Venezuelan leader declares early Christmas as standoff with U.S. escalates
As he sends more troops to Venezuela's borders amid a standoff with Trump, President Nicolas Maduro says he's also rescheduling Christmas, to defend "the right to happiness."
Nicolas Maduro
Where U.S.-Venezuela relations stand
Venezuela says it will increase the number of its own troops going after alleged drug traffickers after the Trump administration struck a boat that it said was carrying drugs from Venezuela. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more.
U.S. sending F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico
The White House said the U.S. is sending 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. It comes as the Defense Department confirmed that two armed Venezuelan F-16 fighter jets flew over a U.S. Navy ship in the region on Thursday. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
Maduro vows to declare a "republic in arms" if U.S. forces attack Venezuela
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Monday claimed eight U.S. military vessels "with 1,200 missiles" were targeting his country.
3 U.S. warships to sail off Venezuela as Trump pushes cartel crackdown
The U.S. is deploying 3 guided-missile destroyers to waters off Venezuela as part of President Trump's effort to combat threats from Latin American cartels.
Venezuela deploying millions of militia after "outlandish threats" by U.S.
The U.S. military has also reportedly deployed several vessels to the southern Caribbean, as part of President Trump's crackdown on Latin American drug cartels.
Trump doubles Nicolas Maduro bounty, offers $50 million reward for arrest of Venezuela's president
Maduro was indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine.
González calls on Venezuelan military to reject Maduro
In a video posted on social media, Edmundo González accused Nicolás Maduro of carrying out "a coup d'état" by consolidating power.
Biden refuses to recognize Meduro's presidency
Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term as president, despite widespread doubts over the legitimacy of the country's election results. Many world leaders, like President Biden, are refusing to recognize his legitimacy. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd discusses this and the situation in Sudan.
Maduro sworn in for 3rd term despite outcry over Venezuela's election
President-elect Donald Trump says Venezuela's embattled opposition leader must be protected as President Nicolas Maduro takes the oath of office for a third six-year term.
Maduro sworn in again as Venezuelan president
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, who's been in power since 2013, has been sworn in for a third time despite outcry surrounding his election. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was briefly detained amid protests against Maduro. Caracol Television correspondent Manuela Guerra Fletcher joined CBS News to discuss the situation.
Venezuela opposition leader arrested, released amid tense crackdown
Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested and released amid a tense protest crackdown.
U.S. recognizes Edmundo González as Venezuela's president-elect
The Biden administration had previously said Edmundo González had earned the most votes in the disputed election, but had fallen short of acknowledging him as president-elect.
The crisis in Venezuela
In recent years, a quarter of Venezuela's population has fled the country's economic devastation and political repression. Nicolás Maduro's claim of victory in July's election, despite evidence he lost, has only made matters worse.
Venezuela says 4th American arrested over alleged "plot" against Maduro
Venezuela said Tuesday it had arrested a fourth U.S. citizen over what it claims was a plot to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro in the aftermath of elections the opposition claims he stole.
Venezuela accused of "most violent" repression since disputed election
Venezuela's government has intensified use of the "harshest and most violent" tools of repression in the wake of a disputed election, U.N. experts say.
3 U.S. citizens, 2 Spaniards held over alleged plot to "destabilize" Venezuela
Three American citizens, two Spaniards and a Czech citizen have been detained in Venezuela on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the country through "violent actions."
What to know after U.S. seizes Maduro's plane
Long-term tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have escalated after U.S. authorities seized a luxury jet used by Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. CBS News intelligence and national security reporter Olivia Gazis has more.
U.S. seizes Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's plane, citing sanctions
The U.S. seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's plane in the Dominican Republic and brought it to Florida on Monday, the Justice Department said.
U.S. seizes Venezuelan president's plane
The U.S. seized a plane used by Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, and flew it to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The jet was allegedly illegally purchased and taken out of the U.S. in violation of sanctions. The seizure comes as Venezuela is still reeling from disputed elections earlier this year.
What's behind U.S. seizure of Maduro's plane
The U.S. has seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over alleged sanctions violations. The jet in question has been transported from the Dominican Republic to Florida. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has more from Fort Lauderdale.
U.S. seizes Nicolás Maduro's plane
The Justice Department says the U.S. seized a plane purchased through shell companies that has been in use by Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Election protests continue in Venezuela
The U.S. has recognized Venezuela's opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of last weekend's presidential election, despite President Nicolás Maduro claiming victory. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano examines what the acknowledgment means for Maduro and Venezuela.
U.S. recognizes Edmundo González as winner
The U.S. government says it recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of Venezuela's presidential election. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement there was overwhelming evidence González won, despite President Nicolás Maduro claiming victory. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Examining trends of 2024 global elections
2024 is the biggest global election year in modern history, with at least 64 elections affecting roughly four billion people. The year is now more than halfway over, and some trends are emerging. Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, interim president at Freedom House, joins CBS News to discuss.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
2 dead, at least 20 hurt in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion, officials say
Two people were killed and at least 20 more were injured in an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials said.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
Body of missing 9-year-old California girl Melodee Buzzard found, mother arrested
Authorities said Melodee Buzzard's body was found in a rural area outside of Cainville, Utah, and her mother was arrested Tuesday morning.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
U.S.
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NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
MoneyWatch
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H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
Job listings for store Santas have plunged in recent years as more families shop online and retailers look to contain costs, a new analysis found.
Politics
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H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Major pre-Christmas Russian attack on Ukraine kills at least 3
Russia fired more than 650 drones and three dozen missiles at Ukraine in a major pre-Christmas attack, killing at least three people including a child.
U.S. military hits alleged "low-profile" drug vessel in Pacific, killing 1
The U.S. military says it struck a vessel that was allegedly carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific on Monday, killing one person — part of a months-long campaign of boat strikes near Latin America.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Aubrey O'Day opens up about disturbing Sean "Diddy" Combs affidavit
Aubrey O'Day discusses the disturbing witness affidavit involving Sean "Diddy" Combs in a "CBS Mornings" interview on Tuesday.
How to watch the Kennedy Center Honors tonight on CBS and Paramount+
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast tonight, Dec. 23, celebrating George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone.
"Call of Duty" co-creator Vince Zampella dies after crash on Los Angeles highway
Vince Zampella, a video game developer known for pioneering iconic franchises like "Call of Duty," died in a car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County on Sunday afternoon.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
New trove of Epstein files released
The DOJ released more than 10,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The release includes court records, emails, news clippings, photos, spreadsheets, audio and video files. It also offers new details on Epstein's associates, including President Trump. Mr. Trump has not been charged in connection with Epstein and the new documents do not accuse him of any crime. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
2 killed in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion
Two people are dead after an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and several are still missing, Gov. Josh Shapiro said. CBS Philadelphia reporter Nikki DeMentri reports.
Holiday train delivers Christmas cheer
When the Canadian Pacific Kansas City holiday train rolls into town, the tracks transform into a holiday festival. Lana Zak has the story.
Financial strains of the "sandwich generation"
Between now and 2030, about 10,000 Americans will turn 65 every single day, giving rise to a term known as the "sandwich generation" -- adults who find themselves caring for their aging parents while still raising their own children. CBS News spoke to one woman about her struggles.
FDA approves weight loss drug in daily pill form
Regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication approved to treat obesity. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
Bystanders pull survivors from deadly plane crash
Federal investigators are looking into what caused a deadly plane crash in Galveston Bay, off the Texas coast. A medical plane transporting a child burn victim from Mexico went down with eight people on board. Five were killed, including the 2-year-old. Karen Hua has more on the rescue mission.