5/19/2024: Pope Francis; Cuban Spycraft; The Album
First, Pope Francis: The 60 Minutes Interview. Then, a report on the Americans spying for Cuba in the United States. And, a look at a play based on Nazi’s photo album from Auschwitz
Pentagon
U.S. troops to complete withdrawal from Niger by mid-September, Pentagon says
American and Nigerien defense officials say U.S. troops ordered out of Niger by its ruling junta will complete their withdrawal from the West African country by the middle of September.
U.S. reviewing planned Israel weapons sales
The Biden administration says it paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week because of concerns that the Israeli military could use them in Rafah where more than one million civilians are sheltering. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin has the details.
Why the U.S. military's withdrawal from Niger is a "devastating blow"
After a U.S. investment of about $1 billion in Niger, the welcome mat is being yanked out from under American troops' feet.
Pentagon confirms Havana Syndrome at NATO summit
A senior Defense Department official who attended the NATO summit in Lithuania last year suffered symptoms of Havana Syndrome, the Pentagon said on Monday. The syndrome includes a series of mysterious illnesses reported by Americans who've served overseas. David Martin has the latest.
House hearing on Afghanistan withdrawal
The House Foreign Affairs Committee is holding a hearing Tuesday with testimony from U.S. generals who played a role in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin has more.
U.S. forces, allies shoot down over 2 dozen Houthi drones in Red Sea
There were no reports of commercial or naval vessels damaged in the assault, U.S. Central Command reported.
Maritime corridor for Gaza aid will take two months to build, Pentagon says
Construction of the corridor will take about 60 days, but once in place, it should be able to provide about two million meals a day, the Pentagon says.
Jack Teixeira, alleged Pentagon leaker, to plead guilty
Jack Teixeira, the former Air National Guard member charged with leaking hundreds of highly classified military and intelligence documents, intends to plead guilty.
Austin testifies about hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers Thursday he did not handle his January hospitalization correctly when he failed to notify the White House about it for days. Watch his opening remarks before the House Armed Services Committee.
U.S., U.K. conduct fourth round of joint airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen
This is the fourth round of joint coalition strikes to pressure the Houthis to stop attacking commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Pentagon official on military aid for Ukraine
House Speaker Mike Johnson has so far refused to bring a $95 billion foreign aid bill to the floor for a vote, stalling funding for Ukraine's defense against Russia. As the war in Ukraine approaches its two-year mark, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh joined CBS News to discuss what the consequences of not passing the bill might be.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released from hospital, Pentagon says
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital Tuesday after treatment for complications related to his surgery for prostate cancer, the Pentagon said.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hospitalized after experiencing symptoms of an "emergent bladder issue," according to the Pentagon. Austin "transferred the functions and duties of the office" to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, according to the Pentagon's Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. CBS News' David Martin reports.
Secretary Austin addresses cancer treatment
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since he was hospitalized for cancer treatment, something he didn't disclose to President Biden. Austin said, "We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right." CBS News national security correspondent David Martin has more.
Retired U.S. general on attack in Jordan
The drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan on Sunday is still under investigation, but the Pentagon says Iran "has their fingerprints" all over it. Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, joins CBS News to assess the situation.
Drone attack at U.S. base in Jordan kills 3
The Biden administration is weighing its options after three American service members were killed and dozens more were injured in a drone attack on a base in Jordan on Sunday. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin has the latest information on the attack and CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports on the White House's efforts to prevent conflicts from expanding in the Middle East.
3 American troops killed in drone attack in Jordan
Three American troops were killed and dozens more were injured in a drone attack on a base in Jordan, U.S. officials said Sunday. President Biden blamed the attack on Iranian-backed militias. David Martin has the latest.
U.S. strikes Iranian-backed militias in Iraq over attacks on American forces
The U.S. struck targets in Iraq on Tuesday to retaliate for attacks Iranian-backed militias have been launching against American forces.
Pentagon official on U.S. strikes in Yemen
The U.S. and the U.K. struck Houthi targets in Yemen as retaliation for their continued attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The rebel group has said their actions are in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Sabrina Singh, a deputy press secretary for the Department of Defense, joins CBS News from the Pentagon to discuss the strikes.
Pentagon on joint strikes against Houthis
Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the joint retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
White House on handling of Austin cancer news
The Pentagon continues to face fallout for the handling of information about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Flurry of Houthi missiles, drones fired toward Red Sea shipping vessels
Eighteen drones, two-antiship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile were fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, but there were no reports of damage or injury, officials said.
Secretary Austin treated for prostate cancer
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized Jan. 1 due to complications after surgery for prostate cancer in December, his doctors said in a statement released on Tuesday. The Pentagon is under scrutiny for failing to notify the White House, Congress and the public about Austin's condition for several days. Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder spoke to reporters about the growing controversy, and CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reports on the developments.
Defense secretary was hospitalized for infection related to prostate cancer
A statement provides new details amid a growing controversy over the Pentagon's failure to notify the White House about his hospitalization.
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport where WHO chief was about to board plane
Israel says it is targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen's rebel-held capital city, Sanaa.
Questions mount about cause of Kazakhstan plane crash
After the Azerbaijan Airlines jet crash, speculation mounted about why the plane went down and whether possible Russian air defense action may have played a role.
Storms, dense fog threaten holiday travel in parts of U.S.
Rain and high winds were expected roll through parts of Oregon and Washington, while fog settled over an area from Kansas City to Chicago.
What to know about after-Christmas sales from Amazon, Walmart and more
Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Memorials mark 20 years since tsunami killed over 200,000
The day after Christmas in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami waves that killed some 230,000 people across a dozen countries.
Jennifer Crumbley requests to be released from prison pending appeal
Crumbley's attorney, Michael Deszi, filed a motion in the Oakland County Circuit Court on Thursday, arguing that Crumbley is not a "flight risk" and "poses no danger to the public."
Israel's attorney general orders investigation into Netanyahu's wife
The probe will focus on the findings of a recent investigative news program on alleged actions of Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, officials said.
"Baby Driver" actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies after falling from a moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor known for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," died Dec. 21 in Alabama, authorities said.
U.S.
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A hippopotamus for Christmas: Baby pygmy hippo born at Virginia zoo
Christmas came early for pygmy hippo parents at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 29)
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the newsworthy men and women who passed away this year, who touched us with their creativity and humanity.
ChatGPT hit by outages as OpenAI reports "high error rates"
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
What to know about after-Christmas sales from Amazon, Walmart and more
Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.
Storms, dense fog threaten holiday travel in parts of U.S.
Rain and high winds were expected roll through parts of Oregon and Washington, while fog settled over an area from Kansas City to Chicago.
MoneyWatch
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ChatGPT hit by outages as OpenAI reports "high error rates"
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
What to know about after-Christmas sales from Amazon, Walmart and more
Bargain hunters are busy amid seasonal discounts and "going out of business" sales by at least two retailing chains.
The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
Lawyers for ex-Abercrombie CEO say he has dementia, can't stand trial
Defense lawyers say the former longtime CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch may have dementia, prompting a competency hearing.
Politics
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Trump picks Miami-Dade commissioner as ambassador to Panama
Cabrera is county commissioner of District 6, which represents parts of Coral Gables, Hialeah and the City of Miami.
Biden heads to St. Croix for final holiday as president
President Biden's final holiday in office will take place largely out of the public eye.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair
Marianne Williamson sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and 2024.
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back
Ryan Wesley Routh is being held in Miami awaiting trial in Fort Pierce.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
FDA raises urgency of Costco egg recall
The FDA has raised the level of a Costco egg recall, warning of the risk of severe illness or death due to potential salmonella contamination. Over 10,000 cartons of Kirkland brand organic eggs sold at stores across the South are affected. Customers are urged to discard or return eggs marked with Julian code 327 and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025.
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
World
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Israel's attorney general orders investigation into Netanyahu's wife
The probe will focus on the findings of a recent investigative news program on alleged actions of Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister's wife, officials said.
Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen airport where WHO chief was about to board plane
Israel says it is targeting Houthi military sites in Yemen's rebel-held capital city, Sanaa.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Memorials mark 20 years since tsunami killed over 200,000
The day after Christmas in 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake under the Indian Ocean triggered tsunami waves that killed some 230,000 people across a dozen countries.
Russia says 4 arrested in alleged bomb plots to kill senior Defense officials
The arrest announcement follows the death of Russia's Lt. Gen Igor Kirillov, who was killed on Dec. 17 by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter parked outside his apartment building.
Entertainment
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"Baby Driver" actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies after falling from a moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor known for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," died Dec. 21 in Alabama, authorities said.
Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Technology
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ChatGPT hit by outages as OpenAI reports "high error rates"
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
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.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
Science
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These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
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.
Crime
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Florida pizza delivery worker allegedly stabs pregnant customer after $2 tip
A pizza delivery worker, upset over a tip, allegedly repeatedly stabbed a pregnant woman at a Florida motel, a sheriff's office says.
Trump assassination attempt news
Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump near his Florida golf course, could have his trial delayed as his lawyer mounts a legal defense. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the latest developments.
3 shot, 1 stabbed in Christmas night dispute at Phoenix airport, police say
Gunfire at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Christmas night left three people wounded, police say. Another was stabbed. One was in critical condition.
Prison guard dead after Christmas morning assault by inmate, officials say
A corrections officer died after an assault by an inmate in an Ohio prison on Christmas morning, authorities say.
Backpacks full of $1.1 million worth of cocaine found near Canada border
Agents found 30 brick-like packages of cocaine inside the backpacks, located in a wooded area in Washington near the U.S. border with Canada.
Space
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These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
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.
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
AAA predicts record holiday travel this week
The post-holiday rush is underway, whether it's traveling home from the holidays or off to a vacation. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports, and then Clint Henderson, managing editor for travel website "The Points Guy," has tips for vacationing like a pro.
What is the state of the job market?
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week. Meanwhile, the average 30-year mortgage rate hit 6.85%, the highest since July. CBS News contributor Javier David breaks it down.
What to know about latest bills Biden signed
President Biden celebrated the holidays with a bill-signing blitz on Christmas Eve. The 50 measures becoming law include the "Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act," championed by Paris Hilton, the "Stop Campus Hazing Act" and a law prohibiting Congress members from receiving retirement payments if they are convicted of certain crimes. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane has the details.
New details in the downed plane in Kazakhstan
Investigators are looking into whether Russian anti-aircraft defenses may have played a role in the deadly plane crash in Kazakhstan. Many questions remain about why the plane was diverted and what led to the crash that killed dozens. CBS News foreign correspondent Chris Livesay has more.
Why Trump wants to retake Panama Canal
President-elect Donald Trump spent Christmas Day laying out his foreign policy aspirations for his second term, including his threat to retake control of the Panama Canal. He also suggested the U.S. could take control of Greenland and Canada. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more on his recent statements and how the world reacted.