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.
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Seized ship taken toward Iran as Trump and Xi agree on Strait of Hormuz
A ship was taken by unknown parties toward Iranian waters after an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Netanyahu says Israel will sue The New York Times
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government plans to file a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
House vote on Iran war powers resolution fails for 3rd time
The vote on a Democratic resolution to rein in Mr. Trump's authority to strike Iran was 212-212, falling just short of a majority.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
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A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
MoneyWatch
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Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record price at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" diamond was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Politics
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Bipartisan bill would bolster access to benefits for civilians exposed to burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
FBI offers reward for info on Air Force officer charged with spying for Iran
The FBI said Thursday that it's still trying to locate Monica Witt, who is accused of defecting to Iran in 2013 and revealing highly classified U.S. intelligence.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
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Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
World
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Bipartisan bill would bolster access to benefits for civilians exposed to burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
FBI offers reward for info on Air Force officer charged with spying for Iran
The FBI said Thursday that it's still trying to locate Monica Witt, who is accused of defecting to Iran in 2013 and revealing highly classified U.S. intelligence.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
House vote on Iran war powers resolution fails for third time
The vote on a Democratic resolution to rein in Mr. Trump's authority to strike Iran was 212-212, falling just short of a majority.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
Technology
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Technology
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
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.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Science
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Space
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NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for 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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5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Chinese Americans on hopes for Trump-Xi summit
CBS News' Anna Schecter went to Flushing, Queens, to ask Chinese Americans for their thoughts on the Trump-Xi summit. Schecter joins "The Takeout" to relay what she heard.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin reacts to Trump-Xi summit
Taiwan, the Iran war and trade loomed over President Trump's meeting with China's Xi Jinping on Thursday. Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan joins "The Takeout" to weigh in. Then, Lanhee Chen, fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins with analysis.
Xi draws red line on Taiwan at Trump summit
During their bilateral meeting on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned President Trump of "conflicts" if Taiwan is not "handled properly." CBS News foreign correspondent Anna Coren has the latest from Beijing.