Gina Haspel secures crucial Democratic votes, paving way to confirmation
Four Democrats have now voiced their support for President Trump's pick to run the CIA
Gina Haspel
Gina Haspel criticizes "enhanced interrogation" in letter to Mark Warner
The Democratic senator from Virginia has yet to announce how he will vote
Second Democratic senator backs Gina Haspel, Trump's CIA pick
Donnelly is the second Democrat to announce he will cast his vote in favor of CIA director nominee Gina Haspel -- boosting her prospects of being confirmed
Comment on "dying" John McCain draws bipartisan condemnation
Among those who spoke out was House Speaker Paul Ryan, saying: "Look, John McCain is a hero. No two ways about it."
WH aide dismisses McCain: "He's dying anyway"
White House aide Kelly Sadler's dismissive comment about Sen. John McCain's cancer fight adding to the debate about torture and Gina Haspel's nomination to run the CIA. A source tells CBS News that in a closed-door meeting Thursday, the staffer said McCain's opposition to Haspel's nomination doesn't matter because "he's dying anyway." Ed O'Keefe reports.
Haspel confirmation
Gina Haspel, President Trump's nominee for CIA director, testified to the Senate Intelligence Committee Wednesday about her tenure at the CIA. In her testimony she refused to speak about the immorality of torture. Sen. John McCain came out against Haspel's nomination, and several other senators said they will vote no on her confirmation. CBS News intelligence reporter Olivia Andrzejczak Gazis joins CBSN to discuss.
Reaction to Haspel's testimony
CIA director nominee Gina Haspel testified to the House Intelligence Committee Wednesday. CBS News justice and homeland security correspondent Jeff Pegues joins CBSN to discuss how senators are reacting to the hearing and Haspel's chances of getting confirmed.
CIA director nominee secures some votes
More senators are coming out for and against Gina Haspel's nomination to be CIA director. The CIA veteran is facing scrutiny because of her ties to waterboarding and other extreme interrogation tactics. A vote is expected next week. Jeff Pegues reports.
After contentious hearing, Gina Haspel secures crucial committee votes
But three Democrats on the Intelligence Committee, along with an independent, say they'll vote against Haspel. John McCain is also urging his colleagues to vote no on Haspel
John McCain opposes CIA nominee Gina Haspel
McCain was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War at the Hanoi Hilton, where he spent years in solitary confinement and was subject to torture and abuse
Gina Haspel hearing
Gina Haspel, the nominee to lead the CIA, faced tough questioning during a confirmation hearing. It's her role in the enhanced interrogation program that's putting her nomination in question. CBS News justice and homeland security correspondent Jeff Pegues reports.
CIA nominee defends reputation at hearing
President Trump's pick to be the next CIA director, Gina Haspel, was grilled by lawmakers in her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. In prepared remarks, Haspel addressed the controversy surrounding her involvement in the CIA's "enhanced interrogation" program. CBS News producer Olivia Gazis joins CBSN with analysis on the hearing and the questions Haspel faced.
Haspel says she knows "the CIA like the back of my hand"
"I know the threats we face and I know what we need to be successful in our mission," says nominee for CIA director
Former CIA director on Gina Haspel's hearing
Former CIA deputy director Michael Morell joined CBSN to discuss the main questions facing Gina Haspel at her confirmation hearing for CIA director, including her role in "enhanced interrogation" of terror suspects after 9/11 and the destruction of CIA videotapes.
Haspel defends "moral compass" in grilling over CIA interrogation program
Trump's pick to be CIA director vowed to not restart the controversial 9/11-era program under her leadership
8 questions for CIA Director nominee Gina Haspel
In her confirmation hearing, Haspel is likely to face tough questions over her involvement in the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques
Democratic senators remain coy on eve of Gina Haspel's confirmation hearing
Few Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee were willing to indicate how they intended to vote on Haspel's confirmation to be CIA director
Trump's CIA director faces tough vote
President Trump's pick to run the CIA, Gina Haspel, is preparing for a Senate hearing. CBS News intelligence reporter Olivia Gazis tells CBSN's Elaine Quijano what to expect from Haspel, who could become the first woman ever to head the CIA.
Gina Haspel to vow CIA won't restart enhanced interrogation program
Haspel testifies Wednesday at what may be a contentious confirmation hearing to be CIA director
Gina Haspel courts hesitant senators in lead-up to confirmation hearing
She visited Capitol Hill for a final round of face-to-face meetings with senators ahead of her confirmation hearing Wednesday
White House: Gina Haspel "100 percent" committed to confirmation hearing
White House denied reports that Haspel might withdraw her nomination to lead the CIA ahead of her confirmation hearing
CIA director nominee controversy
CIA Director nominee Gina Haspel goes to Capitol Hill today after she reportedly considered withdrawing. Some senators oppose Haspel because of her connection to waterboarding of alleged terrorists. The career official has support from five former CIA directors. Jeff Pegues reports.
Report: Nominee for CIA chief offered to withdraw nomination
Gina Haspel's confirmation hearing to lead CIA set for this week before Senate Intelligence Committee
Trump's pick to head CIA chief gets full-court WH media press
Gina Haspel's nomination has proven controversial due to her role in agency's post-911 "enhanced interrogation" activities
Ex-CIA acting director: "Nothing new" in Israeli PM's claims against Iran
Michael Morell, a CBS News senior national security contributor, is also out with a new season of his podcast, "Intelligence Matters"
Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
He says the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Live
CENTCOM chief visits USS Abraham Lincoln amid morale concerns
Meanwhile, Israel is being condemned by Lebanese leaders for strikes in the south that killed at least 11 people, including children.
Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Tropical Storm Lala brings drenching rain, wind across the Hawaiian Islands
As a hurricane, Lala skirted past Hawaii's Big Island, where it brought heavy rain and the possibility of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following a formal request for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Exclusive
Ukraine's own ballistic missiles could strike Russia within months, says former minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister who is widely credited as the architect of the country's modern war-fighting strategy, told CBS News in an exclusive interview that he believes Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia.
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
U.S.
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
Tommy John, MLB All-Star pitcher who had a surgery named after him, dies at 83
One of Tommy John's biggest legacies to MLB was his comeback elbow reconstruction surgery that now bears his name.
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment.
Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following formal requests for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
Short pants: The long and the short of it
The summer of 1936 saw a heat wave so dangerous at least five thousand people died. It also saw the popularization of a cooler fashion alternative – shorts – which, in some jurisdictions, were illegal.
MoneyWatch
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CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
Politics
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Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea
President Trump said Sunday that the joint military exercises with South Korea are costly and they "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Rep. Don Bacon join Margaret Brennan.
Bacon says Congress "should have oversight" amid concerns about USS Lincoln
GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said Congress should conduct oversight following concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is being replaced after a nearly nine-month deployment.
Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
World
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Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza peace deal
Jared Kushner, who is President Trump's son-in-law, is set to meet next with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rejected the latest peace proposal last week.
Transcript: Rep. Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Rep. Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
4 Renaissance paintings stolen from museum in Italy
Local officials have expressed their dismay and sadness at the theft which occurred during celebrations of the Virgin Mary.
Entertainment
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Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
Movie theaters boom amid studio hits
The box office has been booming in 2026, with five blockbuster hits making over $1 billion. Mark Strassmann has more details from Los Angeles.
8/16: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: Weather becoming more extreme; Rahm Emanuel; The Eagles' Don Henley; ex-Amish, now social media creator Lovina Zook; trophy bull riding belt buckles; the iNaturalist app; and the long and short of short pants.
The Eagles' "Long Goodbye" farewell tour, now longer
The Eagles, one of the greatest old-school bands on Earth (and whose "Greatest Hits" compilation is the bestselling album in history), have extended their farewell tour, currently in residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Eagles co-founder Don Henley talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the band's half-century relationship with their fans; the legacy of his late bandmate Glenn Frey; and how his pre-performance regimen has changed with age. (Originally broadcast Feb. 8, 2026.)
Almanac: August 16
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Technology
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Technology
States crack down on misleading home listings
More home listings are using AI to add furniture, repaint walls, spruce up landscaping and even add windows. But when does virtual staging cross the line into deception or even fraud? CBS News' Evyn Moon explores.
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
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.
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Security video helps lead to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime
Dr. Steven Milner, a well-respected Oregon veterinarian, was accused of stalking and disguising himself before murdering Kenny Fandrich — the husband of a former employee. Security cameras played a key role in how detectives pieced the case together.
Violent crime down in big cities
Violent crime numbers are down across many major U.S. cities. Ali Bauman is in Newark, New Jersey, which has seen a large drop in homicides.
5 hurt in Virginia State University shooting
Police say multiple suspects were involved in the Virginia State University campus shooting that wounded five on Saturday.
Mozart statuettes snatched in classical caper
To celebrate Mozart's 270th birthday this year, German artist Ottmar Hörl made 320 statuettes of the composer and his dog, Pimperl, placing them around Salzburg, Austria. However, the statuettes have been pilfered.
Italian art heist foiled
Five accused thieves are under arrest after police say they took $10 million worth of art from a private museum in an Italian villa.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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100-year-old skydives in California
Ruby McNally is 100 years old, and she is leaping into the next century of life by skydiving, saying, "There's nothing to be scared of." Ashley Sharp has the story.
Movie theaters boom amid studio hits
The box office has been booming in 2026, with five blockbuster hits making over $1 billion. Mark Strassmann has more details from Los Angeles.
Tommy John dies at 83
Tributes poured in on Sunday for Tommy John. The baseball legend known as the "bionic man" has died at age 83. Shanelle Kaul reports from Yankee Stadium.
Europe endures its fifth heat wave this summer
Europe has been sweating through its fifth round of dangerously high temperatures since May. Ramy Inocencio is in London with more.
69% of Americans not satisfied with economy: poll
A new CBS News poll found 69% of Americans are not satisfied with how the economy is working. With the Iran war in its sixth month, there's still pain at the pump. Aaron Navarro has more.