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.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
The shooting Wednesday night in north Minneapolis came after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
Senate GOP kills war powers effort to limit Trump on Venezuela, with Vance breaking tie
Two Republicans switched their votes after pressure from the White House.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Exclusive
ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, officials say
Jonathan Ross, who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, suffered internal bleeding after the incident, two officials said, though it's not clear how extensive the bleeding was.
U.S. completes first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million
The Trump administration has not yet disclosed many details about the deal.
"Fundamental" differences remain over Greenland's future, Denmark says after U.S. meeting
After the meeting, Denmark's foreign minister said they're eager to work with the U.S. while respecting the "red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark."
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
U.S.
More U.S.
Part that broke in UPS cargo plane crash had failed 4 other times, NTSB says
Boeing warned plane owners in 2011 about a broken part that contributed to last year's UPS cargo plane crash that killed 15 people, but at that time the plane manufacturer didn't believe it threatened safety, the NTSB said.
Newsom blocks Louisiana from extraditing doctor accused of mailing abortion pills
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he is blocking Louisiana's effort to extradite a California doctor accused of mailing abortion pills out of state.
Trump signs bill allowing whole milk to return to school lunches
Whole milk is heading back to school lunch cafeterias.
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
MoneyWatch
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Bilt offers credit cards with 10% APR after Trump proposes interest cap
FIntech company Bilt pounced on the opportunity to roll out low-APR credi cards, as big banks push back on proposed rate cap.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
Verizon says outage resolved after customers lost service for hours
A Verizon spokesperson told CBS News that an outage that customers reported beginning around noon Eastern Time had been resolved.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
Chew on this: U.S. food prices are still up 19% since 2022
Food prices in December saw their biggest jump in more than three years, data shows, while the cost of eating out has also risen.
Politics
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ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Trump administration investigates 5 Democrats over their video to troops
Five congressional Democrats say they have received inquiries from the DOJ after they appeared in a video urging members of the military not to follow "illegal orders" — a move the lawmakers allege is political intimidation.
What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Trump administration to suspend immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries
The State Department announced it will stop giving out visas to nationals of dozens of countries who are seeking to move to the U.S. permanently.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Trump admin. cuts grants for mental health, addiction treatment programs
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, lost around $1.9 billion in federal grants, which were abruptly terminated on Tuesday, a source said.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
ACA enrollment sinks sharply as coverage costs soar in 2026
Roughly 1.4 million fewer Americans have signed up for an Affordable Care Act plan as expiring tax breaks drive up premiums.
World
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What to know about Havana Syndrome and a device that might be linked to it
Years after the first reports of Havana Syndrome emerged, U.S. officials have obtained and are testing a device that could be linked to the debilitating condition.
Iranian mom searched morgue, sifting through hundreds of bodies, to find her daughter
Rubina Aminian's mother forced her way into a morgue in search of her daughter, who her family says was shot in the head at close range.
Trump says "killing in Iran is stopping," with "no plan for executions"
Potentially thousands have died from the crackdown to quash unrest amid protests.
U.S. says it's moving into next phase of Gaza peace plan, warns Hamas
Steve Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage as part of its obligations under the deal.
Trump told Iranians help is coming, so what might it look like?
Experts tell CBS News what sort of options President Trump has to respond to Iran's brutal crackdown on protesters.
Entertainment
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Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
François Arnaud on "Heated Rivalry" series
Francois Arnaud joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the popular series "Heated Rivalry," based on the "Game Changers" book series. It follows rising hockey stars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. What begins as a fling between two rivals turns into a yearslong journey of love, denial and self discovery. Arnaud plays Scott Hunter, a closeted gay professional hockey player in the same league who has fallen in love with a smoothie shop worker. He talks about the message in the series and how it developed into a hit show.
Technology
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Technology
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Apple, Google face pressure to remove X and Grok from their app stores
Grok faces mounting scrutiny from government officials and advocacy groups after people used the AI chatbot to create sexualized images of minors and women.
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.
ChatGPT served as "suicide coach" in man's death, lawsuit alleges
Mother of Colorado man who committed suicide in 2025 alleges that OpenAI's AI chatbot told him death was a "beautiful place."
"Are You Dead," viral Chinese app, changing its name
The Chinese mobile app "Are You Dead?" which sounds an alarm if a user doesn't check in every 48 hours, says it will drop its catchy name after it drew international media attention.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
More Crime
ICE officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis after shovel attack, officials say
A shooting occurred Wednesday night in north Minneapolis after ICE officers were attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Indicted Virginia coach still missing
The search continues in Virginia for a high school football coach charged with possessing child sexual assault material and using a computer to solicit a minor. CBS News breaking news correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Au pair testifies in man's murder trial
A trial is underway in northern Virginia for a man accused of plotting his wife's murder with help from his affair partner - the family's au pair. The former au pair was the first witness called to testify against Brendan Banfield. Jericka Duncan reports on the case.
Doctors arrested after 9 newborns die at hospital in Russia
The case has provoked anger and bewilderment from Russian politicians.
Space
More Space
Astronauts head home early after medical issue
Crew 11 is expected to splash down off the coast of Southern California at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Officials: Federal officer shoots man in leg
The Department of Homeland Security says a federal law enforcement officer shot a person in the leg on Wednesday night during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. Minnesota officials provided an update. Jessi Mitchell anchors this Special Report.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Judge weighs law banning masks for ICE agents
Legal representation for the state of California and the federal government were in court on Wednesday over the Golden State's new law that bans federal agents from wearing face coverings during operations. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos reports.
Next steps in Iran after Trump says killing stopped
President Trump says his administration has been notified that the killings and executions of anti-government protesters in Iran have stopped. CBS News Middle East reporter Courtney Kealy has more.
Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire
It's a long winter in Chicago when the Bears are bad, but walk into any bar in the city, especially after last week's comeback win over the Packers, and the winter is gone. Tony Dokoupil has details.