12/12: America Decides
President Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at White House amid stall in aid; How lawmakers are responding to Zelenskyy’s visit.
Ukraine
Zelenskyy calls for security guarantees
Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at the Munich Security Conference to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to end the war in Ukraine. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Vance meets with Zelenskyy
Vice President JD Vance is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday after Vance demanded that the NATO alliance step up defense spending. CBS News' Anna Noryskiewicz and Nikole Killion have the latest.
Ukrainian lawmaker on proposed peace talks
Yevheniia Kravchuk, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, joined CBS News to discuss President Trump's remarks this week about potential peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
Russian drone hits Chernobyl, Ukraine says
Ukraine accused Russia's military of flying an exploding drone into the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The drone damaged the outer shell of the reactor, but it does not appear to have caused a radiation leak. On Friday, Vice President JD Vance will meet with Ukraine's president in Germany to talk about U.S. plans for peace talks with Russia.
Ukraine: Russian drone hit Chernobyl shelter
The radiation containment shelter at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was struck Thursday night by a Russian drone, according to Ukraine. The U.N.'s energy watchdog says radiation levels have remained normal since the incident and the Kremlin denies it was behind the attack. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance is set to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more.
Vance to meet Zelenskyy amid push for NATO allies to step up defense spending
Vance is to meet with Zelenskyy amid concerns over U.S.-Russia talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump on peace negotiations: "Maybe Russia will give up a lot. Maybe they won't."
President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi fielded questions on Mr. Trump's deportation program, tariffs and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine fears being left out of Trump-Putin talks
President Trump is pressing ahead with his plan for trying to end the nearly 3-year-old war in Ukraine. At the White House, Mr. Trump said U.S. and Russian officials will be meeting in Munich, and Ukraine is invited to join them. But a spokesperson for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine does not expect to hold any talks with Russia right now. Imtiaz Tyab reports, followed by Robert Costa with analysis.
Where European allies stand on Trump-Putin talks
Leaders from America's European allies meeting in Munich are trying to catch up to developments coming out of Washington ever since President Trump announced he is in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. Samantha Vinograd joins to discuss.
The state of a peace plan in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will not accept any peace deal with Russia unless his country is directly involved in negotiations. President Trump said Ukraine would have a seat at the table. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
Hegseth clarifies remarks on Ukraine's future
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday clarified comments he made that it is unrealistic for Ukraine to have pre-2014 borders and become a member of NATO. Sabrina Singh, who served as deputy Pentagon press secretary during the Biden administration, joins "America Decides" with her reaction.
Police: Munich attack not linked to Vance trip
Police in Munich, Germany, say they don't suspect a link between Thursday's car attack and Vice President JD Vance's visit. Nonetheless, the city is on edge and security is tight with the incident happening less than a mile from where Vance and world leaders will meet for a security conference. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Trump, India's Modi take questions
President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press conference on Thursday at the White House. They took questions from reporters about tariffs, immigration and military cooperation. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett reports.
Details on U.S. reciprocal tariffs plan, more
A new Trump executive order has the commerce secretary going country by country to determine the need for "fair and reciprocal" trade tariffs, the Senate confirmed RFK Jr. as health secretary and Pete Hegseth clarified comments about the future of Ukraine. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Major Garrett join with the latest.
Feb 5: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
President Trump's comments on Gaza stir up mixed reactions on Capitol Hill; Dramatic video shows California firefighters rescuing a woman from burning home.
Feb 5: CBS News 24/7, 10am ET
President Trump proposes U.S. takeover of Gaza Strip; Security measures in New Orleans ramping up ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
Trump talks to Putin about ending Ukraine war
It's been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Now, President Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiating the end of the war.
Details on suspected car attack in Munich
Police in Munich, Germany, have arrested a suspect accused of driving into a union demonstration and injuring dozens of people. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more on that and the ongoing response to President Trump's announcement of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine.
NATO reacts to Trump peace talk announcement
NATO allies are warning that Ukraine and Europe must not be left out of any peace talks after President Trump's announcement that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Trump's outreach to Putin marks shift in policy
President Trump held a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday and directed members of his national security team to "immediately" begin negotiations aimed at ending Russia's war with Ukraine. Trump and Putin also agreed to meet in person in Saudi Arabia. As Weijia Jiang reports, it marks a stark shift from Biden administration policy.
What to know about Ukraine's borders
President Trump said he will likely meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. Trump spoke with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy separately about immediate discussions to end the war between the two countries. CBS News senior national correspondent Charlie D'Agata has the details.
Why McConnell voted against Gabbard and more
After almost three years of fighting between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump said late Wednesday he is working to end the war. Mr. Trump said Wednesday he spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Plus, Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell joined Democrats in voting against the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, although she still received enough votes to be confirmed. CBS News' Jennifer Jacobs and Nikole Killion have the latest.
Vance to meet with Zelenskyy in Munich
Vice President JD Vance is in Europe ahead of this week's Munich Security Conference. He will address the conference on Friday and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more on Vance's plans for the trip.
Trump says Ukraine peace plans will start now
President Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, and said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will begin immediately. CBS News reporter Erica Brown has more.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
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.
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
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.
Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $1.6 billion ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot grew to an estimated $1.6 billion after no tickets matched all six winning numbers at Saturday night's drawing. It's the fifth-largest prize among U.S. lottery jackpots.
Bowen Yang leaves "SNL" after 8 seasons
Comedian and actor Bowen Yang performed his final sketch on "SNL" Saturday night, after announcing his unexpected mid-season exit from the show.
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.
More U.S.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $1.6 billion ahead of next drawing
The Powerball jackpot grew to an estimated $1.6 billion after no tickets matched all six winning numbers at Saturday night's drawing. It's the fifth-largest prize 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.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
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.
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
More World
Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new settlements in West Bank
The latest approvals bring the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich posted on social media.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Extended interview: Sean Ono Lennon
In this web exclusive, Sean Ono Lennon talks with Anthony Mason about The Claypool Lennon Delirium, his musical collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus, and his upcoming jazz album. He also discusses his animated short film, "War Is Over!"; his custodianship of the musical legacy of his parents, John Lennon and Yoko Ono; how concert footage and previously-unknown private recordings came together in the documentary "One to One"; and how creating art is "a fundamental force" in his life.
Sean Ono Lennon on the legacy of John & Yoko
The music of The Beatles, and of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, is timeless. And yet, musician, songwriter and producer Sean Ono Lennon says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, by reminding the world of its power. He talks with Anthony Mason about the Oscar-winning animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"; and of the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko," which features material he'd never heard before.
Technology
More Technology
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
More Crime
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
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna join to discuss the newest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files released by the Justice Department. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell also join.
Nature: Trumpeter Swans in Minnesota
We leave you this Sunday before Christmas with trumpeter swans a-swimmin' near Brainerd, Minnesota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. Faith Salie pays a visit.