Syrians look toward a future without Assad
Hope and uncertainty fill the streets of Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The challenges of rebuilding are enormous after years of civil war.
Damascus
Blinken confirms U.S. officials have been in contact with Syrian rebel group
Antony Blinken is the first U.S. official to confirm contact between the Biden administration and the rebel coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad from power.
Road to Damascus | Sunday on 60 Minutes
A generation of Syrians has never known freedom and so when it swept over them, last Sunday, there was shock, then joy, and desperate hope that it might last. This Sunday, Scott Pelley reports from Damascus on what's next for the country.
Global powers considering next steps in Syria
Celebrations continue in Syria as questions swirl about what the post-Assad era will look like. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Syrian rebels seize Damascus in regime takeover
Syria's long-running civil war came to a head over the weekend when Syrian rebels entered the capital city of Damascus and the government of President Bashar al-Assad collapsed. Russian state media later reported that Assad and his family had fled to Moscow. Elizabeth Palmer has details.
Syrians return home after HTS takeover
Syrians are reacting after President Bashar al-Assad's regime was toppled by rebel forces affiliated with the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS). CBS News' Courtney Kealy has more.
What to know about Syrian HTS group
The insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, that took over Syria and ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has yet to show how it plans to govern the country torn by more than a decade of civil war. CBS News contributor Sam Vinograd breaks down what's known about the opposition group in power.
Latest news on Syrian civil war
Syria's civil war took a surprising turn as opposition rebels affiliated with the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, took over Damascus, marking an end to President Bashar Assad's regime. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata breaks down what's known about the conflict in the Middle East.
How rebels took control of Syria
Opposition forces have entered Syria's Damascus and President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Russia. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab breaks down how the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) moved into power.
12/8: Face the Nation
This week on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Syrian rebels have taken control of Damascus, overthrowing the regime of President Bashar Assad. Plus, more on the congressional task force investigation into the security failures leading to the assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump earlier this year.
Syrian rebels advance in push to take capital
Syrian rebel forces were approaching the country's third largest city of Homs, raising the prospect of the country's capital city Damascus being cut off from coastal areas that are a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad. Chris Livesay reports.
Debra Tice on U.S. efforts to bring son home
Friday marks World Press Freedom Day. In commemoration of the event, CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan spoke with the mother of missing journalist Austin Tice about the efforts to find him and bring him home. Tice disappeared in Syria while covering the nation's civil war in 2012.
Austin Tice's mother discusses release effort
In a statement Friday commemorating World Press Freedom Day, President Biden mentioned the case of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012 while covering the nation's civil war. "Face the Nation" moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan sat down with Tice's mother, Debra, to discuss the latest U.S. efforts to find him and bring him home.
Reaction to Israel's reprisal attack
Countries around the world are working to ensure tensions between Israel and Iran do not escalate further after the two nations exchanged targeted attacks. Sam Vinograd, a CBS News homeland security contributor and former counterterrorism official, and Eric Lob, an associate professor of politics and international relations at Florida International University, have more on the global repercussions.
Iran's attack on Israel | Special Report
Iran launched drones toward Israel Saturday night in a retaliatory attack after an April 1 Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. CBS News' Weijia Jiang, Imtiaz Tyab, Margaret Brennan and Natalie Brand report.
Israel awaits Iran's drone attack
Air sirens sounded and aerial defense operations were in place in Bethlehem and Jerusalem after Iranian drones were launched Saturday evening toward Israel. U.S. forces in the Middle East have shot down some of the Iranian-launched drones, two U.S. officials told CBS News. Charles Faint, the deputy editorial director for the Modern War Institute at West Point, joins CBS News with more on how Israel could respond to the attacks.
Israel's allies react to Iran's attack
The U.S., U.K. and other allies are vowing to support Israel in its defense against a drone attack launched by Iran. CBS News contributor Robert Berger and Andrew Boyd, former chief of operations in the CIA's Counterterrorism Mission Center, break down how Israel and its allies are responding.
Iran vows revenge for suspected Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Damascus
Iran said it would respond to a strike widely attributed to Israel that demolished its consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus and killed seven, including two Iranian generals.
Israeli airstrike hits Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria
An Israeli airstrike destroyed a building belonging to Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria, according to Iranian state media. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said one of their senior commanders is among the dead. Holly Williams reports from Tel Aviv.
Iranian advisers killed in airstrike on Syrian capital, officials say
Syrian and Iranian officials and media say an Israeli strike on Damascus, killed four Iranian advisers with Tehran's Revolutionary Guard's expeditionary Al Quds force.
Israeli airstrikes kill 5 in Damascus, Syrian state media says
Syrian state news reports that Israeli airstrikes targeted a residential neighborhood in central Damascus.
Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice
Syria has denied it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans, a week after President Joe Biden accused the Syrian government of holding him.
Mother of detained journalist speaks out
President Biden says the U.S. government is certain that Syria has held U.S. journalist Austin Tice in its custody and is calling on Damascus to cooperate with efforts to bring him home. CBS News' Tanya Rivero and Lilia Luciano speak with Austin's mother Debra Tice on the efforts to bring her son home after 10 years.
Deadly military bus bombing in Syrian capital
More than a dozen people are dead following a bus bombing in Syria's capital city of Damascus. Two explosive devices detonated on board a military bus during rush hour Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring several more. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata joined CBSN to discuss.
Syria may only be counting 1.25% of its actual coronavirus deaths
The government has confirmed only 109 coronavirus deaths, but a mortuary official says it's killing that many people daily in Damascus alone.
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.
Poll: Most Americans think government is hiding information about drones
Over half of Americans see the drones that have been spotted over the East Coast as a threat to the U.S.
Mayorkas "alarmed" by social media rhetoric on UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York earlier this month, and there has been some celebration on social media of the suspected killer.
Winter weather interrupts some holiday weekend travel
Record holiday travel is expected in the U.S. this year, with the weekend before Christmas projected to be one of the busiest times for transit.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
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.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject 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.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
The story of Handel's "Messiah"
Since its premiere in 1742, George Frideric Handel's 3.5-hour oratorio for chorus, soloists and orchestra has become a timeless message of hope, and a Christmas tradition.
U.S.
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Winter weather interrupts some holiday weekend travel
Record holiday travel is expected in the U.S. this year, with the weekend before Christmas projected to be one of the busiest times for transit.
Mayorkas "alarmed" by social media rhetoric on UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York earlier this month, and there has been some celebration on social media of the suspected killer.
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.
Poll: Most Americans think government is hiding information about drones
Over half of Americans see the drones that have been spotted over the East Coast as a threat to the U.S.
Americans more hopeful about 2025 than they were for 2024 — CBS News poll
Trump's election is a big part of the positive outlook, especially for Republicans.
MoneyWatch
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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."
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.
Politics
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Mayorkas "alarmed" by social media rhetoric on UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York earlier this month, and there has been some celebration on social media of the suspected killer.
Transcript: Alejandro Mayorkas on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 22, 2024
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Dec. 22, 2024.
Poll: Most Americans think government is hiding information about drones
Over half of Americans see the drones that have been spotted over the East Coast as a threat to the U.S.
Americans more hopeful about 2025 than they were for 2024 — CBS News poll
Trump's election is a big part of the positive outlook, especially for Republicans.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
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.
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.
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.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject 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 "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."
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."
Technology
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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.
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.
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 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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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
Full interview: West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Senator Joe Manchin (WV-I), a portion of which aired on Dec. 22, 2024 on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Nature: Northern Lights above Alaska
We leave you this Sunday morning in the spirit of Christmas, with the northern lights in skies above Alaska. Videographer: Michael Clark.
Full interview | Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 22, 2024.
"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."