Soccer player's wife, 5-year-old child rescued after being kidnapped
The kidnappers demanded $500,000 for the release of the wife and son but the family refused to pay, police said.
Ecuador
Soccer player's wife, 5-year-old child kidnapped as he hid under bed
The incident occurred amid a state of emergency declared 10 days ago by the government in nine areas of the country.
Gunmen disguised as soldiers kill 12 spectators at cockfight
Footage of the shooting, circulated on social media, showed spectators flinging themselves to the ground and taking cover under their seats.
Ecuador imposes state of emergency before razor-close election
Ecuador declared a state of emergency Saturday in seven of its 24 provinces, including the capital Quito, saying it was needed to fight a dramatic rise in drug-linked violence.
U.S. intelligence report favors incumbent Ecuadorian president in election
Ahead of the Ecuadorian presidential elections Sunday, CBS News has learned a U.S. intel assessment favors the incumbent president, viewing him as better for U.S. interests.
"Freddy Kruegers" and "Peaky Blinders": The mafias terrorizing Ecuador
A flood of cocaine from Colombia and Peru through Ecuadoran ports has created a plethora of mafias with striking names and ferocious reputations.
Fugitive leader of notorious Ecuador drug gang is indicted in U.S.
José Adolfo Macías Villamar — known as "Fito" — has led Los Choneros and its "network of assassins and drug and weapon traffickers" since at least 2020, federal prosecutors said.
Man found alive after 94 days stranded at sea eating turtles, birds
Maximo Napa was rescued in his small fishing boat after being spotted by an Ecuadoran vessel off the coast of northern Peru.
22 killed, 3 wounded in narco gang gun battles in Ecuador
A police source told AFP the gunfights involved opposing factions of a powerful gang called Los Tigerones.
14 killed in narco gang clashes as police warn of "reprisals"
In one incident, gunmen on motorcycles fired into a crowd gathered outside a grocery store, killing a child and six adults, police said.
Air force colonel shot dead by hitmen in Ecuador
Police said Colonel Porfirio Cedeño, who led an air force special operations unit, was the passenger in a van when more than 20 shots were fired.
Ecuador gangs turn to "death saint" for protection — and human sacrifices
"They stole children from other towns and sacrificed them in front of her (Santa Muerte) when they wanted to land a big hit," a former gang member said.
Pregnant woman's remains, showing signs of sacrifice, unearthed in Ecuador
The young woman is believed to have been part of the Manteño people, who lived along the Ecuadorian coast and survived by agriculture and seafaring.
Ecuador arrests leader of powerful cartel targeted by U.S.
Carlos D was the second-in-command of Los Lobos (The Wolves) and "considered a high-value target," the armed forces said in a statement.
Trump closes immigration offices abroad
At the direction of President Trump, about 1,500 troops are being deployed to the southern border with increased operations to block illegal immigrant crossings set to start in the coming days. Meanwhile, his administration is closing immigration offices former President Joe Biden opened in Latin America. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.
Boys who vanished while playing soccer found dead near military base
Saul Arboleda, Steven Medina, and brothers Josue and Ismael Arroyo were playing soccer in Guayaquil on Dec. 8 when they went missing.
Giant waves kill at least 1 in Ecuador, close ports in Peru
Peru closed 91 of its 121 ports until Jan. 1, authorities said.
Kidnapped soccer star rescued after shootout in jungle
Soccer player Pedro Perlaza was freed along with another person, authorities said. "They've been badly treated, but they're alive," police said.
MLS player Marco Angulo, 22, dies from car crash injuries
Marco Angulo died from injuries sustained in a car crash that also killed his former youth team teammate Roberto Cabezas, officials said.
Ecuador imposes overnight blackouts as drought saps hydroelectric power
A drought has dried up Ecuador's hydroelectric power capacity, prompting four consecutive overnight blackouts to conserve energy.
Prison chief shot dead as she drove, 2nd such killing this month
Maria Daniela Icaza's death comes just days after the head of another prison was killed in Ecuador.
Police dogs sniff out 6 tons of cocaine hidden in banana shipment
The discovery of $224 million of cocaine marked yet another major seizure of the drugs concealed alongside the tropical fruit.
Blackout affects millions in Ecuador after transmission line fails
A failure in an energy transmission line produced a blackout throughout Ecuador, the government reported, days after announcing that there would be outages due to production problems.
Ecuador requiring visas for Chinese nationals amid irregular migration
Ecuador is suspending a visa exemption with China after authorities noted many Chinese visitors to the South American country aren't leaving the way the law requires them to.
U.S. sanctions powerful Ecuador crime gang Los Lobos and leader "Pipo"
The U.S. has sanctioned Los Lobos, an Ecuadorian crime gang that officials say is behind much of the violence shaking the country.
How health will be hurt by cuts at the nation's medical research agency
Cuts and layoffs to the National Institutes of Health threaten medical research around the U.S., agency insiders warn.
Houthis say U.S. strike on migrant detention center in Yemen kills dozens
Yemen's Houthi rebels say a U.S. strike has hit a detention center for migrants in Saada, killing dozens of people.
A massive brood of cicadas will soon emerge. Here's what to know.
A notably large brood of periodical cicadas will emerge from underground in a number of eastern U.S. states this spring.
Poll: Trump's first 100 days seen as bringing big change, too much tariff focus
Trump's ratings on economy are lower, but his deportation plan keeps majority support.
Border czar maintains "no U.S. citizen child was deported"
Trump administration border czar Tom Homan argued Sunday that "due process" was applied when a mother and her child who is a U.S. citizen were removed to Honduras.
DOJ halts funds for programs for victims of child abuse and more
At least two of the 365 grants have since been restored. Nonprofits call it a "devastating blow."
Car plows into Vancouver street festival, killing at least 11. Terrorism ruled out
Vancouver police ruled out terrorism as a motivator for the incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, saying the suspect has a history of mental health issues.
Jeffries, Booker warn of "moment of moral urgency" at Capitol sit-in
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Cory Booker opposed the Republican budget plan key to enacting President Trump's agenda with a sit-in protest on the steps of the Capitol as the sun rose on Sunday.
Florida ferry crash kills 1, injures several others
A ferry carrying 45 people and a private boat carrying six people collided near Clearwater, Florida, killing one person and injuring several others.
U.S.
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In a broken mental health system, a jail cell is an institution of last resort
Like local jails nationwide, Montana's small holding facilities have become institutions of last resort as patients in mental health crisis wait for beds at a mental hospital.
A massive brood of cicadas will soon emerge. Here's what to know.
A notably large brood of periodical cicadas will emerge from underground in a number of eastern U.S. states this spring.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 announced
First-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company will also be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Florida ferry crash kills 1, injures several others
A ferry carrying 45 people and a private boat carrying six people collided near Clearwater, Florida, killing one person and injuring several others.
Jiggly Caliente of "RuPaul's Drag Race" dies at age 44, family says
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, died days after her family said she had been battling a "severe infection" and lost "most of her right leg."
MoneyWatch
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YouTube turns 20: From cat videos to AI
In the 20 years since its first video was uploaded, YouTube has become the second-most visited website on Earth. "Sunday Morning" looks at how creators build online communities, and how artificial intelligence may fundamentally change the site.
Poll: Trump first 100 days seen as bringing big changes, too much tariff focus
Trump's ratings on economy are lower, but his deportation plan keeps majority support.
The ripple effect of Trump's tariff war with Canada on Nashville's local economy
The U.S. Travel Association says just a 10% dip in Canadian travel to the U.S. for the year could result in over $2 billion in lost spending.
Small businesses push for exemptions from Trump tariffs
Small businesses operate on narrow margins and lack the financial resources to absorb the cost of steep tariffs, Sen. Ed Markey said.
DOGE's $160 billion in savings have cost $135 billion, analysis finds
The push by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to slash federal funding will cost taxpayers money, nonpartisan group finds. Here's why.
Politics
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2 suspects arrested in theft of Noem's bag were in U.S. illegally: officials
Two people were arrested in connection to the Easter Sunday theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse, authorities said.
Border czar maintains "no U.S. citizen child was deported"
Trump administration border czar Tom Homan argued Sunday that "due process" was applied when a mother and her child who is a U.S. citizen were removed to Honduras.
Trump says he's "bringing back Columbus Day"
Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, was also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day during former President Joe Biden's term in 2021.
DOJ halts funds for programs for victims of child abuse and more
At least two of the 365 grants have since been restored. Nonprofits call it a "devastating blow."
Shaheen says Hegseth has "created chaos" at the Pentagon
"The fact is, Pete Hegseth was not qualified to take the job as Secretary of Defense, and he has shown that time and again," Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Sunday.
HealthWatch
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In a broken mental health system, a jail cell is an institution of last resort
Like local jails nationwide, Montana's small holding facilities have become institutions of last resort as patients in mental health crisis wait for beds at a mental hospital.
He had 2 months to live. Research "like science fiction" saved his life.
Michael Wolff was at the "edge of a cliff" when he was diagnosed with a cancer that affects less than 300 patients a year in the U.S.
Health agencies "not creating an autism registry," official says
"We are not creating an autism registry," a Department of Health and Human Services official said in a statement.
USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry
The United States Department of Agriculture is withdrawing a rule proposed to help prevent salmonella poisoning from contaminated poultry.
Nonprofit hospitals chase down patients eligible for free care
For poorest patients at hundreds of nonprofit hospitals, financial pain follows medical care.
World
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Houthis say U.S. strike on migrant detention center in Yemen kills dozens
Yemen's Houthi rebels say a U.S. strike has hit a detention center for migrants in Saada, killing dozens of people.
Danish slave ships wreckage found off Costa Rica coast, museum confirms
Denmark's National Museum said two 18th-century shipwrecks off the coast of Costa Rica were previously thought to have been pirate ships.
Catholic faithful flock to Pope Francis' tomb as eyes turn to conclave
A single white rose was placed on the tomb that said "Franciscus" – the pope's name in Latin – inside the Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The "People's Pope": The future of Pope Francis' legacy
The world's 1.3 billion Catholics paid tribute to their spiritual leader Saturday as he was laid to rest in Rome. "Sunday Morning" looks at the legacy of the man who inspired the faithful with his humility and his concerns for social justice.
Death toll in Gaza rises to 52,000, territory's health ministry says
The overall toll of 52,243 includes nearly 700 bodies for which the documentation process was recently completed, the Hamas-run health ministry said in its latest update.
Entertainment
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 announced
First-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company will also be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Jiggly Caliente of "RuPaul's Drag Race" dies at age 44, family says
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, died days after her family said she had been battling a "severe infection" and lost "most of her right leg."
New York Times bestseller lists
Check out this week's top-selling titles on The New York Times fiction and non-fiction lists.
The life of teen idol Bobby Darin
The singer-songwriter - subject of the new Broadway musical "Just in Time" - was renowned for such pop hits as "Splish Splash," "Mack the Knife," and "Dream Lover." But his life was unsettled when he learned, at age 32, the startling truth about the identity of his mother.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including pop singer Lenny Welch, whose hits included "Since I Fell for You."
Technology
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YouTube turns 20: From cat videos to AI
In the 20 years since its first video was uploaded, YouTube has become the second-most visited website on Earth. "Sunday Morning" looks at how creators build online communities, and how artificial intelligence may fundamentally change the site.
Geoffrey Hinton on future of AI
Geoffrey Hinton, whose work shaped modern artificial intelligence, says companies are moving too fast without enough focus on safety. Brook Silva-Braga introduced us to Hinton in 2023 and recently caught up with him.
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.
New process for mining electronic waste could be a gold mine
Easier and cheaper extraction of gold from old tech could boost the financial incentive to safely recycle, and keep toxic metals out of landfills.
Navigating electric vehicle roadblocks
Electrical vehicles are growing in popularity, but finding a place to charge them can be difficult depending on where you leave. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Science
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"Bone collector" caterpillar disguises itself in the remains of its prey
There are other meat-eating caterpillars that "do lots of crazy things, but this takes the cake," the study's author said.
Trump admin fast-tracks fossil fuel projects, angering environmentalists
Shortening permitting procedures for mining and oil drilling could adversely affect the environment, communities and endangered species, experts say.
NASA releases stunning space photos to mark Hubble anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope "opened a new window to the universe" when it launched into space. Now, 35 years later, NASA is releasing some stunning images to celebrate.
Coral reef bleaching hits 84% worldwide, worst on record, surveys show
Harmful bleaching of the world's coral has grown to include 84% of the ocean's reefs in the most intense event of its kind in recorded history, scientists say.
Cicada maps show where the insects will emerge in the U.S. this spring
A large brood of periodical cicadas is due to emerge in the spring of 2025. These maps show where people should expect to see, and hear, the bugs this year.
Crime
More Crime
Car plows into Vancouver street festival, killing at least 11
Vancouver police ruled out terrorism as a motivator for the incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival, saying the suspect has a history of mental health issues.
Convicted murderer says she knows who husband's real killer is
Sentenced to life for the murder of her husband, Melody Farris tells "48 Hours" in an exclusive interview that she is innocent – and points the finger at her son. He says he had nothing to do with his father's death.
Detective's affair exposed during wife's murder investigation
Brian Fanion says he and his wife Amy Fanion had been arguing about his retirement plans when she picked up his service weapon and shot herself. Investigators did not believe his story.
Mangione's supporters rally outside NYC court as he pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to federal murder and stalking charges, drawing a crowd of onlookers to the courthouse in New York City.
Jury in Read murder trial visits key location
On Day 4 of Karen Read's second murder trial, jurors visited the crime scene where Read is accused of hitting her boyfriend, John O'Keefe, with her car and leaving him to die in the snow, which she denies. CBS News Boston's Kristina Rex reports. Then, lawyer and legal analyst Eric Guster joins to break down the case.
Space
More Space
NASA releases stunning space photos to mark Hubble anniversary
The Hubble Space Telescope "opened a new window to the universe" when it launched into space. Now, 35 years later, NASA is releasing some stunning images to celebrate.
NASA images show peanut-shaped asteroid during high-speed flyby
This asteroid is bigger than scientists anticipated, about 5 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point — resembling a deformed peanut.
When and where to see the Lyrid meteor shower's peak
During the peak of the Lyrid meteor shower, 10 to 20 meteors could be seen per hour, NASA says.
NASA's most senior astronaut returns to Earth with 2 cosmonauts
Don Pettit, NASA's oldest active astronaut, marked his 70th birthday by landing on the steppe of Kazakhstan after 220 days in space.
NASA spacecraft to zoom past asteroid this weekend at 30,000 mph
The flyby is a dress rehearsal for 2027 when Lucy reaches its first so-called Trojan asteroid near Jupiter.
Latest Galleries
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"No Kings": Protesters across country march against Trump, Musk
Protests against the Trump administration took place across the U.S. Saturday. The demonstrations were held to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
"Hands Off!": Americans across country protest Trump, Musk
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, in Washington, D.C. and other cities across the United States, in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the presidency.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Deadly car attack on Vancouver festival
At least 11 people were killed when a driver drove an SUV through a Lapu Lapu Day street festival in Vancouver, Canada. Elise Preston reports.
A daring Saigon evacuation 50 years later
Days before the fall of Saigon, Pan Am enlisted the help of several flight attendants to evacuate the airline's Vietnamese employees and their families. They ended up cramming nearly 100 more people than the plane could seat onto the escape flight. Elizabeth Cook has the story.
Bill Owens, head of 60 Minutes, resigns
In tonight’s Last Minute, a note on Bill Owens who, until this past week, was executive producer of 60 Minutes.
Trump, Zelenskyy meeting brings ceasefire hope
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a one-on-one meeting minutes before Pope Francis' funeral, sparking tenetative hope for a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia. Leigh Kiniry reports.
How Trump could affect Canada's election
Canadians will go to the polls Tuesday to elect a new government. But President Trump looms large over the proceedings. Shanelle Kaul has more.