trial
Jennifer Araoz has accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexually assaulting and raping her when she was a teenager. She, along with her attorney, Eric Lerner, join "CBS Mornings" to discuss the start of the trial of Epstein's close associate and former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Vincent Simmons freed after 44 years
A Louisiana man is out of prison after 44 years. Vincent Simmons was convicted of attempted aggravated rape of twin 14-year-olds in 1977. He has maintained his innocence; they have maintained he is guilty. David Begnaud reports.
Michigan House candidate denounced for comments about rape
Robert "RJ" Regan said he tells his three daughters: "Well if rape is inevitable, you should just lie back and enjoy it."
Former Florida deputy named probable suspect in 1983 rape and murder
Officials are unable to pursue charges against James Howard Harrison because he died in 2008.
Vincent Simmons released after 44 years
Vincent Simmons, a Black man who was found guilty of attempted aggravated rape in 1977, has just been freed after a Louisiana judge ruled he did not get a fair trial. CBS News lead national correspondent David Begnaud joins CBS News' Tanya Rivero from outside the courtroom.
Principal gets life sentence for raping at least 13 students
The victims ranged in age from 11 to 14, the indictment said. At least nine babies reportedly were born as the result of the rapes.
WorldView: Imprisoned "Hotel Rwanda" hero
A daughter of the man whose story of compassion inspired the film "Hotel Rwanda" is appealing for the U.S. to advocate for her father's release from prison. And President Biden has reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Correspondent Rylee Carlson joins "CBS News Mornings" with a roundup of international stories.
Woman allegedly gang raped, tortured and paraded through streets
Police say they expect more arrests in what the victim's family claim was a revenge attack over a spurned lover who took his own life.
Catholic bishop accused of repeatedly raping nun is acquitted
The nun who made the allegations told CBS News she faced threats and intimidation to drop her case. Her associates have vowed to appeal the "shocking" verdict.
China's Peng Shuai appears in video denying sexual assault claim
Tennis star insists she "never said that I wrote that anyone sexually assaulted me," weeks after a social media post on her account claimed a Chinese official did just that.
Across the country, protesters have been gathering this week chanting “I can’t breathe” to protest a grand jury decision not to indict an NYPD officer over the death of Eric Garner
Across the country, protesters have been gathering this week chanting “I can’t breathe” to protest a grand jury decision not to indict an NYPD officer over the death of Eric Garner; Steve Hartman checks in on two people who fell in love after getting heart transplants.
The full episode of the CBS Evening News from November 25, 2013
Nearly a year after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the final prosecutor's report said gunman Adam Lanza had "significant mental health issues" but was under "no extreme emotional disturbance" that would explain his actions; and, twenty-one members of the Army Special Forces were chosen to stand guard over JFK's casket at his funeral. David Martin shares one of their stories.
2/2: CBS Evening News
Dow plummets, suffering worst week in 2 years; Washing machine collector takes a whirl back in time
10/9: CBS Evening News
Turkey launches airstrikes on Syria after Trump pulls back U.S. troops; Matt Lauer denies rape allegation by NBC News colleague
1/6: CBS Evening News
Secretary of defense insists U.S. will not pull out of Iraq; 3D printed limb helps young musician play the cello.
Ex-Baltimore County cop sentenced to home detention for 2017 rape
Anthony Westerman, 27, was also convicted of second-degree assault for a 2019 incident.
A victim warns that her rapist "will offend again" after he avoids jail time
Christopher Belter pleaded guilty to sex crimes against four teenage girls. He was sentenced to eight years of probation.
Man who pleaded guilty to rape avoids jail time
Christopher Belter pleaded guilty to raping and sexually assaulting four teenage girls. He was sentenced to probation instead of jail time. One of his victims is speaking out. Mola Lenghi shares her story.
Preview: Kesha's Note to Self
Singer-songwriter Kesha writes a letter to her 18-year-old self, sharing her story of success but also struggles with self love. Watch the full piece Thursday, Aug. 9, 2017, on "CBS This Morning," which airs 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. EST/PST on CBS.
Kansas woman convened grand jury
A grand jury convened by a private citizen to investigate her rape accusation against a former college classmate is declining to press new charges in the case. Madison Smith reported her assault in February of 2018, but took matters into her own hands after a prosecutor declined to pursue sex crime charges. She joins CBSN's Lana Zak to share her story.
Former Fox News host Ed Henry accused of rape
There are new allegations that sexual misconduct continued at Fox News Channel, years after the revelations that led to the departure of CEO Roger Ailes. Former White House correspondent and anchor Ed Henry is among those mentioned in the new complaint. He was fired three weeks ago, shortly after the new claims against him first surfaced. The lawsuit also accuses current on-air personalities, including Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, of sexual harassment. The network says the claims against those men are "false, patently frivolous and utterly devoid of any merit." Jericka Duncan spoke to the two women making the allegations, including one who says Henry raped her.
California bans secret condom removal during sex
The two new laws enhance punishment for those who rape their spouses and make it a sexual battery offense of someone to remove a condom during sex without consent.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Live
Trump vows to end war "soon" as Iran hits ships and threatens banks
Trump says he'll end the war soon, when he wants to, as Iran hits 3 ships near the Strait of Hormuz and warns U.S.-linked banks will be next.
Epstein's longtime accountant tells Congress he didn't know about abuse
Richard Kahn was one of Epstein's closest associates in his final years, managing his finances and investments.
Trump told FIFA Iran is welcome to play in World Cup in U.S., officials say
President Trump told FIFA representatives Tuesday that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States, officials told CBS News.
3 brothers arrested in connection with U.S. embassy explosion in Norway
The men were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin who were not previously known to police, police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.
Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Latino Texans fueled Democratic primary turnout. What does it mean for midterms?
Latino voters helped propel record turnout in last week's Texas Democratic primary, a trend Democrats are watching closely as they try to reclaim ground with the group and pull off an upset win in the red-leaning state's Senate contest.
U.S.
More U.S.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
First grizzly of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass
An image of the sighting showed the massive bear standing over the carcass near Yellowstone Lake.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Inflation held steady in February before Iran war drove up gas prices
The inflation data captures the period before the Iran war broke out. Since then, oil prices have surged, driving inflation fears.
Can the president bring down gas prices? 5 options available to Trump.
Gas prices in the U.S. have surged roughly 20% since the attack on Iran. Read on to see what measures the Trump administration could take to offer relief.
Politics
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Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
Trump told FIFA Iran is welcome to play in World Cup in U.S., officials say
President Trump told FIFA representatives Tuesday that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States, officials told CBS News.
Latino Texans fueled Democratic primary turnout. What does it mean for midterms?
Latino voters helped propel record turnout in last week's Texas Democratic primary, a trend Democrats are watching closely as they try to reclaim ground with the group and pull off an upset win in the red-leaning state's Senate contest.
Epstein's longtime accountant tells Congress he didn't know about abuse
Richard Kahn was one of Epstein's closest associates in his final years, managing his finances and investments.
HealthWatch
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"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over norovirus risks
Food containing norovirus may smell and taste normal but still cause serious illness if consumed, FDA warns.
More kids are in ERs for tooth pain. Budget cuts and fluoride fights aren't helping.
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.
Baby sleepsuit sold at Walmart recalled over potential choking hazard
The zipper head on the recalled HALO Magic Sleepsuits poses a danger to babies, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
World
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3 brothers arrested in connection with U.S. embassy explosion in Norway
The men were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin who were not previously known to police, police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.
550-pound WWII bomb defused after thousands evacuated
The discovery caused officials to evacuate 18,000 people on Wednesday, the largest such operation ever in the city, emergency services said.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Live
Trump vows to end war "soon" as Iran hits ships and threatens banks
President Trump says he'll end the war soon, when he wants to, as Iran hits three ships near the Strait of Hormuz and warns U.S.-linked banks will be next.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Sinners" cinematographer on crafting scenes
Oscar-nominated "Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw watches scenes from the film with Anthony Mason and breaks down how some of its most memorable moments were created. She also shares how her collaboration with director Ryan Coogler helped define the film's look.
Flavor Flav celebrates women athletes
Pop culture icon Flava Flav stopped by "CBS Mornings" to discuss his plans to celebrate women Olympic and Paralympic medalists from the 2026 Winter Games.
Kurt Russell talks drama series "The Madison"
Kurt Russell, who stars in "The Madison," spoke to "CBS Mornings" about the series, explaining the script "was so familiar" and that he related to it. Russell praised creator Taylor Sheridan, who was also behind the popular series "Yellowstone," and discussed what it was like to work with Michelle Pfeiffer again decades later.
Oscars 2026: Behind the scenes with the best actor nominees
Watch scenes from the performances nominated for best actor at the 98th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees.
Dorrance on preserving tap dancing history
American tap dancer Michelle Dorrance talks to CBS News chief medical correspondent Jon LaPook about Brenda Bufalino's impact and preserving the 88-year-old's artistry for future generations in a project at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Technology
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What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Details on Pentagon removal of Claude
CBS News exclusively obtained a Pentagon memo from earlier this month that went out to several senior defense leaders and commanders. It ordered the removal of Anthropic's AI technology from key national systems. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Exclusive
Pentagon memo orders commanders to remove Anthropic from key systems
The Defense Department has notified senior leadership that they must remove Anthropic's products from their system within 180 days, the latest salvo in a feud between the AI company and the Trump administration.
Science
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Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
New details about ISIS-inspired attack
New video has emerged of fuses being bought at a Pennsylvania fireworks store by one of the suspects accused of throwing explosive devices outside the New York City mayoral residence. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan has more.
Exclusive
Video appears to show bomb suspect purchasing fuse at fireworks store
One of two men accused of throwing IEDs at protesters in New York City appears to have purchased fuses at a fireworks store in a Philadelphia suburb last week.
No harmful substances in NYC suspicious package
New York City police have given the all clear after concluding a suspicious package found near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was harmless.
Shots fired at U.S. consulate in Toronto
Shots were fired outside of the U.S. consulate in Toronto, Canada, early Tuesday morning, police said. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Suspicious package near NYC mayor's residence
There is a heavy police presence near New York City's Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as officials investigate a suspicious package found in the area. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
More Space
Space
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite set to crash down to Earth
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
U.S. gas prices rise for 11th straight day
The war with Iran continues to impact energy prices globally with Americans seeing another rise on prices at the pump. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for Gas Buddy, joins CBS News to discuss.
CPI climbs 0.3% in February, as expected
The new Consumer Price Index released Wednesday shows inflation ticked up in February, but was in line with what experts expected. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
"Sinners" cinematographer on crafting scenes
Oscar-nominated "Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw watches scenes from the film with Anthony Mason and breaks down how some of its most memorable moments were created. She also shares how her collaboration with director Ryan Coogler helped define the film's look.
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts, spewing ash
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted for the 43rd time since December 2024, sending glassy volcanic fragments, ash and lava into the air. Videos from the U.S. Geological Survey captured the powerful eruption.
Richard Kahn's opening statements
Richard Kahn, who was Jeffrey Epstein's accountant, testified Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee over his relationship to the convicted sex offender. CBS News' Elaine Quijano has more on his opening statement.