Records show many federal workers were fired and rehired at 18 agencies
More than 24,000 federal probationary employees who worked across 18 agencies were fired as part of President Trump's efforts to reduce the size of government.
Department of Government Efficiency
Fired CISA probationary employees to be reinstated after U.S. judge's order
Over 130 probationary cybersecurity agency workers were told in a mass-firing form letter last month they were "not fit" for employment.
Government expert on Elon Musk and DOGE's "slash-and-burn exercise"
Trump campaign funder and government disrupter Elon Musk has used unprecedented power to quickly eliminate thousands of federal jobs and shutter entire programs and agencies, using tactics that have raised questions about transparency.
Is Trump's sweeping firings an abuse of power?
The government must follow certain rules. Not lying is one of them. Two federal judges sent that message to the Trump administration this week when they ordered it to rehire employees fired for what the administration said was poor performance. John Dickerson has more.
Biologist fired by DOGE stays on as volunteer
In February, the Trump administration let go of over 2,300 probationary employees from the Interior Department as part of its effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce. One fired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee, Bianca Sicich, is still working for free because she's so passionate about her job. Sicich joins "America Decides" to share her story.
Second federal judge orders White House to rehire fired probationary workers
The order from U.S. District Judge James Bredar came in a lawsuit filed by 19 states and the District of Columbia against multiple federal agencies alleging the mass firings are illegal.
Veterans fired by Trump administration speak out
Veterans make up about 30% of the overall federal workforce. Many veterans who were new on the job, classified as probationary workers, were fired as part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of government through the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency. Some feel their military service is being ignored. Nancy Cordes reports.
IRS chief counsel demoted and replaced with DOGE ally
IRS' top lawyer replaced amid DOGE's alleged push to share taxpayer info with other federal agencies.
Judge's orders on federal firings
A federal judge has ordered six federal agencies to offer to reinstate probationary employees who were fired as part of the Trump administration's cuts through the Office of Personnel Management. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more.
NOAA and National Weather Service job cuts raise concerns about forecasts
A hurricane modeling specialist fired from the National Weather Service said progress on forecast accuracy may "go backwards" if job cuts continue.
Does Elon Musk want a government shutdown?
In just over 48 hours, the government will partially shut down unless Congress can pass a continuing resolution. New reporting from Wired finds Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency might just want Washington, D.C., to close for a few days. Makena Kelly, senior politics writer at Wired, and Vittoria Elliott, reporter at Wired, join "America Decides" to explain.
Education Department union reacts to job cuts
The Trump administration is placing more than a thousand Department of Education workers on leave beginning March 21. American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 President Sheria Smith, whose union represents Education Department employees, joins "America Decides" with her reaction.
Tesla facilities across the country attacked in protest of Elon Musk
President Trump says any attacks on Tesla facilities will be considered "domestic terrorism" following the wave of protests and violence.
NOAA cuts raising concerns over public safety
Another wave of mass firings could be hitting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agency, which includes the National Weather Service, could ultimately lose about 20% of its staff. Rob Marciano reports.
Rubio: 83% of USAID programs terminated
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs. Rubio said the remaining programs will be run under the State Department and thanked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency for its assistance in cutting costs. Sam Vinograd, CBS News national security contributor, and Raj Kumar, president and editor-in-chief of Devex, join to assess the impact on U.S. assistance worldwide.
HHS offers buyout option, source says
All employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services received an offer of a $25,000 payment if they choose to voluntarily resign, a source familiar with the situation told CBS News. Major Garrett has more.
DOGE mischaracterizes a study as transgender, and USDA cancels it
"CANCELLED: $600,000 grant to study 'menstrual cycles in transgender men,'" Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on X last week. That's not what it was.
Trump defends Elon Musk, DOGE
President Trump defended Elon Musk and DOGE over the weekend after reported rifts between Musk and Cabinet members. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Secretary of state says 83% of USAID programs are being canceled
USAID has been the target of DOGE, the Elon Musk-helmed agency created in an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office.
All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
Trump downplays infighting between Musk, Rubio
President Trump is backing a House Republican plan to avert a government shutdown next week. He also played down reports of in-fighting in his Cabinet with advisor Elon Musk. Nikole Killion has the details.
Ex-FEMA CFO gets threats after being fired
The chief financial officer at FEMA was fired after Elon Musk alleged she illegally sent funds to New York City to book luxury hotels for migrants. However, in an interview with CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice DuBois, Mary Comans says a member of DOGE directed her to make the payments. DuBois joins "America Decides" with the latest.
Trump appears to limit Elon Musk's powers
President Trump appears to be reining in Elon Musk's layoff efforts and suggesting a more "precise" approach by his Cabinet secretaries. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
U.S. layoffs at highest level since 2020
Layoffs across the U.S. soared in February, hitting the highest levels since July 2020. Javier E. David, business editor for the Dallas Morning News, joined CBS News to discuss the rise in job cuts.
FEMA CFO fired over payments to NYC for migrants says she had DOGE sign-off
"They told me to do these actions, to make these payments, and then they fired me," said Mary Comans, who was FEMA's chief financial officer.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
Authorities have investigated the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Ukrainian drone strike sparks fire at Russian Black Sea port ahead of talks
The attacks came just days ahead of another round of U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine this week in Geneva.
U.S.
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Investigation into Nebraska teen's 1969 murder spans five decades
The unsolved murder of Mary Kay Heese, 17, a high school junior from Wahoo, Nebraska, has hung over the community for five decades. Will what is believed to be the state's oldest cold case finally be solved?
Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
After struggling early, U.S. men's hockey team dispatches Denmark 6-3
The U.S. kept pace with also-unbeaten Canada for the top seed in the Olympic men's hockey tournament.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
MoneyWatch
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Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
Politics
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Casey Wasserman, 2028 Olympics chair, to sell agency after Epstein files revelation
Casey Wasserman, the chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, says he is selling his eponymous talent agency in the wake of the release of emails between himself and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress
It's the second time in as many weeks that government funding has lapsed as Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement policies.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
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Ukrainian drone strike sparks fire at Russian Black Sea port ahead of talks
The attacks came just days ahead of another round of U.S.-brokered talks between envoys from Russia and Ukraine this week in Geneva.
Norway's Klaebo sets Olympics record with 9th gold in cross-country skiing
Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has won a ninth gold medal in cross-country skiing, setting a Winter Games record, at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Olympic organizers promise Valentine's weekend restock after condoms run out
Olympic organizers promise that the villages where athletes live won't run out of free condoms again during the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Winter Olympics
It is Jordan Stolz's second gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games, breaking a world record.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.
Tyler Ballgame performs "For the First Time, Again"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "For the First Time, Again."
Tyler Ballgame performs "Matter of Taste"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "Matter of Taste."
Tyler Ballgame performs "I Believe in Love"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "I Believe in Love."
"Sinners" cinematographer could make history
"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw says she doesn't want the audience to notice her work because "you wanna make it so good it feels like a dream." The Oscar nominee is the first woman of color nominated in the cinematography category and only the fourth woman ever. It's the only Oscars craft category never won by a woman. She talks about her career journey to this historic moment.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
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.
Crime
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Investigation into Nebraska teen's 1969 murder spans five decades
The unsolved murder of Mary Kay Heese, 17, a high school junior from Wahoo, Nebraska, has hung over the community for five decades. Will what is believed to be the state's oldest cold case finally be solved?
Overnight activity at Nancy Guthrie's home
The search for Nancy Guthrie is in its 13th day after authorities issued another plea for her return and were seen overnight at her Tuscon home.
Latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie
Law enforcement appeared to be at Nancy Guthrie's home overnight as the search for "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom enters its 13th day.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Latest on Guthrie search
The FBI is now calling the "subject" in the surveillance video of Nancy Guthrie's front porch a suspect. The agency has also released its first description of the 84-year-old's alleged kidnapper. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the details.
Space
More Space
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
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
The Girl from Wahoo
A girl is murdered in Wahoo, Nebraska. More than 50 years later, the clues that led to an arrest. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
2/14: CBS Weekend News
Investigators search second home in Nancy Guthrie case; Groundbreaking TV series creating a boon for hockey
Team USA experiences Olympic triumph, heartache
Halfway through the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, athletes and fans are fully immersed in the Olympic spirit. Kelly O'Grady reports from Milan with the latest on all the action.
Rubio delivers charm offensive at Munich conference
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday spoke to European leaders attending the annual Munich Security Conference. Rubio sought to calm some fears that months of sharp U.S. rhetoric and policy disputes had opened a lasting breach between Washington and its European allies. Olivia Gazis has more.
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.