Biden isn't considering firing Austin, White House official says
The Pentagon failed to disclose Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for days.
Lloyd Austin
New questions about Austin's hospitalization
President Biden said he still has full confidence in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, despite the White House not being told about the defense secretary's hospitalization in the ICU for several days. The lack of communication with the White House and other officials has some lawmakers concerned. David Martin reports.
WH official: Biden not considering firing Austin
A Biden administration official tells CBS News the president is not considering firing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after he failed to report his hospitalization to the White House for days. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Lloyd Austin's hospitalization: What we know
There are growing questions about the hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last week, and for three days, President Biden didn't know that Austin was in intensive care. CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin has more.
Questions over Lloyd Austin's hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin went into the hospital for an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22 and returned home a day later. But on New Year's Day, Austin experienced severe pain and was admitted to the intensive care unit, something President Biden didn't know about until three days later. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more.
Pentagon's No. 2 not told of Austin hospitalization when she assumed his duties
The Pentagon's No. 2, Kathleen Hicks, was informed of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization two days after she assumed some of his duties.
White House wasn't notified of Defense Secretary's hospitalization for days
The Pentagon's failure to disclose Lloyd Austin's hospitalization is counter to normal practice with the president and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members.
White House was unaware of Austin hospital stay
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Jan. 1 due to complications from a medical procedure, it was publicly revealed Friday. However, CBS News has learned that the National Security Council and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan were unaware of Austin's hospitalization until Thursday.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized after complications from procedure
Austin has been hospitalized since Monday due to complications following a minor elective medical procedure, officials said.
How Red Sea threats could cause shipping woes
The U.S. announced a task force with other nations aimed at protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks. But some shipping companies have already rerouted their vessels over the attacks. CBS News' Lana Zak breaks down the importance of the Red Sea for international shipping.
How powerful are Yemen's Houthi rebels?
Yemen's Houthi rebels have stepped up attacks in the Red Sea. But who are they, and why are they attacking vessels along one of the world's most important shipping routes? CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio and Center for Strategic and International Studies senior adviser Mark Cancian explain.
Secretary Austin's remarks in Israel
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Israel Monday during his latest trip to the Middle East and continued to push for a two-state solution after Israel concludes its war against Hamas in Gaza. BBC News Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega is following Austin's visit from Jerusalem.
U.S., Israeli defense heads speak to press
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated America's support for Israel during a joint news conference Monday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel is under worldwide pressure to do more to minimize civilian deaths in Gaza amid its war with Hamas.
Israel facing pressure to change tactics
Pressure is growing on Israel to scale back its military campaign after the IDF confirmed they mistakenly killed three hostages who they say were waving a white flag. At a rally in Tel Aviv over the weekend, Israelis demanded a deal to bring the remaining hostages home. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has the latest from Tel Aviv and Charlie D'Agata has a report on Hamas' tunnel network.
Secretary Austin urges two-state solution
During a trip to the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Monday a two-state solution is in the interest of Israelis and Palestinians. Military analyst Mike Lyons, a retired major in the U.S. Army, joins CBS News to discuss.
Growing calls for a cease-fire
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin landed in Israel this morning, amid growing calls for a cease-fire. Israel's former ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, told CBS News' Ramy Inocencio "we are kind of hanging on a thread, and that thread is Joseph Biden."
U.S. urging Israel to use caution
Members of the Biden administration are urging Israel to do more to prevent Palestinian civilians from being killed in its mission to eradicate Hamas. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes is following the developments as Israel expands its ground offensive in Gaza.
U.S. defense chief in Ukraine to affirm support "now and in the future"
Defense chief Lloyd Austin said he was in Ukraine to affirm U.S. support "against Russia's aggression, both now and in the future."
Blinken, Austin on aid for Israel and Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testified at a Senate hearing on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to send emergency aid to Israel and Ukraine. CBS News' chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Blinken, Austin testifying for foreign aid
On Capitol Hill Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are testifying before the Senate appropriations committee. They're hoping to garner support for the White House's proposed funding bill to finance aid for Ukraine and Israel among other security-related initiatives. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini has more.
Blinken, Austin urge Congress to pass funding to support both Israel and Ukraine
Austin and Blinken told lawmakers supporting both Israel and Ukraine is part of a single fight against increasingly connected adversaries.
Protesters calling for cease-fire in Gaza disrupt Senate hearing
Blinken was interrupted multiple times by protesters who called for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Israel advances into Gaza amid U.S. aid talks
The Israel-Hamas war continues after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls Monday for an immediate cease-fire. In the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testified before the Senate appropriations committee about the Biden administration's requests for aid for Israel and Ukraine. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee has the latest from Israel, and CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports on the battle shaping up in Congress.
U.S. leaders vow support for Israel after deadly Hamas attacks
The attack has killed at least 700 people in Israel so far, with hundreds more injured and an unknown number of people taken hostage by Hamas.
3 military branches without Senate-confirmed leaders for first time in history
The Navy on Monday joined the Army and Marine Corps in operating without a Senate-confirmed military leader because of Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on senior military nominations.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein case have been found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second biggest winning jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
U.S.
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More severe weather in store for a soaked California
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Imprisoned Brazilian ex-president Bolsonaro undergoes surgery
Jair Bolsonaro, who has been hospitalized since Wednesday, has been serving a 27-year prison sentence since November for an attempted coup.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Blast at Nigeria mosque kills 5, injures 35 in apparent suicide attack
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack.
Entertainment
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King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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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.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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 Polar Express" children's book turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, "The Polar Express." He tells CBS News' Bradley Blackburn about how he came up with the classic Christmas tale at just 34 years old.
Winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas
The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion, the second-largest ever, was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas.
Leo XIV celebrates first Christmas as pope
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas since he became pontiff. At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Leo urged people to care for the poor and for migrants.
Powerful storm slams California
A powerful storm brought heavy rain to parts of California on Wednesday, flooding roads and prompting evacuations in some areas. The deluge of rain is causing dangerous travel conditions on Christmas Day.
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.