700 kids crossed the U.S. border alone after being required to wait in Mexico
"We never expected to experience so much suffering on this border," said one migrant father.
Immigration
Sessions and top aides pushed for separating families despite warnings
"We need to take away children," then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions told U.S. prosecutors, according to a Justice Department report.
Trump rushes to enact asylum restrictions ahead of Biden presidency
One rule would allow border officials to disqualify migrants who exhibit symptoms of the coronavirus from U.S. asylum.
Judge blocks wide-ranging asylum limits
The limits would have generally disqualified victims of gang violence, gender-based persecution and domestic abuse from U.S. asylum.
Trump extends immigrant and work visa limits into Biden presidency
President Trump issued the restrictions in the spring and expanded them in the summer, citing the economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Court blocks Trump bid to detain migrant families indefinitely
Like the Obama administration, President Trump sought to hold migrant families with children in detention indefinitely to deter border crossings.
ICE arrests, deportations dropped sharply in 2020 due to COVID
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations reached a 15-year low during the final full fiscal year of the Trump administration.
Biden committed to immigration pledges, advisers say
Transition officials said the changes in immigration policy changes — especially along the U.S.-Mexico border — will take time, given the ongoing pandemic.
Mixed-status families eligible for stimulus checks in COVID bill
The inclusion of relief for mixed-status families, who did not receive stimulus checks in the spring, was a bipartisan effort.
DACA faces biggest legal test ahead of Biden presidency
A federal judge in Texas is set to review the legality of the Obama-era policy, which shields 640,000 young undocumented adults known as "Dreamers" from deportation.
Supreme Court: It's too early to review Trump's census plan
The U.S. has always counted citizens and non-citizens for the purposes of redrawing congressional districts every 10 years.
Shelter officials oppose Trump's effort to expel migrant children
Shelter officials who work with the government to house migrant children oppose efforts to expel the minors with little or no due process.
U.S. officials expelled 66 migrant kids in violation of court order
A federal judge in November ordered the Trump administration to stop expelling unaccompanied migrant children without court hearings or asylum interviews.
DHS restores DACA and begins accepting first-time applications
The unlikely survival of DACA represents yet another defeat for the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle President Obama's signature policies.
Judge orders restoration of DACA, opens program to new applicants
About 300,000 undocumented immigrant teens and young adults who qualify for DACA on paper could apply for the Obama-era protections from deportation following the court order.
Migrant girl fled to the U.S. fearing sexual abuse but was expelled
15-year-old Marjory is one of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children U.S. border officials have expelled during the pandemic.
SCOTUS skeptical of plan to block undocumented immigrants from census count
The effort could lead some states with large immigrant communities, like California, to lose seats in the House of Representatives.
U.S. border agents apprehend 1,000 migrant children in 5 days
The Trump administration is warning of being on the "cusp of a major influx" of unauthorized migration of children to the U.S. southern border.
New rule to require certain travelers to pay bonds to enter U.S.
The State Department said the rules are designed to send "a message" to certain countries whose citizens have high rates of remaining in the U.S. after their visas have expired.
New report details Trump effort to seize private land for border wall
The Justice Department has filed more than 100 lawsuits against landowners to seize their property along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Biden taps Alejandro Mayorkas as first immigrant to lead DHS
Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who arrived in the U.S. as a political refugee, would also become the first Latino to lead the department.
Judge says border agents can't use COVID-19 order to expel migrant kids
The Trump administration has expelled more than 9,000 unaccompanied migrant children from the southern border, citing a pandemic-era public health order.
Judge rules Wolf did not have authority to restrict DACA
The ruling could allow hundreds of thousands of teenage and young adult immigrants to apply for DACA, which would protect them from deportation.
Revised U.S. citizenship civics test includes more questions
Starting in December, immigrants seeking to become U.S. citizens will have to correctly answer at least 12 of 20 questions on American civics.
Biden plans sweeping reversal of Trump's immigration agenda
With his defeat, Trump's immigration policy changes are now vulnerable — and Biden's team is eager to begin the process of undoing most of them.
World
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
How the U.S.-Canada border closure impacts small towns and businesses
The hardships of the border closure due to COVID-19 span the entire 5,500-mile border.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
Coronavirus death toll tops 2 million worldwide
The United States, with about 4% of the world's population, has reported about one-fifth of all reported deaths globally.
Entire Dutch government resigns over child welfare scandal
Investigations into child welfare payments wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.
Russia following U.S. to abandon Open Skies arms control treaty
For years, Moscow and Washington have blamed each other for letting arms control agreements fall by the wayside. There's only one left.
700 kids crossed the U.S. border alone after being required to wait in Mexico
"We never expected to experience so much suffering on this border," said one migrant father.
Dozens killed as Indonesia quake topples homes, buildings
More than 600 people were injured during the magnitude 6.2 quake, which sent people fleeing their homes in the darkness.
Pigeon thought to have crossed Pacific escapes death in Australia
Authorities thought it had made its way all the way from Oregon and considered it a biosecurity risk. But a U.S. bird group said an identifying band on its leg was fake.
With new sub-launched missiles, North Korea aims to pressure Biden
After failed diplomacy with Trump, Kim Jong Un flouts new weaponry in huge military parade, but much of it remains unproven, and likely still needs work.
Past COVID infection provides at least 5 months of immunity, study shows
Researchers noted that someone who's been infected may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
Tower of London raven goes missing, feared dead
According to folklore, if there are fewer than six ravens left to guard the tower, both the kingdom and country will collapse.
Australia to kill pigeon that crossed Pacific Ocean from Oregon
The pigeon has been named Joe, after the U.S. president-elect.
Year after Ukraine plane downed by Iran, civilian jets still at risk
A lead investigator says Iran hasn't answered many questions about the shootdown of the civilian jet, but it wasn't the 1st such disaster, and he fears it won't be the last.
World
More World
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
How the U.S.-Canada border closure impacts small towns and businesses
The hardships of the border closure due to COVID-19 span the entire 5,500-mile border.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
Coronavirus death toll tops 2 million worldwide
The United States, with about 4% of the world's population, has reported about one-fifth of all reported deaths globally.
Entire Dutch government resigns over child welfare scandal
Investigations into child welfare payments wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.
U.S.
More U.S.
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Sotomayor slams "unprecedented rush" in federal executions
"The Federal Government will have executed more than three times as many people in the last six months than it had in the previous six decades," Sotomayor dissented. "...This is not justice."
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Politics
More Politics
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Biden introduces key members of his science team
The president-elect is elevating the post of science adviser to Cabinet level — a White House first.
Armed capitol rallies "will continue" as planned, Boogaloo group member says
An administrator for the website that originally announced the armed protests said the group intends to carry on as planned
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
"Helps the soul": Chorus finds a way to perform from cars
Using their car radios and some tech savvy, the Luminous Voices chamber choir in Calgary found a way to sing together from a distance.
Canadian choir sings together in separate cars
The Luminous Voices Chamber Choir in Calgary, Canada, improvised a way to sing together while social distancing in their cars, thanks to the help of technology. The choir even pulled off a concert this way in December. Adriana Diaz has more.
Tim Minchin performs "Apart Together"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Apart Together."
Tim Minchin performs "Airport Piano"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Airport Piano."
Tim Minchin performs "The Absence of You"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "The Absence of You."
Technology
More Technology
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
How manufacturers make it impossible to repair your gadgets
Americans are throwing away $40 billion a year unwillingly upgrading items we can't fix, a consumer group claims.
It could be years until full benefits of 5G are unlocked
5G has been front and center at the annual CES, held virtually this year.
Grubhub to deliver Girl Scout cookies during pandemic
Fear not, you can still get your Tagalongs and Thin Mints in a pandemic-safe way this year — through Grubhub.
Science
More Science
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Past COVID infection provides at least 5 months of immunity, study shows
Researchers noted that someone who's been infected may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Health
More Health
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
The hurdles of vaccinating the homeless community
Distrust in the medical system, a lack of primary care and a two-dose regimen for those without permanent housing are high hurdles.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
When might you get Biden's $1,400 stimulus check?
President-Elect Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion relief bill could face some hurdles, analysts say.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
Biden pay push could lift over 1 million workers out of poverty
Federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 for more than a decade, the longest period without a raise since 1938.
NRA files for bankruptcy
The NRA said it is moving to Texas from New York, where the state's attorney general has filed a lawsuit alleging financial crimes.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Crime
More Crime
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Capitol rioter known as "QAnon Shaman" will be jailed until trial
Prosecutors say rioter Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman," is a dangerous conspiracy leader who should be detained.
Texas cop shoots and kills Black man during mental health check
Patrick Warren Sr.'s family was expecting a mental health professional to respond when they called for help.
Was a woman targeted because she resembled her killer's ex?
Texas Ranger James Holland believes a young woman's stalker was a serial killer in the making
Restaurant manager uses concealed sign to help rescue abused boy
She noticed he was bruised and a man with him didn't let him order food. Then she sprang into action. One detective described the abuse the boy had suffered as torture.
Space
More Space
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Blue Origin launches New Shepard test flight
Blue Origin says "we're getting very, very close" to launching passengers to space.
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Astronomers observe death of a distant galaxy for the first time
Galaxy ID2299 is losing its ability to form new stars, causing it to die.
Astronomers discover oldest, most distant supermassive black hole
The supermassive black hole at the center of one of the universe's brightest objects is 1.6 billion times more massive than the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
The evidence that convicted Charles Bryant
An inside look at the investigation into the murder of Jackie Vandagriff.
Newest dog breeds: From tiny toys to massive mastiffs
Have you heard of the Belgian Laekenois? The Cesky terrier? Sloughi? You have now.
How U.S. presidents aged in office
How it started and how its going in America's highest office.
Troubling clues fuel a family's quest for justice
Christian Andreacchio's death was declared a suicide by police but his parents disagree - saying it's more than parental intuition that leads them to believe their son was murdered.
The most anticipated TV shows of 2021 (and when they might be coming back)
Will "The Crown" return in 2021? Will "Survivor"? Here's how COVID-19 is affecting the production and return of your favorite streaming and TV shows.
Popular
More Popular
Popular
Hindsight is 2020: An Unprecedented Election
When a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and rampant misinformation converged, Americans were faced with an election unlike any other. This CBSN documentary follows voters around the country as they grapple with who they're voting for, how they're voting and the issues supercharging the stakes.
Pelosi speaks to "60 Minutes" about Capitol riot
Two days after her own office was ransacked by Trump supporters, the speaker of the House talks to Lesley Stahl about what she experienced that day and more.
Trump's phone call with Brad Raffensperger
Last weekend, President Trump called Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, imploring him with veiled threats and lies to change the outcome of the November election. Raffensperger talks to Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes" about why he didn't give in.
Angus King: The "60 Minutes" interview
Jon Wertheim talks with Maine Senator Angus King, one of two independents in the Senate, about not being hitched to a party in a time of extreme polarization.
Canadian choir sings together in separate cars
The Luminous Voices Chamber Choir in Calgary, Canada, improvised a way to sing together while social distancing in their cars, thanks to the help of technology. The choir even pulled off a concert this way in December. Adriana Diaz has more.