Supreme Court rejects affirmative action in college admissions
Students, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, must be evaluated based on their experiences "as an individual — not on the basis of race."
Affirmative Action
Supreme Court ends affirmative action
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that college admission policies that consider race as a factor violate the Constitution, bringing an end to affirmative action in a decision that is likely to reverberate across college and university campuses nationwide. Gayle King anchored CBS News' special report.
How colleges use affirmative action
The Supreme Court will likely decide if affirmative action can be used in the college admissions process this week. The two cases before the court build off decades of debate and legal challenges. Lana Zak has more on this.
Supreme Court decisions expected in key cases
The Supreme Court has 10 opinions left to release this term. If the court stays true to its schedule, this week, there will be potentially historic judgements on affirmative action in college admissions and student loan forgiveness. Major Garrett reports from the Supreme Court.
North Carolina governor on abortion law
In the last few days, North Carolina Republicans rolled out adjustments to a new law set to take effect Saturday that bans most abortions in the state after 12 weeks, including clarification that medication abortions also are allowed up until 12 weeks. Democratic legislators say the changes are meant to thwart a federal lawsuit filed last week. North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper joins "America Decides" to discuss the future of abortion rights in his state.
CBS News poll: Most say colleges shouldn't factor race into admissions
Attitudes can be connected to perceptions of discrimination; but affirmative action more generally finds narrow support.
Affirmative action opponents, supporters debate "colorblind" college admissions
With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the consideration of race in college and university admissions, advocates both for and against discuss maintaining or eliminating the policy.
Opponents, supporters of affirmative action face off
With the Supreme Court poised to decide two cases challenging the use of race as a consideration in college and university admissions, correspondent Rita Braver talks with the man responsible for launching multiple cases against affirmative action in higher education, as well as with advocates for and against maintaining the policy.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
"Everyone was targeted" in Wisconsin school shooting, police say
A "combination of factors" appear to have led a 15-year-old student to carry out the school shooting, police in Madison, Wisconsin, say.
4 Russian warplanes spotted flying near Alaska, NORAD says
Four Russian military aircraft flew in international airspace near Alaska on Tuesday, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
Police issue warning after monkeys spotted roaming Florida city
Police have warned residents to avoid monkeys seen recently in Orange City, Florida.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
2 parents, 3 young children found dead in Utah home; teen hospitalized
The dead were two adults, an 11-year-old boy, and two girls ages 9 and 2, according to police.
U.S.
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Supreme Court takes up South Carolina's effort to defund Planned Parenthood
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to consider whether South Carolina health department's can cut off funding from Planned Parenthood because it performs abortions.
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.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
4 Russian warplanes spotted flying near Alaska, NORAD says
Four Russian military aircraft flew in international airspace near Alaska on Tuesday, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
MoneyWatch
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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.
Sen. Warren pushes bill to make it easier to declare bankruptcy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Americans seeking debt relief face an overly complicated, costly bankruptcy system.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
Social Security Fairness Act could restore benefits, but policies still cause hardship
"In essence, this money has been stolen from all of us for all these years," said an 84-year-old woman whose late husband's Social Security benefits were slashed. "It's not fair."
What to know about Frontier Airlines' $299 "GoWild!" annual pass
Here's what to know about Frontier's "GoWild!" unlimited flight deal, an "all you can fly" offer that costs $299.
Politics
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Supreme Court takes up South Carolina's effort to defund Planned Parenthood
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to consider whether South Carolina health department's can cut off funding from Planned Parenthood because it performs abortions.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
HealthWatch
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Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
Alabama woman doing well after gene-edited pig kidney transplant
Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Alabama woman, is now free from years of dialysis after receiving an experimental pig kidney transplant last month.
A look at sugar and its impact on kids
Author Emily Oster talks about new research linking early sugar exposure to chronic diseases.
World
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Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
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Technology
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
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.
Free ChatGPT search engine tool from OpenAI
OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT search engine for free to everyone with an OpenAI account after first making the service available for paying subscribers back in October. Will Knight, senior writer with Wired, joined CBS News to discuss the tool.
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Science
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Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
Crime
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U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
DA accused of firing at fugitive, hitting home with family inside
Chris Stanford is facing a reckless endangerment charge after shooting at a fugitive several times and hitting a home that had a family inside.
U.S. asked to extradite accused mastermind of journalist's murder
Damaso Lopez Serrano — who is known as "Mini Lic" — is accused of ordering the 2017 killing of award-winning journalist Javier Valdez.
Indiana conducts first execution in 15 years, puts quadruple killer to death
An Indiana man, Joseph Corcoran, convicted of killing four people including his brother and his sister's fiancé decades ago was put to death, without any independent witness, marking the state's first execution in 15 years.
Space
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Space
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.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
When you can see the Cold Moon, 2024's final full moon
December's full moon, known as the Cold Moon, is the last full moon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Cold Moon.
Here's when, where the Geminid meteor shower will be visible during peak
One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can catch the Geminids.
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 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.
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.
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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Man fights for help after wife, kids deported
A Texas man is looking for help from lawmakers after his wife and children, including two girls born in the U.S. in September, were detained and deported to Mexico. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has more.
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.
Inside Bezos' upcoming meeting with Trump
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday will be the latest tech leader to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
What to know about charges in CEO's killing
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been indicted on several charges, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Why there's new optimism for Gaza ceasefire
Momentum is building for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has the latest developments.