A behind-the-scenes look at how mail-in ballots are processed
After co-election commissioners Giblin and Stavisky receive a person's ballot comes the most consequential moment in its journey — signature verification.
U.S.
Airline pilot reports jetpack flier near LAX — again
"We just saw a flying object like a flying suit that's passing by us," the pilot said.
Iowa Supreme Court sides with GOP over absentee ballot request forms
The Trump campaign and Republican Party filed lawsuits to invalidate absentee ballot request forms pre-filled with voters' personal information.
He's fighting deportation, while his wife battles COVID-19 as a nurse
The U.S. citizen wife of a Pakistani immigrant is imploring ICE to halt his imminent deportation.
Biden campaign puts up huge fundraising numbers in September
Shattered records with $383 million haul, giving his campaign a whopping $432 million cash on hand and an enormous leg up on Trump's in campaign's homestretch.
California GOP won't remove unofficial ballot drop boxes
"We're going to continue with the program because it complies with the law," California GOP general counsel Tom Hiltachk said.
Record number of early voters met by long wait times at polls
Voters across several states are showing up in record numbers to cast their ballots early for the presidential election.
Largest meth bust in DEA history made in California
The 2,224 pounds of meth was seized during an investigation of a drug-trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa cartel.
Dr. Fauci: "My Thanksgiving is going to look very different this year"
Even though his children want to come home for the holiday, they have decided not to out of concern for him and his age.
Trump tweets meme mocking Biden as a nursing home resident
President Trump has been trying to win the votes of seniors, but that didn't stop him from tweeting a meme seemingly mocking nursing home residents.
Anchorage mayor resigns after TV anchorwoman's threats
Ethan Berkowitz admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with Maria Athens, the anchor at a station in Anchorage.
Trump files Supreme Court request to stop release of his tax records
The president is trying to keep his tax records from a grand jury.
Trump rallies his base in Des Moines, Iowa
President Trump is trying to turn out his base. He's not trying to change his tone to attract moderates.
2 Americans, remains of 3rd, released in exchange with Yemen rebels
Oman's state-run media says the U.S. hostages were freed by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in exchange for almost 250 of their own.
Wells Fargo fires dozens for alleged abuse of COVID relief program
Bank says they got loans from Small Business Administration and deposited the money into their personal accounts.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
Tony Dokoupil: Don't just trust me. Make me earn it.
"You come first," declares the new anchor of the Evening News. "Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests — including the new owners of CBS."
Swiss bar fire started by sparklers, investigators say, amid efforts to ID victims
Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.
"Like a horror movie": Survivors, witnesses describe Swiss ski resort fire
As a deadly fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski town of Crans-Montana, young people trapped inside tried desperately to escape.
Records reveal Minnesota's long history with day care fraud warnings
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
Maduro says Venezuela open to U.S. talks on drug trafficking
In a pretaped interview on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro evaded a question about a U.S. strike at a docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by drug cartels.
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
Tesla sales drop for a second year in a row amid headwinds
Tesla's electric vehicle sales fell 9% in 2025 from a year ago amid the expiration of a $7,500 EV U.S. tax credit.
Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack in Colorado
A woman was killed in what appears to be the first fatal mountain lion attack in Colorado in nearly 30 years.
U.S.
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Tesla sales drop for a second year in a row amid headwinds
Tesla's electric vehicle sales fell 9% in 2025 from a year ago amid the expiration of a $7,500 EV U.S. tax credit.
Venus Williams gets wild card for Australian Open at age 45
Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
Woman says tea laced with pills given to ex was a chemistry experiment
Esther Jane Stephen, a high school softball coach, was arrested in 2020 in the fatal shooting of her former fiancé Shea Briar in Jay County, Indiana. Prosecutors say Stephen, known as E.J., had attempted to kill him before with a drink laced with ibuprofen.
After Swiss Alps bar fire, a look at America's past nightclub and bar fires
A look at bar and nightclub fires in the United States with significant death tolls and similar risks that led to the tragedies.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
MoneyWatch
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Tesla sales drop for a second year in a row amid headwinds
Tesla's electric vehicle sales fell 9% in 2025 from a year ago amid the expiration of a $7,500 EV U.S. tax credit.
U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
Trump administration delays tariff increases on furniture, kitchen cabinets
The one-year delay comes as President Trump has rolled back some other import duties amid affordability concerns.
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
What's open on New Year's Day 2026? See which stores are operating.
Banks, post offices and major stock exchanges will be closed in observance of the federal holiday, but some stores are open.
Politics
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Maduro says Venezuela open to U.S. talks on drug trafficking
In a pretaped interview on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro evaded a question about a U.S. strike at a docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by drug cartels.
Records reveal Minnesota's long history with day care fraud warnings
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
White House aiming to get final approval for Trump-backed ballroom by March
The Trump administration is aiming to move a planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom through the federal government's review process at a rapid clip, with final approvals as soon as early March.
4 takeaways from NYC Mayor Mamdani's inauguration speech
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made bold promises for his administration in his first speech.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
HealthWatch
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Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
Some states ban junk food from SNAP benefits
In 2026, several states are set to prohibit individuals from purchasing certain junk food items using their federal benefits. Meg Oliver has the details.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
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Maduro says Venezuela open to U.S. talks on drug trafficking
In a pretaped interview on state TV, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro evaded a question about a U.S. strike at a docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by drug cartels.
"Like a horror movie": Survivors, witnesses describe Swiss ski resort fire
As a deadly fire tore through the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski town of Crans-Montana, young people trapped inside tried desperately to escape.
Venus Williams gets wild card for Australian Open at age 45
Venus Williams, 45, received a wild-card entry to the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
Swiss bar fire started by sparklers, investigators say, amid efforts to ID victims
Many of those killed and injured by a fire that tore through a bar in Switzerland's Crans-Montana ski resort were teenagers celebrating the new year.
Trump says if Iran kills protesters, U.S. will "come to their rescue"
As U.S.-Iran tension soars, Trump warns violence against protesters could bring an American intervention: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Rosé talks rise in music industry and doubts
K-pop star Rosé is up for three Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year. She spoke with "CBS Mornings" about her rise to fame and the doubts she still has at times.
France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
Notable works entering the public domain in 2026
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, as crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Technology
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Technology
Economic oasis emerges in the Arizona desert
Arizona is fast becoming a major hub for computer chip production thanks to what's being called the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Kris Van Cleave takes us to a sprawling campus in Phoenix that is providing thousands of jobs while reducing America's reliance on overseas products.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
Crime
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Woman says tea laced with pills given to ex was a chemistry experiment
Esther Jane Stephen, a high school softball coach, was arrested in 2020 in the fatal shooting of her former fiancé Shea Briar in Jay County, Indiana. Prosecutors say Stephen, known as E.J., had attempted to kill him before with a drink laced with ibuprofen.
Fallout grows over freezing of child care funds
After the Trump administration paused federal assistance to child care centers in Minnesota, parents are now wondering if their kids' day care is in jeopardy, as the government investigates fraud claims. Jonah Kaplan has been following this developing story.
Epstein survivors decry delay in releasing files
There may be millions of documents the Justice Department still needs to release from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. By law, those files were required to be made public nearly two weeks ago. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Day care in Minneapolis vandalized after viral video purporting fraud
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
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
Maduro says he's open to U.S. talks
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now saying he's open to talks with the U.S. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports.
Global stocks kick off 2026 on a high
The stock market is seeing boosts attributed to artificial intelligence. CBS News contributor Javier E. David has more.
Mamdani becomes mayor, signs executive orders
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has signed several executive orders as he begins his term. CBS News' Zak Hudak reports.
Trump on his health as questions linger
President Trump's doctor released a new statement on the tests Mr. Trump underwent in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This comes as questions linger about the president's health. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Trump reacts to huge protests in Iran
President Trump is reacting to news of violence in Iran as protesters take to the streets in the Islamic Republic. CBS News' Courtney Kealy has more.