Holder: Americans Cowardly On Race Issues
Nation's First Black Attorney General Urges Country To Talk Frankly About Race Relations
Politics
Holder To Visit Gitmo Next Monday
Attorney General Announces His Trip At Justice Department
Arkansas, 5 Other States, Ban Atheists From Public Service. Seriously
By Bonnie Erbe
Bristol Palin Acts Like A Role Model On Sex, Abstinence And Teen Pregnancy--Bravo!
By Bonnie Erbe
Obama Poised To Reverse Bush's Taliban-Like, Big Brother Stem Cell Policy
By Bonnie Erbe
Repealing Welfare Reform
By Michael Barone
Reverse Immigration Will Mean Fewer Hispanics In 2010 Census Than Leaders Expect
By Michael Barone
Seven Democrats Who Voted No On The Stimulus And Why They Did
By Michael Barone
Democrats Pay Price For Burris Lack Of Truth About Blagojevich Contacts
By Michael Barone
If Stocks Are in Turmoil, Blame the Feds
Investors Fear "Regime Uncertainty," Writes Declan McCullagh
Preview: Obama's Remarks On Mortgage Crisis
President Lays Out Plan To Help Homeowners Who "Played By The Rules And Acted Responsibly"
Bristol Palin: Abstinence Not Realistic
18-Year-Old Daughter Of Former GOP VP Candidate Also Says Keeping Baby Was Her Own Choice
"Truth" Panel Could Spark Partisan Furor
Democratic-Proposed "Truth Commission" Aimed At Probing George W. Bush's Inner Circle
Morning Bulletin – Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009
A Roundup Of News, Schedules, And Key Stories
Day 30: President Obama's Schedule
What's On Tap Today
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
Huge Russian strike on Ukraine's capital kills at least 17, officials say
Russia has launched its large-scale attack on Ukraine's capital to date, killing at least 17 people and wounding scores more, authorities say.
One NYC neighborhood has dozens of adult daycares. Now the feds have questions.
Investigations are underway into possible fraudulent activity at some of these kinds of facilities across New York, CBS News has learned.
NCAA chief: No plan to change rules on transgender athletes after SCOTUS ruling
NCAA President Charlie Baker told CBS News he doesn't think the group will need to change its rules on transgender athletes in light of a Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to ban their participation.
U.S. beats Bosnia 2-0 for second-ever World Cup knockout round win
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
Boy driving truck crashes into group of monks, killing 8 and injuring 14
Police said the boy had taken his parents' pickup truck without permission before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the monks.
This July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
EMS was called to Mitch McConnell's home for "unconscious" patient last month
On the same morning Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized last month, EMS personnel went to his home to respond to an unconscious person who appeared to experience "cardiac arrest," according to a dispatch call.
U.S.
More U.S.
U.S. designates "Chone Killers" gang a terrorist organization
The gang "has committed numerous attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers, and government officials," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
How dialects reveal America's history and hint at what's next
Across the United States, the way you speak is filled with cultural authenticity and central to identity.
Trump Accounts launch July 4. Here's how they work.
People can begin depositing money in the new tax-deferred investment accounts on Saturday, with eligible children receiving a $1,000 government contribution.
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
U.S. takes down Bosnia 2-0 for second-ever World Cup knockout round win
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump Accounts launch July 4. Here's how they work.
People can begin depositing money in the new tax-deferred investment accounts on Saturday, with eligible children receiving a $1,000 government contribution.
Couples are spending thousands more on weddings. Here's why.
Tariffs, inflation and changing consumer habits are reshaping how much Americans spend to tie the knot.
What is the "buy, borrow, die" tax strategy Gavin Newsom wants to ban?
As a proposed billionaire tax in California moves forward, Gov. Newsom says other approaches are needed, including closing a tax loophole used by the ultra-rich.
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. designates "Chone Killers" gang a terrorist organization
The gang "has committed numerous attacks targeting civilians, law enforcement officers, and government officials," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
EMS was called to Mitch McConnell's home for "unconscious" patient last month
On the same morning Sen. Mitch McConnell was hospitalized last month, EMS personnel went to his home to respond to an unconscious person who appeared to experience "cardiac arrest," according to a dispatch call.
NCAA chief: No plan to change rules on transgender athletes after SCOTUS ruling
NCAA President Charlie Baker told CBS News he doesn't think the group will need to change its rules on transgender athletes in light of a Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to ban their participation.
About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
One NYC neighborhood has dozens of adult daycares. Now the feds have questions.
Investigations are underway into possible fraudulent activity at some of these kinds of facilities across New York, CBS News has learned.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
What is the viral trend looksmaxxing?
Looksmaxxing is a viral and controversial trend that encourages young men to maximize their appearance. Adam Yamaguchi shows why it's resonating with some people.
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
World
More World
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
Boy driving truck crashes into group of monks, killing 8 and injuring 14
Police said the boy had taken his parents' pickup truck without permission before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the monks.
Huge Russian strike on Ukraine's capital kills at least 17, officials say
Russia has launched its large-scale attack on Ukraine's capital to date, killing at least 17 people and wounding scores more, authorities say.
U.S. takes down Bosnia 2-0 for second-ever World Cup knockout round win
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
CBS News journalists on Swift-Kelce wedding
Rumors are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tying the knot at Madison Square Garden. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Gabrielle Ake, self-described Swifties, join "The Takeout" with the latest.
What we know about rumored Swift-Kelce wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding festivities are expected to begin Thursday, sources said. Crews have been spotted at Madison Square Garden in New York City unloading equipment ahead of the July Fourth weekend. Here's what we know so far.
Swift-Kelce wedding events taking shape
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding events are set to begin in New York City, sources say. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
Sophia Bush, Jerry O'Connell on new comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell join CBS News 24/7 Mornings to discuss their new comedy, "Summer's Last Resort," which premieres on Tubi July 3.
Stars talk "Summer's Last Resort" comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell talk to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the coming-of-age comedy "Summer's Last Resort." Bush discusses what drew her to the project and says there was "never a dull day on set," while O'Connell reveals what his daughters thought about the film.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
More Science
Science
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Crime
More Crime
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
NYC building climbers engaged, under arrest
Two people in black masks scaled the Empire State Building, scrambling the New York City Police Department. They call themselves "roof-toppers," or stunt climbers, and they unfurled a banner about world peace before one of them got out a ring and proposed. By the time they got down, they were engaged and under arrest. Tom Hanson reports.
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
Potential charges for Empire State Building climbers
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Wednesday and unfurled a banner before seemingly getting engaged. CBS News law enforcement contributor Rodney Harrison has more on what repercussions the couple could face.
Couple climbs Empire State Building: Details
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unfurling a banner and appearing to get engaged. CBS News' Tom Hanson and Shanelle Kaul have more.
Space
More Space
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Extended Interview: Gen Z
In the last installment of our USA-Z series, Vladimir Duthiers speaks with seven Gen Zers about their generation being next to lead the nation, growing up during the pandemic, stereotypes they see about themselves, the role of AI in their world as they join the workforce and more.
Camp Mystic rescuer reflects on the tragedy
It's been almost a year since deadly floods killed more than 130 people in the Hill Country region of Central Texas. The flooding at Camp Mystic killed 25 campers, two counselors and the camp's executive director. Scott Ruskan, aviation survival technician 2nd class for the U.S. Coast Guard, joined CBS News to remember the tragedy, his first ever mission.
Child psychologist on nicotine pouch risks
The Food and Drug Administration now allows ZYN nicotine pouches to be marketed as less harmful than cigarettes. Child psychologist Bonnie Halpern-Felsher joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the risks.
SCOTUS lifts political party spending limits
The Supreme Court has lifted limits on how much money political parties can spend on congressional campaigns ahead of the midterms. In a 6-3 vote, the justices found the Federal Election Campaign Act violated the First Amendment. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.