Human heads displayed at Ecuador tourist beach in warning to gangs
Images on social media showed five heads tied with ropes on two wooden posts at a popular whale watching destination in Ecuador's southwest.
Ecuador
Soccer star Mario Pineida shot and killed in Ecuador
Guayaquil has become a hotspot for gang violence linked to drug trafficking and several soccer players in Ecuador have been targeted in recent months.
13 inmates found dead after explosion at prison in Ecuador
The deaths occurred Sunday at a prison in the coastal city of Machala, Ecuador, after "the detonation of an explosive device" outside, officials said.
Leader of gang targeted by U.S. captured years after faking his death
Wilmer Chavarriais is believed to be the leader of Los Lobos, a drug trafficking syndicate that was recently designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.
U.S. reaches trade frameworks with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador
The agreements will likely affect the prices of things like cocoa, bananas and coffee.
31 dead after Ecuador prison riot, officials say
At least 27 inmates were found dead from asphyxiation at a prison in Ecuador where a riot broke out that left four others dead earlier in the day, officials said.
16-year-old soccer player killed by stray bullet in Ecuador
Since 2021, Ecuador has experienced growing criminal violence by gangs operating in coordination with Colombian and Mexican cartels involved in drug trafficking.
Half of uncontacted tribes could be wiped out in 10 years, report says
Loggers were killed after entering Mashco Piro territory in Peru's Amazon, with Indigenous leaders warning that such clashes are inevitable when frontier zones go unpoliced.
Ecuador releases survivor of U.S. strike on alleged "narco sub"
Ecuador released a man who survived a U.S. strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel after finding no evidence that he had committed a crime, officials said.
Boat strike survivors return to home countries
The Department of Defense has released footage from Friday's deadly strike on an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean Sea. CBS News Pentagon reporter and producer Eleanor Watson has the details.
Judge shot dead while walking his kids to school in Ecuador
Police said the Los Lobos gang -- designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. -- was suspected of the attack on the judge.
14 people killed, with victims showing "signs of torture" in Ecuador
Four men and four women had "signs of torture" with their hands tied together and "their heads covered in black bags," according to a police report.
17 killed in Ecuador prison riot days after deadly jailbreak
Clashes between drug gangs claimed at least 17 lives at an Ecuadoran prison, with rampaging inmates beheading and maiming rivals, officials said.
14 killed in prison clashes in Ecuador as some inmates escape
Ecuador has seen violence spiral in recent years as enemy gangs with ties to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control.
Prehistoric insects trapped in amber give glimpse into ancient life
Scientists have discovered prehistoric insects preserved in amber in South America for the first time.
7 killed in another mass shooting at a pool hall in Ecuador
The attack was the fourth of its kind in recent weeks in the South American country.
U.S. designating 2 more gangs as foreign terrorist groups, Rubio says
The announcement targeting Los Lobos and Los Choneros came after a lethal U.S. military strike against a similarly designated gang in Venezuela.
7 killed in pool hall shooting weeks after massacre at different pool hall
A similar pool hall massacre took place last month in the southwestern tourist city of General Villamil Playas, leaving at least nine dead.
Shootout at Ecuador nightclub kills 8 as violent crime surges, police say
A shooting at a nightclub in Ecuador on Sunday killed eight people and injured three others in the latest violent incident to hit the spiraling South American country, authorities said.
At least 9 people shot dead while playing pool in Ecuador tourist city
Local media reports said the attackers were armed with automatic rifles, and bullet holes were visible on the pool tables.
Drug lord pleads not guilty in U.S. court after extradition from Ecuador
José Adolfo Macías Villamar, whose nickname is "Fito," escaped from a prison in Ecuador last year and was recaptured June.
Ecuador's top drug lord agrees to U.S. extradition after being captured
Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," was captured in June after escaping from a maximum security prison last year in a jailbreak that sparked a severe wave of gang violence.
Most wanted Ecuadorian drug lord captured
Authorities have captured Ecuador's most wanted fugitive, a drug lord known as Fito, after he escaped prison more than a year ago. Cristian Benavides has details.
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa sworn in for second term amid rising crime
The inauguration in Quito, the country's capital, was attended by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr.
Five fishermen who spent 55 days adrift at sea arrive in the Galapagos Islands
The three Peruvians and two Colombians had been missing since mid-March and were found on May 7 by an Ecuadorian boat called Aldo.
FBI releases first description of suspect in Nancy Guthrie case, increases reward
Authorities on Thursday released the first physical description of a male suspect wanted in connection with the Arizona disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Black gloves found in Nancy Guthrie search, sources say
The gloves will be tested for DNA as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.
DOJ drops charges against men accused of assaulting ICE, citing "inconsistent" evidence
The Justice Department moved to drop charges against two men charged with assaulting ICE officers, citing "newly discovered evidence" that was "materially inconsistent" with the allegations.
Senate fails to advance DHS funding, teeing up partial shutdown
The Senate failed to advance a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, paving the way for another partial government shutdown without a last-minute breakthrough.
CBP officer allegedly harbored unauthorized immigrant who was also his girlfriend and niece
The Justice Department alleges that CBP officer and supervisor Andres Wilkinson had been living in Laredo, Texas, with a woman who had overstayed her visa and is now in the U.S. illegally.
Judge blocks Pentagon from downgrading Sen. Mark Kelly's military rank, pay
A judge banned the Trump administration from taking adverse action against Kelly after he and other Democratic lawmakers urged military members to "refuse illegal orders."
Border czar announces Minnesota immigration operation surge is ending
Border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday that Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is concluding, with a drawdown of federal immigration officers set to occur over the course of next week.
First on CBS
Gisèle Pelicot recounts ex-husband's "unthinkable" crimes in first U.S. TV interview
In a conversation to air on "CBS Sunday Morning" Feb. 15, Gisèle Pelicot discusses how she has moved on in her life after testifying against her ex-husband in a notorious mass rape trial in France.
Another U.S. aircraft carrier expected to head to Middle East, officials say
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships are expected to head to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told CBS News, adding a second aircraft carrier to the region as U.S.-Iran tensions simmer.
U.S.
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Shooting at South Carolina State University leaves 2 dead, 1 wounded
Two people are dead and another wounded after a shooting in a South Carolina State University residential complex, the school says.
Ruemmler resigning as Goldman Sachs' general counsel after appearing in Epstein files
Kathryn Ruemmler served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama.
CBP officer allegedly harbored unauthorized immigrant who was also his girlfriend and niece
The Justice Department alleges that CBP officer and supervisor Andres Wilkinson had been living in Laredo, Texas, with a woman who had overstayed her visa and is now in the U.S. illegally.
U.S. men's hockey team cruises to 5-1 win over Latvia
In the easy win, Brock Nelson scored twice for the U.S., four players had two assists apiece and there was production up and down the lineup.
At 87, he can't afford his rent without a roommate. He's far from alone.
More than 1 million Americans over 65 lived with roommates they aren't related to in 2024 — a 16% increase from 2019.
MoneyWatch
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At 87, he can't afford his rent without a roommate. He's far from alone.
More than 1 million Americans over 65 lived with roommates they aren't related to in 2024 — a 16% increase from 2019.
Americans paid nearly 90% of Trump's 2025 tariffs, new analysis found
Americans, not foreign exporters, shouldered nearly the costs from the Trump administration's tariffs last year, according to the New York Fed.
Trump admin moves to end "universally hated" start/stop feature for cars
The EPA said it will end credits for the start/stop feature, which shuts off gas engines when cars are idle to save fuel.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Southwest's new boarding process off to bumpy start
Some travelers are finding they don't have storage above their seats when they get on the plane because early boarders are taking up the overhead bins.
Politics
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Another U.S. aircraft carrier expected to head to Middle East, officials say
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships are expected to head to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told CBS News, adding a second aircraft carrier to the region as U.S.-Iran tensions simmer.
Ruemmler resigning as Goldman Sachs' general counsel after appearing in Epstein files
Kathryn Ruemmler served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama.
Gov. Moore dismisses Trump's "not worthy" snub: "I will bow down to no one"
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore shrugged off President Trump's claim that he was "not worthy" to attend an annual White House dinner, telling CBS News Mr. Trump does "not determine my worthiness."
CBP officer allegedly harbored unauthorized immigrant who was also his girlfriend and niece
The Justice Department alleges that CBP officer and supervisor Andres Wilkinson had been living in Laredo, Texas, with a woman who had overstayed her visa and is now in the U.S. illegally.
DOJ drops charges against men accused of assaulting ICE, citing "inconsistent" evidence
The Justice Department moved to drop charges against two men charged with assaulting ICE officers, citing "newly discovered evidence" that was "materially inconsistent" with the allegations.
HealthWatch
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Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
World
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U.S. men's hockey team cruises to 5-1 win over Latvia
In the easy win, Brock Nelson scored twice for the U.S., four players had two assists apiece and there was production up and down the lineup.
Madison Chock says ice dance judges should "be vetted and reviewed"
Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates, considered the favorites, placed second in the 2026 Winter Olympics. France's Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron took home gold.
American Chloe Kim wins silver in women's halfpipe, misses Olympic three-peat
Chloe Kim has fallen short in her bid to become the first Olympic snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals.
First on CBS
Gisèle Pelicot recounts ex-husband's "unthinkable" crimes in first U.S. TV interview
In a conversation to air on "CBS Sunday Morning" Feb. 15, Gisèle Pelicot discusses how she has moved on in her life after testifying against her ex-husband in a notorious mass rape trial in France.
CIA releases new video aiming to recruit Chinese military officers
The CIA has released a new Mandarin-language recruitment video aimed at Chinese military officers, hoping to persuade those disenchanted with corruption to turn to the U.S.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Constance Zimmer on "The Lincoln Lawyer"
Constance Zimmer, who stars in the new season of "The Lincoln Lawyer," talks about how she channels her powerful character in the series and why it's important for her to always make her characters relatable.
James Van Der Beek dies after cancer battle
James Van Der Beek, known for starring in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. Vladimir Duthiers reports on the beloved actor's career.
"Dawson's Creek" co-stars remember James Van Der Beek: "One in a billion"
Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps are among the "Dawson's Creek" cast members sharing memories of James Van Der Beek after his death at age 48.
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Looking back at James Van Der Beek's life
James Van Der Beek, the star of teen classics like "Varsity Blues" and "Dawson's Creek," has died at the age of 48. His wife posted about his death on Instagram on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
Technology
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FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
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.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Science
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Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Crime
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Shooting at South Carolina State University leaves 2 dead, 1 wounded
Two people are dead and another wounded after a shooting in a South Carolina State University residential complex, the school says.
FBI shares photos of backpack in Guthrie case
The FBI on Thursday shared photos of a backpack and new details about a masked man seen on Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
FBI releases first description of suspect in Nancy Guthrie case, increases reward
Authorities on Thursday released the first physical description of a male suspect wanted in connection with the Arizona disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
No official comment on tent at Guthrie home
A white tent was set up on Nancy Guthrie's front porch Thursday morning. It's the spot where doorbell camera footage captured images of a masked, gloved intruder. Authorities have not yet commented on the tent's purpose. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
White tent set up on Nancy Guthrie's porch
Investigators have set up a white tent in front of the home of Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie has not been since since January 31. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Space
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Space
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
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.
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
Wes Moore reacts to Trump's "not worthy" snub
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told Norah O'Donnell that he "will bow down to no one," dismissing President Trump's decision to exclude him from the annual National Governors Association meeting and dinner at the White House. Watch Moore's full conversation with O'Donnell during a town hall airing Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Professor holds student's baby during class
After a new mom's childcare plans fell through during her senior year of college, a kind professor stepped in to help. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
87-year-old lives with roommate to help cover rent
More than 1 million Americans over the age of 65 lived with roommates they aren't related to in 2024 -- a 16% increase from 2019. Elaine Quijano spoke to two of them in New York City.
Measles outbreak at Florida university climbs
Measles cases at Ave Maria University near Naples, Florida, continue to soar, with the outbreak climbing to nearly 60 cases this week. Cristian Benavides reports.