Violent protests in Georgia highlight battle over the country's future
The Georgian government's move away from the European Union and closer to Russia is fueling daily protests. Here's why it matters.
Democracy
North Carolina GOP passes election changes
North Carolina's Republican legislature on Wednesday overrode the Democratic governor's veto on hurricane disaster relief legislation that includes controversial election provisions. The bill overhauls how elections are administered in the state, effectively expanding the party's control over the process. CBS News election law expert David Becker joins to examine the impact of the changes.
Dominican Republic officials find 9.5 tons of cocaine in banana shipment
Authorities in the Dominican Republic say they have confiscated nearly 9.5 tons of cocaine, worth $250 million, from a ship.
Valerie Jarrett on "Democracy Forum"
Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Obama who is now CEO of the Obama Foundation, discusses the Obama Foundation's Chicago event, "Democracy Forum."
South Korean president faces calls to resign
Opposition lawmakers in South Korea filed a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yoel on Wednesday over his stunning decision to declare martial law. The martial law order lasted about six hours before the president walked it back. BBC correspondent Laura Bicker has more.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific apologizes for showing "Family Guy" episode
The episode, from the first season of the American cartoon, shows Peter Griffin, the father character in the show, standing next to the "Tank Man" in a recreation of the infamous photograph.
South Korean leader faces likely impeachment over martial law order
South Korea is reeling over a shock martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose short-lived gamble will have major implications.
Trump reportedly yet to submit ethics pledge
There are several reports that President-elect Donald Trump has not yet submitted a legally required ethics pledge vowing to avoid conflicts of interest after taking the oath of office. According to the Presidential Transition Act, this pledge was required to be submitted by Oct. 1. Max Stier, founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Hong Kong jails 45 democracy activists, sparking criticism
The democracy advocates were charged in Hong Kong under a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2021 for their involvement in an unofficial primary election to pick opposition candidates.
Biden-Trump White House meeting: What we know
President Biden has promised a peaceful transition of power. Something the American public hasn't witnessed since 2016: The outgoing president hosting the incoming one, which President Biden will do on Wednesday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the details.
Major Garrett on "clarity," 2024 race outcome
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett says he's seen the word "clarity" mentioned a lot about the 2024 presidential election, with some variation of "at least the result was clear." However, as Garrett explains, the result of the 2020 election was clear as well.
Takeaways from Biden's remarks on Trump win
President Biden promised an orderly transition to a second Trump administration in a message to Democrats on Thursday as Republicans prepare to take control of Washington, D.C. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports. Then, Peggy Collins, Bloomberg's Washington bureau chief, and Deepa Shivram, White House correspondent for NPR, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Presidential historian on Trump's 2024 win
In just two-and-a-half months, President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House following a campaign unlike any other in U.S. history. While so much of Trump's first term was unprecedented, his upcoming second term will have its fair share of firsts as well. Mary Frances Berry, professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a former chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Breaking down Harris' concession speech
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her concession speech Wednesday following former President Donald Trump's projected win. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports. Then, political strategists Hyma Moore and Maura Gillespie join with analysis.
Harris concedes 2024 election to Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the 2024 presidential election to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday in a speech to her supporters at Howard University. "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell leads a special report.
Key 2024 presidential election issues
More data is emerging on the top motivators for voters in the 2024 presidential election. The state of the economy and inflation may have moved votes in battleground states more than other campaign issues. Semafor's Shelby Talcott and Politico's Brakkton Booker break down the matters that resonated among Americans.
Breaking down early exit poll results
Early exit polls found Democrats' top concern was the state of democracy and Republicans' key issue was the economy. CBS News 24/7 anchor Vladimir Duthiers analyzes the top issues on voters' minds.
How Trump won the 2024 election — CBS News exit poll results
Trump's election victory was a product of voter discontent with the state of the country, the economy and a desire for change, and he made inroads with some Democratic groups.
How does the Electoral College work?
Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will need to secure at least 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the 2024 presidential election.
Rising costs of presidential campaigns
Vice President Harris leads in fundraising, topping a billion dollars, while many Americans support limits on campaign spending. Daniel Weiner, director of elections and government at the Brennan Center for Justice and former senior counsel to a Federal Election Commission chair, shares how these rising costs impact democracy.
What to expect from Harris' Ellipse speech
The speech by former President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021, and the violence afterward at the Capitol are still seared into the American memory. On Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver what she calls her "closing argument" at the same location where Trump spoke before the riot. Political strategists Ashley Etienne and Kevin Sheridan join with analysis.
Musk says people accusing Trump of endangering democracy are the real danger
At a town hall in Pennsylvania, tech mogul Elon Musk played down the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.
Unpacking John Kelly's warning about Trump
John Kelly, who served as White House chief of staff under former President Donald Trump, told The New York Times in a new interview that Trump is "certainly an authoritarian" who "falls into the general definition of a fascist." Ray Mabus, former secretary of the U.S. Navy and Mississippi governor, joins "America Decides" with his reaction.
How historical turning points shaped the U.S.
Throughout American history, the nation has looked to its presidents to lead us. All presidents have faced challenges, but a handful have made momentous decisions that defined what kind of democracy the United States would be. Take a closer look at those critical turning points — and how they shaped the country.
Democrats aim to prevent Jan. 6 riot in 2025
Congressional Democrats are seeking to prevent another Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol in 2025. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports on the efforts.
Government funding bill clears Congress, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure to fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief passed the Senate and now goes to President Biden for his signature.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
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.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
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.
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.
More than 119 million U.S. holiday travelers expected to hit roads, skies
More than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day, which would top the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to AAA.
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
U.S.
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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.
MoneyWatch
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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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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.
"Sleepmaxxing" trend has young adults optimizing their sleep
Sleep optimization, or "sleepmaxxing," is a popular trend among a younger demographic, but experts share a few words of caution.
World
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8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
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.
Alicia Keys surprises students at her former high school
The 16-time Grammy winner returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where she first began her career, and shares advice with current students.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
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
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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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Crime
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.
JonBenét Ramsey's dad on key evidence
John Ramsey, JonBenét Ramsey's dad, says he thinks DNA technology will lead to an answer in his daughter's brutal murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty breaks down her latest reporting on the case.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: A weather wonder
A 22-year-old forecasting the weather out of his bedroom is praised for helping people during natural disasters – and gets a big surprise from David Begnaud. And Santa comes early to two U.S. cities to bring Christmas magic to children in need. Plus, more uplifting news.
Eye on America: Inside human smuggling rings
In California, we speak to an anthropologist whose new book offers firsthand accounts from human smugglers helping people cross into the U.S. illegally. And in Nebraska, we hear from experts raising the alarm that road barricades aren’t strong enough against heavier electric vehicles. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
A unique spin on the classic holiday eggnog
It's the time of year when we indulge in some favorite holiday treats and drinks like eggnog. Chef JJ Johnson, the founder of fast-casual restaurant Field Trip NYC, joins CBS News to showcase several holiday recipes.
Sports' biggest moments in 2024
2024 marked a sensational year in the world of sports. Some highlights included another Super Bowl win for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rise of women's sports on the college and professional level. Cbssports.com writer Austin Nivision breaks it all down.
Drone expert unpacks mysterious sightings
A string of drone sightings across parts of the Northeast has prompted federal officials to ban drone flights temporarily in 22 towns throughout New Jersey and some neighborhoods around airports in New York City. Michael Innella, drone photographer and founder of North Jersey Drone Shots, joins CBS News to discuss the logistics behind the aircraft.