Intrigue behind pope's comments on same-sex civil unions
The 20-second video clip didn't just raise eyebrows. It also raised suspicions.
Same-Sex Marriage
Pope voices support for same-sex civil unions
In a major departure from his predecessors, Pope Francis is now signaling that he endorses same-sex civil unions. Seth Doane has more on the pontiff's comments that were made in a documentary.
Pope gives support to same-sex civil unions
In a historic move, Pope Francis is supporting civil unions for same-sex couples. The pontiff's remarks break from the traditional position of the Roman Catholic Church, but fall in line with his more tolerant stance towards the LGBTQ+ community. Patrick Hornbeck, a professor of theology at Fordham University, joined CBSN to discuss the pope's comments.
Thomas, Alito take aim at gay marriage ruling as court rejects Kim Davis case
Justice Clarence Thomas issued a separate statement calling Davis "one of the first victims of this Court's cavalier treatment of religion in its Obergefell decision."
Church leader who blamed COVID-19 on same-sex marriage has the virus
Patriarch Fliaret, leader of one of the biggest Christian Orthodox denominations in Ukraine, said the "evil" of same-sex marriage was behind the pandemic.
U.S. drones hit Taliban and more headlines
The U.S. launched "defensive" strikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan, just days after signing a peace accord; the International Olympic Committee insists the Tokyo Games are on schedule despite coronavirus concerns; and Russian President Vladimir Putin is proposing a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. CBS News' Rylee Carlson rounds up world headlines from London.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife say they're pained the dispute between their daughters is now out in the open
The family feud burst into public view after Liz Cheney was asked about gay marriage Sunday and her sister Mary, who is married to a woman, fired back. Dick Cheney has supported same-sex marriage for nearly a decade, but in a statement Monday, he and his wife also voiced support for Liz's position. Nancy Cordes reports.
Gay marriage plaintiffs endorse Biden, call him "greatest ally"
"We won that fight for the freedom to marry because of an ally in the White House, Joe Biden," Jim Obergefell and Judith Kasen-Windsor said in a joint statement.
Costa Rica first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage
Two women became the first legally married same-sex couple in Costa Rica when a notary wearing a face mask pronounced them "wife and wife."
Same-sex couples say "I do" in Taiwan
Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriages. Officials said about 300 couples were expected to register on the day the landmark legislation took effect. Jericka Duncan has more.
Chick-fil-A won't donate to anti-LGBTQ+ charities
Chick-fil-A is planning to change its charitable donations in the new year as the fast-food chain tries to avoid the spotlight that came with its history of financing evangelical groups that opposed LGBTQ rights, including same-sex marriage. CBSN Los Angeles reports.
Putin wants Russian constitution to ban gay marriage
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to explicitly define marriage as a "union of a man and a woman."
Hallmark parent CEO to leave after same-sex ad controversy
Exit of Crown Media chief Bill Abbott comes a month after the channel yanked, then reinstated, same-sex ad campaign.
Methodists propose split over LGBTQ impasse
Two factions within the church have not been able to agree on the issue of gay marriage and clergy.
Israeli same-sex couples find legal loophole for marriage
Israel embraces gay tourists – and even hosts a gay Pride – but lags behind when it comes to gay rights
Hundreds of thousands celebrate Pride parade in Taiwan
Every year, Taipei hosts the largest Pride parade in Asia. This year, it was extra special
Warren's joke during LGBTQ town hall goes viral
When asked how she would respond to a supporter who believes marriage is between one man and one woman, Warren responded with a joke
"Bachelor" makes history with show's first LGBTQ proposal
Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty are the first same-sex proposal in the franchise's 17-year history
Supreme Court avoids lesbian wedding cake dispute
The justices' action keeps the high-profile case off the court's election-year calendar and orders state judges to take a new look at the dispute
Ecuador's highest court legalizes same-sex marriage
Ecuador's highest court approved same-sex marriage Wednesday — a huge milestone for the LGBTQ community in the traditionally Catholic and conservative country
Botswana decriminalizes gay sex in big win for LGBT rights in Africa
Judges say sexual orientation not a "fashion statement," and "criminalization of love or finding fulfillment in love dilutes compassion and tolerance"
New push to recognize twin boy's U.S. citizenship
More than 90 Democrats signed a letter urging the State Department to recognize the citizenship of children whose parents are in same-sex marriages
First same-sex couples marry in Taiwan
Last week, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Today, the first official weddings are underway.
Alabama public TV refuses to air "Arthur" episode with gay wedding
The episode had people talking across the country – but kids in Alabama never saw it
Taiwan's government legalize same-sex marriage in 1st for Asia
Legislature's vote allows same-sex couples full legal marriage rights, including in areas such as taxes, insurance and child custody
Exclusive
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
U.S. seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
President Trump said the U.S. has seized an oil tanker, which Attorney General Pam Bondi said has been "used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran."
Democrats ask for audit to determine if Epstein files haven't been "tampered with"
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes and a group of Democrats are asking for a review of the Epstein case files to determine whether the records have been "tampered" with or concealed, ahead of a release by next week.
U.S. to require foreign tourists to submit 5 years of social media history
The Trump administration is proposing to ask visitors from countries with visa-free travel to the U.S. to submit five years of their social media history before they can enter.
House GOP moderates revolt against Johnson on health care
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania introduced a discharge petition to try to bring a bill to the floor that would extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies by two years.
House passes the NDAA, $900 billion defense policy bill, in 312-112 vote
The legislation sets lawmakers' defense priorities and authorizes spending levels for the Defense Department and national security programs.
Open AI, Microsoft sued over ChatGPT's alleged role in murder-suicide
The suot alleges the artificial intelligence chatbot intensified a man's "paranoid delusions" and helped direct them at his mother before he died by suicide.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Trump's attacks on her a "very poor reflection on him"
The conservative firebrand, who is retiring from Congress early, and the president are engaged in bitter falling-out.
Erika Kirk's message to people who celebrated husband's death
Erika Kirk has a message for people who sought to justify the assassination of her late husband, Charlie Kirk.
U.S.
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Hiker stuck in quicksand for hours rescued in Utah's Arches National Park
Getting trapped in quicksand is a corny peril of old movies and TV shows, but it really did happen to one unfortunate hiker in Arches National Park.
Exclusive
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Open AI, Microsoft sued over ChatGPT's alleged role in murder-suicide
The suot alleges the artificial intelligence chatbot intensified a man's "paranoid delusions" and helped direct them at his mother before he died by suicide.
U.S. arrests plummet 25% since onset of the pandemic, analysis finds
Arrests across the U.S. have dropped by 25% compared to the onset of the pandemic in 2019, an analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice released Tuesday found.
Washington state braces for dangerous flooding, thousands could face evacuation orders
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, estimating that as many as 100,000 residents may soon face evacuation orders.
MoneyWatch
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Justice Department moves to drop charges in international soccer corruption case
Federal prosecutors in New York moved to drop charges against former Fox employee Hernan Lopez and Full Play Group, an Argentine sports media rights company.
Lottery jackpots are getting bigger and harder to win. See data on the top prizes.
Here are the top 20 largest Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots in history, and the odds of winning them.
Fed lowers interest rates by 0.25 percentage points in third straight cut
The Federal Reserve is grappling with economic issues including higher inflation and a slowing labor market.
Canada seeks to draw talent, as U.S. charges $100K for H-1B visas
Canada has launched an initiative aimed at drawing leading researchers to the country.
This word sums up how workers are feeling these days, Glassdoor says
Here's how many employees say they are feeling amid festering concerns about the economy, AI and other issues, according to the job-search firm.
Politics
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Democrats ask for audit to determine if Epstein files haven't been "tampered with"
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes and a group of Democrats are asking for a review of the Epstein case files to determine whether the records have been "tampered" with or concealed, ahead of a release by next week.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Trump's attacks on her a "very poor reflection on him"
The conservative firebrand, who is retiring from Congress early, and the president are engaged in bitter falling-out.
Miami's mayor-elect believes key to her victory was broad outreach
Miami Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins will be the city's first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades.
Trump administration to set up militarized zone on California-Mexico border
The Trump administration is adding another militarized zone to the southern U.S. border to support border security operations — this time in California, officials say.
What we know about The Skipper, the oil tanker seized by the U.S. near Venezuela
The U.S. seized a 20-year-old oil tanker called The Skipper off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, three sources told CBS News. Here's what we know about the boat and the operation.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
Nursing home chain avoids settlement payouts after bankruptcy filing
Genesis HealthCare's bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Details on CDC Hepatitis B vaccine decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel on Friday voted to not recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for everyone at birth, alarming many in the medical community. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains what to know about the decision and its potential impact.
Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
World
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Nobel laureate María Corina Machado makes first public appearance in 11 months
María Corina Machado had been in hiding in Venezuela since January, when she was briefly detained after joining supporters in a protest in Caracas.
What we know about The Skipper, the oil tanker seized by the U.S. near Venezuela
The U.S. seized a 20-year-old oil tanker called The Skipper off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, three sources told CBS News. Here's what we know about the boat and the operation.
U.S. seizes oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
President Trump said the U.S. has seized an oil tanker, which Attorney General Pam Bondi said has been "used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran."
Canada seeks to draw talent, as U.S. charges $100K for H-1B visas
Canada has launched an initiative aimed at drawing leading researchers to the country.
Coast Guard video shows shots fired at alleged drug boat in the Pacific
The Coast Guard said it has seized more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, including a record-breaking bust earlier this month.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sombr talks about writing breakout hits
Singer-songwriter Sombr is up for Best New Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards. He was the only writer on his debut album, "I Barely Know Her." He spoke to Anthony Mason about where his journey began and his whirlwind year.
Carly Pearce on new music
Grammy-winning country music superstar Carly Pearce joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, fans relating to the lyrics in her music and being vulnerable.
Joe Bonamassa album pays tribute to B.B. King
Five-time Grammy Award winner Joe Bonamassa may already hold the record for the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard blues albums chart with 29, but he has no plans to stop anytime soon. His upcoming album is a tribute to B.B. King and includes tracks from artists like Aloe Blacc and Eric Clapton. "CBS Mornings" gets a behind-the-scenes look.
Sophie Kinsella, author of bestselling "Shopaholic" novels, dies at 55
Sophie Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer in 2022.
Lucas Bravo on new "Emily in Paris" season
Lucas Bravo, who stars as Gabriel in "Emily in Paris," talks about the new season of the show, what he loves about his character and working with Lily Collins. Plus, he discusses playing a villain role in the series, "The Seduction."
Technology
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Australia's new social media ban started with a mom saying, "Do something!"
With the world's first social media ban for children and teenagers under 16 now in effect in Australia, its initial political architect reveals it was personally inspired by his wife, for their four children.
How one couple sparked a global movement for a smartphone-free childhood
For thousands of parents in 39 countries, including the U.S., the goal is simple: More time outdoors, and a childhood lived offline as much as possible.
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.
Australian teens challenge social media ban
Australia began enforcing a social media ban for kids under the age of 16. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
A couple's smartphone-free movement for kids
A U.K. couple started with a simple message, asking on Instagram if other parents could ban together to start a smartphone-free childhood. It's now grown to a global movement, with a chapter in 39 countries. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Science
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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.
"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.
Crime
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Exclusive
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
U.S. arrests plummet 25% since onset of the pandemic, analysis finds
Arrests across the U.S. have dropped by 25% compared to the onset of the pandemic in 2019, an analysis by the Council on Criminal Justice released Tuesday found.
NYPD warns of rise in 3D-printed ghost guns
Officials warn that more unserialized, untraceable ghost guns found on New York City's streets could soon spread to other areas across the U.S. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Online "764" network reportedly targeting kids
On Capitol Hill, a Senate Committee heard from experts who warn that predators are targeting and manipulating young people online. A growing number of reports point to a virtual network of abusers known as "764" who coerce young victims into hurting themselves or others. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Latest on Kentucky State shooting
A suspect is in custody after two students at Kentucky State University were shot and one died on Tuesday, police said. CBS News' Tom Hanson has the latest.
Space
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NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"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.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Sneak peek: Joe Hunter's Mission
ALL NEW: A "Survivor" contestant believes his sister was murdered and is determined to be her voice. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
"Grandma Stand" bringing comfort and connection
Nestled between booths and shops in downtown McKinney, Texas, the "Grandma Stand" gives away something you can't put a price on. Omar Villafranca paid a visit.
Factory closure ripples throughout California town
More than 1 million American workers have been laid off this year -- several hundred of them in Brawley, California. Mark Strassmann traveled there to examine the ripple effects of those layoffs on the local economy.
U.S. Coast Guard led seizure of oil tanker
American forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, marking a major escalation in tensions with Venezuela as the U.S. military continues to build up its presence in the Caribbean. CBS News' Erica Brown and James LaPorta have the latest.
Camp Mystic installing new flash flood alarms
Months after a flash flood killed over two dozen campers and counselors in Texas, a new flash flood warning system is being installed at Camp Mystic. Jason Allen has the exclusive story.