Tennessee executes man for 1988 rape and murder of college student
"To the people I harmed, I'm sorry," Harold Wayne Nichols said in his final statement.
Tennessee
Inside Van Epps slimmer-than-expected win
After a strong challenge from his Democratic opponent, Republican Matt Van Epps won a key special election for a U.S. House seat in Tennessee on Tuesday night. CBS News executive director of White House and politics Fin Gómez has more.
Breaking down Van Epps' win in Tennessee
Democrats' hopes of flipping a Republican House seat in a Tennessee special election were dashed Tuesday as GOP candidate Matt Van Epps picked up the win. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has more.
Van Epps beats Behn in Tennessee, AP projects
The Associated Press projects Republican Matt Van Epps has won the Tennessee 7th Congressional District special election, beating Democratic candidate Aftyn Behn. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Republican Matt Van Epps wins closely watched Tennessee House race, AP projects
Republican candidate Matt Van Epps is on track to defeat Democrat Aftyn Behn in a special election for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, the AP projected.
Polls close in Tennessee special election
Polls have closed in Tennessee's special election to fill the House seat in the state's 7th Congressional District. Polls showed a tightening race down the stretch between Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, a combat veteran, and Democrat Aftyn Behn, a Tennessee state representative. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Tennessee special election underway
Tennessee's 7th Congressional District is historically a Republican stronghold, but Democrats are looking to make up significant ground in Tuesday's special House election. Political strategists Terry Sullivan and Kendra Barkoff Lamy join "The Takeout" with analysis.
Closer-than-expected Tennessee special election
Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in central Tennessee for a special election to fill the House seat in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. The race could be a referendum on President Trump. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Key Tennessee special election underway
A critical special election in Tennessee is underway between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn for the state's 7th Congressional District. CBS News' Nicole Valdes has the latest.
What to watch in Tennessee special election
Voters will head to the polls in a special election to fill a congressional seat in the Nashville area in Tennessee on Tuesday. President Trump won the district a year ago by a wide margin, but this race is close after Democrats picked up momentum in last month's elections. Nicole Valdes reports.
Reporters on alleged drug boat strikes
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expressing concern over Washington Post reporting that alleges Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a verbal order to leave no survivors before a deadly U.S. attack on a suspected drug smuggling boat in early September. Reese Gorman, politics and Congress reporter for NOTUS, and Julia Manchester, White House reporter for The Hill, join to unpack the day's top stories.
Democrats eye Tennessee special election
Voters in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District will head to the polls Tuesday in what has become a test of Democrats' recent electoral momentum. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has the latest.
Trump endorses Republican in Tennessee
A special election is underway for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District. Political strategists Kristian Ramos and Leslie Sanchez join CBS News with more on how voters may lean.
Man accused of killing relatives of abandoned infant will seek change of venue
Austin Robert Drummond pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping in the July 29 shootings.
Officer in critical condition after crash while supporting Vance's motorcade
A state trooper and a Maryville Police Department motorcycle officer collided while supporting Vice President Vance's motorcade on Friday.
Tennessee death row inmate declines to choose execution method
Harold Wayne Nichols declined to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection for his Dec. 11 execution.
Mississippi officers charged in bribery scheme
The FBI has announced indictments against 20 people, including 14 current and former Mississippi and Tennessee police officers, in a drug-related bribery probe. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Goats solving invasive plant problem on island
A popular camping ground on the Tennessee River was overrun by vegetation and desperately needed a trimming. As Dave Malkoff reports, the search for a landscaper led to an unlikely solution.
Justin Pearson on challenging Steve Cohen
Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson, who was briefly expelled from his legislative seat in 2023 after leading a gun safety protest on the floor of the state's General Assembly, has launched a bid to unseat 76-year-old Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen. Pearson argues the party needs new voices and perspectives. He joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Memphis Safe Task Force on the streets
A federal task force operation is underway in Memphis, Tennessee, to address violent crime. Gov. Bill Lee announced that in its first two weeks, the task force arrested 850 violent criminals and known gang members. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes has more.
16 presumed dead in Tennessee plant explosion named
Tennessee authorities are utilizing rapid DNA testing to help identify the remains of the 16 victims, but the process is "proceeding slowly and methodically."
Authorities look for cause of Tennessee explosion
Officials in Tennessee have released the names of the 16 men and women who are presumed dead in a massive explosion at a military explosives plant. Nicole Valdes reports authorities say they are closely examining the site for what caused the deadly blast.
Tennessee explosion probe facing obstacles
Authorities are working to determine what caused the deadly explosion at a western Tennessee military explosives plant that killed 16 people. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
Recovery after deadly Tennessee explosion
Sixteen people were killed Friday in a devastating blast at a Tenneesee plant owned by Accurate Energetic Systems, which supplies and researches explosives for the military. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes has the latest.
16 killed in Tennessee plant explosion remembered by community
The cause of the deadly blast remained under investigation. Crews were carefully going through incinerated property, searching for possible evidence.
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.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect appears in court as judge weighs media access
Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They plan to seek the death penalty.
Senate fails to advance health care bills, with price hikes looming
The Senate on Thursday failed to advance competing Democratic and Republican measures to address health care costs. Follow live updates here.
Indiana GOP redistricting bill fails in state Senate despite Trump's pressure
Indiana state police said "numerous" state lawmakers had faced bomb threats and been the subject of swatting hoaxes amid the push for redistricting.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia leaves ICE detention after judge ordered release, attorney says
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia's immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Noem confronted by Democrats, including about allegedly removing veterans from U.S.
House Democrats pushed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for answers on the Trump administration's immigration operations, with one lawmaker confronting her with a veteran who he said had been issued a removal order.
Erika Kirk has one word for Candace Owens
Erika Kirk has one word for Candace Owens, who has been peddling conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
MyPillow's Mike Lindell announces he's running for Minnesota governor
MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor as a Republican against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.
U.S.
More U.S.
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
Camp Mystic hopes new flood warning system will prevent future catastrophes
In early July, more than 130 people were killed in catastrophic flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country region, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.
Director found guilty of scamming $11M from Netflix and buying luxury cars, mattresses
Carl Erik Rinsch, a Hollywood director, has been convicted on charges that he scammed Netflix out of $11 million for a show that never materialized.
U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Here's how Trump's $1 million "gold card" visa will work
The Trump administration says it's also creating a $5 million platinum card visa that will allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for 270 days a year.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
Here's how Trump's $1 million "gold card" visa will work
The Trump administration says it's also creating a $5 million platinum card visa that will allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for 270 days a year.
Former officials warn of safety risks because of consumer watchdog cuts
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has lost key leadership and staff over the past year. Now two former commissioners removed by the Trump administration are raising concerns over safety risks.
Trump says "prices are coming down." Here's what the data shows.
President Trump says he's winning the war against inflation. But a look at prices around the U.S. shows why many Americans still feel financially squeezed.
Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI under new licensing agreement
Disney said on Thursday it will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI under a new partnership with the Sora and ChatGPT developer.
Politics
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What one California candidate for governor says about how he'd try to repeal controversial laws
Just how much power will the next governor have to repeal controversial California laws?
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
Noem confronted by Democrats, including about allegedly removing veterans from U.S.
House Democrats pushed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for answers on the Trump administration's immigration operations, with one lawmaker confronting her with a veteran who he said had been issued a removal order.
Indiana GOP redistricting bill fails in state Senate despite Trump's pressure
Indiana state police said "numerous" state lawmakers had faced bomb threats and been the subject of swatting hoaxes amid the push for redistricting.
U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
HealthWatch
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Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
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.
World
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U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Critics detail concerns over proposed Chinese "super embassy" in London
Two former MI6 officials detail their espionage concerns, as the U.K once again delays its final decision on a new Chinese embassy in London.
Exclusive
Inside the secret mission to get Nobel Peace Prize winner out of Venezuela
An American special forces veteran led the operation to get María Corina Machado out of Venezuela: "The first Nobel Prize winner that we've ever rescued."
More than 600 British Empire artifacts stolen from U.K. museum
Police said they wanted to talk to four unidentified men, all wearing caps or hoodies, seen in security camera images carrying bags in the early hours.
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.
Entertainment
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Director found guilty of scamming $11M from Netflix and buying luxury cars, mattresses
Carl Erik Rinsch, a Hollywood director, has been convicted on charges that he scammed Netflix out of $11 million for a show that never materialized.
Taylor Swift talks docuseries, favorite songs
Taylor Swift appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday while promoting her upcoming docuseries. She spoke about her life after the Eras Tour, her favorite songs from her catalogue and who she turns to for advice.
"Waiting to Exhale" stars on 30th anniversary
The iconic movie "Waiting to Exhale," starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon premiered 30 years ago this month. The film, which had an all Black cast and focused on female empowerment, was a box office hit. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke with the stars of the film about the movie and what Houston would think.
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.
Technology
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Technology
Disney announces deal with OpenAI
A new agreement between Disney and OpenAI will allow users to generate their own AI videos of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Darth Vader and dozens more. Wired executive editor Brian Barrett joins to discuss.
Time magazine reveals 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine has just announced its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing not just one person, but a group its calling "the architects of AI." The digital article is out now.
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.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI under new licensing agreement
Disney said on Thursday it will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI under a new partnership with the Sora and ChatGPT developer.
Science
More Science
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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Crime
Latest in Luigi Mangione pretrial hearings
Luigi Mangione was back in court for Day 6 of a crucial evidence hearing on Thursday. Lawyers for the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson want to keep some key pieces of evidence out of his upcoming murder trial. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Latest on Sherrone Moore arrest
Ex-University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore remains in jail Thursday, a day after he was fired by the school. The university said an investigation had found "credible evidence" he had been engaged in an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member." CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan reports.
Suspected KSU gunman faces judge
The suspected gunman in the deadly Kentucky State University shooting has faced a judge in his first arraignment hearing since police caught him on Tuesday. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports.
Judge weighs media access in Charlie Kirk trial
The man charged with Charlie Kirk's murder appeared in court on Thursday as his attorneys continue to push to restrict media access to the proceedings. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
How Minnesota fraudsters blew millions
CBS News is getting an exclusive look at how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions of taxpayer dollars that was supposed to go to hungry children. CBS Minnesota investigative reporter Jonah Kaplan has more.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Pint-sized politician
A pint-sized politician proves you are never too little to run a big campaign. David Begnaud catches up with the Agars, a father-son duo making history by competing together in triathlons. Plus, more heartwarming stories.
Inside mission to get Machado out of Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made her first public appearance in Oslo, Norway, after 11 months in hiding. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano spoke with the head of the mission that brought Machado to the Scandinavian country.
Security hearing turns into immigration debate
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified Thursday at a House hearing on global threats facing the U.S. However, she spent a lot of time on several contentious exchanges with Democrats over immigration. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
Details on Minnesota fraud scheme
In an exclusive report, CBS News obtained dozens of files and photos giving insight into the massive COVID-era fraud scheme in Minnesota. Among items purchased through fraud: Luxury cars and private villas. CBS Minnesota investigative reporter Jonah Kaplan breaks down the findings.
Venezuela accuses U.S. of "piracy"
Venezuela is accusing the U.S. of "piracy" after U.S. forces seized an oil tanker off its coast. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata and Margaret Brennan have the latest.