Russia, Ukraine exchanging strikes
There are new developments on the Russia-Ukraine border Friday as both sides exchange heavy fire. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee has more.
Vladimir Putin
Alleged Ukrainian raids into Russia
Moscow is scrambling to block a purported major Ukrainian attack on Russian territory. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee has more on the Ukrainian raids, as well as the ongoing unrest in the UK.
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia on relations
As the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan has rare insight when it comes to the inner workings of the Kremlin. He was also in Moscow the night Putin's army invaded Ukraine in 2022. Sullivan joins CBS News to discuss his new memoir, "Midnight in Moscow," and the future of U.S.-Russia diplomacy.
What the historic prisoner swap might mean for the future
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan says Vladimir Putin, and other authoritarians, may be emboldened to wrongfully detain Americans abroad if they can benefit from prisoner swaps in the future.
Russian prisoners released in exchange
Russia and multiple Western countries engaged in the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War this week, with Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva being freed from Russian imprisonment. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more on what Russia received in the deal.
World reacts to historic Russia prisoner swap
A historic prisoner swap on Thursday secured the release of 24 prisoners from six countries, including several Americans who had been detained in Russia. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has more on the reaction from leaders from around the world. Then, Christopher O'Leary, senior vice president for global operations at the consulting firm Soufan Group, joins with analysis.
Largest prisoner swap since Cold War underway
Russia released three American citizens and a permanent resident from detention in a multi-nation prisoner swap on Thursday. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Natalie Brand have the details. Then, Ian Bremmer, president and founder of consulting firm Eurasia Group, joins with analysis.
WSJ bureau chief on prisoner swap
Thursday's prisoner swap with Russia is the largest of its kind since the Cold War. The deal ends more than a year-long nightmare for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Ann Simmons, Moscow bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, joins "America Decides" to reflect on her colleague's release.
Russian assassin among those walking free in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
A Russian assassin jailed for life in Germany is among the Russians being released as part of the U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
U.S.-Russia prisoner swap's complexities
The prisoner swap taking place Thursday to free Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others is a complex one that involves multiple countries. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis has more on the details of the exchange. Following Gazis' reporting, William E. Pomeranz, senior fellow and former director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, and former U.S. ambassador to Russia John Sullivan joined CBS News to discuss how an exchange like this works.
Congress reacts to U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
Reaction is coming in from lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the major U.S.-Russia prisoner swap taking place Thursday that will free Americans Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan and others. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
What we know about U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan along with Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva are expected to be part of a prisoner exchange the Biden administration has agreed to with Russia. The exchange is expected later Thursday. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Russia's Wagner group admits losses in Mali as gruesome videos surface
Taureg rebels in northern Mali, battling the country's ruling junta and its Russian mercenary partners, say they've killed dozens of enemy fighters.
Pentagon invests in Asian partners as China flexes with Russia
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making his 11th trip to the Indo-Pacific as secretary just days after Chinese and Russian bombers were intercepted for the first time ever off the coast of Alaska.
Russia sentences another U.S. journalist to prison after closed trial
A court in Russia has sentenced journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian national, to prison after a completely closed trial.
Russian court sentences U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich to prison
The Wall Street Journal calls reporter Evan Gershkovich's conviction on spying charges in Russia "bogus," but it may clear the way for a prisoner swap.
Evan Gershkovich conviction: What to know
A Russian court has convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and sentenced him to 16 years in prison for charges of espionage that both the Journal and the U.S. government have rejected as fabricated. Washington Post reporter Mary Ilyushina joined CBS News to discuss Gershkovich's situation and CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more on President Biden's response.
Russia, China and other foreign powers react to Trump rally shooting
Iran rejects Trump threat allegations after Russia and other foreign powers react to the assassination attempt on the former U.S. president.
Pentagon: Gaza aid pier will cease operations
The $230 million pier meant to deliver much-needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza is set to be dismantled for good. The Pentagon says the pier will cease operations after just two months. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
Zelenskyy addresses governors association
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the National Governors Association in Salt Lake City, Utah, making his case again for more aid to help Ukraine in its war against Russia. Zelenskyy said, "We do not ask the United States and other partners to fight for us. We do not ask for your boots on the ground. The only thing we ask for is sufficient support." Watch Zelenskyy's full remarks.
U.S. sending $225 million in aid to Ukraine
The U.S. has announced another $225 million in security assistance for Ukraine, with the Pentagon saying the delivery will include air defense systems and interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons. Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joined CBS News to discuss the package.
Biden, Zelenskyy talk as NATO summit ends
President Biden met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed America's support for Kyiv against Russia as NATO's 75th anniversary summit came to a close Thursday. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis has more.
Trump meeting with Hungary's Viktor Orban
Former President Donald Trump is expected to host Hungary's Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago Thursday, Bloomberg reports, less than a week after the Hungarian prime minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban has also held recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News campaign reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Biden uses NATO as selling point for 2nd term
On Wednesday, President Biden kicked off day two of the NATO 75th anniversary summit in Washington, D.C. The military alliance is telling Russia that the war in Ukraine cannot continue. Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to discuss.
Biden hosts NATO leaders amid 2024 concerns
President Biden has spent the last few days trying to reassure his NATO counterparts and fellow Democrats that he is fit to serve another four years as commander-in-chief. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Scott MacFarlane are following Wednesday's NATO meeting and calls for the president to step aside.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Over 500 pages in initial Epstein files release were entirely blacked out, CBS finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents were fully redacted.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Russia strikes Ukrainian port, killing 8 and wounding dozens
Some of the wounded were on a bus at the epicenter of the strike, Ukraine's Emergency Service said.
At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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At least 10 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa
The motive for the attack in Bekkersdal, 25 miles southwest of Johannesburg, was not clear, police said.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Pope Leo summons cardinals for assembly to help him govern the church
The consistory, as such gatherings are called, will be held Jan. 7-8, immediately following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Kate Winslet's directorial debut
Kate Winslet is one of Hollywood's most accalimed actors, and now she's testing her skills as a director with the new Christmas film "Goodbye June." She sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the challenges of the new role after so many years in front of the camera.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Vintage WWII plane turned into a Christmas sleigh
The Southern Cross, a restored C-49 World War II-era plane, is used by a nonprofit group for a peaceful mission this holiday season, to provide a Santa-eye view of the Christmas lights in North Texas. The goal is to keep veteran history alive and air-worthy. Omar Villafranca explains.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Laws in many states don't cover pregnancy loss
There's a growing recognition of a gap in the family leave laws of many states for those that suffer pregnancy loss. As Nikki Battiste reports, some lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more protections for grieving families.
Holiday shoppers out in force amid economic fears
Holiday shopping is in high gear, with the National Retail Federation predicting a record 159 million shoppers on what it calls "Super Saturday," with nearly a third buying gifts in stores. However, consumer sentiment is down as many Americans are concerned about their economic future. Nicole Valdes explains.
U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela
The U.S. confirmed that it seized an oil tanker near Venezuela, the second such seizure this month. The U.S. Coast Guard led the operation, which took place in international waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. military hit more than 70 targets in a retaliatory assault against ISIS in Syria. Willie James Inman has more.