Federal agencies can ignore "What did you do last week?" email, officials say
The office that asked federal workers to document five things they accomplished over the past week told officials that agencies can decide how to respond.
Elon Musk
Mainstream conservatives win German elections
Mainstream conservatives won this year's German elections, positioning Friedrich Merz as the country's next chancellor. The far-right party AfD came up short in the election but saw a significant increase in support. CBS News' Holly Williams reports.
Senior Justice Department staff tell employees to disregard email promoted by Musk
Elon Musk posted Saturday on his social media site that failure to reply to the email would be taken as a resignation.
Biden-era acting OPM director on Elon Musk
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is asking federal employees to detail in an email what they did last week or resign. Despite Musk claiming no response would be considered a resignation, several agencies have instructed employees to ignore the message. Rob Shriver, former acting director at the Office of Personnel Management during the Biden administration, joins CBS News to discuss.
Federal worker condemns Musk's email ultimatum
The office that asked federal workers to document five things they accomplished over the past week told executive branch officials on Monday that individual agencies can decide how to respond, despite a threat from Elon Musk that employees who refused could lose their jobs. As Ed O'Keefe reports, federal workers are growing frustrated.
Some federal agencies push back on Musk email
An email from the Office of Personnel Management prompted by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency asks federal employees to justify what they do. Some agencies like the Pentagon and State Department have told employees to disregard the message. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett joins with analysis.
DOGE's Musk says federal employees must document their work or resign
Some federal agencies, including the State and Defense Departments, told their employees not to respond to an email asking for a list of tasks they completed.
Some agency heads react to Musk demand
Several federal agency leaders appointed by President Trump told employees not to reply to an Office of Management and Budget email demanding more details on accomplished tasks. Elon Musk previewed the demand on social media. CBS News' Major Garrett reports.
What Trump, Musk moves on USAID could mean
A constitutional law professor and a former USAID administrator are raising questions about President Trump's actions around USAID and what it could mean about the role of Congress in Washington.
Federal employees suing over Elon Musk email
Federal employees are suing Elon Musk after receiving an email that the Trump ally touted on social media. The lawsuit focuses on the threat of mass firings for those who don't respond to an email demanding a list of tasks done throughout the week, the Associated Press reports. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Some Trump officials on Musk's request
Some Trump-appointed officials have instructed their employees not to reply to an email that Elon Musk touted on social media. The request came from the Office of Personnel Management and demanded a list of tasks done during the week. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Latest Musk demands for federal workers
Elon Musk posted on social media about federal workers having to document their work or risk losing their jobs. This comes as more details emerge about the firings of U.S. Agency for International Development staffers and as Musk persists on the end of remote work. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Agencies push back on Musk ultimatum
Elon Musk and DOGE sent an email to federal employees demanding they list five things they worked on in the past week, saying failure to respond would be taken as resignation. But multiple agency heads are telling their staffers not to respond to the email. Willie James Inman reports.
Why CFPB is being targeted by Trump
The fired head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said he sees the attack against the agency as "suspicious."
GOP senator: Musk needs "dose of compassion" for feds
Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah says Elon Musk needs to bring a "dose of compassion" to his treatment of federal workers who are being fired across the government.
Concern over cuts at consumer protection watchdog
Earlier this month, President Trump fired Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lesley Stahl has more on the agency and the Trump administration's attempts to dismantle it.
80 plus lawsuits against Trump administration
The Trump administration is facing over 80 lawsuits that are making their way through the legal system. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen breaks down the latest developments.
Which IRS employees are being fired?
A federal judge is giving President Trump the go-ahead to continue mass firings of thousands of federal employees, for now. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro and CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns report on the mass firings.
Are 150-year-olds collecting social security?
Elon Musk says the Department of Government Efficiency has found rampant fraud at the Social Security Administration. But that may not be the case, and an aging computer system could instead be to blame. Wired reporter David Gilbert joins "America Decides" to explain.
Voters boo GOP congressman over DOGE cuts
Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia faced boos and jeers at a town hall Thursday night. His constituents, including Democrats, were angry over the Department of Government Efficiency slashing federal jobs and spending. Juliegrace Brufke, senior political correspondent at The Daily Beast, and Fin Gómez, CBS News political director, join with analysis.
Judge allows Trump mass layoffs to continue
A judge allowed the Department of Government Efficiency's federal workforce cuts to continue on Friday. Probationary workers and IRS staff are on the chopping block as the Defense Department temporarily pauses efforts to fire civilian employees to review the impact on U.S. military readiness. CBS News' Willie James Inman and Charlie D'Agata have the latest.
GOP lawmakers confronted by constituents angry about Trump-Musk cuts
Republican lawmakers have faced backlash at town halls and other events in their districts in recent days.
DOGE claims credit for $4M sale of school building during Biden presidency
DOGE touted the sale of a historic Washington, D.C., property that had been boarded up for years — but the auction happened before President Trump took office.
Agencies that could be impacted by job cuts
A federal judge has paved the way, for now at least, for President Trump, Elon Musk and the DOGE team to go ahead with mass layoffs of federal employees. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more.
Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox to inspect gold reserves
The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox has stored precious metal bullion reserves for the United States since 1937.
Live
U.S., Iran have agreed to broad principles of deal, Trump official says
There is broad commitment on the principles of a deal, a senior Trump administration official said, and the administration feels positive about where things stand.
Alleged gunman outside White House had run-ins with Secret Service, sources say
Sources identified the 21-year-old suspect as Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, and documents obtained by CBS News show Best previously blocked a White House entry lane in June 2025.
Exclusive
Iran's supreme leader is holed up in undisclosed location, U.S. intel says
Officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government say they don't know where Mojtaba Khamenei is and have no way to contact him directly, relying instead on a network of couriers.
Efforts to stop California chemical leak on "new trajectory," officials say
Southern California officials are desperately searching for a safe resolution to a leaking toxic chemical tank at an aerospace facility.
Video shows infant being rescued from car trapped in Texas floodwaters
First responders rescued an infant from a car that became trapped in floodwaters in southern Texas on Saturday, video shows.
Douglas McCain, the eldest son of Sen. John McCain, dies at 66
Douglas McCain, the eldest son of the late Sen. John McCain, has died, his family announced. He was 66.
How the "Payam Method" keeps the joy in learning piano
From improvising classical music to playing songs students like, the approach by Payam Music focuses on student enjoyment while learning piano.
Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
Shark kills spearfisher in front of friends: "Terrifying thing to see"
A spearfisher was killed on the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday in Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week, police said.
U.S.
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Alleged gunman outside White House had run-ins with Secret Service, sources say
Sources identified the 21-year-old suspect as Nasire Best of Dundalk, Maryland, and documents obtained by CBS News show Best previously blocked a White House entry lane in June 2025.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council director, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, join Nancy Cordes.
Video shows infant being rescued from car trapped in Texas floodwaters
First responders rescued an infant from a car that became trapped in floodwaters in southern Texas on Saturday, video shows.
Celebrating most prestigious, and junkers, of automobile world
In California, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world. But just a few miles away, the Concours d'Lemons celebrates the junkers of the automotive world.
Douglas McCain, the eldest son of Sen. John McCain, dies at 66
Douglas McCain, the eldest son of the late Sen. John McCain, has died, his family announced. He was 66.
MoneyWatch
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AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
This factor may determine whether you get rich. You don't control it.
Landing a good-paying job may not be enough to buy a home. A new study finds family wealth plays an outsized role in who becomes a homeowner.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Politics
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Exclusive
Iran's supreme leader is holed up in undisclosed location, U.S. intel says
Officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government say they don't know where Mojtaba Khamenei is and have no way to contact him directly, relying instead on a network of couriers.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kevin Hassett, White House National Economic Council director, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, join Nancy Cordes.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
Transcript: Dr. Deborah Birx on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Dr. Deborah Birx that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
The latest details on the Ebola outbreak
Officials have increased the number of countries in Africa at risk for Ebola from three to 10. A third entry point is open for Americans traveling from certain high-risk countries back into the U.S. Holly Williams reports.
What to know about California chemical tank set to explode or leak
The tank at GKN Aerospace is estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile chemical used to produce plastics.
Ebola kills 3 Red Cross workers in the Congo, organization says
The three workers, who fell ill in March and died in May, were "among the first known victims of the outbreak," the Red Cross said.
Teen's mystery illness solved: "It took 18 years to get an answer"
Lucia Adarve had a long list of symptoms that no one could diagnose. Her mother Lisa was determined to find an answer.
World
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Exclusive
Iran's supreme leader is holed up in undisclosed location, U.S. intel says
Officials at the highest levels of the Iranian government say they don't know where Mojtaba Khamenei is and have no way to contact him directly, relying instead on a network of couriers.
Shark kills spearfisher in front of friends: "Terrifying thing to see"
A spearfisher was killed on the Great Barrier Reef on Sunday in Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week, police said.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 24, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 24, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: Patti LaBelle
It's been some 50 years since Patti LaBelle first sang her hit song "Lady Marmalade." As she marks her 82nd birthday, LaBelle talks to correspondent Tracy Smith about her career and what's next.
5/24: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Concours d'LeMons, Iranian propaganda, Patti LaBelle.
Patti LaBelle on being called a legend: "I have earned it"
Patti LaBelle said she's "having fun living it down" as the legendary singer marks her 82nd birthday.
The legendary Patti LaBelle
Legendary singer Patti LaBelle has been performing for six decades. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with LaBelle at her hometown of Philadelphia as she marks her 82nd birthday.
John McWhorter on being "strange," Fats Waller's lost Broadway musical
John McWhorter talks about his book, "Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America," published in 2000, along with one of his latest projects.
Technology
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CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
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.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Crime
New details on Saturday's White House shooting
The alleged gunman in Saturday's shooting at the White House had tried to gain access to the White House last year. Natalie Brand reports.
Why Kouri Richins jurors decided Utah mom was a killer
At Kouri Richins' sentencing for the murder of Eric Richins, her husband and father of their three sons, she declared her innocence to the court and to her children. But for jurors on the case, the evidence told a different story.
Possible shots heard from White House
Several shots were heard from the White House property on Saturday. Aaron Navarro reports from the location after Secret Service told him to get down immediately.
Ivey and Ellison on 6 years since Floyd murder
Six years after his murder in Minneapolis, and despite passing the House twice, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act remains stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers are hoping to change that. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to reflect on the state of police reform.
Mosque attack was streamed online
The deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego was streamed online, and at least three people watched as two teenagers attacked the facility filled with young students, CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
More Space
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/24/2026: Booms, Busts and Bubbles; Sculpting Evolution; The Payam Method
First, examining lessons from the Wall Street crash of 1929. Then, a report on mouse DNA and the fight against Lyme disease. And, inside the "Payam Method" for learning piano.
5/24: CBS Weekend News
Crack in California chemical tank a positive sign, but explosion fears remain; details emerging on potential U.S.-Iran peace deal.
Living with coyotes
Once found only in parts of the West and Southwest, coyotes have dramatically expanded their range, and are now found in every state except Hawaii. Conor Knighton looks at how these animals have become part of the urban landscape in places like Chicago, and what roles they play — in history, in Native American stories, in art and in today's urban and suburban ecosystems.
New York's Trail of the Fallen
Charlie D'Agata reports on the trail just south of West Point Military Academy that honors America's fallen patriots.
Summer kicks off with gas and grocery costs up
Americans are now paying 20% more for food than four years ago. Inflation rose nearly 1% this month, mainly due to higher gas prices. Shanelle Kaul reports.