12/19: CBS Morning News
Government shutdown looms; Putin to meet with ousted Syrian dictator Assad.
Vladimir Putin
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.
Attorneys for Marc Fogel on client's release
Martin De Luca and Dimitry Afanasiev, attorneys for Marc Fogel, joined CBS News to describe this week's release of Fogel after he had been held in Russia since 2021.
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.
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.
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.
Former ambassador to Ukraine on peace talks
William Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, joined CBS News to discuss President Trump's announcement that his national security team will begin immediate negotiations with the Kremlin to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.
Trump could meet Putin in Saudi Arabia
President Trump says he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to start negotiating the end of the war in Ukraine and says the two could meet face-to-face soon in Saudi Arabia. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more on that and a judge's allowance of the president's buyout offers for federal workers.
Trump'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.
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.
Trump takes questions on Ukraine peace talks
President Trump took questions from reporters Wednesday at the swearing-in of his newly confirmed director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Trump said he will probably meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Nikole Killion join with analysis.
Trump says he spoke to Putin
President Trump says he spoke to Russia's Vladimir Putin and directed members of his national security team to "immediately" begin efforts to end the war with Ukraine. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.
Trump's latest moves on Russia, Ukraine
President Trump held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as his administration brokers deals to procure detained Americans. This comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers news on Ukraine's future with NATO. Charles Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University, joins CBS News with more.
Trump speaks to Putin, Zelenskyy
President Trump announced on social media his calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more.
Hegseth rules out Ukraine NATO membership in any ceasefire with Russia
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. will no longer be the "primary guarantor of security in Europe," which he said must step up to secure Ukraine.
Trump apparent chat with Putin on Fogel
President Trump seemed to suggest that he worked with Russian President Vladimir Putin to organize Marc Fogel's release. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Hegseth addresses Ukraine's borders
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, "We want... a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine, but we must start by recognizing that returning to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders is an unrealistic objective." CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more.
Russia attacks Ukraine's capital, rules out returning any occupied land
Ukraine's leader says a Russian strike on Kyiv shows Putin is "not preparing for peace," as the Kremlin rules out swapping occupied territory for a peace deal.
Marc Fogel freed from Russia: What to know
American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been held in Russia since 2021, is back on U.S. soil after his release from captivity. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the details.
U.S. teacher arrives after Russian captivity
Pennsylvanian teacher Marc Fogel arrived on U.S. soil Tuesday night after Russia held him in captivity for more than three years. President Trump welcomed Fogel at the White House. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.
Live
Trump says Strait of Hormuz deal could happen as soon as today
President Trump told reporters Tuesday evening that an announcement on the Strait of Hormuz could happen today or tomorrow, following talks between Iran and Oman.
FAA probing Marine One safety incident around National Airport
When the helicopter that transports President Trump crosses the Potomac, Reagan Washington National Airport is required to impose a ground stop on air traffic.
At least 12 states report cyberattacks on water systems possibly linked to Iran
Cyberattacks on U.S. water systems that officials suspect may be linked to Iran-backed hackers have been reported in at least a dozen states, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
White House declassifies info on secret FBI probe into Trump's firing of Comey
The White House has declassified information claiming the FBI probed whether President Trump acted as a Russian asset when he fired James Comey, a theory an administration official said wasn't backed up by evidence.
Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz in a 51 to 44 vote.
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed projected to win Michigan Democratic Senate primary
Former state health official Abdul El-Sayed faced Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan in a closely watched contest that represented the latest test of the party's divisions.
Perez Hilton hospitalized after livestreaming acts of self-harm, officials say
In the livestream, which has since been taken down, Hilton appears to be bloodied and in a distressed mental state.
Norah O'Donnell: 7 things I learned from trainer Kira Stokes
Kira Stokes, who has been in the fitness industry for three decades, taught me to treat movement as medicine for both your body and mind.
First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
U.S.
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At least 12 states report cyberattacks on water systems possibly linked to Iran
Cyberattacks on U.S. water systems that officials suspect may be linked to Iran-backed hackers have been reported in at least a dozen states, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
FAA probing Marine One safety incident around National Airport
When the helicopter that transports President Trump crosses the Potomac, Reagan Washington National Airport is required to impose a ground stop on air traffic.
As FDA approves marketing for nicotine pouches, some doctors sound alarms
One health advocate called nicotine pouches a "profound risk" for young people.
Some Gen Zers swap smartphones for "dumb" phones in a bid to unplug
"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.
Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz in a 51 to 44 vote.
MoneyWatch
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Some Gen Zers swap smartphones for "dumb" phones in a bid to unplug
"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.
Why SpaceX stock is falling despite strong revenue growth
Investors are focused on whether SpaceX will be able to deliver on its ambitious artificial intelligence agenda.
Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Chipotle removes jalapeños linked to Minnesota salmonella outbreak
The restaurant chain said it pulled the peppers and replaced them with product from another grower amid a food-poisoning probe.
Politics
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FAA probing Marine One safety incident around National Airport
When the helicopter that transports President Trump crosses the Potomac, Reagan Washington National Airport is required to impose a ground stop on air traffic.
Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz in a 51 to 44 vote.
$25 million reward offered for U.S.-born leader of powerful cartel
Juan Carlos González is the stepson of "El Mencho," who was killed by the Mexican military.
First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed projected to win Michigan Democratic Senate primary
Former state health official Abdul El-Sayed faced Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan in a closely watched contest that represented the latest test of the party's divisions.
HealthWatch
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As FDA approves marketing for nicotine pouches, some doctors sound alarms
One health advocate called nicotine pouches a "profound risk" for young people.
Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz in a 51 to 44 vote.
Norah O'Donnell: 7 things I learned from trainer Kira Stokes
Kira Stokes, who has been in the fitness industry for three decades, taught me to treat movement as medicine for both your body and mind.
Exercise: Your Insurance Policy for the Future
In this episode of Healthful, Norah O'Donnell is joined by her personal trainer and fitness expert, Kira Stokes. Since they started exercising together 12 years ago, Kira pushed Norah to lift heavier weights - something Norah initially resisted. Norah has since learned that you lose up to 8-percent of your muscle mass every decade after the age of 30. The two discuss the emotional connection between movement and mental health, how to get started exercising, and what about those weighted vests! Plus - Norah answers what her favorite and least favorite exercises are. We'd love to hear what topics you want to hear covered on Healthful. Text Norah at 202-217-1107.
Chipotle suspected in salmonella outbreak
At least 110 people have fallen ill from salmonella in Minnesota, the vast majority of whom reported having eaten at the Mexican chain Chipotle. Tom Hanson has the story.
World
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$25 million reward offered for U.S.-born leader of powerful cartel
Juan Carlos González is the stepson of "El Mencho," who was killed by the Mexican military.
Baby "cocaine hippo" linked to infamous drug lord is rescued in Colombia
Colombia has around 200 so-called "cocaine hippos" living in the wild, all of which descended from a colony brought to South America by slain cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Record-low Danube River levels threaten shutdown of Hungary's nuclear plant
Three of four units of Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant were not in operation and the fourth was operating at about 50%, as of Wednesday morning.
Russian drone factory director seriously injured in car explosion
Vladimir Tkachuk has been pictured showcasing his drones to President Vladimir Putin.
First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Aaron Pierre talks new series, "Lanterns"
Actor Aaron Pierre is starring as John Stewart in the new series "Lanterns." He tells "CBS Mornings" why this character is special to him, what it's like to join the DC Universe and how he managed undergoing surgery during the audition process.
Stranger rescues band from car troubles
A kind stranger named Ernie helped rock band The Autumn Kings make it to their tour stop after their car broke down in Wisconsin. Matt Gutman reports.
Ariana Grande on her plans to take break
One day after announcing she'll step back from the spotlight after her tour ends, Ariana Grande spoke directly to fans at Monday night's show in Chicago. The singer said the decision was her own and "was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Jordan Roth talks "The Shards"
Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth talks about starring in the "The Shards" and describes what it was like to go from behind the scenes on Broadway to making his major on-screen acting debut.
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic AI created fake profiles in hack
Two of the most powerful artificial intelligence agents created fake human profiles to try to trick people in attempted cyberattacks. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Some Gen Zers swap smartphones for "dumb" phones in a bid to unplug
"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.
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.
Why SpaceX stock is falling despite strong revenue growth
Investors are focused on whether SpaceX will be able to deliver on its ambitious artificial intelligence agenda.
Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
Science
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Science
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Crime
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Crime
New Mexico AG on suing DOJ over Epstein files
New Mexico is suing the Trump administration for access to files related to Jeffrey Epstein as it investigates the convicted sex offender's Zorro Ranch property. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Water system cyberattacks spread to more states
Several states are experiencing cyberattacks on their water systems after Minnesota reported at attack last week. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Latest details from Lindsay Clancy trial
The murder trial of Lindsay Clancy wrapped its seventh day on Wednesday. Clancy has admitted to killing her three children, but her defense says she was experiencing an extreme mental health crisis at the time of their deaths. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
$25 million reward offered for U.S.-born leader of powerful cartel
Juan Carlos González is the stepson of "El Mencho," who was killed by the Mexican military.
Russian drone factory director seriously injured in car explosion
Vladimir Tkachuk has been pictured showcasing his drones to President Vladimir Putin.
Space
More Space
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Trump talks primaries in remarks to supporters
President Trump addressed supporters in Las Vegas on Wednesday, touching on the Iran war and the performance of Democrats in recent primary elections. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
El-Sayed wins Senate primary: What to know
Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won his Democratic primary for Senate Tuesday night in Michigan, beating Haley Stevens by a single percentage point. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Anthony Salvanto has more.
Jewish Insider editor-in-chief on DSA victories
The relationship between progressive candidates and Jewish voters has been a central focus this election cycle. Jewish Insider Editor in-Chief Josh Kraushaar joins "The Takeout" to discuss his new piece titled: "DSA's Achilles' Heel Goes Beyond Antisemitism."
New Mexico AG on suing DOJ over Epstein files
New Mexico is suing the Trump administration for access to files related to Jeffrey Epstein as it investigates the convicted sex offender's Zorro Ranch property. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Trump teases deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
President Trump is touting progress on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and says a deal could be made as soon as Wednesday. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean joins "The Takeout" with more.