Biden faces backlash for granting pardon to son
Republicans and some Democrats are criticizing President Biden's decision to grant a sweeping pardon to his son Hunter Biden, who was awaiting sentencing on gun and tax charges. Ed O'Keefe has details.
Joe Biden
Field grows in DNC chair race
The field in the race to lead the Democratic National Committee is growing. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler and former Maryland Senate candidate Robert Houton jumped in on Sunday. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has more on what they're saying about the party's future after losses this year.
Trump taps in-laws for key diplomatic posts
President-elect Donald Trump is giving key diplomatic posts to the fathers-in-law of his two daughters. He has tapped Charles Kushner to serve as the ambassador to France and Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Political strategists Joel Payne and Maura Gillespie join "America Decides" to discuss what the moves say about Trump's foreign policy plans.
Trump links Hunter Biden pardon, Jan. 6 cases
Shortly after President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump turned to social media to tie it to the Jan. 6 cases. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Biden reneges on pledge to not pardon son
With major changes looming at the Justice Department, President Biden has wiped away the prosecution of his son, Hunter Biden. Plus, President-elect Donald Trump's pick of Kash Patel for FBI director is sending shockwaves through Washington, D.C. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Expert on Hunter Biden pardon
A presidential pardon expert at America University compared the sweeping Hunter Biden pardon issued by President Biden to the pardon for former president Richard Nixon. CBS News' Natalie Brand breaks down the history of presidents pardoning family members.
Hunter Biden pardon gets mixed reactions
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reacting to news of Hunter Biden's pardon and President-elect Donald Trump's plan to make Kash Patel the FBI director. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Jill Biden, Hunter Biden react to pardon
First lady Jill Biden reacted to the news of President Biden pardoning his son. Hunter Biden also issued a statement on the development as the White House navigates the political backlash on the president's decision. CBS News' Willie James Inman reports, and Katrina Kaufman has more on President-elect Donald Trump's reaction. Plus, more on Trump's latest team picks for his second term.
How Trump reacted to Biden pardoning son
President-elect Donald Trump called President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, a miscarriage of justice. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes breaks down the former president's reaction and reports on the history of past presidents pardoning family members.
Will Biden comment on pardon decision?
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden made the decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden over the weekend. CBS News' Willie James Inman has more on Mr. Biden reversing his stance on the pardon as he begins his trip to Africa before departing the White House in January.
Details on Biden's pardon for son Hunter
President Biden has issued a wide-ranging pardon for his son Hunter after saying several times that he wouldn't. The pardon applies to federal crimes Hunter Biden may have committed since 2014. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Presidential pardons and their implications
What can history teach us about presidential pardons? Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of "The Leadership Journey" and "An Unfinished Love Story," joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to break it down.
Read Hunter Biden's pardon and President Biden's full statement
The pardon covers offenses Hunter Biden "has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024."
President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden
President Biden announced on Sunday he signed a pardon for his son Hunter Biden after previously saying he would not issue a pardon. Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies in a Delaware federal gun possession case in June. He faced sentencing for the case in Delaware and a federal tax evasion case in California.
President Biden pardons son Hunter Biden
President Biden has issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, that applies to all crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024. The president had repeatedly said he wouldn't pardon his son, who had been facing prison time in two separate federal cases. CBS News' Willie James Inman, Katrina Kaufman and Rebecca Roiphe have the latest.
Biden knocks Trump's proposed tariffs
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs against Mexico and Canada drew a critique from President Biden on Thursday, with Biden saying in part, "We're surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and two allies, Mexico and Canada. The last thing we need to do is begin to screw up those relationships." CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more on that, the president-elect's call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and some of the other top political news of the day.
Bidens spending last Thanksgiving as president on Nantucket, a family tradition
"Whatever bumps and bruises we were suffering, we put it all aside and celebrated Thanksgiving in Nantucket," President Biden wrote in his 2017 book "Promise Me, Dad."
Threats made against Trump's picks
The FBI is investigating multiple threats made against some of President-elect Donald Trump's administration picks like Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick and others. CBS News political reporter Libby Cathey has more on the attacks and the Trump transition.
Lt. Gen. Kellogg wants a Ukraine ceasefire
President-elect Donald Trump selected retired three-star army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg on Wednesday to be his special envoy to Russia and Ukraine. Retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the pick and if plans for a ceasefire in the region are attainable.
What's behind the U.S.-China prisoner swap
The White House announced a deal with China Wednesday to free Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung, who the U.S. considered wrongfully imprisoned. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more on how the deal came about and what it means for the countries' relationship.
White House Thanksgiving through the years
There is a major debate about who was the first president to start the turkey pardon tradition. Nevertheless, the tradition stuck and has become a beloved event at the White House. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane goes through some history and iconic Thanksgiving moments at the White House.
What does the Hezbollah truce mean for Gaza?
President Biden says his administration is making "another push" to end the war in Gaza after the U.S. helped broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that took effect Wednesday. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta has more from Jerusalem. Then, CBS News contributor Robert Berger joins with analysis.
Threats on Trump Cabinet picks: What to know
Several of President-elect Donald Trump's picks were the targets of swatting and bomb threats on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. And after a long delay, Trump's team has signed some, but not all, of the critical transition documents with the Biden administration. CBS News' Nicole Sganga, Weijia Jiang and Taurean Small have the latest.
3 Americans released in China in swap
The White House says three Americans have been released after being detained in China for years. Their release is part of an apparent prisoner swap, CBS News Scott MacFarlane reports.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal reaction
Lebanese residents celebrated the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal as some return to their homes after intense months of strikes. This comes as the U.S. celebrates the truce, and as President-elect Donald Trump takes credit for the major development in the Middle East. BBC News' Lina Sinjab has more from Beirut and CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports on Trump's team reaction.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
Live
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth to face lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
U.K. pledges $34 million to fight antisemitism emergency after stabbing
The British government's terrorism prevention adviser describes anti-Jewish attacks as the "biggest national security emergency" since 2017.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
U.S.
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GDP rose at 2% annual rate in first quarter as U.S. economy rebounds
The AI boom propped up U.S. economic growth in the first quarter, but inflation due to the Iran war is casting a cloud.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
MoneyWatch
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GDP rose at 2% annual rate in first quarter as U.S. economy rebounds
The AI boom propped up U.S. economic growth in the first quarter, but inflation due to the Iran war is casting a cloud.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Politics
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Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
World
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Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla off Greek coast, activists say
The Global Sumud Flotilla said 22 of its 58 vessels were "abducted," while the Israeli foreign ministry derided the convoy as a "condom flotilla."
U.K. pledges $34 million to fight antisemitism emergency after stabbing
The British government's terrorism prevention adviser describes anti-Jewish attacks as the "biggest national security emergency" since 2017.
Live
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth faces lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
Divers find wreck of iconic U.S. ship torpedoed in WWI, killing 131
The sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa killed 131 people, making it the largest loss of life on any U.S. combat ship during the war.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Entertainment
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David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
Officials release apparent Cole Allen photos
Cole Allen apparently took a selfie while armed, minutes before the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman and Sam Vinograd have more.
New memo detail Cole Allen's movements
A memorandum filed in federal court on Wednesday includes details about Cole Allen's movements before his encounter with U.S. Secret Service officers at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
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
High hopes for pancreatic cancer therapies
A new pancreatic cancer treatment is showing good signs of longer life expectancies. Dr. Deirdre Cohen joins with more details.
Coast Guard chief on shutdown's impacts
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday says guardsmen are going into debt to follow orders amid a partial government shutdown that he says is putting the military branch in a critical position. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Latest news on London stabbing attack
Two Jewish men were stabbed in London in what officials are calling a terrorist incident. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman reports.
Lawmakers grill Hegseth about the Iran war
Lawmakers are pressing Pentagon officials about the Iran war during hearings on Capitol Hill. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump calls U.S. blockade "genius"
President Trump still has faith in the U.S. blockade near the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions in the region impacting global oil and gas prices. CBS News' Taurean Small and Ramy Inocencio report.