12/12: CBS Morning News
Trump invites China's Xi Jinping to attend inauguration; FIFA's decision for Saudi Arabia to host 2034 World Cup sparks criticism.
Saudi Arabia
Trump could meet Putin in Saudi Arabia
President Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiating the end of the war in Ukraine and says the two could meet face-to-face soon in Saudi Arabia. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more on that and a judge's allowance of the president's buyout offers for federal workers.
Trump takes questions on Ukraine peace talks
President Trump took questions from reporters Wednesday at the swearing-in of his newly confirmed director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Trump said he will probably meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Nikole Killion join with analysis.
Trump empowers DOGE with an executive order
President Trump welcomed the king of Jordan to the White House on Tuesday, just one day after threatening to withhold aid to the Middle Eastern nation if it does not take in Palestinian refugees. After, Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to work with Elon Musk's DOGE. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more and BBC's Wyre Davies reports on the Middle East.
Allies, adversaries decry Trump's Gaza plan
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday expressed his disapproval of President Trump's proposal to "take over" Gaza, joining a growing number of U.S. allies and adversaries who have spoken out against the plan. Ravi Agrawal, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine, joins "America Decides" to analyze the international reaction.
Arab nations reject Trump's suggestion to relocate Palestinians
President Trump told reporters last month that he would urge the leaders of Jordan and Egypt to take in Gaza's now largely homeless population.
Saudi Arabia to invest $600 billion in U.S., crown prince tells Trump
Saudi Arabia's crown prince told President Trump in a call that the kingdom intends to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
FIFA faces backlash as Saudi Arabia chosen to host 2034 World Cup
There was controversy over the choice of Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup due to the country's human rights record.
Backlash after Saudi Arabia gets World Cup
21 human rights groups have condemned FIFA's decision for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 Men's World Cup, citing the country's human rights record and accusations of "sportswashing." Amb. Gerald M. Feierstein, director of the Arabian Peninsula Affairs Program at the Middle East Institute, joined CBS News to discuss the decision for Saudi Arabia to host.
Ancient town, tombs full of weapons found hidden in Arabian oasis
The remains of the town, dubbed al-Natah, reveal how life at the time was slowly changing from a nomadic to an urban existence, archaeologists said.
How much foreign influence is there in the U.S. election?
As Trump claims the U.K. Labour Party is meddling in the U.S. election, CBS News takes stock of foreign agent political donations, and who's behind them.
Blinken in Saudi Arabia to push for cease-fire
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is continuing his efforts to revive cease-fire talks for the Middle East from Saudi Arabia Wednesday after telling Israel to pursue a deal that would secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has more.
Saudi cartoonist jailed for 23 years for insulting leaders, group says
A Saudi court has sentenced a cartoonist to more than two decades in prison for insulting the kingdom's rulers, his family and a rights group say.
White House: Gaza deal "as close" as ever
The White House says a deal between Israel and Hamas on a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza is "as close as it's ever been." The new development comes amid fears of a broader war in the region after the assassination of a key Hamas leader in Iran. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio reports from Tel Aviv.
Oman says oil tanker crew missing after ship capsized off coast
All 16 members of the Comoros-flagged Prestige Falcon tanker are missing after the ship capsized on its way to Yemen's port of Aden, officials say.
Delta partners with startup Riyadh Air as it plans to offer flights to Saudi Arabia
Delta Air Lines has struck a deal with a start-up airline to operate flights between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid extreme heat
More than 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced soaring temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom.
Heat leads to over 1,300 Hajj deaths
Extreme heat led to the deaths of more than 1,300 people during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia announced Sunday.
Video shows suspected Saudi agent before 9/11
Two decades ago, the 9/11 Commission found al Qaeda acted alone in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. However, a newly-released video obtained by "60 Minutes" shows a man suspected to be a Saudi intelligence agent outside the Capitol two years before the attacks. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
More on the Saudi Arabia, 9/11 lawsuit
Families of 9/11 victims seeking to hold Saudi Arabia responsible in the Sept. 11 attacks are asking if a video filmed in Washington, D.C., in 1999, backs the notion of the Saudi government providing crucial assistance to the 9/11 hijackers, an investigator told "60 Minutes" correspondent Cecilia Vega. CBS News contributor Sam Vinograd breaks down what is known at this time.
Video raises questions about Saudi 9/11 role
A video unsealed in federal court this week raises new questions about Saudi Arabia’s connection to the deadly 9/11 terror attacks.
Video raises new questions about 9/11 hijackers
For more than two decades, the U.S. position has been that al Qaeda acted alone on September 11th, but a newly public video has raised questions about whether the Saudi government provided crucial assistance to the hijackers during the 9/11 terror attacks. Cecilia Vega reports.
Omar al-Bayoumi video unsealed in court
Saudi national Omar al-Bayoumi recorded video in Washington over several days in 1999. Portions of the video, seen here, raise new questions about Saudi Arabia’s connection to the 9/11 terror attacks.
Men detained in El Salvador's notorious prison detail harrowing experiences
Venezuelans spent months in a Salvadoran prison after being sent there by the U.S. Imprisoned men described torture — and research and records back up many of their claims.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Can Americans trust the investigation into Renee Good's killing?
Senior ICE official Marcos Charles said videos of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis don't tell the entire story. He said officers are acting lawfully and with professionalism.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
Minneapolis police chief angered by some of ICE's tactics
After seeing footage of an ICE arrest in Minneapolis, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said that if those federal officers worked for him, "they'd have a problem right now."
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
America at 250 – and a reckoning for President Trump
In this landmark year for American democracy, historian Lindsay Chervinsky, Washington Post columnist George F. Will, and Atlantic staff writer Vivian Salama talk about what the second year of Trump's presidency may mean for America's future.
U.S.
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Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
Noem defends Minnesota ICE operations, says judge's order "didn't change anything"
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, and said a federal judge's order limiting the tactics federal agents can use "didn't change anything."
MoneyWatch
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Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
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Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
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High-speed train derailment kills at least 21 in Spain
Emergency services in Andalucia, the province where the accident happened, said at least 25 people were seriously injured.
8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Wildfires in Chile kill at least 15 people, force 50,000 to evacuate
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency as nearly 4,000 firefighters battled flames fueled by gusting winds and hot weather.
Transcript: Sen. Mark Warner on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Transcript: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of an interview with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Jan. 18, 2026.
Entertainment
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Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Extended interview: Stellan Skarsgård
In this web exclusive, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film "Sentimental Value," in which he plays a director trying to reconnect with his daughter, an actress, by writing a role for her to play. He also talks about the effect of his 2022 stroke, which occurred during production of "Andor" and the "Dune" films, and how he feels he has changed as an actor after more than 150 film and TV credits.
"Sentimental Value" star Stellan Skarsgård
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Good Will Hunting," to "Mamma Mia!" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor." He just won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his estranged actress-daughters. Skarsgård talks with Seth Doane about why he's never bored making films; being a father of eight; and working with the effects of a 2022 stroke.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Bison returning to parts of North America
After decades of careful land management, bison are returning in small pockets across their historic North American range. Marissa Perlman reports.
Vegas casino turns to electronic table games
Las Vegas' Golden Gate Hotel Casino has removed all of its live dealers, making every table game electronic. That move comes as data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city hosted roughly 7% fewer visitors in 2025 compared to 2024. Andres Gutierrez reports.
At least 21 dead in Spain train crash
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Spain on Sunday. At least 21 people are dead and more than 100 others are injured, some of them seriously.
Snow, cold temperatures hit Midwest, Northeast
A winter blast brought more snow and frigid temperatures to the Midwest and East Coast this weekend. Shanelle Kaul reports on the conditions and Andrew Kozak has a look at the forecast.
Rough numbers for Trump in new CBS News poll
A new CBS News poll shows only 41% of Americans approve of the job President Trump is doing, but there are wide partisan divides on his handling of specific issues like immigration. Willie James Inman has more.