Who is Erica Knight, the FBI's so-called "Kash Whisperer?"
An FBI media adviser has emerged as one of Kash Patel's fiercest public defenders and promoters of the bureau under his leadership.
Kash Patel
U.S. thwarts alleged California terror plot
The U.S. thwarted an alleged terror plot in California by members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, a far-left anti-government group, authorities said. The members were allegedly planning to carry out the bomb attacks across Southern California on New Year's Eve. CBS News justice reporter Jake Rosen has the latest.
12/1: Face the Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,"a look at President-elect Donald Trump's controversial decision to top Kash Patel to lead the FBI — although there isn't a vacancy at the top of the FBI. Plus, in the closing days of the Biden administration, the White House tries to secure last-minute diplomatic breakthroughs.
Fired FBI agents file lawsuit against Patel, Bondi, FBI and DOJ
Ex-FBI agents are trying to get their jobs back, claiming they were fired during Trump's second term for their efforts in 2020 to head off a riot in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
Democrats probe Kash Patel's use of FBI jet
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have opened an investigation into FBI Director Kash Patel's travel, alleging flight logs and social media posts showed Patel used the FBI's Gulfstream passenger jet for several personal outings. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Democrats begin congressional probe of Kash Patel's use of FBI Gulfstream jet
House Democrats allege Patel has used the FBI's Gulfstream jet for a "date night" in Tennessee and an outing with friends in Texas.
Latest on D.C. National Guard shooting suspect
Federal officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, provided more details on the Washington, D.C., shooting, where two National Guard members were gravely injured and a suspect was detained.
DOJ announces charges against Ryan Wedding
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel announced charges against Canadian Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug trafficker. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
FBI thwarts potential terror attack
The FBI arrested multiple people in connection with a potential ISIS-inspired terror attack in Dearborn, Michigan, FBI Director Kash Patel said in a Friday social media post.
Exclusive
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort
FBI Director Kash Patel is set to visit China next month as the agency cracks down on international suppliers of chemicals tied to fentanyl.
Federal gambling probe: What we know
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier are among the dozens who have been charged in connection to two investigations into an illegal sports betting scheme and an organized crime ring, the FBI said Thursday. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane breaks down the details. Then, Chris Mannix, senior writer at Sports Illustrated, joins with analysis.
FBI agents will get paid despite government shutdown, Patel says
The Trump administration will continue paying FBI agents despite the ongoing government shutdown that has frozen paychecks for nearly all federal workers, FBI Director Kash Patel announced.
Trump, Patel share new FBI crime statistics
President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel held a news conference on Wednesday to announce new crime data. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
Trump, Kash Patel to hold news conference
President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel are set to hold a news conference in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more on what to expect.
Sources: Another FBI purge coming
Sources tell CBS News that hundreds of FBI employees will be "separated" from the bureau at midnight. Nearly two dozen other FBI agents have recently been fired. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
FBI fires agents photographed kneeling during 2020 protest
One source told CBS News that the termination letter to the agents cited their alleged "lack of judgement" in their actions.
Rep. Crockett rails against Kash Patel
During Wednesday's House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas called FBI Director Kash Patel "the least qualified FBI director in the history of the FBI, that is real." Patel later said, "I don't give a damn what they say about me as long as I'm succeeding in the mission."
Lawmakers blast Patel over Epstein files
FBI Director Kash Patel faced another blistering round of questions from Democratic congressional lawmakers who pressed him for more transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case files. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Patel grilled by lawmakers at House hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel faced more questioning from lawmakers on Wednesday at the House Judiciary Committee hearing. CBS News' Taurean Small has more from Capitol Hill.
Kash Patel, Susan Monarez testify at hearings
FBI Director Kash Patel and former CDC Director Susan Monarez are testifying at separate hearings before Congress. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Scott MacFarlane have the latest details.
Goldman asks Patel about Trump, Epstein files
During the House Judiciary Committee hearing, Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York asked FBI Director Kash Patel if President Trump's name appeared in the documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Patel said the FBI has "released where President Trump's name is in the Epstein files" and "all credible information" that the agency is allowed to make public.
Massie questions Patel about Epstein case
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky questioned FBI Director Kash Patel about Jeffrey Epstein and whether other people were involved in the convicted sex offender's trafficking operations. "Sir, I have asked my FBI agents to review the entirety of the Epstein files, and bring forth any credible information," Patel said.
Kash Patel gives opening statement
FBI Director Kash Patel spoke about the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk and defended his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during his opening statement before the House Judiciary Committee.
Kash Patel clashes with senators at hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel will return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to face a House panel a day after he clashed with some senators over questions about his leadership of the agency. CBS News' Taurean Small has more details.
Kash Patel grilled during tense hearing
FBI director Kash Patel defended his handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirk's killing during a tense hearing on Capitol Hill with senators on Tuesday. Patel, who will face more questioning Wednesday, also answered questions about the Epstein files.
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota
An ICE officer shot a man Wednesday night in Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Machado presents Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medallion
Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado previously said she wanted to "share" the prize for removing Nicolás Maduro from power.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Feds charge 26 in college basketball point-shaving scheme
Authorities said the alleged scheme involved 39 players, 17 different NCAA Division I men's basketball teams and 29 games.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
Couple says ICE tear-gassed their vehicle with 6 children inside
A couple and their six children say they were trapped inside their vehicle when tear gas exploded underneath.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
U.S.
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Cincinnati museum celebrates the history of small businesses through their signs
The American Sign Museum in Cincinnati is a collection of more than a century of entrepreneurship and ambition.
How Cinncinati is recovering from the synthetic opioid crisis
Once among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, overdose deaths are falling in Ohio, though challenges remain.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
MoneyWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
Bankruptcy filings surged last year. Here's what's behind the rise
The increase in bankruptcy filings comes as Americans face a slate of economic pressures, from sticky inflation to elevated borrowing costs.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Politics
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Dueling accounts of ICE shooting of Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis
Cell phone footage shared on social media by a Democratic state senator appears to show the moments after Wednesday's shooting took place, in which a woman calls 911 and can be heard pleading for help.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
HealthWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
World
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Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker
The seizure comes as President Trump is set to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado Thursday at the White House.
FIFA says it's received more than 500 million World Cup ticket requests
FIFA says it has received over 500 million ticket requests for 2026 World Cup matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico— with prices as high as $8,680.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
Oscar's Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries "Donkey King," which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Technology
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Technology
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
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.
New parental controls on YouTube kid accounts
YouTube is introducing new parental controls on youth accounts that it says could limit how long kinds spend scrolling. The latest parental controls will focus on YouTube Shorts, which utilizes a continuous scrolling video feed featuring videos three minutes and shorter. Parents of kid and teen account users are now able to enact time restrictions that will limit how long their children can scroll.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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FBI: 1 arrested after protesters smash into unmarked federal vehicles
The FBI says that a suspect is in custody after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
26 charged in college basketball gambling scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged 26 people, including many college basketball players, in an illegal gambling probe. Danny Funt, author of "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of Sports Gambling," joins to unpack the alleged scheme.
Busfield held without bond in child sex abuse case
Actor Timothy Busfield is being held without bond in his New Mexico child sex abuse case. Busfield denies the charges. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Man convicted of killing Uber driver who he thought was robbing him
William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said.
Space
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Space
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The museum where iconic signs are celebrated
All his life, Tod Swormstedt has been fascinated, not necessarily by American small businesses, but by their signs, which announce to all the world -- or at least the folks on Main Street -- "we're here." "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil paid a visit to the museum inspired by his passion.
Behind the decline of opioid overdoses in Ohio
Once among the hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, overdose deaths are falling in Ohio, though challenges remain. "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil reports.
Astronaut in "good spirits" after medical issue
Four space station fliers undocked and plunged back to Earth, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast six days after NASA ordered them home early because of an unspecified medical issue. Mark Strassmann has details.
Feds allege college basketball games were fixed
Federal prosecutors charged 26 people in an alleged point-shaving scheme involving multiple current and former college basketball players, authorities announced. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Iran tightens grip, regional powers urge restraint
The Iranian regime has appeared to tamp down anti-government protests that have swept across the country in recent weeks. Thousands are estimated to have been killed in the crackdown. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.