The Long-Shot Candidate
In February 2007 Steve Kroft and 60 Minutes traveled to Illinois to meet a young, charismatic senator who was becoming a political phenomenon, but who few believed would become our nation's 44th president.
Illinois
"No Drama" Obama
Barack Obama's historic presidential victory has left many in awe of how effective and disciplined his campaign was. Steve Kroft learned that Obama's mantra was "no drama" as he followed the candidate and his advisors from the DNC to Election Day.
The problem with prescription drug prices
What one city did to fight high drug prices reveals a drug supply chain in which just about every link can benefit when prices go up. Lesley Stahl reports.
Teacher retires after decades on the job
Nancy Tusek, a third-grade teacher in suburban Chicago, is calling it a career after years of lessons. Noel Brennan of CBS Chicago has the story.
Aldi accused by Oreo maker Mondelez of copying its packaging
Mondelez food company alleges Aldi "blatantly copies" distinctive packaging of its most popular snacks, including Oreo, Wheat Thins and Chips Ahoy!.
Passenger accused of dragging flight attendant, forcing plane to divert
A Kansas man has been charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Trump commutes sentence of former Gangster Disciples leader Larry Hoover
Hoover, 74, still faces the remainder of a 200-year sentence in Illinois for the 1973 murder of William "Pooky" Young.
Tiki the dog helps Illinois man survive gunshot to the head
Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith were both shot on their first date. Only Smith survived.
A couple's first date ended in horror after both were shot; only one survived.
During their first date, Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith were ambushed in his Illinois home – both shot in the head. A crime scene investigator described it as one of the most horrific crime scenes he's been to.
Driver in Chatham, Ill., crash that killed 4 not intoxicated, police say
Illinois State Police said the driver who crashed into a building housing an after-school program in Chatham, Illinois, killing four, was not intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Victims, driver in Chatham, Ill. crash that killed 4 ID'd
The three children and one teenager killed when a car crashed into an after-school program in downstate Chatham, Illinois, have been identified. The driver has also been identified.
Illinois community mourns after deadly crash
A small community in central Illinois is in mourning and in a state of bewilderment after a car crashed into a building during an after-school youth camp Monday, killing four people. Ian Lee reports.
4 children killed when car slams into after-school program in central Illinois
The crash happened at YNOT Outdoors, an after-school program in the town of Chatham in central Illinois.
Eye on America: Chef's nutritious workshops
In Illinois, we meet a chef whose hands-on workshops teach kids and families how to boost nutrition at home. And in California, we examine the increasing number of families who are juggling raising kids while caring for their aging parents. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Eye on America: Supporting military husbands
In Illinois, we meet the founder of Macho Spouse, a group dedicated to providing connection and support to husbands of active duty service members. And in Virginia, we tour a century-old family home located within the CIA’s top-secret headquarters. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Sen. Dick Durbin explains decision to retire
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said it was time for him to pass the torch after announcing he will not seek reelection in 2026. CBS News' Taurean Small has more.
Sen. Dick Durbin: "The torch must be passed"
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois addressed reporters on Thursday, one day after he announced plans to retire at the end of next year. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Murder trial for former sheriff's deputy who killed Sonya Massey set for October
Former deputy Sean Grayson's trial has been moved to Peoria County, after his defense attorney argued publicity from the trial made it impossible to find an impartial jury in Sangamon County.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin announces he is not running for reelection
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin announced Wednesday he is retiring and will not run for reelection in 2026.
Durbin retirement to prompt shakeup in Senate Democratic leadership
Sen. Dick Durbin announced Wednesday he won't seek reelection in 2026, kickstarting a race among Democrats in the Senate for his leadership position.
Durbin announces Senate retirement
Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin announced he will not seek reelection, prompting a shake up in Democratic leadership for the upper chamber. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
4 killed when small plane hits powerlines and crashes in central Illinois
The National Transportation Safety Board said a Cessna 180 single-engine plane struck powerlines and crashed into a field in Trilla, Illinois.
24,000 pounds of eggs destroyed after semi-truck catches fire in Mokena, Illinois
The fire happened around 8:30 p.m. near La Grange Road.
Walgreens agrees to be acquired by private equity firm
Walgreens, founded in 1901, has been a public company since 1927.
How Illinois' first lady and Willette Benford give second chances to women leaving prison
CBS News contributor David Begnaud shows how Willette Benford, who spent 24 years in prison, is working with Illinois first lady M.K. Pritzker to help those exiting the criminal justice system.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
U.S.
More U.S.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
More Politics
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
More World
Italy nabs first gold medal of Milano Cortina Olympics in speedskating upset
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, shaving more than two-and-a-half seconds off the mark set by Dutch legend Irene Schouten four years earlier in Beijing.
4 suspects arrested after bombing at Pakistan mosque leaves 31 dead
Friday's attack was the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in nearly 20 years.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Skier Eileen Gu sports a personalized, detail-studded ski suit at Olympics
Gu qualified for the women's slopestyle final wearing an outfit with details inspired by her Chinese heritage and her personal quirks.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
The Barr Brothers perform "Another Tangerine"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Another Tangerine."
The Barr Brothers perform "Naturally"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Naturally."
The Barr Brothers perform "Run Right Into It"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Run Right Into It."
Technology
More Technology
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Three sisters chase Olympic dream
Sam, Lauren and Alli Macuga are competitive skiers across different disciplines who were hoping to represent Team USA at Milano Cortina. Lauren, who was a top contender in alpine, suffered an ACL injury in November that ended her season -- but she explains why the world hasn't seen the last of the Macuga sisters.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
The Dish: Noor Murad
Noor Murad's latest cookbook is a love letter to the Middle Eastern flavors she is known for using in her dishes.
Key storylines of Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks are set to face off against the New England Patriots on Sunday in Super Bowl LX, and "CBS Saturday Morning" goes inside key storylines to be aware of ahead of the big game.