We won't rest until VA problems fixed, Biden says
The vice president told veterans that the Obama administration won't rest until problems at the Veterans Affairs Department get fixed
VA Hospitals Scandal
Gibson: VA has lost trust of vets, American people
The top official at the Department of Veterans Affairs says the agency has lost veterans' trust due to treatment delays and falsified records
Whistle-blower says VA employees changed dates on disability claims
She says mail sat "untouched for years" in Philadelphia office, workers altered dates to make it seem vets were getting checks faster
Family wants answers after veteran dies waiting for ambulance at VA
Vietnam veteran's family wants to know if bureaucratic regulations got in the way of compassion and common sense
To prevent veteran suicides, wounded warrior presses for holistic care
Retired Army Sgt. Josh Renschler considered suicide after suffering severe injuries in Iraq, but now he's advocating for his fellow veterans
Whistleblowers testify to retaliation by VA supervisors
E-mails obtained by CBS News from a scheduler at Los Angeles VA offer example of "culture of retaliation" described by doctor
VA honcho: Sorry about retaliation vs. whistleblowers
James Tuchschmidt tells nighttime House hearing he's "sickened by all of this"
Retaliation complaints jump at VA, watchdog says
The independent Office of Special Counsel is examining 67 claims of retaliation against VA whistleblowers
As veterans waited for medical treatment, VA executives got bonuses
Senior VA executives in charge while care was delayed for veterans received bonuses
Veteran dies waiting for ambulance in VA hospital in New Mexico
Man collapsed in VA hospital cafeteria, 500 yards from the emergency room, and died after waiting 30 minutes for an ambulance
Poll: Many veterans say it's difficult to access VA care
The Gallup poll also shows a majority of veterans say they're less confident in the scandal-plagued VA health system
Can Bob McDonald restore trust in the VA?
Veterans advocates say they're cautiously optimistic about Obama's surprise pick to lead the troubled agency
Obama urges quick confirmation of new VA secretary
The president officially nominated former Procter & Gable CEO Bob McDonald to help reform the agency after the VA scandal
Obama to nominate former Procter & Gamble head as VA secretary
White House officials say the president will nominate Bob McDonald, businessman and West Point graduate, on Monday to helm the troubled veterans affairs department
Investigation finds "corrosive culture" at Veterans Administration
Scathing White House report describes poor management, retaliation against employees
VA review describes "corrosive culture" and chronic failures
A review in the wake of the veterans' hospital scandal concludes there are "significant and chronic" failures the VA needs to address
Special counsel: VA ignored whistleblower warnings about wait times
The head of the government agency charged with protecting whistleblowers outlined her findings in a letter to President Obama
VA: 80 percent of senior execs got bonuses last year
Despite widespread treatment delays and preventable deaths at VA hospitals, most execs received extra pay
VA chief: Vets forced to wait 30 days for medical care higher than first reported
"I don't like that we've got more veterans waiting, but at least we're getting better data," says Sloan Gibson, acting VA secretary
Sen. Tom Coburn: VA problems "much deeper" than scheduling
Oklahoma Republican draws on his experience as a doctor and cancer survivor to condemn treatment delays, misconduct at Veterans Affairs hospitals
In dealing with VA scandal, Congress unites - for a change
Why gridlock in Washington is briefly easing as lawmakers swiftly address the VA hospital scandal
Senate votes to let veterans seek treatment outside of VA hospitals
The bipartisan measure will be combined with a similar bill from the House before being sent to President Obama
FBI opens criminal investigation into VA after scathing report
FBI Director says probe led by field office in Phoenix, where IG report confirmed excessive waiting times and misconduct at hospital there
Senators to Justice Dept.: investigate VA criminal wrongdoing
A bipartisan group senators are pushing for a quicker response to the VA scandal from the administration
57,000 still awaiting initial VA hospital visits, audit shows
13 percent of VA schedulers reported supervisors telling them to falsify appointment dates to make waiting times appear shorter
U.S.
An owl came down a chimney and perched on a Christmas tree: See the video
A Virginia family had an unexpected visitor come down their chimney this week.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
U.S.
More U.S.
An owl came down a chimney and perched on a Christmas tree: See the video
A Virginia family had an unexpected visitor come down their chimney this week.
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."
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.
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.
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.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
Politics
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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.
HealthWatch
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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.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
World
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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 30 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.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
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."
The young dancers behind a holiday classic
The New York City Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" began in 1954 and has remained one of the most enduring shows at Lincoln Center. Two young dancers taking the stage this year opened up about living their dream and keeping a holiday classic alive.
The untold WWII story of "Six Triple Eight"
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film "Six Triple Eight," spotlighting the only all-Black women's battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.
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
More Science
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
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.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Dish: Rick Bayless
Chicago-based chef Rick Bayless has spent decades traveling to Mexico, bringing the flavors and traditions back to the United States. He's written nine cookbooks and hosted a PBS cooking show, while his restaurants have earned culinary honors, including Michelin stars. Now, on a special holiday edition of the Dish, Bayless opens up about his annual tradition of spending Christmas in Mexico.
Ben Folds performs "We Could Have This"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "We Could Have This."
Ben Folds performs "The Christmas Song"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "The Christmas Song."
Ben Folds performs "Me And Maurice"
Legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds rose to fame with his band, "Ben Folds Five," before launching a solo career in the early 200s. Since then, he's recorded multiple studio albums and established himself as one of the most ambitious and versatile performers of his generation. This past October, he released his first Christmas collection, "Sleigher," featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined classics. Now from "Sleigher," here is Ben Folds with "Me And Maurice."
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.