11/12/2023: Iran’s Assassins; The Heritage War; Horse Racing Reform?
First, Iran's push to crush its critics abroad. Then, Ukraine accuses Russia of looting museums. And, a look inside the federal horse doping investigation.
Ukraine
What to make of Putin's Middle East trips
Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in a lightning round of Middle East diplomacy this week, traveling to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia -- and later welcoming Iran's president to Moscow. Former U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein, and a distinguished senior fellow with the Middle East Institute, joins CBS News to examine Putin's motivations.
Biden floats border changes for foreign aid
President Biden said Wednesday he's willing to make "significant compromises on the border" after the Senate failed to advance a bill that would have provided billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes and Sen. John Thune join "America Decides" to discuss the negotiations.
Congress against deadline for Ukraine aid
Ukraine's defense against Russia could be in jeopardy if supplemental aid from the U.S. is not approved by Congress before the end of the year. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more on the stalled negotiations from Capitol Hill as well as detail's on the House's censure of New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman.
Biden pushes Congress for Israel, Ukraine aid
Republicans in Congress continue to hold out for potential negotiations on border control before they approve funding to aid U.S. allies Israel and Ukraine in their respective wars. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes is following the discord.
Biden: Lack of Ukraine aid a gift for Putin
President Biden on Wednesday again urged Congress to pass an aid bill for Ukraine, emphasizing, "This cannot wait." CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more on what issues are keeping lawmakers from helping Ukraine defend itself from Russia.
Iranian president meeting with Putin
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what their meeting will likely entail.
CDC reports "alarming" rise in drug-resistant germs in Ukraine
Health officials say the "urgent crisis" in antibiotic resistant bacteria must be addressed, even during a war.
New aid pledges for Ukraine at lowest level since war's start, report says
"The dynamics of support to Ukraine have slowed," the German-based Kiel Institute says.
War crimes charges against Russian soldiers
Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday announced war crimes charges against four Russian soldiers for allegedly abducting and torturing an American citizen in Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion.
Senate fails to pass Ukraine aid bill
Senate Republicans blocked an emergency aid package to fund Ukraine's defenses against the Russian invasion Wednesday. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Ukraine and Israel aid bill fails to clear first Senate hurdle
Republicans want stricter border security measures in exchange for Ukraine funding.
Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill
A Senate bill that would provide more than $100 billion in aid, primarily to Israel and Ukraine, was blocked by Republicans, who said they would not support it without the inclusion of major immigration reform. Nancy Cordes has details from the White House.
Capitol Hill reacts to McCarthy's retirement
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced Wednesday he will leave Congress at the end of the year. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports on how McCarthy's colleagues are reacting.
Biden presses Congress to pass Ukraine aid
President Joe Biden held a press conference urging Congress to pass supplemental funds for Ukraine's war against Russia. Mr. Biden also said he is willing to work across the aisle on border control. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest from the White House before a test vote expected in Capitol Hill later Wednesday.
Senators clash over foreign aid packages
With a little over a week before Congress adjourns for its winter break and the White House warning that aid money for Ukraine is running out, lawmakers are fighting with each other over proposed aid packages. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more on senators reportedly yelling in and walking out of a classified hearing on Ukraine and other news from Capitol Hill.
Biden urges Congress to pass Ukraine funding now: "This cannot wait"
Republicans insist border security funding must be included in any national security funding package.
Pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician assassinated near Moscow
Ukraine's military intelligence spokesperson called Kyva "one of the biggest scumbags, traitors and collaborators" and said his death was "justice."
Congress stalls on immigration policy negotiations
Bipartisan negotiations in Congress on immigration policy are stalling in the Senate. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez explains why.
Aid for Ukraine may run out by end of year
The White House is warning Congress that aid for Ukraine's war against Russia will run out by the end of the year. House Speaker Mike Johnson said additional aid for allies like Ukraine and Israel will come once issues pertaining to U.S. border security are resolved. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe is following the latest developments.
Where Ukraine aid negotiations stand
The White House is pushing Congress to approve its funding package to support Ukraine and Israel. But Republicans are trying to attach conditions in exchange for voting yes -- including changes to U.S. border policies. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes explains where talks stand.
GOP pushes to pair border policy, Ukraine aid
The clock is ticking for lawmakers to pass the White House's aid plan for Ukraine and Israel. House Speaker Mike Johnson is among the Republicans demanding that any national security package begins with securing the southern border. Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, who is a part of bipartisan border security negotiations, joins "America Decides" to discuss where talks stand.
White House pushes Congress for Ukraine aid
President Biden is asking lawmakers for nearly $106 billion to help Ukraine and Israel, but Republicans are trying to get immigration policy changes in exchange. John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, joins "America Decides" to discuss. Then, CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion joins with more.
Zelenskyy to brief Congress, ask for more aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr will brief Congress by video Tuesday as he tries to secure more aid for the fight against Russia. The White House and Congressional Budget Office say money will run out for Ukraine if additional funding isn't approved before the end of the month. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more.
Democrats push forward with Ukraine, Israel aid amid border funding dispute
Supplemental aid to Ukraine and Israel has been stalled in Congress over disputes about border security funding.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein
The Justice Department said Wednesday that the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI "have uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case."
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
"I've never seen such heroism": First responders ran into nursing home after blast
The police chief of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, says the incident response after the nursing home explosion is the largest he's ever seen in 20 years.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
U.S.
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DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Dept. said Wednesday that the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI "have uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case."
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
First responders who ran into nursing home after explosion praised as heroes
The police chief of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, says the incident response after the nursing home explosion is the largest he's ever seen in 20 years.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
MoneyWatch
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How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
Politics
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DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Dept. said Wednesday that the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI "have uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case."
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
Poll: Spending time with family is what Americans like most about the holidays
More say they will probably talk about family or health, rather than politics, as they gather for the holidays.
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
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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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
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.
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
West Coast storm disrupting holiday travel
There have been more than 1,700 flight delays in the U.S. so far Wednesday, according to FlightAware. That's due in part to a major storm hitting the West Coast. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports.
WSJ: Staffers leaving Heritage Foundation
More than a dozen staffers have left the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation for a nonprofit founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, the Wall Street Journal reports. The internal blowup was sparked by foundation president Kevin Roberts defending Tucker Carlson's interview of white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes.
Ukraine signals peace plan progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has agreed to most of the United States' 20-point plan to end Russia's war with Ukraine, but control of the Donbas region remains a sticking point. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Marking 20 years of "The Elf on the Shelf"
2025 marks a milestone for a Christmas book that sparked a holiday tradition for millions of families: Elf on the Shelf is 20 years old. The first book about the beloved and sometimes mischievous character was published along with the elf doll in 2005. CBS News' Dave Malkoff has more.
Inherent contempt charges over Epstein files
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna announced late Tuesday that they are bringing inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more details.