Germany says American contractor tried to pass China info on U.S. military
German authorities have arrested an American man they say tried to pass intelligence to China after working as a civilian contractor for the U.S. military.
Spying
Russia sentences former long-time U.S. Consulate worker to prison
A Russian court found long-time U.S. Consulate employee Robert Shonov guilty of "gathering information" on the Ukraine war and sharing it with a foreign nation.
Israeli police say 7 citizens arrested, accused of spying for Iran
Israeli police say they've "dismantled a spy network" that sent Iran photos and video "of numerous IDF bases across Israel, ports, and energy infrastructure."
Report on China-backed hackings in U.S.
The Washington Post is reporting that hackers backed by China accessed some U.S. internet providers to spy on Americans. This comes as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan visits China for meetings. John Hultquist, a chief analyst with Mandiant Intelligence at Google Cloud, joins CBS News with more details.
Spies' children found out they were Russian on flight to Moscow
Artem and Anna Dultsev were undercover intelligence officers commonly known as "illegals." They were posing as Argentine expats when they were arrested in Slovenia.
Russian assassin among those walking free in U.S.-Russia prisoner swap
A Russian assassin jailed for life in Germany is among the Russians being released as part of the U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
U.S. vows to push for Gershkovich's release
A Russian court sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison on espionage charges Friday. President Biden has vowed to "push hard" for his release. Washington Post Russia reporter Mary Ilyushina has the latest.
Russian court sentences U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich to prison
The Wall Street Journal calls reporter Evan Gershkovich's conviction on spying charges in Russia "bogus," but it may clear the way for a prisoner swap.
New images of suspected Chinese spy bases
New images of Cuba's electronic eavesdropping bases have been captured from space and are believed to be linked to China, according to a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Matthew Funaiole, co-author of the report, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
Julian Assange lands in Australia a free man
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned to his native Australia as a free man on Wednesday. In a deal brokered by the Justice Department, Assange pleaded guilty to a single felony charge for publishing U.S. military secrets. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio is in the Australian capital of Canberra with more.
Evan Gershkovich Russian trial: What to know
American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared in court with his head newly shaved as his trial began in Russia on Wednesday. The 32-year-old faces 20 years in prison for allegedly spying on a facility linked to the Russian military on behalf of the CIA, but Russian officials have not provided any evidence to support those claims. CBS News correpondent Lilia Luciano reports.
Assange to plead guilty to violating Espionage Act
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has agreed to plead guilty to one count of violating the Espionage Act. Assange is not expected to spend time incarcerated in the U.S. as he will be credited with time served in a U.K. prison. Charlie D'Agata has the latest.
Julian Assange to plead guilty to U.S. charge
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has agreed to plead guilty to one count of violating the Espionage Act. A federal grand jury indicted Assange in 2019 on 18 counts over his alleged role in leaking classified government information about U.S. military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. CBS News Justice Department reporter Rob Legare has more.
Russia says U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich to face trial on spy charges
Russian authorities say U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, held for over a year, will stand trial on espionage charges.
Former British marine accused of spying found dead in park
Matthew Trickett, 37, was one of three men charged with assisting Hong Kong authorities with gathering intelligence in the U.K.
Cuban spies behind sale of American secrets around the world
Former U.S. Ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha spent decades spying for Cuba. Before Rocha there was Ana Montes, a Pentagon analyst who spent 17 years spying for Cuba.
How a spy for Cuba got away with sharing America's secrets for 17 years
Cuba has a notorious legacy of spying on the U.S. Former spies spent years, and in some cases decades, sharing secrets before they were caught.
Russian state media say jailed U.S. soldier has entered a guilty plea
Russian media say U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, who has been jailed for two weeks, is cooperating with authorities and has pleaded guilty to theft.
Ukraine says plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelenskyy foiled
2 Ukrainian security officers have been detained and accused of treason over an alleged Russian plot to kill President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Searches on Americans in FBI foreign intelligence database fell in 2023
The FBI's searches, some of which were deemed to be improper in the past, were a flashpoint in a months-long fight in Congress over the reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA.
Russian court extends Evan Gershkovich's pretrial detention yet again
U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich will remain "wrongfully detained" by Russia - with no sign yet of a trial on espionage charges – until at least June.
Germany arrests alleged Russian spies scouting U.S. military facilities
A German prosecutor says 2 German-Russian nationals were caught snooping around U.S. military facilities used to train Ukrainian forces.
Cuban official denies existence of spy base
A Biden administration official claimed in 2023 that China had operated a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío rejected those claims in an exclusive interview with CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
Cuba willing to accept more U.S. deportations
Cuba's deputy foreign minister says his country is willing to accept more U.S. deportations. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the exclusive interview.
Ex-U.S. ambassador who spied for Cuba for decades gets 15 years
The former U.S. ambassador to Bolivia was allegedly recruited by the Cubans in 1973, then went on to rise through the ranks of the State Department.
Government funding bill clears Congress, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure to fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief passed the Senate and now goes to President Biden for his signature.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
More than 119 million U.S. holiday travelers expected to hit roads, skies
More than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day, which would top the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to AAA.
8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
U.S.
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
MoneyWatch
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
Politics
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Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
HealthWatch
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Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
"Sleepmaxxing" trend has young adults optimizing their sleep
Sleep optimization, or "sleepmaxxing," is a popular trend among a younger demographic, but experts share a few words of caution.
World
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8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and injuring at least 200.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The untold WWII story of "Six Triple Eight"
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film "Six Triple Eight," spotlighting the only all-Black women's battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.
Alicia Keys surprises students at her former high school
The 16-time Grammy winner returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where she first began her career, and shares advice with current students.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
JonBenét Ramsey's dad on key evidence
John Ramsey, JonBenét Ramsey's dad, says he thinks DNA technology will lead to an answer in his daughter's brutal murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty breaks down her latest reporting on the case.
Space
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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
Holiday travel expected to break records
America's airports and highways will be jam-packed over the next two weeks, with the holiday travel season expected to set records. AAA is predicting more than a 119 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between now and New Year's Day, including 54 million air travelers. Here's what to know about the busy period.
Government shutdown averted at last minute
A government shutdown was averted at the eleventh hour. Congress approved a hastily revised short-term government funding bill after a previous attempt failed to pass the House this week. The earlier bill was upended by President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The new bill funds federal operations and disaster aid, but does not address Trump's demands to raise or abolish the debt ceiling. President Biden is expected to sign the bill today.
The Uplift: A weather wonder
A 22-year-old forecasting the weather out of his bedroom is praised for helping people during natural disasters – and gets a big surprise from David Begnaud. And Santa comes early to two U.S. cities to bring Christmas magic to children in need. Plus, more uplifting news.
Eye Opener: Drone company creates record-setting light show
A North Texas drone company unofficially set a new Guinness World Record by using thousands of drones to create a stunning holiday light show in the sky. Meanwhile, a third-grader in Arizona is a hero after saving a friend from choking in the school cafeteria. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Eye on America: Inside human smuggling rings
In California, we speak to an anthropologist whose new book offers firsthand accounts from human smugglers helping people cross into the U.S. illegally. And in Nebraska, we hear from experts raising the alarm that road barricades aren’t strong enough against heavier electric vehicles. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.