Korea tension flares as South set to resume front-line military activity
North Korea's recent launch of trash-carrying balloons drew a vow from South Korea of "unbearable" retaliation.
Nuclear Weapons
Vets say secret base made them sick
Veterans who served at a secret base in Nevada sometimes called Area 52 say nearby nuclear tests gave them cancer and caused other health problems. But because the government won't acknowledge they were there, they can't get the aid they need. CBS Chicago's Dave Savini has the story.
Air Force unveils photos of new nuclear stealth bomber in flight
The B-21 Raider is moving closer to becoming the nation's next nuclear weapons stealth bomber.
Putin meets Xi as Russia-China ties flourish amid tension with U.S.
Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin to Beijing - talking peace in Ukraine amid a backdrop of war and growing tension with the U.S. and NATO.
Xi Jinping kicks off Europe trip in France
Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off a three-nation European tour on Monday, starting with America's longtime ally France. Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, joins CBS News to examine the trip's significance.
Russia plans tactical nuclear weapons drills near Ukraine border
Claiming a "new round of escalation" from NATO amid the war in Ukraine, Russia plans drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons.
Poland "ready" to host NATO nuclear weapons, its president says
Poland is "ready" to host nuclear arms if NATO decides to deploy them there in the face of Russia reinforcing its armaments in Belarus and Kaliningrad, President Andrzej Duda says.
Families sickened by atomic tests seek justice
The award-winning film "Oppenheimer" has brought a renewed push for justice for generations of people who developed cancers and other diseases as a result of nuclear weapons tests. Scott MacFarlane has the story.
Putin likely to remain after Russia election
Vladimir Putin is already expected to win Russia's presidential election as voters head to the polls to cast their ballots through Sunday. Brian Taylor, a political science professor at Syracuse University, joins CBS News with a look at Putin's efforts to remain in power for six more years.
Kim Jong Un visits troops, urges them to complete "preparations for war"
North Korean state media say leader Kim Jong Un test drove one of the country's new tanks and urged troops to be ready for war.
Putin renews nuclear war threat, warns NATO not to send troops to Ukraine
Vladimir Putin claims Moscow's nuclear arsenal is "much more" advanced than America's, and says he'll use it if Russia is threatened.
Putin says NATO sending troops to Ukraine would risk global nuclear war
Vladimir Putin says "sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine" would risk "a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilization."
U.K. confirms "anomaly" during nuclear missile system test launch
Defense chief tells lawmakers the U.K.'s Trident nuclear missiles are "dependable, and formidable" after a reported failed test launch off Florida.
"Oppenheimer" wins best picture at the British Academy Film Awards
Atom bomb epic "Oppenheimer" won seven prizes, including best picture, at the British Academy Film Awards.
How would Russia's space weapon work?
Sources tell CBS News the U.S. has been tracking Russia's development of a nuclear-capable anti-satellite weapon in space. Dr. Francesca Giovannini, executive director of the Harvard Belfer Center's Project on Managing the Atom, joins CBS News to discuss how the weapon could work in practice.
WH: Russia developing anti-satellite weapon
The White House confirmed Thursday that it knows Russia is developing a weapon to target satellites in space. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more.
Russian nuclear space threat: What we know
The White House confirmed Thursday that the House Intelligence Committee chairman's cryptic warning about a "serious national security threat" has to do with Russia developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon that would violate a treaty banning nuclear weapons in space. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan has the details.
Doomsday clock set at 90 seconds to midnight
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists revealed the 2024 update to its "Doomsday clock," a symbol of how close humanity is to catastrophe from nuclear war, climate change and other threats. It remained set at the same spot as last year, 90 seconds to midnight. Bill Nye took part in the group's announcement and helped explain the decision.
Doomsday clock time for 2024 remains at 90 seconds to midnight
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists unveiled its latest reading of the Doomsday clock on Tuesday morning, signaling how close humanity is to global catastrophe.
North Korea says it tested underwater nuclear attack drone
North Korea said it tested an underwater nuclear attack drone in response to joint naval exercises by the U.S., Seoul and Tokyo.
North Korea's Kim hurls nuclear threats as U.S. heads into election year
Kim Jong Un ordered North Korea's military to "thoroughly annihilate" the U.S. and South Korea if his isolated nation is provoked, state media say.
How overseas conflicts impact U.S. economy
Two wars overseas and growing tensions with Russia and China are prompting top U.S. military contractors to boost production. Bill Hartung, senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute, joins CBS News to discuss the state of the U.S. military-industrial complex.
North Korea test fires missile touted as most powerful in nuclear arsenal
South Korea and Japan say North Korea has test launched a missile likely among the most powerful, long-range weapons in its arsenal, the Hwasong-18 ICBM.
South Korea launches first spy satellite
South Korea says it has launched its first spy satellite into space just one week after North Korea claimed it did the same. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has more on the new frontier in Korean competition.
Examining Iran's influence in the Middle East
The U.S. says Iran-backed fighters have been attacking American forces in the Middle East with drones and rockets in recent weeks. Eric Lob, non-resident scholar with the Middle East Institute's Iran program, joins CBS News to unpack Iran's influence in the region.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Transcript: Roger Carstens on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 22, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Roger Carstens, special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Dec. 22, 2024.
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 "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."
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."
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
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."
Gonzales: "It feels as if Elon Musk is our prime minister"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the chaos that followed Elon Musk's intervention after a deal had been reached to avert a government shutdown makes it feel "as if Elon Musk is our prime minister," despite that Musk is not an elected official.