7/11: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation," warning signs about new coronavirus cases, extreme weather affecting tens of millions and a threat to Russia following the latest cyberattack.
Virgin Galactic
Blue Origin launches 6 passengers on sub-orbital trip to space
It was the sixth crewed flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard sub-orbital spacecraft.
SpaceX launches SES communications satellite
The SES-22 relay station is the first of six new satellites that will deliver TV, radio and data across the U.S.
SpaceX pulls off three launches in 36 hours
SpaceX on track to launch more than 50 Falcon 9 rockets this year.
SpaceX launches Egyptian comsat
The new relay station will provide television and data relay service across the Middle East and Africa.
Blue Origin chalks up fifth passenger flight to space
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has now launched 25 civilians to space in five for-profit sub-orbital missions.
SpaceX launches 4th low-cost "rideshare" mission
To meet rising demand, SpaceX plans three rideshare missions per year to give small satellites access to space.
Blue Origin unveils plans for commercial space station
The privately-funded outpost will provide a destination in orbit after the International Space Station is retired.
William Shatner is blasting off to space for real next week
The 90-year-old actor will be the oldest to fly in space when he joins three crewmates aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft
FAA clears Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo for flight following probe
The company said it expects to open its flight window for the next test flight by mid-October.
Inspiration4 crew returns to Earth after historic flight
The Inspiration4 crew splashed down at 7:07 p.m. ET near Cape Canaveral to close out a three-day mission.
Richard Branson preps for Sunday space launch
The excitement among space enthusiasts is building Saturday morning in New Mexico. That's where, in a little more than 24 hours, billionaire Richard Branson's company, Virgin Galactic, will send him and three other employees to the edge of space. It's another milestone in the emerging commercial market of sub-orbital flight. Mark Strassmann has the details.
First privately-funded trip to orbit going well, but few details released
SpaceX founder Elon Musk says "all is well" with the first all-civilian non-government trip to orbit.
First all-civilian flight to orbit will take charity to new heights
The Inspiration4 mission is raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with three days in orbit aboard a SpaceX capsule.
FAA grounds Virgin Galactic rockets while probing Branson trip
Regulators say rocketship carrying British billionaire and others in a July flight veered off course on its descent.
Branson sells $300M in Virgin Galactic stock after rocket ride
Timely sale follows the billionaire's successful first flight into suborbital space last month watched by millions.
Atlas 5 hauled off launch pad for Starliner troubleshooting
If a valve problem with Boeing's Starliner crew capsule isn't quickly fixed, launch could slip to late this year.
What Bezos' spaceflight means for space travel
The successful launch of Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is ushering in a new era of consumer space travel. The mission comes exactly 52 years to the day after the historic Apollo 11 lunar module touched down on the surface of the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann spoke with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, and his brother Mark about the journey and the future of space tourism, and Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer and director of the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, joined CBSN to put the historic spaceflight in perspective.
The differences between Bezos and Branson flights
About a week after Branson soared to an altitude just above 50 miles, Bezos reached just above 62 miles.
Jeff Bezos and crew prepare for space launch
Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos will be launching into space Tuesday along with three crewmates. It will be the first human flight for the space company. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann joins "CBSN AM" from near the launch site in West Texas with more on the plans.
New Shepard rocket ready for Bezos flight
Two more passenger flights are planned before the end of the year as Bezos kicks off commercial flight operations.
Ashton Kutcher returned his Virgin Galactic ticket to space
Kutcher bought the ticket in 2012, before he and Kunis got married.
Branson becomes first billionaire in space
Billionaire Richard Branson becomes the first person to leave Earth in his own spaceship, beating fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos by at least nine days. The flight on Branson’s “Virgin Galactic” rocket marks a major step for space tourism. Mark Strassmann reports.
Ex-astronaut on Virgin Galactic's flight
Billionaire Richard Branson was among the first people to ride into space on his own company's aircraft. Branson and five crewmates experienced about three minutes of weightlessness before plunging back into Earth's atmosphere. Former astronaut Leroy Chiao joined "CBSN AM" to discuss the flight and what it could mean for the future of space tourism.
Branson and Virgin Galactic complete successful space flight
On Sunday, Richard Branson became the first owner of a private space company to launch aboard one of his own spacecraft.
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.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More U.S.
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
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.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
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.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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
More World
Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
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.
Technology
More Technology
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
More Science
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
More Crime
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
More Space
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Eye Opener: Severe weather threatens travel
Severe storms and major flooding are impacting parts of the country. Meanwhile, travelers prepare for delays as Americans head home for the holidays. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Bethlehem hopes to revive Christmas tourism
Bethlehem, the city known as Jesus' birthplace, saw a major drop in tourism during the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As the ceasefire holds, the city is publicly celebrating Christmas events for the first time since 2022. Imtiaz Tyab has more.
"Stranger Things" cast on show's last episodes
The series finale of Netflix's "Stranger Things" will premiere on New Year's Eve after five seasons of taking fans "Upside Down." Julianne Ferreira spoke with members of the cast in New York City about the last episodes.