Why not make Election Day a national holiday?
Voting advocates support it, but election experts say getting the day off isn't the right approach to bolster turnout.
Cara Korte - Climate & Energy Reporter
Houston student group wants virtual school until vaccine available
"You're needlessly putting lives at risk by making people do in-person instruction," said Houston high school senior Jennifer Hamad.
Voter registration ends Monday in 12 states
According to early returns, nearly 4 million votes have already been cast.
Trump encourages supporters to monitor polling places — a federal crime
What President Trump is urging his supporters to do differs from the duties certified poll watchers are tasked with.
Colorado business owners adapt to COVID realities, prepare for future
"Anything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong this year, and I think we've still come out the other side feeling confident about this winter," said The Aspen Company's Caleb Sample.
Election Day dictionary: All the terms you need to know
What is the difference between voting absentee and by mail? What does it mean if my ballot is rejected? Here are your answers.
Female politicians of color celebrate 19th Amendment centennial while recognizing shortfalls
"During the passage of the 19th Amendment, we left out women of color, we left out Black women, and I don't want us to continue to do that in our policy," Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said.
Newly minted pastry chef opens home business in response to COVID
Jobs "at the Four Seasons and the higher-end hotels...they're just nonexistent right now," 37-year-old Thuy Carroll said. "It's been a challenge. So, I was like, I'm just gonna pivot and see what happens."
Houston students want to be heard in school reopening conversation
"We don't want our children to be lab rats," one student tells CBS News, in this latest COVID Chronicles report.
Seasonal changes bring challenges for Colorado tourism amid pandemic
Tourists spend billions in Colorado each year — in 2018, travelers spent $22.3 billion in the state.
Trade school students face adversity amid COVID pandemic
Trained to enter workforce, trade school graduates enter worst job market in history, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Here's the latest in the COVID Chronicles — the impact of the coronavirus on 2020 battleground states.
Catherine Cortez Masto, dark horse for Biden running mate?
The Nevada senator has stayed out of the limelight and yet remains on most lists as a possible running mate for Joe Biden.
Bernie Sanders announces he will remain in presidential race
Sanders did not speak on Tuesday evening after losing primaries in four states and winning in North Dakota.
Sanders and Biden tangle over trade in Democratic primaries in Rust Belt
Sanders is betting on protectionist trade policies deliver him a win he needs in Michigan and other voting contests to come.
Sanders and Bloomberg slam Trump over coronavirus
This was the first time Sanders has mentioned coronavirus on the campaign trail. Bloomberg questioned the choice of Pence to lead the response.
Sanders slams Buttigieg and Bloomberg on the trail in New Hampshire
"I like Pete Buttigieg. Nice guy," Sanders said. "But we are in a moment where billionaires control not only our economy but our political life. I'm reading some headlines from newspapers about Pete Buttigieg."
Sanders bashes Iowa state Dems and claims popular vote victory
He said the state party's "screwup" in handling the results of the Iowa caucuses has been "extremely unfair" to Iowans and the candidates.
Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden continue to trade fire over Social Security
Sanders tweeted video of Biden from 1995 that depicts him talking about freezing entitlement spending.
Sanders apologizes to Biden for surrogate op-ed
"It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared," Sanders told CBS News.
Rep. warns not electing progressive could lead to another Trump
Jayapal endorsed Bernie Sanders for president Sunday, a notable win for the Sanders campaign over fellow progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Sanders says seniors support Biden "because Joe is a nice guy"
The Vermont senator has been criticizing the former vice president's record on Social Security in the weeks leading up to the Iowa caucuses.
Sanders' 4th quarter fundraising efforts top the 2020 Democrat field
Sanders racked up the largest quarterly fundraising total of any Democratic candidate so far in 2020.
Bernie Sanders knocks rivals for taking donations from billionaires
"Why would many, many billionaires be contributing to candidates if they didn't think they were getting something out of it? They're not doing it through the goodness of their hearts."
Bernie Sanders looks beyond contests in Iowa and New Hampshire
In interview with CBS News, Sanders campaign manager Faiz Shakir talks about a path to nomination, even if Sanders doesn't win the earliest voting contests.
Emotional town halls become centerpiece of Bernie Sanders' campaign
"We are going to take on the billionaire class, substantially reduce wealth inequality in America and stop our democracy from turning into a corrupt oligarchy"
Politics
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
How Trump could undo portions of Biden's climate legacy
Biden's most recent climate initiatives are all but certain to be short-lived, mostly thanks to an obscure law that tends to come into play every four years.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak
ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
Cuomo sues woman who accused him of sexual harassment for defamation
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit Thursday against a former aide, Charlotte Bennett, who alleged he sexually harassed her in 2020.
Manchin predicts Senate will go along with House on shutdown negotiations
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" he expects the tense negotiations on funding the government will end without a shutdown.
IRS whistleblowers jab at Hunter Biden pardon in lawsuit filing against his lawyer
Two IRS agents have accused Hunter Biden's lawyer of defamation.
Why Trump wants Congress to abolish the debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump added a wrinkle to negotiations over a deal to fund the government when he called for an increase to the debt ceiling.
Trump shakes up spending talks with call to eliminate debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump Trump said lawmakers should oppose any sweeping spending measure that includes "traps" and abolish the debt limit before he takes office next year.
How a U.S. government shutdown could have impacted benefits and services
The U.S. government faced the threat of a shutdown if Congress didn't pass a spending bill before Dec. 21, 2024. Here's a look at the potential impact.
How Trump and Elon Musk derailed bipartisan plans for a funding bill
"My phone was ringing off the hook," Republican Rep. Andy Barr said. "The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk."
Biden signs government funding bill, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure will fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief.
U.S.
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Politics
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
The New York City Ballet has been performing "The Nutcracker" for decades. Each year, young dancers make their mark on the ballet.
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.
The man behind method acting
50 years ago, "The Godfather Part II" was playing in theaters nationwide. The film catapulted Lee Strasberg, whose namesake form of acting preparation was used by some of the film's leads, to stardom. Dozens of the entertainment industry's biggest stars have trained at his institute, learning the techniques of method acting. Michelle Miller went behind the scenes to learn more about "The Method Man."
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Dish: Western restaurants
We head West and meet three culinary mavericks redefining fine dining, from an artist-turned-chef in Seattle, Washington, to a chef in Portland, Oregon, who infuses the flavors of Haiti into every dish. Watch these stories and more on The Dish.
Here Comes the Sun: Ted Danson and more
Actor Ted Danson sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his latest project, “A Man on the Inside.” Then, David Pogue learns how some companies are creating ways to prevent whales from getting hit by cargo and cruise ships. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
The Search for JonBenét's Killer
Is there new hope to solve the murder of JonBenét Ramsey? Her father says there’s a way. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 21, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with David Wade.
Chicago elf brings joy to children in hospitals
The Chicago group Holiday Heroes seeks to bring joy and light to brave children at 18 different hospitals. Noel Brennan has more.