Thousands of Afghans flee as Taliban closes in on capital: "I will not survive"
As the Taliban takes more territory, they are also seizing the spoils of war left by retreating Afghan forces trained by the U.S.
Kabul
Taliban advance tests Biden administration
The swift collapse of Afghanistan's American-trained military forces has put the Biden administration on the defensive, insisting it's not abandoning the Afghan government and its people. But as the Taliban move closer to Kabul, American diplomats are being evacuated from the U.S. Embassy as the security situation worsens by the hour. Christina Ruffini has the latest.
Taliban closes in on Kabul
American diplomats and other key personnel are being evacuated from the rapidly deteriorating security conditions in Kabul, Afghanistan. This, as the Taliban’s lightning-fast offensive seizes more territory including Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan's second and third-largest cities. Roxana Saberi reports.
Taliban quickly advancing in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is on the brink of collapse as the Taliban continues to make rapid advances across the country. The militant group has captured more than a dozen provincial capitols in recent days, including the second-largest Afghan city, Kandahar. CBS News foreign correspondent Roxana Saberi reports from Kabul, and Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow and director of research for the Brookings Institution's foreign policy program and Jason Beardsley, national executive director for the Association of the U.S. Navy, join CBSN's Elise Preston for analysis.
Taliban topples major Afghan cities in swift advance
In Afghanistan, the final stages of America’s longest war are playing out amid chaos. The Taliban now controls nearly all major cities and are within 30 miles of Kabul. The first American troops arrived in the city to assist in the drawdown at the U.S. embassy. Roxana Saberi has the details.
Biden sidesteps questions on Afghanistan
President Biden ignored questions on the latest developments in Afghanistan following an address on prescription drug prices Thursday. U.S. troops are preparing for evacuations as the Taliban takes over more cities and closes in on the capital, Kabul. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN with the latest.
Taliban's stunning, lightning advance in Afghanistan continues
Three more key cities fell as the Taliban grabbed control of more than two-thirds of the country. And the U.N. is warning that a "humanitarian catastrophe" may be emerging.
Troops sent to evacuate Kabul's U.S. embassy
President Biden gave the order to send 3,000 troops to help evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Kabul amid unrest in Afghanistan. Weijia Jiang reports from the White House.
U.S. sending troops to help safely evacuate staff from embassy in Kabul
The decision comes as Taliban forces now control two-thirds of Afghanistan and its second largest city, Kandahar, has just fallen.
Taliban gains as U.S. exits Afghanistan
The Pentagon is sending troops to the Kabul airport to help evacuate staff from the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan. Dan Lamothe, a reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with the latest on the rapidly changing situation.
U.S. citizens urged to leave Afghanistan
The Pentagon is sending 3,000 troops to Karzai International Airport in Kabul to help secure a partial evacuation of the U.S. embassy, and the State Department is warning all U.S. citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately as the Taliban gains ground. Former Deputy NATO Senior Civilian Representative for Afghanistan Mark Jacobson joins CBSN to discuss the latest developments.
Pentagon sending troops to Kabul to help evacuation of U.S. Embassy
A U.S. official says Kandahar "is in the process of falling."
Taliban gains ground near Afghan capital
The Taliban captured a key city near Afghanistan's capital on Thursday. Ghazni is the tenth provincial capital in the country to fall to the extremist fighters. CBS News foreign correspondent Roxana Saberi reports from Kabul. Then Christina Goldbaum, a New York Times reporter in Afghanistan, joins CBSN to discuss what the loss of this city means for Afghan government forces.
FDA to authorize third COVID vaccine dose
The Food and Drug Administration's expected decision to authorize a third coronavirus vaccine dose comes as the White House intensifies its push to vaccinate more Americans and a growing surge in COVID-19 cases. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN to discuss this and other headlines from the administration.
Taliban takes over key Afghan cities
Taliban forces are seizing several cities in Afghanistan as the U.S. plans to withdraw all American troops from the country by the end of the month. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata joined CBSN with a look at the situation on the ground.
Rockets land nearby as Afghan leader offers Eid al-Adha prayers
At least three rockets slammed down near the presidential palace shortly before President Ashraf Ghani was to give an address marking the Muslim holiday.
Concern grows over "deteriorating" security in Afghanistan
A Pentagon spokesperson said there is a "deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan" a day after President Biden moved up the deadline for U.S. forces to withdraw. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata spoke to the top diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul about their concerns. Then CBSN anchor Lana Zak talks with Nancy Youssef, a national security correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, about the threat to Afghans who worked with U.S. forces.
U.S. bolsters embassy security in Afghanistan
There are increasing concerns about the security of the U.S. embassy in Kabul as the Taliban rapidly gain territory. Charlie D’Agata has more.
Biden defends plan for Afghanistan withdrawal
All U.S. troops will be out of Afghanistan by the end of August, even though the Taliban has. been gaining ground across the war-torn country. President Biden defended his accelerated timeline for America's military withdrawal during a speech yesterday. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports from Kabul, and CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN with more on that plus other issues on Mr. Biden's agenda including voting rights and economic competition.
Afghanistan prepares for U.S. withdrawal
The Taliban has said it does not plan to overrun Kabul after the U.S. withdraws on August 31, but U.S. President Joe Biden has blankly stated that he does not trust the insurgent militant group. CBS News foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata joins "CBSN AM" from the Afghanistan capital, where he spoke with the top U.S. diplomat about embassy security arrangements for after the military leaves.
Afghan soldiers flee Taliban offensive
More than a thousand Afghan soldiers fled into neighboring Tajikistan as one northern district after another fell to an insurgent Taliban. Fears abound that the ousted militant group will completely overrun the country after U.S. forces completely withdraw later this year. CBS News chief foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports live from the capital Kabul.
Afghanistan: Taking stock as U.S. withdraws
Correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports from the Afghan capital of Kabul, a city that has changed profoundly in the past two decades since the invasion by American forces in 2001 – where a generation that has grown up enjoying simple freedoms fears the Taliban will sweep back into power once U.S. forces leave.
Kidnapped American still missing in Afghanistan
Mark Frerichs, a U.S. Navy veteran from Lombard, Illinois, was kidnapped in Kabul, Afghanistan in January 2020. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata spoke with Mark's sister Charlene, who is pleading for President Biden to help secure his release before U.S. troops withdraw from Afghanistan.
CBS News witnesses Afghan Army battle Taliban
Charlie D'Agata traveled with top Afghan defense officials to a province just outside Kabul where government and local "uprising" fighters are desperately trying to push back the Taliban. At a tiny combat outpost in the mountains of Kapisa, the CBS News team came under fire from nearby militants.
COVID surge prompts alert from U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan
It's urging Americans to get set to leave the country ASAP, saying that, among other factors, packed hospitals aren't admitting U.S. citizens.
House passes bill to avoid consequential government shutdown
The vote capped a chaotic week in Washington that saw Trump torpedo a bipartisan deal.
Car slams into Christmas market in Germany in suspected attack
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least 2 people and injuring dozens.
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.
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.
Delphi double murderer Richard Allen sentenced to 130 years in prison
An Indiana jury has convicted Allen in the murders of 14-year-old Liberty "Libby" German and 13-year-old Abigail "Abby" Williams who had vanished during a hike in Delphi in 2017.
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.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
Republicans in the House are working to craft a plan to avert a government shutdown just hours before funding for agencies is set to lapse.
U.S.
More U.S.
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.
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.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
Here's what to know about Medicare's new $2,000 prescription drug cap
Millions of Medicare enrollees are likely to see relief in 2025 when a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug-spending goes into effect.
Politics
More Politics
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
More HealthWatch
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
More World
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.
Car slams into Christmas market in Germany in suspected attack
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least 2 people and injuring dozens.
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
More Entertainment
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.
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.
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.
Technology
More Technology
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
More Science
Science
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.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Crime
More Crime
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
More Space
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
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.
Kids inspired by Secret Santa hand out money
An Arizona elementary teacher uses Steve Hartman's "On the Road" stories to teach kindness and character. One about a Secret Santa that gives out money to random strangers has inspired his students to do the same over the holidays -- and this year was no different.
Why Starbucks and Amazon workers are striking
Employees at Starbucks stores started a five-day strike in several U.S. cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, workers are on strike at more than a half dozen Amazon facilities, with more locations expected to join. Carter Evans has details.