Federal workers express shock, anger over mass firings: "It's devastating"
The Trump administration is firing thousands of federal workers on probationary status, or those without civil service protections.
Elon Musk
Trump eyes COVID vaccine mandates in schools
President Trump signed an executive order Friday calling for withholding federal funds for schools and universities that impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, though no states currently have such a requirement. Tom LoBianco, national politics reporter for 24sight News, and Stephanie Lai, White House correspondent for Bloomberg, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Vance claims free speech declining in Europe
While addressing the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Vice President JD Vance accused European allies of what he claims is censorship. Tom LoBianco, national politics reporter for 24sight News, and Stephanie Lai, White House correspondent for Bloomberg, join "America Decides" to unpack Vance's speech and how it's being received.
Rep. Burchett on Musk's DOGE effort
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., held a hearing Friday afternoon on the constitutionality of Elon Musk running the Trump White House's Department of Government Efficiency. Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a member of the newly-formed House DOGE subcommittee, joins "America Decides" to weigh in on Musk's "war on waste."
OpenAI rejects Elon Musk's $97.4 billion takeover bid
OpenAI attorney William Savitt said the proposal "is not in the best interests of OAI's mission and is rejected."
11/30: CBS News Mornings
Israel-Hamas cease-fire extended for seventh day; Elon Musk blasts advertisers for leaving X after his antisemitic post.
12/1: CBS News Mornings
Israel resumes combat operations in Gaza; Tesla Cybertruck deliveries begin.
Hearing on DOGE access to treasury records
A federal judge in New York is hearing arguments Friday on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to treasury department records. Attorney and CBS News political reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Trump says the federal workforce is too big. Here's what to know.
The federal government is the nation's largest employer, yet the size of its workforce hasn't kept up with U.S. population growth, experts say.
Minn. AG among those challenging Musk, DOGE's authority in latest lawsuit
Attorneys general from 14 states are challenging the authority of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.
U.S. aid freeze could worsen Ebola outbreak
The Trump administration's foreign aid freeze is happening as a deadly Ebola outbreak spreads in Uganda. Some U.S. health officials are concerned that the situation will only worsen with USAID in limbo. Dr. Craig Spencer, emergency medicine physician and associate professor at Brown University School of Public Health, joins "America Decides" to explain.
Efforts continue to trim size of government
CBS News confirmed mass firings have begun at the education department, where some who were hired most recently were sent letters informing them they've been fired from their position effective immediately. It comes as a federal judge has cleared the way for federal workers to accept a buyout proposal from the Trump administration in exchange for resigning.
Musk calls for government to "delete entire agencies"
Elon Musk called for the government to "delete entire agencies" at home and "mind its own business" abroad in a speech via video link to the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
X reaches $10 million settlement with Trump over prior Twitter suspension
The social media platform X will pay President Trump $10 million to settle a lawsuit over the suspension of his account in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
John Dickerson on Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration
A key question behind Elon Musk's remake of the federal government is whether he's moving so fast the baby might get thrown out with the bathwater. John Dickerson discusses.
A closer look at the CFPB
Dozens of employees with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau were reportedly fired on Tuesday night as a part of the Trump administration's efforts to shut down the agency, according to Reuters.
Trump administration's federal "buyout" plan moves forward. Here's what to know.
A federal judge said the Trump administration's "deferred resignation" offer could go forward and about 40,000 federal workers had accepted the deal.
Habba warns against defying executive orders
As President Trump signs executive order after executive order, the number of lawsuits the administration faces is also ticking up. Alina Habba, senior counselor to the president, warns that those who challenge them will face "repercussions." Habba joins "America Decides" with her take on the legal fights facing the administration.
Why McConnell voted against Gabbard and more
After almost three years of fighting between Russia and Ukraine, President Trump said late Wednesday he is working to end the war. Mr. Trump said Wednesday he spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Plus, Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell joined Democrats in voting against the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, although she still received enough votes to be confirmed. CBS News' Jennifer Jacobs and Nikole Killion have the latest.
What to know about Elon Musk's latest cost-cutting efforts at DOGE
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency wants to cut government spending, but it's also prompting lawsuits and concerns about data privacy.
Elon Musk defends major federal cuts
During a joint press conference appearance with President Trump Tuesday in the Oval Office, Elon Musk said his DOGE group was fighting waste, and defended the deep cuts that he has been making. Musk insisted he has no conflict of interest, even though his own companies have won billions in government contracts. CBS News' Nancy Cordes has more.
Fogel reflects on time in Russian prison
Marc Fogel, an American school teacher who was detained in Russia for more than three years, was welcomed at the White House Wednesday night where he said he's still processing his time in captivity. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more on that and the president's executive order empowering Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to cut the federal workforce.
Tesla has sued customers and journalists in China for defamation
Tesla has sued its own customers and journalists in China for defamation – and won just about every time. Elon Musk's company has pioneered an aggressive legal strategy there.
Law professor on what alarms him about Trump
The Trump administration is facing over 50 lawsuits on a range of issues. But will the president listen to the court rulings? Samuel Bagenstos, professor of law and public policy at the University of Michigan, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Trump empowers DOGE with an executive order
President Trump welcomed the king of Jordan to the White House on Tuesday, just one day after threatening to withhold aid to the Middle Eastern nation if it does not take in Palestinian refugees. After, Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to work with Elon Musk's DOGE. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more and BBC's Wyre Davies reports on the Middle East.
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 in Orange County on new trajectory, officials say
More than 50,000 people in California remain evacuated due to an Orange County chemical leak that prompted Gov. Newsom to request that President Trump issue a Federal Emergency Declaration.
Iran agrees in principle to dispose of highly-enriched uranium, official says
Negotiations are "in a very good place," a senior Trump official said, but, a deal to end the Iran war likely will not be signed this weekend.
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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What's open and closed for Memorial Day 2026?
Most retail stores will be open for business on Memorial Day, while post offices will be closed. Here's what to know.
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.
MoneyWatch
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What's open and closed for Memorial Day 2026?
Most retail stores will be open for business on Memorial Day, while post offices will be closed. Here's what to know.
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.
Politics
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N.J. governor requests access to Delaney Hall ICE facility amid protests
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is asking ICE to let her inside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
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.
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 a leaking California chemical tank that may explode
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
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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
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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.