Judge rules mass firings of federal probationary employees likely illegal
He ordered the Office of Personnel Management to tell certain federal agencies it couldn't order the firings of probationary employees, including at the Defense Department.
Department of Government Efficiency
Social Security Administration offering voluntary buyouts ahead of expected layoffs
The Social Security Administration is offering payouts to employees who voluntarily resign from the federal agency, ahead of what they warn will be "significant workforce reductions."
USAID workers given minutes to clear out
Hundreds of U.S. Agency for International Development employees, or USAID, began clearing out their offices in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. USIAD workers spoke with CBS News and Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Musk makes baseless claim about large number of dead people on federal payroll
Elon Musk's speculation about dead or fictitious employees comes after numerous federal workers were told to ignore an email asking them to justify their jobs. Previous government reviews found no evidence of widespread payroll fraud.
Rep. Subramanyam on efforts to reign in DOGE
Emotional USAID employees were given just 15 minutes Thursday to retrieve their belongings after losing their jobs. These kinds of layoffs are taking place across the U.S. and other parts of the world due to cuts imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency. Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia joins "America Decides" to discuss his legislation calling for more transparency about DOGE.
Debunking false claims about federal workers
Amid widespread federal layoffs, another questionable claim has emerged from the Trump administration that there were dead workers on the payroll. CBS News Confirmed executive editor Rhona Tarrant debunks the claims.
Fired USAID workers given minutes to clear out
Thursday marked the last day on the job for hundreds of workers at the nation's largest foreign aid agency. USAID employees were given 15 minutes to retrieve their personal belongings as the State Department slashed $60 billion in grants and funding for the federal agency. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns spoke with fired workers after they cleaned out their offices.
Key details on Trump's first Cabinet meeting
President Trump held the first Cabinet meeting of his new administration on Wednesday. The first person he asked to speak was Tesla CEO Elon Musk. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Local leaders try to help federal workers
Widespread layoffs across federal agencies left thousands without jobs. Now, some local leaders are stepping in to try to help. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Forest Service firings could impact wildfires
As wildfires nationwide grow fiercer and more frequent, the Trump administration's job cuts at the U.S. Forest Service are worrying experts. Kelly Martin, former chief of fire and aviation management at Yosemite National Park, joins "America Decides" to examine how the layoffs could hamper wildfire response efforts.
Potential economic consequences of DOGE cuts
The Trump administration ordered the termination of more than 6,000 Internal Revenue Service employees last week. According to a local union, that includes roughly 1,000 IRS workers in Kansas City alone. Donna Ginther, director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research at the University of Kansas, joins "America Decides" to discuss the potential economic ramifications.
Trump signs cost-cutting DOGE executive order
President Trump signed a new executive order Wednesday empowering the White House's Department of Government Efficiency to implement cost-cutting measures across the federal government. Shelby Talcott, White House correspondent for Semafor, and Jasmine Wright, reporter for NOTUS, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Musk in the spotlight at Cabinet meeting
President Trump held the first Cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday. Elon Musk, White House special adviser and the world's wealthiest man, stood over the assembled Cabinet secretaries and told them a fair number of their employees are either dead or do not exist. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Caitlin Huey-Burns report.
Federal agencies told to submit "reorganization plans," prepare for mass firings
The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management asked agencies to submit plans for downsizing by March 13.
News from Trump's first Cabinet meeting
President Trump took questions after his Cabinet meeting and made comments about many topics involving his administration. Mr. Trump allowed Elon Musk to speak about his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and took questions about several topics.
This is who the White House says is the DOGE acting administrator
The White House finally gave a name for the DOGE acting administrator.
DOGE releases updated "wall of receipts" with more discrepancies
For the second time in two weeks, DOGE's "receipts" don't match its cost-cutting claims.
Memo on more firings coming, source says
The Trump administration will issue a new memo directing federal agencies to prepare for more large-scale firings, a source tells CBS News. Natalie Brand has more.
Reporter's Notebook: Federal worker morale
To shrink the bureaucracy, act like the bureaucracy -- this appears to be the goal of Elon Musk's surprise email that asked federal workers "What did you do last week?" The approach may shrink the ranks, but how does it affect those who remain? John Dickerson gives his take.
Musk gives federal workers "another chance" to justify their jobs
Elon Musk told federal workers Monday evening that they had "another chance" to justify their work or lose their jobs. The original deadline passed later on Monday.
"Unforeseen consequences" of Forest Service cuts
Every summer, tens of millions of Americans visit National Forests. But this summer, the parks might look a little different. Ian Lee sat down with three Forest Service workers fired amid Trump administration cuts.
Confusion among federal workers over Musk email
There were new mixed messages from the White House with special advisor Elon Musk now threatening "termination" for federal employees who don't respond to an email asking what they did last week. The threat comes even after many federal agencies told workers not to respond. Nancy Cordes reports.
What is Musk's role in DOGE, government?
Elon Musk is doubling down on his threat demanding federal workers to explain what they did last week or lose their jobs. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Fin Gomez break down the billionaire's position.
DOGE cuts could hamper U.S. pandemic response
Around 700 people have been laid off from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in recent weeks due to cuts from the Trump administration. Some public health experts are expressing concerns that job reductions could make the U.S. less prepared for the next pandemic. Science writer David Quammen joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Trump on email threat to federal workers
President Trump on Tuesday said workers who do not respond to an email from the Office of Personnel Management prompted by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency will eventually be fired. The email tells federal employees to list five things they accomplished the previous week. Political strategists Liza Acevedo and Lance Trover join "America Decides" with analysis.
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.
Alexei Navalny was likely fatally poisoned in prison, European leaders say
European leaders said they are confident Navalny was poisoned with a toxin found in South American poison dart frogs.
U.S.
More U.S.
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
More MoneyWatch
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
More Politics
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
More World
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.
Olympic curling committee issues warning after cheating accusations
The committee said during Saturday's afternoon session two officials will move to observing deliveries across the four matches.
Brazilian skier wins South America's first-ever Winter Olympics medal
Another Brazilian athlete, Nicole Rocha Silveira, could earn another medal on Saturday when she races in the women's skeleton event.
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
More Crime
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.