Key GOP senators withdraw objections to Electoral College count
There were some who still said they would object, including Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas.
United States Electoral College
Senator Graham on Biden: "He won!"
During a joint session of Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of President Trump, told his colleagues that President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were lawfully elected. HIs comments came after a day of violent turmoil by pro-Trump supporters who swarmed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the electoral college vote. Watch Graham's remarks.
Loeffler drops objection to electoral count
Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost her Georgia Senate race the night before, addressed a joint session of Congress to say she no longer plans to object to the results of the electoral vote count. Watch her remarks here.
"Whatever it takes": Lawmakers vow to finish counting electoral votes after assault on Capitol
"Tonight, Congress will continue the business of certifying the electoral college votes," Congressman Jim Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, tweeted.
The VP's role in the Electoral College vote
President Trump has suggested Vice President Mike Pence has the authority to reject the Electoral College vote in the 2020 election. In 2017, then-Vice President Joe Biden denied opposition from members of his own party and presided over Congress' confirmation of Mr. Trump's victory in the 2016 election. Columbia Law School professor Richard Briffault joins CBSN to discuss the powers of the vice president when it comes to election results.
McConnell: Congress must honor voters' decision
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said upholding the Electoral College outcome will be "the most important vote I've ever cast." He said there is no evidence of fraud that would affect the results and that Congress must not intervene. "If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," he said. Watch his full speech on the Senate floor.
Pence acknowledges no authority over election
As Congress convened a joint session to officially count the Electoral College votes, Vice President Mike Pence released a letter stating that he has no authority to decide the result -- resisting public pressure from President Trump to contest the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. Norah O'Donnell anchors CBS News Special Report coverage.
How to watch Congress count the Electoral College votes
It's the last step in the election process before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20.
Fact check: Objections GOP lawmakers may raise in Electoral College count
A dozen senators say they'll object to the 2020 presidential election's state-certified results during the congressional count of the Electoral College votes.
Where GOP senators stand on objecting to Electoral College votes
In an event set to filled with drama, the House and Senate will convene in a joint session Wednesday to count and certify electoral votes.
Protesters to flood D.C. over Electoral College
Tens of thousands of people are expected to protest Congress' Electoral College vote count to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Washington, D.C. Jeff Pegues reports.
Trump claims he and Pence agree on VP's election authority
The president is decrying reports that the vice president told him he lacks the authority to alter the election results.
Exclusive: Audio captured of threat to fly plane into U.S. Capitol
CBS News has learned of a threat to attack the U.S. Capitol on the same day Congress is set to count Electoral College votes. The threat cited Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by the U.S. last year. Jeff Pegues has the exclusive report.
Georgia runoff vote count could run late
Voters in Georgia's two Senate runoff elections which will decide which party controls the U.S. Senate for the beginning of the Biden administration. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns, CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, and Wall Street Journal national political reporter Josh Jamerson spoke to "Red and Blue" host Elaine Quijano about when to expect a clear picture of the outcome.
Election day for Georgia Senate runoffs
In Georgia, voters are heading to the polls today for the state's two crucial runoff senate elections. Over 3 million votes have already been cast early or absentee in the races which will determine the balance of power in the Senate. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns reports from Georgia, and CBS News political contributor Molly Hooper joins CBSN AM with more.
Dissecting Trump's baseless claims of fraud
President Trump continued to push baseless claims of election fraud during a rally in Georgia on Monday. The rally comes on the eve of the state's crucial senate runoff election. David Becker, CBS News contributor, election law expert and executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano on "Red & Blue" to discuss Mr. Trump's claims.
More GOP senators rebuff effort to object to electoral votes
At least 20 Republican senators said they do not plan to join their GOP colleagues in objecting to electoral votes cast in some battleground states for President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump pressures GOP to challenge election
Congress is preparing to meet Wednesday to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the November election, as President Trump pressures Republican lawmakers to challenge the results. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with the latest.
Some GOP lawmakers to dispute election results
Some Republican members of Congress have announced plans to object to the Electoral College results showing Joe Biden won the presidency. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins "CBSN AM" to explain their controversial move.
GOP effort to dispute Joe Biden's victory
At least a dozen Republican senators say they will officially object to Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. The group, led by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, cites unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud even though the allegations have all failed in court. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN with more.
D.C. National Guard to activate troops for pro-Trump rally
Thousands of Trump supporters are expected to protest the election results this week.
Paul Ryan denounces GOP efforts to challenge electoral votes
Ryan said it is "difficult to conceive of a more anti-democratic and anti-conservative act."
Republican senators to challenge election
A group of 11 Republican Senators announced plans to object to the election results in certain states during a joint session of Congress on January 6, citing allegations of voter fraud. The announcement comes despite no credible evidence of widespread fraud in the election. Weijia Jiang has more.
Judge dismisses Gohmert's attempt to force Pence to decide election
Gohmert had claimed in the lawsuit that Pence has the "sole" power to decide the outcome of the election.
Eye Opener: GOP split on Electoral College challenge
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill will meet on January 6 to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, as Republicans are split on overturning the Electoral College vote. Also, Congress voted for the first time to override a veto from President Trump. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.
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U.S. will begin blockading ships in Strait of Hormuz on Monday, CENTCOM says
Vice President JD Vance told reporters that "we have not reached an agreement" following face-to-face talks with Iranian leaders and Pakistani negotiators.
Trump says U.S. will blockade Strait of Hormuz, intercept ships that paid Iran
President Trump said the U.S. Navy will begin blockading ships from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz and intercept vessels that have paid tolls to Iran.
Pope Leo, President Trump at odds over immigration in U.S. and Iran war
Pope Leo XIV and President Trump, two of the most influential Americans in the world, are at odds over the war in Iran and the federal crackdown on immigration in the United States.
Swalwell ends bid for California governor amid sexual assault allegations
Swalwell faced pressure from his own party to drop out of the race after a former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was too drunk to consent.
Hungary's Viktor Orbán concedes defeat to opposition leader Peter Magyar
Partial official results show opposition leader Peter Magyar's party dominating the vote, in a bombshell election result with repercussions around Europe and beyond.
Fallout from Swalwell scandal grows as lawmakers eye House expulsion votes
The political crisis surrounding Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is rapidly escalating into a broader bipartisan showdown that could reshape the makeup of the House.
How dangerous trucking schemes are putting Americans at risk
In a scheme plaguing roadways, some commercial trucking networks are racking up safety violations and evading federal enforcement by dissolving bad records and operating under new names.
Trump calls Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."
Pope Leo has been critical of the war in Iran and other priorities of the Trump administration.
Exclusive
Maps show where Brian Hooker says wife went missing in the Bahamas
Lynette Hooker went missing after she allegedly went overboard while in the Bahamas.
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Trump calls Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."
Pope Leo has been critical of the war in Iran and other priorities of the Trump administration.
Swalwell ends bid for California governor amid sexual assault allegations
Swalwell faced pressure from his own party to drop out of the race after a former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was too drunk to consent.
DHS probing allegations Swalwell hired nanny not authorized to work in U.S.
The probe comes as Swalwell is also being accused of assaulting a former staffer in an unrelated case.
Rory McIlroy claims second straight Masters title
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland won the 2026 Masters Tournament at Georgia's Augusta National, claiming his second straight green jacket.
N.Y. prosecutors investigating sexual assault allegations against Eric Swalwell
A former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell said he allegedly forced himself on her after they met for drinks in New York in 2024.
MoneyWatch
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Nationwide boom in AI data centers stirs resistance
To fuel their artificial intelligence initiatives, tech companies are building massive numbers of AI data centers, with more than 4,000 in operation across the country. But some communities, wary of the environmental and financial implications, are fighting back.
Fighting for health care claim approvals
Seventy-three percent of Americans say delays and denials of medical treatment by healthcare insurers are a major problem. Now, a company called Sheer Health says they will fight insurance battles on behalf of their clients.
Chinese electric vehicles pull into the lead
China's long-term investments in innovation are paying off in electric vehicles. Last year, the Chinese car company BYD overtook Tesla as the world's top seller of EVs, despite the U.S. market being virtually closed to them.
Chasing the American Dream
A growing number of young people see themselves as "forever renters" because they can't afford to buy a home, due to short supply, higher mortgage rates, and incomes that haven't kept up with rising home prices.
Tesla wins Dutch approval to use self-driving features, a first for Europe
The Netherlands' decision now goes to the European Commission for full authorization.
Politics
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Trump calls Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."
Pope Leo has been critical of the war in Iran and other priorities of the Trump administration.
U.S. says 1 survivor in deadly strikes on alleged drug boats
After the strikes, Southern Command said it notified the U.S. Coast Guard to launch a search and rescue mission for the survivor.
Swalwell ends bid for California governor amid sexual assault allegations
Swalwell faced pressure from his own party to drop out of the race after a former staffer accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was too drunk to consent.
DHS probing allegations Swalwell hired nanny not authorized to work in U.S.
The probe comes as Swalwell is also being accused of assaulting a former staffer in an unrelated case.
N.Y. prosecutors investigating sexual assault allegations against Eric Swalwell
A former staffer of Rep. Eric Swalwell said he allegedly forced himself on her after they met for drinks in New York in 2024.
HealthWatch
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Fighting for health care claim approvals
Seventy-three percent of Americans say delays and denials of medical treatment by healthcare insurers are a major problem. Now, a company called Sheer Health says they will fight insurance battles on behalf of their clients.
A teen athlete's headache wouldn't stop. It took a year to find a cure.
Jack Alston was used to migraines, but after two concussions in middle school, he was stuck with a headache that wouldn't go away.
Medicaid work rules will stress states' staffing capacity
Some states already don't have enough staff to quickly process Medicaid applications and answer enrollees' phone calls. Researchers say they may not be prepared to handle new Medicaid work rules, predicting people will lose coverage as a result.
Exclusive
2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
World
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Trump calls Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."
Pope Leo has been critical of the war in Iran and other priorities of the Trump administration.
U.S. says 1 survivor in deadly strikes on alleged drug boats
After the strikes, Southern Command said it notified the U.S. Coast Guard to launch a search and rescue mission for the survivor.
Exclusive
Maps show where Brian Hooker says wife went missing in the Bahamas
Lynette Hooker went missing after she allegedly went overboard while in the Bahamas.
Transcript: Israeli Ambassador Michael Leiter on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan"
The following is the transcript of the interview with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on April 12, 2026.
At least 25 killed in stampede at popular historic fortress in Haiti
The incident took place at the Citadelle Henri, also known as Citadelle Laferriere, a 19th-century fortress and tourist spot in the northern town of Milot.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
4/12: Sunday Morning - The Money Issue
Jane Pauley hosts our annual "Money Issue." Featured: Obstacles to home ownership; fighting health insurance denials; Chinese EVs; opposition to AI data centers; American Girl dolls; skin care mogul Scarlett Johansson; roller coasters; the popularity of bingo!; and is your phone eavesdropping on you?
American Girl: Celebrating girl power
Founded in 1986, American Girl has created dolls, books and accessories that tell the stories of young girls in every American era. On the toy's 40th anniversary, correspondent Faith Salie explores how making history come alive is also creating timeless bonds between generations that celebrate girlhood.
Scarlett Johansson on becoming a skin care mogul
The actress has played many roles in her career – and now, the Tony-winner and two-time Oscar-nominee has taken on another: launching her new line of products, called The Outset, designed for people with sensitive skin (like hers).
Extended interview: Scarlett Johansson
In this web exclusive, actress Scarlett Johansson talks about how dealing with her sensitive skin for years led to her founding a new line of skin care products, The Outset. She also discusses her life-changing roles, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Scarlett Johansson on becoming a skin care mogul
Actress Scarlett Johansson has played many roles in her career – and now, the Tony-winner and two-time Oscar-nominee has taken on another: launching her new line of products, called The Outset, designed for people with sensitive skin (like hers). She talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her skin struggles, and how husband Colin Jost has been a "guinea pig" for her products.
Technology
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Nationwide boom in AI data centers stirs resistance
To fuel their artificial intelligence initiatives, tech companies are building massive numbers of AI data centers, with more than 4,000 in operation across the country. But some communities, wary of the environmental and financial implications, are fighting back.
Extended interview: Sen. Dave McCormick on AI
In this web exclusive, Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) talks with Robert Costa about how energy and the rise in artificial intelligence go hand-in-hand; America's rivalry with China over AI; and nuclear power.
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.
Nationwide boom in AI data centers stirs resistance
To fuel their artificial intelligence initiatives, tech companies are building massive numbers of AI data centers, with more than 4,000 in operation across the country. But some communities, wary of the environmental and financial implications of such facilities in their backyards, are fighting back. "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa examines the drive to construct AI data centers, and the debate between opponents and AI advocates.
Is your phone listening to you?
When ads pop up on your phone for products after you've happened to mention them, is it an indication that advertisers are eavesdropping on you? David Pogue checks out why highly-targeted advertising sometimes gets weirdly specific.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Remains of missing woman discovered in hidden grave decades later
Kimberly Langwell, a mom in Beaumont, Texas, had dinner plans with her teenage daughter and boyfriend on July 9, 1999 – but she never came home from work. It would take more than 20 years before one man's long-kept secret would expose her killer.
Authorities seize 5 tons of cocaine from banana, wine shipments
The drugs were seized at London Gateway, a deep-sea container port about 30 miles from London.
Latest on woman missing in the Bahamas
Lynette Hooker was reported missing in the Bahamas one week ago by her husband, Brian, who said she fell off their boat. Hooker was arrested on Thursday in connection to his wife's disappearance. "CBS Saturday Morning" speaks with people who knew the couple to learn more.
Malnourished boy found locked in utility van since 2024, police say
A 9-year-old boy was rescued this week after living locked in his father's utility van in eastern France since 2024, according to the local prosecutor.
DHS investigates killing of gas station clerk
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been drawn into the case of a woman who was killed in a hammer attack last week at a gas station in Fort Myers, Florida, after a Haitian immigrant was taken into custody on homicide charges in connection with the attack. Nicole Valdes has the latest.
Space
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Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Artemis II crew splashes down to end historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after making a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.
How an 8-year-old designed a zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II
The development of the mission mascot and viral sensation Rise began over a year before Artemis II blasted off.
As Artemis II heads back to Earth, crew stakes their lives on the heat shield
Despite problems during the unpiloted Artemis I reentry, the Artemis II crew is confident their heat shield will protect them during a fiery descent to Earth.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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.
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4/12/2026: Pope Leo's Church; Risk on the Road; What Happened to the Great White Sharks?
First, Pope Leo's voice on American politics. Then, a report on the ticking time bomb on U.S. roadways. And, South Africa's missing great white sharks.
4/12: CBS Weekend News
Trump says U.S. will blockade Strait of Hormuz after Iran peace talks collapse; oil prices fueling inflation amid Iran war.
Latest on Iran war amid planned Hormuz blockade
A marathon round of talks between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend failed to produce a peace agreement, leading President Trump to announce a bloackade of the Strait of Hormuz. Imtiaz Tyab and Taurean Small have more.
Recapping the historic Artemis II mission
Artemis II's crew has returned home to Houston after covering nearly 700,000 miles on their voyage around the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Netanyahu facing tough reelection campaign
Hungary's Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in what he called a painful election. Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing strong opposition ahead of a vote for his reelection coming up in the fall. Elizabeth Palmer reports.