Education was a lifeline for this Syrian immigrant. Now he's helping others.
"I am very fortunate to be alive, to be sitting here and talking about it," says Majid Abdulsamad, who started a new life in the U.S. and how helps others do the same.
Syria Crisis
Why Syria's civil war is still a "living nightmare" after 10 years
Many hoped the uprising against Bashar Assad would oust him quickly. 400,000 lives later and with no end to the suffering in sight, he's planning a reelection bid.
Syrian refugees at "breaking point" after 10 years of civil war
Ammar Haj's family are just surviving as refugees in Jordan, but with child labor, sexual violence and suicide attempts rising - and hope fading - they're may be the lucky ones.
Syrian president and wife catch COVID as war mires pandemic response
Spokesman says Bashar Assad, whose regime has been crippled by a decade of war and international sanctions, is "in good health" as vaccinations get staggering start.
The evidence of Assad and his regime's legacy of war crimes
Assad and his regime may never be prosecuted for the acts of terror he perpetrated against his own people during Syria's civil war. Scott Pelley reports on the effort to gather and maintain the evidence against Assad.
Even war and COVID fail to dampen U.S. troops' Thanksgiving spirit
More than 100 service members have COVID-19 at a single base in Iraq, but the doctor in charge says the invisible enemy has united the troops in a way he's never seen.
Trump sent officials to Syria to try to negotiate Austin Tice's release
Sources say the president quietly sent senior officials to Damascus in a bid to get kidnapped journalist Austin Tice home before the election, but they couldn't make a deal.
As Syria crumbles, many face the "terrifying" option of refugee life
"I would feel guilty if I go, but I would also feel guilty if I don't."
Trump appears to contradict earlier remarks on killing Syria's leader
President tells Fox & Friends he wanted to target Bashar Assad, but Jim Mattis "didn't want to." Two years ago he said it was "never even contemplated."
Russia vows to help Syria "break through" crippling U.S. sanctions
Vladimir Putin has vowed once again to come to the rescue of his ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad.
U.S. troops injured in tense encounter with Russian forces in Syria
The injuries were minor, but such confrontations have become common, and a U.S. official says the Russians were "reckless" on this occasion.
Deadly clash reported between U.S. and Syrian forces
Syrian media and a war monitoring group say the incident started when American forces were denied passage at a checkpoint near a Syrian air base.
Will new U.S. sanctions hurt Bashar Assad, the Syrian people, or both?
The U.N. estimates at least 80% of Syrians are already living in poverty, and many fear the new sanctions from Washington will make life even harder.
Why a Syrian refugee-turned-filmmaker is volunteering as a hospital cleaner
Hassan Akkad survived torture and near drowning to carve out a new, successful life, but right now he's busy cleaning a hospital to "pay it forward."
Fears COVID-19 could sweep through camps in Syria's last rebel enclave
Doctor working in war-torn Idlib province says it's "impossible" to self-isolate in the crowded camps for displaced Syrians, so if COVID-19 arrives, "it would be a disaster."
Inside Syria's worst humanitarian crisis
A province in Syria's northwest, Idlib is the last opposition stronghold against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Inside the lives of children living in Syrian civil war
Inside the lives of Syria's children, who have been the most affected by the country's war. Ian Lee reports.
U.S. Syria envoy says situation in Idlib is "far more" than a humanitarian catastrophe
"It's a dangerous geostrategic escalation. It's a dangerous international situation that needs to be brought under control with a ceasefire," said James Jeffrey, U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement.
Syrian girl who went viral laughing at bombs makes it to safety
Salwa Mohammad's father taught her to laugh through fierce bombing around their home in Idlib, and it may have saved both their lives.
33 Turkish soldiers killed by airstrike in northwestern Syria
It was the largest death toll for Turkey in a single day since it first intervened in Syria in 2016.
Syria's Aleppo airport resumes flights amid nearby offensive
The airport has been closed since 2012 due to fighting.
U.N. official says Syrian refugee crisis "cruel beyond belief"
Since December, 900,000 civilians have been forced to flee Syrian and Russian bombs in the northwest. Most are women and children.
Displaced Syrians are camping in freezing conditions
A military offensive in northwestern Syria has created one of the worst catastrophes for civilians in the country's long-running war.
U.S. convoy comes under fire in Syria, sparking deadly clash
"In self-defense, coalition troops returned fire" after forces loyal to Syria's government opened fire on several vehicles, the U.S. military says.
Oscar-nominated filmmaker on the suffering "still happening" in Syria
Filmmaker Waad al-Kateab's Oscar-nominated documentary is a moving account of life during the five-year siege of Aleppo, Syria.
World
American dies in Laos amid reports that several tourists suffered alcohol poisoning
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
3 police officers, 4 cartel suspects killed near U.S. border
Drug cartel gunmen also attacked a funeral convoy of cars accompanying the body of one of the victims in the first attack, officials said.
China admits spy plane violated Japanese airspace, Tokyo says
China said the airspace violation occurred when the plane's pilot took emergency measures due to turbulence, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
One Direction stars attend Liam Payne's funeral in England
Family and friends of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died after falling from a Buenos Aires hotel room, have gathered for his funeral in England.
What Russia's new nuclear weapons policy means
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes formally lowering the threshold at which his country can consider a nuclear attack.
Man arrested 57 years after woman raped, killed in her home
The case remained cold for 57 years until 92-year-old Ryland Headley was arrested and subsequently charged.
Woman linked to 14 poisoning murders is sentenced to death
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, is accused of swindling thousands of dollars from her victims before killing them with cyanide.
U.S.
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Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Has life in the U.S. become too political? You can buy a house in Italy for $1.
A village in Sardinia is trying to entice politics-weary Americans to buy cheap homes in Italy.
Politics
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Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
4 Trump administration picks have sexual misconduct allegations in their past
Four men chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for top positions have been accused of varying degrees of sexual misconduct.
Here's what experts say about the chances of another stimulus check
Some voters are hoping President-elect Donald Trump may send out another stimulus check. Here's what the experts say.
HealthWatch
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Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
Trump taps Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead key Medicare and Medicaid agency
Dr. Mehmet Oz unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2022. Now he's Trump's choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
World
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American dies in Laos amid reports that several tourists suffered alcohol poisoning
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
3 police officers, 4 cartel suspects killed near U.S. border
Drug cartel gunmen also attacked a funeral convoy of cars accompanying the body of one of the victims in the first attack, officials said.
China admits spy plane violated Japanese airspace, Tokyo says
China said the airspace violation occurred when the plane's pilot took emergency measures due to turbulence, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
Entertainment
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Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Paul Mescal on what he learned from working with Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal discusses his experience working with Oscar winner Denzel Washington in "Gladiator II," and what it was like to work on intense scenes together.
Clay Aiken on his new holiday album
Award-winning singer Clay Aiken, who rose to fame on American Idol, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about his new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," and his rendition of Bing Crosby's "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Paul Mescal on "Gladiator II"
Paul Mescal joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his role as Lucius in "Gladiator II," the son of Maximus and Lucilla, who is thrust into the arena to fight for the Roman Empire 15 years after Maximus' death.
Paul Simon says group's steps toward hearing loss cure gives him hope
CBS News' Anthony Mason joins Paul Simon on a trip to the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, to explore how researchers are getting closer to finding answers about repairing and preventing hearing loss.
Technology
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
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How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
More Crime
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
South Florida native Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was charged with attempted use of an explosive to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
"Rust" movie premieres in Poland
The "Rust" film premiere in Poland occurred three years after the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Alec Baldwin was not present. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
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.
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
Johnson implements transgender restroom ban
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday took aim at incoming Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride, the first ever transgender member elected to Congress, with his decision to bar transgender people from using bathrooms in the Capitol Complex that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. Scott MacFarlane has more.
How mass deportations could affect food
President-elect Donald Trump confirmed that he plans to address illegal immigration in the U.S. through a mass deportation program. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady discusses how such a plan could affect the food industry.
Who is Linda McMahon?
President-elect Donald Trump announced he plans to nominate former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as education secretary. Washington Post political investigative reporter Beth Reinhard joins "The Daily Report" to discuss her qualifications and plans.
Can Democrats fill 44 judicial vacancies?
President-elect Donald Trump is urging Republicans to slow down President Biden's judicial nominations before January. There are currently 44 vacancies, and 14 of Mr. Biden's nominations await Senate approval. Wall Street Journal Supreme Court correspondent Jess Bravin joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.