Obama becomes first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years
The visit also highlights big challenges on the communist island, including concerns about basic human rights
Fidel Castro
The storied history of U.S.-Cuba relations
Cuba and the U.S. have had a long, intertwined history including prominent figures such as President John F. Kennedy, Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Robinson and Lucky Luciano
While the pope delivered mass in Havana over the weekend, other Cubans worshiped in more modest settings
While the pope delivered mass in Havana over the weekend, other Cubans worshiped in more modest settings. Allen Pizzey reports.
Pope Francis visits Cuba
The pontiff arrived on the island nation to spend three days visiting Havana, Holguin and Santiago, before traveling to the U.S.
Americans still face restrictions regarding travel to Cuba
Americans still face restrictions regarding travel to Cuba. Paul Brady, Conde Nast Traveler's consumer news editor, joins CBSN with details.
The stars and stripes are once again flying at the U.S. embassy in Cuba for the first time since 1961. CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan reports from Havana on a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations
The stars and stripes are once again flying at the U.S. embassy in Cuba for the first time since 1961. CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan reports from Havana on a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations.
The flag-raising at the newly reopened American Embassy in Cuba was a moment filled with symbolism, marking a crucial step in changing the relationship between the United States and Cuba
The flag-raising at the newly reopened American Embassy in Cuba was a moment filled with symbolism, marking a crucial step in changing the relationship between the United States and Cuba. Margaret Brennan reports from Havana.
Secretary of State John Kerry presided over a flag-raising ceremony in Havana Friday to mark the reopening of the U.S. Embassy
Secretary of State John Kerry presided over a flag-raising ceremony in Havana Friday to mark the reopening of the U.S. Embassy. CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan reports.
Tensions in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood boiled over during protests against the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba
Tensions in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood boiled over during protests against the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba. WFOR Correspondent Marybel Rodriguez joins CBSN with details.
Special Report: U.S. raises flag over embassy in Cuba
After 54 years, the U.S. embassy in Havana officially reopened Friday
In Havana, the American flag will be raised over the U.S. embassy in Cuba, and John Kerry will be the first U.S. secretary of state to visit in 70 years
In Havana, the American flag will be raised over the U.S. embassy in Cuba, and John Kerry will be the first U.S. secretary of state to visit in 70 years. Margaret Brennan reports from Cuba.
With the U.S. and Cuba on speaking terms, some Americans who fled Fidel Castro's revolution in the 1960s want back what they left behind
With the U.S. and Cuba on speaking terms, some Americans who fled Fidel Castro's revolution in the 1960s want back what they left behind. CBS News correspondent Margaret Brennan reports.
In 1959, CBS' “Face the Nation” aired the first U.S. television interview with Fidel Castro, then a young revolutionary who had just overthrown Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista
In 1959, CBS' “Face the Nation” aired the first U.S. television interview with Fidel Castro, then a young revolutionary who had just overthrown Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.
CBS News Homeland Security Correspondent Jeff Pegues talks with CBS News Senior National Security Analyst Juan Zarate about the latest development in the thawing of U.S.-Cuba relations
CBS News Homeland Security Correspondent Jeff Pegues talks with CBS News Senior National Security Analyst Juan Zarate about the latest development in the thawing of U.S.-Cuba relations
American cigar lovers are hoping that they'll soon have the chance to enjoy Cuba's signature product
American cigar lovers are hoping that they'll soon have the chance to enjoy Cuba's signature product. Mark Strassmann heads to Havana to visit that island nation's cigar industry, and to sample what could soon be in American stores if Congress votes to lift the 1962 trade embargo of Cuban goods.
U.S. and Cuba reopen embassies
As flags are raised a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations begins
Ernest Hemingway's grandsons, Patrick and John, recently participated in a fishing tournament off Cuba's coast.
Ernest Hemingway's grandsons, Patrick and John, recently participated in a fishing tournament off Cuba's coast. For the first time in decades, several American vessels were allowed to participate. CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds reports.
Next week, Cuba comes off the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism
Next week, Cuba comes off the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism. The move is expected to jump start the path to normal relations between the two countries. But if you're thinking of re-arranging your summer travel plans, the island might still be a world away. Peter Greenberg reports.
A recent study has found that HIV-infected people in Cuba developed AIDS within three years, much faster than the most common strains of the virus
A recent study has found that HIV-infected people in Cuba developed AIDS within three years, much faster than the most common strains of the virus
From the archives, hear the late CBS News journalist Edward R. Murrow ask Fidel Castro about American tourist travel to Cuba
From the archives, hear the late CBS News journalist Edward R. Murrow ask Fidel Castro about American tourist travel to Cuba.
The late Harry Reasoner covered the overthrow of General Batista in 1959 and returned to Cuba 30 years later for an update on the revolution
The late Harry Reasoner covered the overthrow of General Batista in 1959 and returned to Cuba 30 years later for an update on the revolution.
At a dawn of a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations, discover the history of the island nation, from Cuban independence from Spain, to Fidel Castro's reign, to President Obama's recent diplomatic restoration
At a dawn of a new era in U.S.-Cuba relations, discover the history of the island nation, from Cuban independence from Spain, to Fidel Castro's reign, to President Obama's recent diplomatic restoration. Adriana Diaz reports.
Many U.S. companies are turning their sights toward Cuba
Many U.S. companies are turning their sights toward Cuba. They're hoping for an increase in trade after a historic decision to renew ties between the two countries. Adriana Diaz reports from Havana.
The Castro brothers
Fidel Castro led a revolution and ruled Cuba for almost 50 years before ceding power to his brother, Raul. On Wednesday, the U.S. and Cuba announced plans to normalize relations between the two countriues
For more than two years a U.S. government agency tried to undermine Cuban authorities by infiltrating Cuba's hip hop scene
For more than two years a U.S. government agency tried to undermine Cuban authorities by infiltrating Cuba's hip hop scene. The Associated Press investigated the secret hip-hop community. Desmond Butler of the AP tells Jeff Glor about what he found.
World
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
U.S. Navy crew ejects 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.
10 dead after stampede at a Christmas charity event in Nigeria
The stampede occurred in the early morning at a church in Nigeria, prompting evacuations at the church.
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
U.S.
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Breaking
Gaetz ethics report says his drug use, sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Drones collide, fall into crowd at holiday show in Florida, FAA says
A holiday drone show just days before Christmas was interrupted when drones collided, officials said.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji dead at age 26
Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI who openly questioned the legality of its data-gathering practices, died by suicide, authorities said.
MoneyWatch
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Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
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."
Politics
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Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Breaking
Gaetz ethics report says his drug use, sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
HealthWatch
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Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
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.
World
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Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
U.S. Navy crew ejects 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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Holiday music with Darren Criss: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Darren Criss, the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," helps "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of the Hugh Martin-Ralph Blane standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Music with Darren Criss: "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
Darren Criss (the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending") and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Technology
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Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
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 drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
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.
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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Crime
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Woman fatally set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway, police say
A woman died after she was set on fire aboard the New York City subway on an F train in Brooklyn, police say.
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.
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
12/22 : The Takeout: Rep. Jamie Raskin
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin joins "The Takeout" with lawmakers facing a government shutdown deadline. Raskin discusses Elon Musk's increasing influence in Washington, and President-elect Donald Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders around the world. He also looks at where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election, and how they need to better communicate key issues to voters.
A look at California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
Every year, the residents of one block in Alameda, California, pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Itay Hod shares the story of what's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."
How toy libraries cut down on waste of spending
With the holidays fast approaching, some are turning to toy libraries for their gifting needs. Toy libraries look much like toy stores, but the items are there to be borrowed instead of bought. Natalie Brand takes a closer look at how they work.
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Workers divided over sale of U.S. Steel
U.S. Steel workers are divided over the possible sale of the company to Japanese manufacturer Nippon Steel. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both voiced opposition to the deal, and Mr. Biden may signal an official stance on trying to block the deal as early as Monday. Erica Brown reports.