What we know about Jeffrey Epstein, accused child sex trafficker
Epstein, charged with child sex trafficking, has surrounded himself with powerful people but not much is known about his life or fortune
Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffery Epstein's and Victoria's Secret owner's long history hit stock
Sagging fortunes of L Brands sink further on details of CEO Les Wexner's decades-old dealings with alleged sex trafficker
Ex-prosecutor slams Acosta's defense of Epstein deal: "These are children"
Acosta maintains he did nothing wrong when he negotiated a widely-criticized plea deal for Jeffrey Epstein in 2008
Former prosecutor slams Acosta's defense
CBS News legal analyst Rikki Klieman joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the the press conference held by Labor Secretary Alex Acosta on Wednesday in which he defended his role in the Jeffrey Epstein child sex abuse case.
Trump told Acosta to defend himself publicly
Labor Secretary Alex Acosta says he will not resign over his role in Jeffrey Epstein’s child sex abuse case. Acosta spoke to reporters Wednesday and defended his controversial plea deal with the financier in 2008. Epstein served 13 months in jail and registered as a sex offender, after he was accused of abusing more than two dozen underage teenagers. Ben Tracy reports.
Acosta addresses role in Epstein plea
Paula Reid, Zeke Miller, Kim Wehle and Nancy Cordes join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss Labor Secretary Alex Acosta's news conference Wednesday where he dismissed criticism of his handling of a controversial plea deal involving financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Acosta defends 2008 plea deal for Epstein
In a press conference Wednesday, Labor Secretary Alex Acosta defended his handling of a 2008 plea deal for billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics of the deal are demanding Acosta resign. Attorney Deborah Blum and CBS News' Natalie Brand have the latest.
Acosta defends controversial plea deal
Labor Secretary Alex Acosta is defending his handling of a plea deal from 2008. Wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is now facing sex trafficking charges, dodged federal charges with the old deal and spent just 13 months in county jail on prostitution charges. Mola Lenghi reports.
Acosta defends handling of Epstein case
Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta defended his handling of a decade-old plea deal with billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein on sex crime charges when Acosta was a U.S. attorney in Florida. Acosta is facing renewed scrutiny over the case after Epstein was arrested on new federal sex trafficking charges in New York last week. CBS News White House correspondents Paula Reid and Ben Tracy, plus legal analyst Rikki Klieman, join CBSN with more.
Epstein had "well in excess of 50" victims, accusers' lawyer says
Epstein faces federal child sex trafficking charges in New York City, where prosecutors say a raid of his home turned up hundreds of lewd photos
Lawyer estimates Epstein had 50+ victims
Brad Edwards has represented 13 women who have accused Jeffrey Epstein of abusing them when they were underage, and has been on their side for more than 11 years. Edwards joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss Epstein's non-prosecution agreement with then U.S. attorney and current labor secretary Alex Acosta, and the new allegations.
Alan Dershowitz, Jeffrey Epstein's former lawyer, claims plea deal was fair
In his first TV interview since Epstein was indicted Monday on child sex trafficking charges, Dershowitz denies the 2008 deal was a bargain
Alan Dershowitz speaks after Epstein arrest
Alan Dershowitz, one of Jeffrey Epstein's former lawyers, talks about the new accusations against his former client in his first TV interview since Epstein's indictment. Dershowitz defended Epstein against sex abuse allegations in Florida more than a decade ago. One of Epstein's accusers, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, claims she was forced to have sex with Dershowitz as part of Epstein's alleged sex trafficking operation. Dershowitz says Giuffre and her lawyer, David Boies, falsely accused him as part of an elaborate extortion scheme. Giuffre is suing him for defamation. Mola Lenghi reports.
Dems ramp up calls for Alex Acosta to resign
Pressure is growing on Alex Acosta, President Trump's labor secretary, to step down. Democrats are blasting Acosta for a secret and generous plea deal he approved for financier Jeffrey Epstein more than a decade ago, when Acosta was a U.S. attorney in Florida. Epstein served 13 months in jail after being accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls, but was often released during the day. Epstein now faces child sex trafficking charges in New York City, where prosecutors say a raid of his home turned up hundreds of lewd photos. Ben Tracy reports.
Trump distances himself from Epstein
President Trump once considered wealthy investor Jeffrey Epstein a friend. But on Tuesday, he distanced himself from Epstein, after he was hit with new with sex trafficking charges. Paula Reid reports.
7/9: CBS Evening News
Trump distances himself from Jeffrey Epstein after new sex trafficking charges; 11-year-old heading to All-Star Game after writing powerful essay.
James Patterson on Jeffrey Epstein
In 2016, best-selling author James Patterson wrote a book investigating recently arrested financier Jeffrey Epstein. Patterson spoke to CBSN's "Red & Blue" about his book now that Epstein is facing new charges for sex trafficking.
Democrats call on Acosta to resign over Epstein case
Epstein reached a plea deal with Acosta's office that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges when Acosta was U.S. attorney in Florida
Author James Patterson on Jeffrey Epstein book: "A total mystery person."
James Patterson lived in the same Palm Beach neighborhood as Epstein, writing on his alleged crimes
Barr won't recuse himself from New York case against Jeffrey Epstein
Epstein was charged Monday with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors
Trump praises Acosta amid resignation calls
President Trump praised Alexander Acosta's work as labor secretary amid calls for him to resign over his role in the 2008 plea deal given to Jeffrey Epstein, who is facing sex trafficking charges. The president also distanced himself from Epstein, saying the two haven't spoken in about 15 years. CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid and Politico Congressional Reporter Andrew Desiderio joined CBSN to break down the next steps for Acosta and the other politics news of the day.
Why Alex Acosta is "public enemy No. 2" in the Jeffrey Epstein case
Some prominent Democrats have called on the current labor secretary to resign for negotiating a secret plea deal for Epstein when he faced similar sex charges in 2008
Trump defends Acosta over Epstein case
President Trump commented on Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and on Jeffrey Epstein, who has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking. Acosta is under scrutiny for a prior case against Epstein in which Epstein was given a light sentence.
Trump says he'll look "carefully" at Acosta's past handling of Epstein
The president and emir dined together Monday night
Sex trafficking expert discusses Epstein case
Sex trafficking expert Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco joined CBSN to discuss why the U.S. struggles to prevent trafficking from happening. From police training to prosecutions, Mehlman-Orozco explains why the system is failing victims and why she believes "we've all encountered a sex trafficking victim."
Helene slams Southeast, leaving over 20 dead and millions without power
Millions of customers in several states were in the dark as Helene moved inland from the Big Bend area of Florida's Gulf Coast.
U.S. charges 3 Iranian hackers who allegedly targeted Trump campaign
Federal prosecutors have charged three Iranian hackers for allegedly targeting members of former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign as part of a "wide-ranging" cyber scheme.
Maggie Smith, "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey" actress, has died
British actress Dame Maggie Smith had an extensive career in theater and movies, gaining international acclaim in later roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey."
How the VP debate rules will work for the Walz-Vance 2024 showdown
Here are the rules of the CBS News vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.
Hurricane Helene videos show massive flooding and rescue efforts
City officials shared clips of boats slammed into homes and a residence burning amid the floodwaters as they conducted water rescue operations.
Deadly strikes in Lebanon go on as Netanyahu shifts tone on cease-fire
Israel's leader softens his stance on a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal with Hezbollah, but deadly strikes in Lebanon continue as he addresses the U.N.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges
Indicted NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and campaign finance charges at his arraignment Friday.
New Chinese nuclear attack submarine sank, U.S. officials says
The U.S. official said it was "not surprising" that China's navy would conceal it. The submarine's current status is unknown.
Alcohol can increase your cancer risk. Here's what experts want you to know.
Many Americans are unaware of the connection between drinking and cancer risk, despite growing research that points to the negative health impacts of alcohol.
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How the VP debate rules will work for the Walz-Vance 2024 showdown
Here are the rules of the CBS News vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.
Hurricane Helene videos show massive flooding and rescue efforts
City officials shared clips of boats slammed into homes and a residence burning amid the floodwaters as they conducted water rescue operations.
Video shows rescue of man, dog sailing during Hurricane Helene
Video shows a Coast Guard member descending into the choppy ocean from a helicopter to reach the man and dog.
Dryer cycle becomes key clue at the scene of an Idaho mother's death
Investigators say the suspicious timing of doing a load of laundry and a call to 911 focused their attention on a former state trooper and his potential role in his wife's death.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges
Indicted NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and campaign finance charges at his arraignment Friday.
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Key U.S. inflation gauge shows prices continued cooling in August
Grocery costs barely rose last month, according to Friday's report, and energy costs dropped 0.8%, led by cheaper gasoline.
White House urges dockworkers and East Coast ports to avoid strike
A government task force is ready to help minimize supply-chain disruptions in case of a prolonged East Coast port strike, Biden administration says
A top DJT investor says it has sold most of its shares in Trump Media
A top investor in Trump Media & Technology Group has shed most of its position in the Truth Social owner, according to a filing.
Trump debuts new merch: Watches selling for up to $100,000
Former President Donald Trump announced the new watch line on Truth Social, describing the timepieces as "truly special."
Super Micro Computer shares plunge on report of federal probe
Super Micro Computer's stock price fell sharply after the Wall Street Journal reported the company faces a federal investigation.
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How the VP debate rules will work for the Walz-Vance 2024 showdown
Here are the rules of the CBS News vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.
Key U.S. inflation gauge shows prices continued cooling in August
Grocery costs barely rose last month, according to Friday's report, and energy costs dropped 0.8%, led by cheaper gasoline.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges
Indicted NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and campaign finance charges at his arraignment Friday.
Michigan will remain competitive until Election Day, Rep. Debbie Dingell predicts
"I don't think we know who's going to win Michigan yet," Rep. Debbie Dingell told chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett on "The Takeout" podcast.
Harris to call for tougher security measures during trip to southern border
Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks in Douglas, Arizona, her first trip to the U.S.-Mexico border since becoming the Democratic nominee for president.
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Alcohol can increase your cancer risk. Here's what experts want you to know.
Many Americans are unaware of the connection between drinking and cancer risk, despite growing research that points to the negative health impacts of alcohol.
Gov. Newsom signs law to shed light on newborn DNA storage, prompted by 10-year CBS News California investigation
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs law prompted by a decade-long CBS News California investigation into California's newborn genetic biobank.
Boar's Head plants nationwide now part of law enforcement investigation, USDA says
Ten deaths have been linked to now-recalled Boar's Head products.
Free COVID tests are back. But there are more accurate tests for sale.
The latest round of COVIDTests.gov will again rely on less sensitive "antigen" tests.
Old newspaper dispensers deliver Narcan overdose reversal drug instead of news
Thirteen states in Appalachia join others in placing free boxes of naloxine in metal dispensers once used for newspapers, as part of Save a Life Day.
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Activists who threw soup on van Gogh's "Sunflowers" painting sentenced
In October 2022, Pheobe Plummer and Anna Holland threw two cans of Heinz tomato soup over the artwork at London's National Gallery.
Ex-intelligence chief jailed for "aggravated torture" of journalist
Enrique Ariza was convicted of "persecution, harassment" and other crimes against Claudia Julieta Duque, the prosecutor's office said.
Naomi Campbell banned from running U.K. charity over "serious misconduct"
U.K. regulators found "serious misconduct" by Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief charity, disqualifying her from running a charity in Britain for five years.
South Korea set to criminalize possessing or watching deepfake porn
South Korea is poised to criminalize possessing or looking at sexually explicit AI-manipulated deepfake photos or video.
Deadly strikes in Lebanon go on as Netanyahu shifts tone on cease-fire
Israel's leader softens his stance on a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal with Hezbollah, but deadly strikes in Lebanon continue as he addresses the U.N.
Entertainment
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Naomi Campbell banned from running U.K. charity over "serious misconduct"
U.K. regulators found "serious misconduct" by Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief charity, disqualifying her from running a charity in Britain for five years.
Maggie Smith, "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey" actress, has died at 89
British actress Dame Maggie Smith had an extensive career in theater and movies, gaining international acclaim in later roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey."
"CBS Mornings Plus" debuts third hour of live coverage on Monday, Sept. 30
Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz co-host "CBS Mornings Plus," airing weekdays on CBS-owned stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit and Miami, and streaming on CBS News 24/7.
Nevada Supreme Court orders dismissal of Nathan Chasing Horse sex abuse case
The Nevada Supreme Court left open a possibility for charges to be refiled.
Cate Blanchett on "Disclaimer"
Academy Award-winning actor Cate Blanchett joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her new psychological thriller, "Disclaimer."
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Technology
Top staff leave OpenAI amid for-profit push
Top U.S. artificial intelligence startup OpenAI took a hit Thursday after three of its top executives exited the company. The departures come as CEO Sam Altman is reportedly preparing to turn OpenAI into a traditional for-profit company. Connie Guglielmo, senior vice president focused on AI edit strategy for CNET, joins CBS News to examine the future of the startup.
Super Micro Computer shares plunge on report of federal probe
Super Micro Computer's stock price fell sharply after the Wall Street Journal reported the company faces a federal investigation.
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.
Here are the celebrity voices Meta now uses for its AI chatbots
Meta AI will talk to you in the voice of a handful of celebrities, Mark Zuckerberg announced today.
Bieber song about "'Diddy' party" is likely AI-generated, researchers say
CBS News found the song has been used in more than 4,500 TikTok videos alone, with some users believing it's a song released by Bieber.
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Science
How the 2015 Paris Agreement came together
Nine years after it was negotiated, the Paris Climate Agreement continues to serve as a blueprint for global environmental goals. Todd Stern, the top U.S. negotiator for the deal, outlines the years-long process it took to reach the landmark agreement in his new book, "Landing the Paris Climate Agreement: How It Happened, Why It Matters and What Comes Next." Stern joins CBS News to look back at the talks.
Climate change views in Florida and Texas
Florida is bracing for the wrath of Hurricane Helene. A common question that scientists face during natural disasters like this is: Has climate change impacted their severity? CBS News Miami investigative reporter Jim Defede and CBS News Texas investigative reporter Brian New break down how lawmakers and residents in their states view climate change amid natural disasters.
Why are houses collapsing on Outer Banks?
Three houses have collapsed into the ocean in Rodanthe, North Carolina, in less than a week — and they're likely not the last. Here's why.
California officials on climate change laws
President Biden touted his administration's climate progress at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. But in California, lawmakers have often been ahead of the federal government's climate policy, although they are not always aligned. CBS News California investigative correspondent Julie Watts has more.
California Democrats on gas, oil
Some of California's Democratic state politicians say they are voting against clean energy measures and climate legislation for economic reasons connected to their constituents. CBS News Sacramento's Julie Watts reports.
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Ex-intelligence chief jailed for "aggravated torture" of journalist
Enrique Ariza was convicted of "persecution, harassment" and other crimes against Claudia Julieta Duque, the prosecutor's office said.
Eric Adams set to be arraigned
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to be arraigned Friday on federal charges that include bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Dryer cycle becomes key clue at the scene of an Idaho mother's death
Investigators say the suspicious timing of doing a load of laundry and a call to 911 focused their attention on a former state trooper and his potential role in his wife's death.
Details emerge on suspect after 3 family members killed in Vermont
A search of Brian Crossman Jr.'s cell phone found multiple internet searches related to serial killers and unresolved murders, police said.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to federal bribery charges
Indicted NYC Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to federal bribery and campaign finance charges at his arraignment Friday.
Space
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2 cosmonauts, NASA astronaut return to Earth after marathon mission
The Soyuz landing in Kazakhstan sets the stage for launch of a SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to the space station Thursday.
"Mini-moon" to temporarily orbit Earth
For the next two months, Earth will have a "mini-moon" when a small asteroid temporarily orbits the planet. Scientists say the asteroid, which is only 33 feet long, will enter Earth's gravity in a horseshoe orbit September 29 before leaving on November 25. Most people won't get a glimpse of this mini-moon though, it's too small to see without professional equipment.
Earth will get a second moon for nearly 57 days this year
The asteroid was discovered in August and is set to become a mini-moon, spinning around Earth in a horseshoe shape for about two months.
NASA's "Hidden Figures" honored in Congressional Gold Medal ceremony
NASA's "Hidden Figures," whose work helped put men on the moon, were honored Wednesday in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony.
When and how to see September's Harvest Moon
The September Harvest Moon will see a partial lunar eclipse, peaking the night of Tuesday, Sept. 17.
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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.
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.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Clues and evidence in the John McCabe case
A teenager's murder in Lowell, Massachusetts, goes unsolved for more than 40 years -- were the clues there all along?
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CBS News investigates online romance scams
A CBS News investigation looks into internet romance scams that are targeting Americans, tracking them to Ghana, where many of the scams begin. Debora Patta shows how men and women who are looking for love online are tricked into sending money.
Coast Guard rescues man, dog
The Coast Guard rescued a man and his dog who were sailing off the coast on Sanibel Island as Hurricane Helene approached Florida. Also, CBS News Philadelphia Grant Gilmore has the latest forecast.
Netanyahu's United Nations address
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations General Assembly Friday, remaining undefiant about Israel's operations in the Middle East that appear to be escalating. CBS News' Olivia Gazis has more.
Hurricane Helene devastates Florida
Hurricane Helene left damage behind in Tallahassee, Florida, and other areas close to the Gulf of Mexico. Tom Hanson reports. Also, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins CBS News with more on federal response for those affected.
Eric Adams set to be arraigned
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to be arraigned Friday on federal charges that include bribery, conspiracy and campaign finance charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.