10/11/17: CBSN Evening News
At least 20 dead from California wildfires; Fruit company creates diet avocados
Syria
American girl in Raqqa
On the edge of Raqqa, CBS News correspondent Holly Williams encountered a group of women who have just escaped ISIS territory -- including an American teen. The girl, 15, grew up in Kansas but was taken to Syria against her will five years ago.
Syrians ready for ISIS fight
As U.S.-backed forces close in on ISIS' self-proclaimed capital in Syria, Raqqa, people are volunteering to help finish off the terror group. Holly Williams reports from Syria.
War photographer recounts abduction
Photographer Jonathan Alpeyrie travels the world to document the stark realities of war. On a trip to Syria in 2013, Alpeyrie was kidnapped while moving toward the front lines. His new book titled "The Shattered Lens: A War Photographer's True Story of Captivity and Survival in Syria," details the 81-day ordeal. He joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the harrowing experience and what it's like to document countries in crisis.
Raqqa victory close
U.S.-backed forces may be just days away from victory in Raqqa, the Syrian city that ISIS considers its capital. The terror group once ruled over large portions of Iraq and Syria. Holly Williams got a rare look inside of Raqqa.
U.S.-backed Syrian forces in Raqqa
American-backed Syrian militiamen who are fighting ISIS in Raqqa tell CBS News correspondent Holly Williams and her team they are just days away from declaring victory. ISIS militants seized Raqqa in 2014 and made it their de facto capital.
Reclaiming Raqqa
ISIS has held the Syrian city Raqqa for more than three years. Now, U.S.-backed forces in the Syrian military are beginning a final push to drive the terrorist organization out. Holly Williams has more from Raqqa.
U.S. envoy McGurk on defeating ISIS
In our ongoing series, Issues That Matter, we take a look at our nation's fight against ISIS. The State Department says ISIS has lost about 78 percent of its territory in Iraq and 58 percent in Syria since its peak in 2014. Nearly one-third of those losses have happened in the past six months. Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how ISIS is fighting for their life, "block by block." McGurk served under three administrations and just returned from a 12-day trip to the Middle East.
Missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice
Today is the 36th birthday of missing American journalist Austin Tice. He was abducted in Syria on Aug. 14, 2012 while documenting the intensity of a then-young civil war. Jeff Glor and his team met Tice's parents in their hometown of Houston to learn how they're hopeful about their son's return.
"Cyber Security unit" backlash
President Trump says he wants to move forward and work constructively with Russia after his G20 meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Mr. Trump sent a tweet saying that he questioned Putin on election meddling and negotiated a cease-fire in Syria. Julianna Goldman reports.
Behind Trump & Putin's G20 meeting
Douglas Ollivant, New America senior fellow and a former director at the National Security Council, joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" from Washington to discuss how President Trump's first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin went. He also addresses the Syria cease-fire agreement and nuclear threat from North Korea.
U.S. challenges backing ISIS battle
U.S.-backed forces in Syria are marking an important milestone in the fight against ISIS. U.S. Central Command says the fighters broke through a key defensive wall and entered the old city of Raqqa, but with multiple countries vying for influence in the region, the fight to oust ISIS has become complicated. Holly Williams reports.
ISIS surrounded in Raqqa
In Iraq Monday, ISIS sent female suicide bombers to attack Iraqi soldiers in Mosul, killing one. It was an act of desperation, with U.S.-backed Iraqi forces close to recapturing the entire city. In Syria, ISIS is surrounded in Raqqa, with several competing armies jockeying for position. Holly Williams reports from northern Syria.
Inside Raqqa
U.S.-backed forces are getting closer to ridding Raqqa of ISIS, who have made the city their stronghold. But much of the city is already destroyed and some ISIS gunmen are determined to fight to the end. Holly Williams reports from inside the city.
"City of Ghosts"
Director Matthew Heineman and Syrian journalist Abdalaziz Alhamza discuss their upcoming documentary "City of Ghosts" which focuses on a very unusual group of citizen journalists putting their lives on the line in the fight against ISIS in Syria.
Holly Williams in Syria
CBS News Foreign Correspondent Holly Williams gives an update on the fight against the Islamic State in Raqqa, Syria, the group's self-proclaimed capital.
Ex-members on why they joined ISIS
The last remaining ISIS fighters in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, Syria are surrounded by U.S.-backed forces. Holly Williams met with a group of former ISIS fighters who either defected or were captured. One man told her he joined ISIS not because he wanted to kill in the name of his religion - but out of desperation.
6/29: CBS Evening News
Trump's Twitter attack on "Morning Joe" hosts draws backlash; One-of-a-kind home for sale, with a big catch.
Ex-ISIS recruits
As ISIS loses ground in Syria and Iraq, it is also losing fighters. Holly Williams reports from inside Syria, where former ISIS recruits are now committed to fighting the terror group.
Fight to take Raqqa from ISIS
U.S.-backed Iraqi forces say they've taken an iconic mosque in the heart of Mosul that was destroyed by ISIS. Its recapture comes three years to the day after ISIS declared its so-called caliphate. The extremist group is also facing setbacks Raqqa, its stronghold in Syria. Holly Williams reports from northern Syria.
Former ambassador on Russia, Syria
Former Ambassador William Burns, who spent spent 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service before retiring from the State Department in 2014, served as deputy secretary of state under President Obama and as ambassador to Russia from 2005 to 2008. Now president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Burns joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the "very combustible situation" with Russia and Syria, and the message President Trump needs to send to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Clearing Syria's ISIS-planted mines
In eastern Syria, a CBS News crew joined a group of American troops 12 miles north of Raqqa, ISIS' self-proclaimed capital. The fight to oust ISIS from Raqqa is intensifying. Holly Williams reports from Kobani, Syria.
Chemical weapons use
President Trump appears to have drawn his own "red line" over chemical weapons in Syria. On Monday night, the U.S. warned the Assad regime it will pay a heavy price if it launches another chemical attack. David Martin reports that U.S. intelligence spotted activity at a suspected chemical weapons site.
Repairing Syria
U.S.-backed fighters have surrounded the Syrian city of Raqqa, which ISIS considers its capital. Holly Williams reports from inside Syria, where American efforts to help rebuild communities there are just beginning.
U.S. warns Syria
The White House says Syria will pay a "heavy price" if the regime engages in another chemical weapon attack. CBS News White House and senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan joins CBSN with more on what prompted the warning.
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.
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.
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.
Over 500 pages in initial Epstein files release were entirely blacked out, CBS finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents were fully redacted.
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.
Russia strikes Ukrainian port, killing 8 and wounding dozens
Some of the wounded were on a bus at the epicenter of the strike, Ukraine's Emergency Service said.
At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
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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Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest 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.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
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.
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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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.
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.
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
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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At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
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.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Kate Winslet's directorial debut
Kate Winslet is one of Hollywood's most accalimed actors, and now she's testing her skills as a director with the new Christmas film "Goodbye June." She sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the challenges of the new role after so many years in front of the camera.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
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
Three Days Before Christmas
"48 Hours" Live to Tell: Two sisters who survive a deadly home invasion share their journey to hell and back.
Vintage WWII plane turned into a Christmas sleigh
The Southern Cross, a restored C-49 World War II-era plane, is used by a nonprofit group for a peaceful mission this holiday season, to provide a Santa-eye view of the Christmas lights in North Texas. The goal is to keep veteran history alive and air-worthy. Omar Villafranca explains.
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.
Laws in many states don't cover pregnancy loss
There's a growing recognition of a gap in the family leave laws of many states for those that suffer pregnancy loss. As Nikki Battiste reports, some lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more protections for grieving families.
Holiday shoppers out in force amid economic fears
Holiday shopping is in high gear, with the National Retail Federation predicting a record 159 million shoppers on what it calls "Super Saturday," with nearly a third buying gifts in stores. However, consumer sentiment is down as many Americans are concerned about their economic future. Nicole Valdes explains.