Top takeaways from Christine Blasey Ford, Brett Kavanaugh hearing
The hearings on Thursday exposed the cultural divide in the country about handling allegations of sexual assault
Christine Blasey Ford
Feinstein says she and her staff did not leak Ford's story
The Intercept Washington bureau chief Ryan Grim tweeted: "Feinstein's staff did not leak the letter to The Intercept"
Kavanaugh, Ford testify at Senate hearings
Brett Kavanaugh angrily defends himself in extraordinary testimony
Supreme Court nominee denied all allegations of sexual assault and lashed out at Senate Democrats over the nomination process
Ford and Kavanaugh make their cases in dramatic, wrenching testimony
Thursday marked one of the most dramatic days on Capitol Hill, as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified about accusations of sexual assault
Judiciary Committee to hold Kavanaugh vote Friday, senators say
The Judiciary Committee is still expected to vote Friday on his nomination, and if it does, the full Senate could vote as early as Monday
Brett Kavanaugh's yearbook jokes explained
The Supreme Court nominee offered his own explanations for jokes that were speculated to refer to sexual exploits and binge drinking
Kavanaugh on whether accuser is political
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., asked Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh if he thinks his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, is a political operative. After Kavanaugh answered, "My family has no ill will toward Dr. Ford," Booker said, "She is not a political pawn ... she is not part of the Clintons' efforts to get some kind of revenge."
Kavanaugh: "You'll never get me to quit"
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh testified Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee and forcefully denied the sexual assault allegations against him. He also unleashed anger against his detractors, saying their "coordinated and well-funded effort to destroy my good name and destroy my family will not drive me out."
Kavanaugh calls Swetnick accusation "a farce"
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh emphatically denied allegations of sexual assault leveled by Christine Blasey Ford, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick. At Thursday's Senate hearing he said, "The Swetnick thing is a joke. That is a farce!"
Graham: "This is the most unethical sham"
During a hearing Thursday, Sen. Lindsey Graham slammed Democrats for the handling of sexual assault accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. He called the situation "the must unethical sham" of his time in politics, and said, "The American people will see through this charade."
Kavanaugh: My name is "permanently destroyed"
Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who is accused by three women of sexual assault, testified Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said the delay of "10 long days" for a hearing has been harmful to his family, the Supreme Court and to the country.
Brett Kavanaugh's opening statement
Watch the opening statement by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh at Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing into Christine Blasey Ford's accusation of sexual assault. He furiously denied the allegations and called the confirmation process "a disgrace."
Graham: "God help anybody else who gets nominated"
Senator Lindsey Graham slammed the way Democrats handled Christine Blasey Ford's allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and said there's no evidence to corroborate her account.
Ford questioned about fear of flying
At Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, prosecutor Rachel Mitchell asked Christine Blasey Ford about her fear of flying and places she has traveled. Ford said she developed anxiety and "PTSD-like symptoms" after she was sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh in high school. He denies the allegations.
Christine Blasey Ford's opening statement
Watch the opening statement by Christine Blasey Ford at Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing into her accusation of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. He denies the allegations.
Kavanaugh on FBI investigation
Three women accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct have asked for an FBI investigation. During testimony Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., asked Kavanaugh whether he wants an FBI investigation to clear his name.
Kavanaugh gets emotional about daughter
Holding back tears, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh denied sexually assaulting Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and described how his 10-year-old daughter told his wife, "We should pray for the woman" who accused him.
Blasey Ford: "Absolutely not" mistaken identity
Christine Blasey Ford, who accuses Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault in high school, testified Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein asked Ford, "How are you so sure that it was [Kavanaugh]?"
Blasey Ford: "I believed he was going to rape me"
At a Senate hearing Thursday, Christine Blasey Ford testified about what happened at the party in high school where she says Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. He denies the allegations.
Blasey Ford coping with "PTSD-like symptoms"
Christine Blasey Ford, who accuses Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault in high school, testified Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein asked Ford about the impact the incident had on her life.
Ford calls polygraph test "extremely stressful"
At Thursday's Senate hearing, Christine Blasey Ford detailed her experience taking a polygraph test about her allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh. She said the process was stressful and recounted crying during the exam.
Sen. Coons asks about "boys will be boys" excuse
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons asked Christine Blasey Ford about the impact the alleged assault had on her life and then asked her to weigh in on critics who say it was just an example of typical high school boys' behavior. He called that "far too low a standard for the conduct of boys and men in our country."
Ford is "100 percent" certain Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her
Some have suggested that Blasey Ford must have been mistaken in identifying Brett Kavanaugh as the person who assaulted her when they were both in high school
Christine Blasey Ford concludes testimony, "100 percent" sure Kavanaugh assaulted her
Ford, offering measured testimony that was at times emotional -- her voice cracked as she detailed the allegations and how the assault affected her afterward
Live
Trump lauds "very good meetings" as indirect U.S.-Iran talks resume
Vance says the U.S. has accomplished its "core mission" in Iran, as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet mediators in Qatar, but not Iranians.
U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
Former CIA Director Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
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.
2 people climb to top of NYC's Empire State Building, appear to get engaged
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building's transmission tower, unfurled a banner, and then apparently got engaged Wednesday afternoon.
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.
Trump takes first trip on Qatari-gifted Air Force One
President Trump is traveling Wednesday to North Dakota in what marks his first trip aboard the new Air Force One, which was gifted to the U.S. by the Qatari government last year.
Water safety tips as millions of Americans deal with intense heat wave
Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, experts are warning about the dangers of rip currents and the importance of water safety.
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.
U.S.
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Couples are spending 8.5% more on weddings this year. 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.
Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
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.
U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
MoneyWatch
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Couples are spending 8.5% more on weddings this year. 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.
Anthropic says Trump admin. lifted restrictions on powerful Claude AI models
Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic says the federal government lifted a set of restrictions on its powerful Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, resolving a weekslong dispute.
Politics
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Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
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.
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.
Justice Department sues Virginia, California over gun laws
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said "the Constitution is not a suggestion" and that "the Second Amendment is a sacred right belonging to all Americans."
Harvard professor known for alien theories to lead White House UFO council
Avi Loeb, a Harvard astronomer who has made headlines with his theories about alien encounters, will lead a White House scientific advisory council on UFOs.
HealthWatch
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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
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U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
Dog pulled from rubble 5 days after Venezuela quakes, video shows
Dramatic video showed the moment a rescue team pulled a small dog from the rubble nearly a week after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela.
How Iran could try to control the Strait of Hormuz — and profit from it
Some experts say the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state, so what could the future of this vital shipping lane look like?
Live
Trump lauds "very good meetings" as indirect U.S.-Iran talks resume
Vance says the U.S. has accomplished its "core mission" in Iran, as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet mediators in Qatar, but not Iranians.
At least 14 kids killed as Pakistan tutoring center's roof collapses
The roof of a private tutoring center in Lahore, Pakistan, collapsed, killing more than a dozen pupils and leaving at least eight more injured, authorities say.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
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.
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.
Technology
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Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI could make people dull, one scientist fears. Here's why.
AI tends to "play it safe within a user's preferences," nudging people toward more conventional choices, according to computational social scientist Sandra Matz.
Science
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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
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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.
3 in custody after CBS News Chicago crew attacked near Adler Planetarium
During the incident, a reporter and photographer were approached by three men, one with a dog, before their news truck and gear were destroyed.
U.S. announces new bank alert targeting powerful drug cartel
Two men and nine companies are accused of being tied to a cartel-linked fuel theft ring intended to evade taxes while generating tens of millions of dollars annually.
Space
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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.
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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
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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.
South Carolina woman shares her American story
For America's 250th anniversary, CBS News spoke to Karen Norris Newsome, a 74-year-old woman from Darlington County, South Carolina, about her childhood, her values and her quintessential Southern accent.
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.
USMNT starts World Cup knockout stage
The U.S. Men's National Team will play their first knockout stage match of the 2026 World Cup Wednesday night against Bosnia and Herzegovina. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Navy: U.S. chopper goes down in Arabian Sea
Three members of a four-person U.S. helicopter crew were rescued at sea after an "emergency water landing" in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the Navy said. A search continues for the fourth and final crew member.