Key political issues poised to shape 2026
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe breaks down the major political stories likely to dominate 2026, from the economy to the midterms.
Democrats
Super Tuesday 2024 key takeaways and analysis
Voters are casting their ballots in presidential primaries and caucuses in over a dozen states on Super Tuesday. "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell leads a special report.
Judge allows ICE to get Medicaid info
A California judge is giving the Trump administration the green light to share Medicaid participant information with ICE. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.
Latest on U.S. strikes in Caribbean
President Trump says the U.S. "knocked out" a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, although he didn't offer many details. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
D.C. pipe bomb suspect appearing in court
The man accused of planting two pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters the night before the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is appearing in court Tuesday. CBS News justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Stocks rally after Christmas holiday
The "Santa Claus rally" that is occurring in the stock market after the holidays is setting up an optimistic view among investors as 2026 begins. Phil Luck, a director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News to explain.
Trump has another call with Putin
The White House said Monday that President Trump had another call with Russia's Vladimir Putin following his Sunday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. CBS News national security contributor Samantha Vinograd has more.
Trump calls for disarmament of Hamas
President Trump on Monday called for the disarmament of Hamas ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
How close is phase 2 of the Gaza peace plan?
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are meeting Monday about the future of Gaza. Osamah Khalil, chair of the international relations undergraduate program at Syracuse University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Trump takes questions after Netanyahu arrivies
President Trump took questions Monday alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two are meeting in Florida to discuss the second phase of the Gaza peace plan.
D.C. pipe bomb suspect confessed, DOJ says
The man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national committee headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, told investigators he believed the 2020 election was tampered with and he felt "someone needs to speak up," the Justice Department said in a court filing Sunday. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Trump meeting with Netanyahu about Gaza
President Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the future of Gaza on Monday. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
DOJ on man accused of planting D.C. bombs
The Department of Justice says Brian Cole, who was arrested in Virginia and charged with transplanting and planting two IEDs at the DNC and RNC in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the U.S. Capitol riots, walked agents through his alleged plot. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Montana lawmakers open up about GOP divisions
In April, nine GOP state senators from Montana were censured for voting with Democrats. Jo Ling Kent speaks with some of them about why they voted against party lines, and what their hopes are for the future of U.S. politics.
Trump meets with Zelenskyy, speaks with Putin
President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Florida on Sunday. Mr. Trump said he thinks both men are ready for peace. Willie James Inman reports.
Watch: Trump and Zelenskyy take questions
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to reporters Sunday after meeting about the Russia-Ukraine war. See the presidents' remarks.
CBS News correspondents' panel
Major Garrett, Robert Costa, Jan Crawford, Jennifer Jacobs and Scott MacFarlane join Margaret Brennan to discuss the biggest stories of 2025 and share their predictions for 2026. Editor's note: This segment was filmed on Dec. 21, 2025.
New poll on Americans' sentiments on Trump
New data from a recent CBS News poll shows how Americans' sentiments about President Trump and the economy evolved in 2025. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has more.
Details on Trump order for Venezuela blockade
President Trump is calling for a total and complete blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers that enter or leave Venezuela. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
Inherent contempt charges over Epstein files
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna announced late Tuesday that they are bringing inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more details.
Legal fights over Trump's White House ballroom
The legal challenges against President Trump's White House ballroom project are expected to continue into the new year. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Details on Trump in new Epstein files
Early Tuesday morning, the Justice Department released thousands of new documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files, including many that mention President Trump. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Willie James Inman have more.
DOJ releases more Epstein files
The Department of Justice has released another batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Poll: Americans sour on state of economy
According to new CBS News polling, more Americans attribute the state of the economy to President Trump rather than to former President Joe Biden. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto breaks down the findings.
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.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Authorities say they're "aware of a new message" in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Exclusive
Trump called Sen. Tim Scott after lawmaker condemned image of Obamas
President Trump called GOP Sen. Tim Scott after the South Carolina Republican publicly urged the president to remove a reposted video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Republicans condemn Trump's racist video portraying the Obamas as apes
The criticism continued even after the White House removed the video after the initial backlash.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
U.S.
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California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
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Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
HealthWatch
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California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
World
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Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen wins first gold medal of Milano Cortina Games
The highest-ranked American in the men's downhill was Kyle Negomir, who finished 10th.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Which countries and athletes have the most Olympic medals of all time?
While the U.S. is on top of the overall Olympic medal count, it is not the country that dominates winter sports like the 2026 Milano Cortina Games in Italy.
Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Entertainment
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Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Where you can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics live
Don't miss a moment of the Winter Olympics. Here's how to watch live, for free and stream the action without cable.
Bad Bunny set for historic Super Bowl performance
Coming off a historic Grammy win, Bad Bunny is gearing up to make even more history at this weekend's Super Bowl. The musician is set to be the first Super Bowl headliner to perform completely in Spanish. Leila Cobo, co-chief content officer at Billboard, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to keep drones at home with flights banned over big game
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities say they're "aware of a new message" in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Officials review new message in Guthrie case
Officials said they are "aware of a new message" in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance on Friday. Authorities have not given details on the contents of the message. Former FBI special agent FBI Doug Kouns joins CBS News to discuss.
Man spent decades making model of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost one million structures. Steve Hartman has the story.
Officials shut down man's free bus rides
After a licensed school bus driver finished his route, he decided to help after seeing lots of other children walking to school in the cold. As Tony Dokoupil reports, the offer was short-lived.
Olympics kick off with opening ceremony in Milan
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the 2026 Winter Olympics with celebrations at Milan's San Siro Stadium and at venues in Predazzo, Livigno and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Seth Doane reports.
What to know about high-stakes Super Bowl security
With less than 48 hours until kickoff for Super Bowl LX, security preparations are already in motion. Kris Van Cleave has a preview.