American Travis Timmerman flown out of Syria after release from prison
A U.S. defense official told CBS News that Travis Timmerman was flown out of Syria and into Jordan by the U.S. military and handed over to the State Department.
Middle East
Family of Travis Timmerman speaks out
The family of Travis Timmerman says they're overjoyed after the American was found in Syria in the wake of Bashar al-Assad's fall. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee spoke with Timmerman's cousin about the ordeal.
U.S.-backed forces worry ISIS could try to capitalize on Assad's ouster
CBS News goes inside a Syrian prison holding thousands of ISIS fighters, where the U.S.-backed forces in charge say the Assad regime's collapse presents new risks.
U.S. concerns about ISIS comeback in Syria
Syria is at a crossroads in the wake of Bashar al-Assad's fall, with fears persisting that ISIS could use the collapse of the regime, and a potential power vacuum, to stage a comeback. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more.
American found in Syria speaks out
Less than a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, Travis Timmerman of Missouri was found walking barefoot near Damascus on Thursday after being reported missing earlier this year. Meanwhile, the search for American journalist Austin Tice continues. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer and Charlie D'Agata report.
A look at ruins of Aleppo after Assad's fall
A man identifying himself as an American has been found in Syria after being freed from a prison. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer spoke with the man about what it was like to be detained in Syria. Then, CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab joins with more from Aleppo.
White House on Travis Timmerman, Austin Tice
NSC spokesperson John Kirby and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented Thursday on the discovery of American Travis Timmerman in Syria and the ongoing efforts to locate Austin Tice, who they believe is also there.
Blinken defends Afghanistan withdrawal
Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified in a House hearing on the chaotic and deadly 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are still searching for answers. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more details.
Global powers considering next steps in Syria
Celebrations continue in Syria as questions swirl about what the post-Assad era will look like. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Israel to continue strikes on Syria
The Israeli military says it has been targeting weapons stockpiles in Syria with hundreds of strikes since the fall of the Assad regime in an effort to keep the weapons away from extremists. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more on the strikes.
Preventing the reemergence of ISIS in Syria
The U.S. has around 900 troops deployed to Syria to help prevent ISIS from reemerging as concerns rise that extremists could take advantage of the power vacuum in the wake of the Assad regime. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams has more.
Elections planned for Syria
Syria's new interim prime minister, Mohammad al-Bashir, is calling for Syrians who fled the country to return home after the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Bashir has been appointed by rebel groups to be the transitional head of government for the country before elections in March. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more.
Netanyahu testifies in corruption case
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in court Tuesday as a criminal defendant in his long-running corruption trial. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has the details.
Syrians search for loved ones in prison
Two days after rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's government, the Biden administration said it would recognize the new Syrian government under certain conditions. Meanwhile, Syrians searched for their loved ones at the notorious Saydnaya prison. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more details.
Israel strikes weapons stockpiles in Syria
Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria overnight, targeting Syrian military facilities that have chemical weapons stockpiles and long-range missiles. Israeli troops also seized a border buffer zone for the first time in more than a half-century. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Netanyahu takes stand in corruption trial
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified in his corruption trial Tuesday, denying any wrongdoing. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more.
Israel reacts to fall of Assad regime
A Syrian war monitor is reporting that Israel has launched over 300 hundred airstrikes over Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more on that and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's testimony at his corruption trial.
Israeli PM Netanyahu takes stand in corruption trial for first time
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is now juggling his own trial on corruption charges along with the war in Gaza and a new security challenge in neighboring Syria.
Inside Syria's abandoned presidential palace
Over the weekend, Syrian rebels toppled the Assad regime in a swift and stunning upheaval of power. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer is on the ground in the Syrian capital of Damascus with an inside look at the nation's now-empty presidential palace. Then, Qutaiba Idlbi, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, joins with analysis.
Austin Tice's siblings hopeful for his return
As many Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad regime, there are new hopes for missing American journalist Austin Tice. His brother and sister, Jonathan and Naomi, join "America Decides" to discuss.
What's next for Syria after fall of Assad?
Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria has come to an end. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab is following the latest from Turkey, near the border with Syria. Then, John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, joins to discuss the Biden administration's role in Syria's future.
Australia synagogue fire "likely a terrorist incident," police say
Police say a fire that seriously damaged a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, was very likely caused by arsonists in "a terrorist attack."
Syrians celebrate end of Assad regime as president flees to Moscow
Russian state media news agencies reported that Assad and his family were in Moscow and given asylum.
Syrian rebels close in on city of Homs
Thousands of people have been forced to leave parts of central Syria as rebel forces advance on the country's third-largest city of Homs. It would be a major win for the rebels, who have also captured the city of Aleppo. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
Israeli troops reportedly raid Gaza hospital
The director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals says Israeli forces stormed the medical facility overnight. The raid came after a series of airstrikes around the hospital. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has the latest.
Winter weather interrupts some holiday weekend travel
Record holiday travel is expected in the U.S. this year, with the weekend before Christmas projected to be one of the busiest times for transit.
Rep. Gonzales says "it feels as if Elon Musk is our prime minister"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas compared Elon Musk to a prime minister after the Tesla CEO got involved in a tumultuous funding fight on Capitol Hill this week.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
Poll: Most Americans think government is hiding information about drones
Over half of Americans see the drones that have been spotted over the East Coast as a threat to the U.S.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
Mayorkas "alarmed" by social media rhetoric on UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down in New York earlier this month, and there has been some celebration on social media of the suspected killer.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
The story of Handel's "Messiah"
Since its premiere in 1742, George Frideric Handel's 3.5-hour oratorio for chorus, soloists and orchestra has become a timeless message of hope, and a Christmas tradition.
U.S.
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Mayorkas says "irresponsible politics" killed a "terrific solution" on the border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said "a really terrific solution was killed by irresponsible politics" when the bipartisan border deal fell apart earlier this year.
Sen. Joe Manchin on his time in the Senate and what the future holds
Sen. Joe Manchin sat down for an exit interview of sorts with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Rep. Gonzales says "it feels as if Elon Musk is our prime minister"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas compared Elon Musk to a prime minister after the Tesla CEO got involved in a tumultuous funding fight on Capitol Hill this week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 15, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Sen. Joe Manchin join Margaret Brennan.
Winter weather interrupts some holiday weekend travel
Record holiday travel is expected in the U.S. this year, with the weekend before Christmas projected to be one of the busiest times for transit.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
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.
Politics
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Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
Mayorkas says "irresponsible politics" killed a "terrific solution" on the border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said "a really terrific solution was killed by irresponsible politics" when the bipartisan border deal fell apart earlier this year.
Sen. Joe Manchin on his time in the Senate and what the future holds
Sen. Joe Manchin sat down for an exit interview of sorts with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Rep. Gonzales says "it feels as if Elon Musk is our prime minister"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas compared Elon Musk to a prime minister after the Tesla CEO got involved in a tumultuous funding fight on Capitol Hill this week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 15, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Sen. Joe Manchin join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
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.
World
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Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Holiday music with Darren Criss: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Darren Criss, the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," helps "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of the Hugh Martin-Ralph Blane standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Music with Darren Criss: "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
Darren Criss (the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending") and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Technology
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Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
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 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.
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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Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
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.
Space
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Scope of Assad's abuse comes more into focus
Two weeks after Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, the scope of Assad's decades-long abuse of human rights is coming into clearer focus. Imtiaz Tyab reports from Damascus.
Biden's hostage envoy "stunned" by number of Assad prisons
Roger Carstens, the White House special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, speaks to "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" from Jordan after he traveled to Syria to seek information on Austin Tice. While in Syria, he said he was "stunned" by the number of prisons that were operating under the Assad regime, making it that much harder to find Tice.
Manchin: Senate will not "let the filibuster blow apart"
Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, a former Democrat turned independent who is retiring in January, tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that despite the incoming Republican majority in the Senate, he believes both parties are "not going to let the filibuster blow apart." Manchin supports keeping the filibuster in place, despite having backed reconciliation for the Inflation Reduction Act, a key Biden administration bill.
Hill: GOP "united" behind Trump's border and energy agenda
GOP Rep. French Hill of Arkansas tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that despite 34 Republicans voting against Speaker Mike Johnson's own continuing resolution to fund the government, he believes his party in both Houses of Congress are "united" behind President-elect Donald Trump's border and energy agenda.
DHS Secretary: "Irresponsible politics" killed immigration solution
Biden administration Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the White House turned to Congress for a solution to the immigration surge, but "looking back now in hindsight, in 2020 if we had known that irresponsible politics would have killed what was clearly a meritorious effort and a meritorious result, perhaps we would have taken executive action more rapidly."