California bans chokeholds, shortens probation sentences
"Americans across the country took to the streets this summer rightfully demanding more and better of our criminal justice system – and of ourselves," Newsom said in a statement.
Inside The U.S. Justice System
Compassionate release offers some federal inmates hope
Petitions for compassionate release were rarely approved prior to the passing of the First Step Act in December 2018, which made it easier for offenders to bring the request to the court.
Federal prisons will resume visitations in October
The bureau, which is home to over 127,000 federal offenders, took precautions in March to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Health care provider severs ties with Mississippi prisons
Violence, understaffing, and a deteriorating infrastructure have plagued the prison system.
100 federal inmates have died from coronavirus
Among the dead are fathers and mothers, daughters and sons and brothers and sisters — none of whom were sentenced to death.
DOJ says Alabama inmates are subjected to excessive force
After a multi-year investigation, the department discovered the use of excessive force by correctional officers at 12 of the 13 facilities evaluated.
Inmates are 5 times more likely to get virus than others, study says
"Prisoners have a right to adequate protection of their health while incarcerated," said the lead author of the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Execution blocked after victims' family raises virus concerns
Daniel Lewis Lee, a former white supremacist who robbed and murdered a family of three, including their 8-year-old daughter, was scheduled to be executed on Monday.
California to release another 8,000 inmates to slow virus
As of Friday, 2,315 inmates have been sickened by the virus, and 31 have died, according to state officials.
Michael Cohen back in custody after refusing terms of home confinement
Cohen had been furloughed in May over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic within the federal prison system.
17 Rikers Island officers face discipline in transgender woman's death
Layleen Polanco, 27, died of an epileptic seizure while in solitary confinement on June 7 of last year.
Hip-hop producer helps inmates hone voices behind bars
The group of incarcerated artists is releasing a new project on Friday, May 29, titled "The San Quentin Mixtape, Vol. 1."
Michael Cohen returns home after early prison release
Cohen is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence on home confinement, a source familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Inmates on life inside prison during the pandemic
"We want to come home to our families healthy and not have to worry each day whether it's going to be our last."
Jay-Z and Meek Mill sending 10 million masks to U.S. prisons
With a $10 million boost from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Jay-Z and Meek Mill's criminal justice organization is sending 10 million surgical masks and other personal protective equipment to correctional facilities across the country.
CDC report details extent of coronavirus outbreaks in U.S. prisons
Jails and prisons, where social distancing is nearly impossible, have emerged as hotspots for COVID-19.
8 pregnant women to be released from New York prison
Six of the women were released from the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility on Tuesday night, officials said
No phone or email for inmates at 3 federal prisons in effort to fight virus
CBS News spoke to the friends and families of five inmates who have been impacted by what one person characterized as a "gag order."
Leaving Rikers Island and coming home to a pandemic
More than 1,300 people in the New York City jail system have tested positive for the virus. Three inmates have died, along with 10 staffers.
Inmates and families confused by guidance on home confinement
The attorney general has said that for some inmates, "home confinement might be more effective in protecting their health."
Producer says virus shouldn't be a death sentence for inmates
Film producer Scott Budnick, who took a break from the industry to focus on criminal justice reform, sat down with CBS News for an interview on leaving Hollywood.
Kim Kardashian West calls for the release of Ohio inmate
Kevin Keith is serving time at Marion Correctional Institution, one of the largest coronavirus hot spots in the country.
ICE declines to release asylum-seekers amid pandemic
"There's fear among all of us," Marco, a Cuban asylum-seeker detained in Louisiana, told CBS News.
Madonna sends 100,000 surgical masks to jails and prisons
More than 50,000 surgical masks will be donated to Chicago's Cook County Jail, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
Nurse fears her incarcerated fiance won't make it home amid pandemic
Chilling sound on a video appearing to show Alabama inmates describing how easily the coronavirus could spread in the state's jail system can be heard, "We need help… death is imminent for us."
U.S.
U.S. military suicides rose in 2023, persisting despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon expects to spend about $250 million on suicide prevention in 2025, the largest amount of funds the Defense Department has ever invested.
FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
Video shows police smash sunroof, saving man from car submerged in pool
The driver told Phoenix police he ended up in the pool after he accidentally stepped on the gas too hard.
"Human … Please die": Chatbot responds with threatening message
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
After two stamp hikes, the USPS lost nearly $10 billion in 2024
The U.S. Postal Service's loss widened in fiscal 2024, although revenue rose slightly after two stamp hikes this year.
What to know about recess appointments as Gaetz faces Senate headwinds
A recess appointment would allow Trump to install some officials and sidestep lengthy hearings and a floor vote.
Trump will nominate RFK Jr. for HHS secretary
Kennedy has a long record of criticizing vaccines, including spreading misleading claims about their safety.
Elon Musk's DOGE is hiring. Here's the kind of person he's looking for.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency said it is already recruiting people to work on the new initiative to cut federal spending.
Annual UFO report finds 21 cases of more than 700 received need more analysis
Among the 757 reports received, 4% had unusual descriptions, like "green fireball" or "a jelly fish with [multicolored] flashing lights."
U.S.
More U.S.
U.S. military suicides rose in 2023, persisting despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon expects to spend about $250 million on suicide prevention in 2025, the largest amount of funds the Defense Department has ever invested.
FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
Video shows police smash sunroof, saving man from car submerged in pool
The driver told Phoenix police he ended up in the pool after he accidentally stepped on the gas too hard.
"Human … Please die": Chatbot responds with threatening message
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
After two stamp hikes, the USPS lost nearly $10 billion in 2024
The U.S. Postal Service's loss widened in fiscal 2024, although revenue rose slightly after two stamp hikes this year.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
After two stamp hikes, the USPS lost nearly $10 billion in 2024
The U.S. Postal Service's loss widened in fiscal 2024, although revenue rose slightly after two stamp hikes this year.
Elon Musk's DOGE is hiring. Here's the kind of person he's looking for.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency said it is already recruiting people to work on the new initiative to cut federal spending.
Feds warn against bed rails, citing 18 deaths since 2021
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues urgent safety alert after ninth recall of adult bed rails in three years.
It's Starbucks Red Cup Day. Here's what to know about the event.
Here's how to get a free holiday-themed reusable red cup and what else there is to know about the event.
Ben & Jerry's sues Unilever, saying parent company censored it over Gaza
Ben & Jerry's independent board accuses Unilever of preventing the ice cream brand from advocating for Palestinian rights.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. military suicides rose in 2023, persisting despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon expects to spend about $250 million on suicide prevention in 2025, the largest amount of funds the Defense Department has ever invested.
FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
What to know about recess appointments as Gaetz faces Senate headwinds
A recess appointment would allow Trump to install some officials and sidestep lengthy hearings and a floor vote.
Trump will nominate RFK Jr. for HHS secretary
Kennedy has a long record of criticizing vaccines, including spreading misleading claims about their safety.
Elon Musk's DOGE is hiring. Here's the kind of person he's looking for.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency said it is already recruiting people to work on the new initiative to cut federal spending.
HealthWatch
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FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
Exercising like this could give those over 40 extra years of life, research says
Exercising like the most active 25% of Americans can help those over 40 add an extra 5 years to their life on average, according to new research.
Feds warn against bed rails, citing 18 deaths since 2021
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues urgent safety alert after ninth recall of adult bed rails in three years.
Why a "slowmance" may be a great approach this cuffing season
As the weather cools down, dating heats up — but here's why a "slowmance" might be worth a try this cuffing season.
Report: Diabetes rates have doubled
A new report shows global diabetes rates have doubled, rising from 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022, with the largest increase seen in low and middle-income countries. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the health risks tied to this surge.
World
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German soccer club St. Pauli quits X ahead of snap elections
Named after Hamburg's St. Pauli district, the club is known among soccer fans for its left-leaning supporter base.
Tropical Storm Sara forms in the Caribbean
Tropical Storm Sara developed in the Caribbean on Thursday, threatening parts of Central America with life-threatening and potentially catastrophic rain.
Delhi air pollution sparks emergency measures as smog shrouds city
Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.
NATO jets scrambled after Russian aircraft spotted
The Russian planes were "not adhering to international norms" when Italian and Norwegian NATO jets were mobilized.
India court warns against "bulldozer justice" allegedly targeting Muslims
India's Supreme Court has warned state authorities that bulldozing illegally constructed homes in an "arbitrary pick and choose" way is an abuse of their powers.
Entertainment
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Billy Bob Thornton takes on oil industry in new series, "Landman"
Billy Bob Thornton stars in "Landman," a series crafted specifically for him by Taylor Sheridan.
Book excerpt: "Cher: The Memoir – Part One"
In the first volume of the singer-actress' memoirs, Cher recounts attending, at age 11, an event that would change the direction of her life: an Elvis Presley concert.
Jaleel White on life after "Family Matters"
Jaleel White joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to discuss his new book "Growing Up Urkel" and talks about life after his role as the beloved character Steve Urkel.
"Mornings Memory": Perdue workers visit farms
In today's "Mornings Memory," we look back to 2002 when Perdue Farms chairman Jim Perdue stepped out of his office to work alongside his employees.
Billy Bob Thornton on "Landman"
Oscar-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new role in "Landman," the latest Paramount Plus series from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. Thornton stars as Tommy Norris, a man tasked with managing land and people in the oil-rich landscapes of West Texas.
Technology
More Technology
"Human … Please die": Chatbot responds with threatening message
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
Meta facing courtroom battle
On Wednesday, a judge allowed a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit to move forward that accuses Meta of creating an illegal monopoly with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
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.
The Guardian to stop posting on X, calling it "a toxic media platform"
The Guardian says benefits of being on Elon Musk's social media platform X are outweighed by its "often disturbing content."
Amazon debuts Amazon Haul with "crazy low prices." Here's what to know.
Amazon rolls out a new shopping service, dubbed Amazon Haul, that sells items for $20 or less.
Science
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Scientists say biggest coral in the world discovered in the Pacific
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Surfboards with lights could deter shark attacks: "Invisibility cloak"
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Site of ancient, key battle in Iraq found using spy satellite images
1970s-era U.S. spy satellite imagery has led archeologists to what they believe is the site of a seventh-century battle that was decisive in the spread of Islam in the region.
Who is Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick for EPA head?
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would nominate former Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins to discuss the move.
Crime
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Skulls linked to missing woman, other possible victims found in New Mexico
Authorities suspect they've found the remains of 10 to 20 human skulls on a property in southeastern New Mexico.
Kelce's and Mahomes' homes burglarized
The FBI is reportedly investigating burglaries at the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The string of burglaries happened early last month while neither of them were home. At least $20,000 in cash was taken from Kelce's home. Neither one has addressed the burglaries publicly.
Former prosecutor is arrested in beheading of mayor in Mexico
Germán Reyes was arrested on charges of homicide for the killing of Alejandro Arcos just a week after he took office as mayor, officials said.
Kouri Richins, Utah mom charged with poisoning husband, denied bail
A judge denied bail for Kouri Richins a second time on Tuesday, ordering the Utah mom to remain in jail until she goes on trial for allegedly fatally poisoning her husband in 2022.
Pentagon leaker gets 15-year sentence
A judge on Tuesday sentenced former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira to 15 years in prison for leaking classified Pentagon documents on social media. The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to six counts of violating the Espionage Act in March. CBS News Justice Department reporter Robert Legare has more.
Space
More Space
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Cargo ship brings science gear, holiday treats to space station crew
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
The Taurid meteor showers will peak a week apart in November
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
"Halloween comet" disintegrates after flying close to the sun, video shows
NASA confirmed its sun-observing spacecraft captured the moment when the comet Atlas broke into chunks this week as it passed close to the sun.
Chinese space station gets new crew
A Chinese spacecraft carrying a three-person crew, including the country's first female space engineer, has successfully docked with China's orbiting space station. The launch comes as Beijing works to expand its space exploration and put a person on the moon by 2030.
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.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
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
Trump to tap Burgum as interior secretary
President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to nominate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum for secretary of the interior. Trump made the announcement while speaking at a gala for the American First Policy Institute held at Mar-a-Lago.
Advocacy group accuses Israel of war crimes
The U.S.-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch released a 154-page report accusing Israel of atrocities against Palestinians. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer reports on that and Merissa Khurma, the Middle East program director at the Wilson Center, joins "The Daily Report" to break down how President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks could impact Middle East policy.
Alex Jones' Infowars purchased by The Onion
The satirical site The Onion has purchased Infowars, the media platform owned by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The Onion in its purchase received the support of Sandy Hook families who won over $1.4 billion in a defamation judgment against Jones in 2022. A court had ruled that Jones' assets, including the media company, had to be sold to compensate the families. Lilia Luciano reports.
What to know about emergency contraceptives
Emergency contraceptive purchases spiked in the days following the 2024 Election, according to CBS News Confirmed data. Planned Parenthood also reported a 760% increase in IUD appointments since Nov. 6. Gynecologist Dr. Jessica Shepherd joins "The Daily Report" to discuss what to know about morning-after pills and what reproductive health questions people should ask their doctors.
What Huckabee pick could signal for the West Bank
The West Bank has seen escalating violence since Oct. 7, with Israeli soldiers pursuing militants in residential areas and Jewish settlers mounting attacks on Palestinians in land grabs. Elizabeth Palmer looks at what President-elect Donald Trump's election victory and his selection of Mike Huckabee for U.S. ambassador to Israel could mean for the West Bank's future.