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.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
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Iran attacks Kuwait airport as Israel, Lebanon reach tentative ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to renew their fragile ceasefire and create a number of "pilot" security zones inside Lebanon where Hezbollah would be banned.
SpaceX plans record stock market debut that could make Elon Musk a trillionaire
SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month in what could be the largest stock market debut ever, and it would put Elon Musk on course to becoming the first trillionaire.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
Bessent testifies he told Pulte he was "going to kick his a**," not punch him
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, is being met with some skepticism on Capitol Hill.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
U.S.
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U.S. destroys alleged drug boat in Pacific, killing 2 more people
At least 207 people have been killed since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in September.
SpaceX plans record stock market debut that could make Elon Musk a trillionaire
SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month in what could be the largest stock market debut ever, and it would put Elon Musk on course to becoming the first trillionaire.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Flesh-eating New World screwworm found in Texas calf, USDA says
The USDA said the only animal affected was a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, after larvae were identified in its umbilical area.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
MoneyWatch
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SpaceX plans record stock market debut that could make Elon Musk a trillionaire
SpaceX says it plans to raise up to $75 billion when it goes public this month in what could be the largest stock market debut ever, and it would put Elon Musk on course to becoming the first trillionaire.
American Airlines suspends 6 routes because of high jet fuel costs
American Airlines said it is temporarily cutting six routes amid rising jet fuel costs, including several flights to Los Angeles.
Ford recalls nearly 420,000 vehicles over faulty seat belts
Safety watchdog said seat belts in certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln vehicles may inadvertently lock, preventing them from functioning properly.
These are the best airlines in 2026, according to The Points Guy
The Points Guy's annual ranking gives extra weight to affordability this year as higher fuel costs and airline fees squeeze travelers.
Outback Steakhouse sued for $1.5M over alleged mashed potato slip-and-fall
A Virginia woman alleges she suffered serious injuries after slipping on what appeared to be mashed potatoes at an Outback Steakhouse.
Politics
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U.S. destroys alleged drug boat in Pacific, killing 2 more people
At least 207 people have been killed since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in September.
Trump expected to nominate Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general
President Trump is expected to nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve in the role permanently, several sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
SPLC asks judge to weigh sanctions against DOJ for sending out unsigned indictment copy
The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a judge to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the DOJ shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment with members of the media.
Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
HealthWatch
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Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
World
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Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks
The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to implement a ceasefire, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.
North Korea announces opening of a new nuclear facility
State media photos showed what appeared to be a large centrifuge hall, indicating the plant is likely used to enrich weapons-grade uranium.
House votes to rein in Trump on Iran as war loses GOP support
In May, the Senate advanced a similar measure to force the president to end the prolonged conflict with Iran.
8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot
The discovery comes in the midst of a U.S.-backed military crackdown on the organized crime gangs in Ecuador.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Hamm talks "Your Friends & Neighbors"
Jon Hamm previews "Your Friends & Neighbors" season 2 finale, saying "it is satisfying" and provides some answers for fans. He also talks about the relatability of the show's characters and reflects on "Mad Men."
André De Shields on Tony nomination
André De Shields speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," which is a reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classical musical told through the lens of ballroom culture. De Shields talks about bringing ballroom to Broadway and his latest Tony nomination.
Tribeca at 25: NYC festival celebrates music, Broadway and New York stories
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Analyzing the YouTuber-to-filmmaker boom
The sci-fi horror flick "Backrooms" was the number one movie in the U.S. as of Tuesday. The filmmaker behind the movie, 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is now the youngest director with a number one film globally. Brooks Barnes, The New York Times' chief Hollywood correspondent, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Peabo Bryson, singer known for Disney movie hits, dies at 75
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Technology
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Technology
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
OpenAI CEO meets with lawmakers on Capitol Hill
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday to oppose proposals that would require developers to obtain government approval before releasing new artificial intelligence models. Jordan Rae Kelly, former director for cyber incident response on the National Security Council, joins with analysis.
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.
Microsoft VP explains its AI assistant Scout
Microsoft announced a slew of new AI products during its annual Microsoft Build developers conference in San Francisco. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft vice president, speaks with CBS News about the product.
Meta unveils new AI business agent
Businesses can now expand their AI customer service with Meta's help. Senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to talk about that and some of the other big tech stories of the day.
Science
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El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
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1 dead, 3 hurt in high school graduation shooting in Northern California, officials say
One person died and three others, including a child, were injured in a shooting Wednesday night at a high school graduation in Northern California, officials said.
Ohio State reaches $100 million settlement over school doctor accused of sex abuse
The school has fought lawsuits in federal court since 2018 brought by former student athletes against the university over its failure to stop abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss.
Coast Guard searching in Lynette Hooker case
A team of specialized Coast Guard divers and investigators have been searching the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas for missing Michigan mother Lynette Hooker. Cristian Benavides reports.
FBI kills hostage-taker in California
A 15-hour standoff at a bank building in Bakersfield, California, ended Wednesday after all hostages were freed and the suspect was killed by the FBI. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Details on suspect in bank hostage standoff
All hostages are safe and a suspect is dead after an hourslong standoff at a bank in California, police said on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Space
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NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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
ChatGPT user describes AI-fueled delusions
CBS News spoke with five people who say they were led to believe they had developed an emotional connection to an AI chatbot. They are now involved in a digital support group for people who say they experienced AI-fueled delusions or spirals. ChatGPT user Micky Small joins "The Daily Report" to share her experience.
U.S.-Iran tensions on rise
Over the past 24 hours, the U.S. and Iran have executed some of the most intense fighting since the ceasefire went into effect, and unlike other cases where military targets were hit, a civilian area came under fire. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
State of primary ballot count in California
Election results from California's primary races were still coming in on Wednesday. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto has the latest on the races.
Video store sees new demand for VHS tapes, DVDs
A Brooklyn video store is going old school and it's drawing a new generation of movie fans. Evyn Moon shows how DVD and VHS are making a comeback as people trade algorithms for aisle browsing.
6/3: The Takeout with Major Garrett
House passes measure that would rein in Trump on Iran; Trump says Iran talks are ongoing despite recent attack.