3/9: Red and Blue
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with a concussion; Ex-Trump official Ken Cuccinelli launches PAC for Ron DeSantis.
Ken Cuccinelli
Ken Cuccinelli on whistleblower accusation
President Joe Biden's Department of Homeland Security is ending a Trump-era union contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees signed by former top official Ken Cuccinelli the day before the inauguration. A whistleblower is accusing Cuccinelli of trying to hamstring the Biden administration's immigration reform efforts. He joins CBSN to respond to the allegations.
Deputy DHS secretary on security failings
Acting Deputy Department of Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss what went wrong at the U.S. Capitol.
Trump's top DHS officials were invalidly appointed, watchdog says
As the leaders of DHS, Chad Wolf and Ken Cuccinelli have emerged as some of the most vocal supporters of President Trump's hard-line immigration agenda.
Judge rules Cuccinelli's appointment unlawful, voiding some orders
It's unclear how the order will affect Ken Cuccinelli's current role at the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump admin plans to expand restrictive border policies
"The Trump administration is clearly attempting to scale up its crackdown on asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border," an immigration expert told CBS News.
Immigration hawk Ken Cuccinelli tapped as DHS No. 2
In September, Cuccinelli ordered his agency to shutter a program granting a temporary reprieve from deportation for immigrants facing life-threatening medical conditions
Trump installs new Homeland Security chief Chad Wolf
Wolf will now be in charge of bureaucratic juggernaut at the center of the Trump administration's hardline immigration agenda
Trump to tap Chad Wolf to lead DHS
He has played a role in crafting some of the most stringent and controversial immigration policies rolled out by the Trump administration
A top House Democrat blasts White House over finding new DHS secretary
The president has yet to announce a replacement for outgoing acting DHS secretary Kevin McAleenan
Top Trump official says asylum restriction will be "deterrent" for migrants
"The president has been very clear about the need to be aggressive on the border — and that's exactly what we're doing," Acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli said on "Face the Nation" Sunday
Transcript: USCIS chief Ken Cuccinelli on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of the interview with Acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli that aired Sunday, September 15, 2019, on "Face the Nation"
Cuccinelli says Trump asylum policy to be implemented in "days, not weeks"
Ken Cuccinelli, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, joins Margaret Brennan to discuss the administration's new asylum policy.
9/15: Face the Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," Margaret Brennan talks to Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Adam Schiff, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services acting director Ken Cuccinelli, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power.
Trump official says asylum changes will drive down backlog
The Supreme Court's decision this week to allow sweeping regulations to take effect while litigation
Who would be affected by new citizenship policy for kids born abroad
"This discourages people from wanting to work for the government overseas, because you're going to hurt yourself and your family if you do that," retired Lieutenant Colonel Margaret Stock told CBS News
Children of troops abroad will no longer get automatic citizenship
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the change, which is slated to go into effect in late October
Soldier's mother could be among the last to benefit from immigration program
The Trump administration is reviewing whether to end a program that helps undocumented family members of U.S. troops adjust their legal status
Backlash over Statue of Liberty comment
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, defended his remarks about the poem on the Statue of Liberty welcoming immigrants who can "stand on their own two feet." And he sparked a new controversy by saying the poem referred to immigrants "coming from Europe."
Trump's top immigration official reworks Statue of Liberty poem
"Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge," said Ken Cuccinelli
Cuccinelli tweaks Statue of Liberty poem
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, was asked in an NPR interview if he agreed that the words etched on the Statue of Liberty are part of the American ethos. "They certainly are," Cuccinelli replied. "Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge."
California counties sue to block Trump immigration rule
The rule would make it easier for the government to reject green cards and temporary visas for legal immigrants who use public benefits
New White House rule cracks down on legal immigrant welfare
The rule affects most aspects of life for immigrants — from medical care and English language proficiency, to food stamps and other welfare programs
Crackdown on benefits for legal immigrants
The Trump administration on Monday rolled out a rule targeting legal immigrants who use welfare benefits like food stamps and subsidized housing. CBS News reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez joins CBSN to discuss what the rule will mean.
Cuccinelli on "public charge" immigration rule
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, spoke Monday about the Trump administration's new action to implement the "public charge" rule. It will require legal immigrants' sponsors to pay back the government for any benefits like food stamps or Medicare, which could make it harder for low-income immigrants to obtain green cards.
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 young dancers behind a holiday classic
The New York City Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" began in 1954 and has remained one of the most enduring shows at Lincoln Center. Two young dancers taking the stage this year opened up about living their dream and keeping a holiday classic alive.
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.
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
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
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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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The young dancers behind a holiday classic
The New York City Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" began in 1954 and has remained one of the most enduring shows at Lincoln Center. Two young dancers taking the stage this year opened up about living their dream and keeping a holiday classic alive.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Immigrants react to mass deportation threats
President-elect Donald Trump made the promise of mass deportations a pillar of his re-election bid. He's pledged to deport millions of immigrants — including some who are living in the United States legally. In Springfield, Ohio, the city whose Haitian immigrant community became the epicenter of hateful rhetoric and misinformation during the campaign, many fear what this could mean for them.
Holiday travel expected to break records
America's airports and highways will be jam-packed over the next two weeks, with the holiday travel season expected to set records. AAA is predicting more than a 119 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between now and New Year's Day, including 54 million air travelers. Here's what to know about the busy period.
Government shutdown averted at last minute
A government shutdown was averted at the eleventh hour. Congress approved a hastily revised short-term government funding bill after a previous attempt failed to pass the House this week. The earlier bill was upended by President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The new bill funds federal operations and disaster aid, but does not address Trump's demands to raise or abolish the debt ceiling. President Biden is expected to sign the bill today.