The House has a speaker again — what now?
The House on Wednesday elected Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as speaker after three weeks of dysfunction. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Robert Costa unpack what happens next.
Louisiana
"Superfog" blamed for deadly Louisiana pileup
A rare "superfog" led to a pileup of more than 150 vehicles that left at least seven people dead, according to authorities. Crews are still cleaning up the scene of the large accident on I-55 in Louisiana. Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams with our partners at The Weather Channel has more.
Trump-backed Jeff Landry wins Louisiana governor's race
The win is a major victory for the GOP as they reclaim the governor's mansion for the first time in eight years.
Steve Scalise drops out of House speaker race
Louisiana Republican Rep. Steve Scalise has withdrawn from the House speaker race, extending concerns about the duration of the legislative gridlock with a government shutdown looming. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports from Capitol Hill.
Scalise nominated to be next House speaker
Republicans voted Wednesday to nominate House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana as the next House speaker after the historic ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy last week. But with more than four House Republicans coming out against his candidacy, it is unclear if Scalise will have the 217 votes necessary to win the gavel. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports from Capitol Hill.
Louisiana principal requests leave after punishing student for dancing
Jason St. Pierre initially told the student she wasn't "living in the Lord's way," her mother said.
4 Baton Rouge officers charged in connection with "brave cave" scandal
The Baton Rouge Police Department is under scrutiny as the FBI opened a civil rights investigation into allegations that officers assaulted detainees in an obscure warehouse known as the "brave cave."
Coast Guard spots endangered whales off Louisiana
Officers encountered three massive Rice's whales, one of the most endangered whale species on the planet. There are likely fewer than 100 remaining.
Saltwater threatens New Orleans' drinking water
Drought conditions brought the Mississippi River to unusually low levels. As a result, New Orleans' drinking water could become contaminated by saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico. Omar Villafranca has the story.
Louisiana drinking water in jeopardy
Millions of Louisiana residents are facing a possible drinking water crisis as saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico threatens to contaminate the freshwater supply. The saltwater intrusion, caused by a severe summer drought that lowered the Mississippi River's water levels, could have serious consequences. New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Collin Arnold joined CBS News to discuss measures being taken to alleviate the problem.
Eye on America: Offshore wind energy jobs
In Louisiana, we see how offshore wind farms are generating opportunities for former oil and gas workers. Then in Florida, we hop aboard a unique fishing trip that’s taking kids off city streets and on to the sea. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America " with host Michelle Miller.
Feds open investigation into claims Baton Rouge police tortured detainees
Lawsuits allege that the Baton Rouge Police Department's now shuttered Street Crimes Unit abused drug suspects in a narcotics processing facility known as the "Brave Cave."
Fugitive laughs as he's handcuffed after 32 years on the run
Greg Lawson, now 63, skipped town before a jury found him guilty of attempted second degree murder in 1991.
Student killed, another arrested in shooting at Louisiana high school
At least two people were hospitalized. Their conditions weren't immediately clear.
5th Circuit softens limits on Biden admin contact with social media platforms
A federal appeals court has significantly eased a lower court's order curbing Biden administration communications with social media companies.
David Begnaud's very personal story
"CBS Mornings" lead national correspondent David Begnaud travels to his Lafayette, Louisiana, high school to introduce viewers to the English teacher who he says changed his life.
Louisiana priest, 91, charged with sexual assault of teen boy in 1975
Lawrence Hecker, 91, faces felony counts of rape, kidnapping, aggravated crime against nature and theft.
Louisiana's Tiger Island Fire ruled arson, officials say
Louisiana, which has been contending with extreme summer heat and drought, saw an unprecedented 441 wildfires in August.
Louisiana wildfires prompt evacuations
An entire town in southwestern Louisiana is under mandatory evacuation orders because of the Tiger Island Fire, a wildfire that state officials say is the largest they have ever seen. Louisiana has been plagued by record-breaking heat and extreme drought. This month alone, there have been an unprecedented 441 wildfires in the state. CBS News' Janet Shamlian reports.
Wildfires threaten Louisiana amid heat wave
Raging wildfires in southwestern Louisiana have forced an entire town of about 1,200 people to abandon their homes. Officials say wind patterns and intense heat are making the fires unpredictable. Nicole Sganga reports.
Dozens of wildfires burn in Louisiana amid scorching heat
While nearly all of Louisiana is abnormally dry for this time of year, half of the state is facing "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
New Orleans priest publicly admits to sexually abusing minors
Lawrence Hecker, 91, became an ordained priest in 1958, and used that position to abuse minors.
Women in Louisiana struggle to get maternal health care
The South holds the sad distinction of having some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S. Sharyn Alfonsi spoke to some of the women trying to improve maternal health care.
Louisiana's abortion ban
Doctors tell 60 Minutes Louisiana's abortion ban has impacted the treatment of miscarriages and reduced access to routine maternal medical care.
Doctor leaving Louisiana over state legislation
A top pediatric cardiologist in Louisiana is leaving the state with his family after state lawmakers passed legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoed the bills, but the Republican-controlled legislature overruled him on one of the measures, which bans gender-affirming care for people under 18. Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, one of just three doctors with his qualifications in Louisiana, joined CBS News to discuss why he's now moving to New York.
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
In President Trump's speech Wednesday night, he touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies.
House passes GOP health care bill without ACA subsidy extension
The House has passed a GOP health care bill that does not include an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Witnesses' description of Brown shooter matches person of interest, police say
As the search entered its fifth day, authorities have so far been unable to identify a person of interest in the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others over the weekend.
Trump expected to sign order reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug
President Trump is expected to sign an order that would reschedule marijuana to a lower drug classification, according to two sources, in one of the most significant changes to drug policy in decades.
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says
The U.S. military says it has conducted 26 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific or Caribbean since early September, killing at least 99 people.
U.S. government admits fault in deadly midair collision that killed 67 near D.C.
A filing states that the crew of the Army Black Hawk helicopter failed to establish and maintain proper and safe visual separation with a regional American Eagle flight that was approaching Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.
Dan Bongino leaving post as FBI deputy director next month
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will be leaving his role in January, he announced in a social media post on Wednesday.
Rob and Michele Reiner's children speak out after brother's arrest
Jake and Romy Reiner released a statement on Wednesday, remembering their parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as their best friends.
Powerball jackpot hits estimated $1.5 billion
The Powerball jackpot leaped to an estimated $1.5 billion after no one won Wednesday night's pot of gold of approximately $1.25 billion.
U.S.
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D.C.'s homeless hide in plain sight, growing sicker and costing taxpayers more
The White House says encampment sweeps have enhanced the capital, but city leaders estimate nearly 700 homeless people roam by day and bed down outdoors by night.
Peter Arnett, Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent, dies at 91
Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent who covered the Vietnam and Gulf wars, has died. He was 91.
Powerball jackpot hits estimated $1.5 billion
The Powerball jackpot leaped to an estimated $1.5 billion after no one won Wednesday night's pot of gold of approximately $1.25 billion.
U.S. government admits fault in midair collision that killed 67 near D.C.
A filing states that the crew of the Army Black Hawk helicopter failed to establish and maintain proper and safe visual separation with a regional American Eagle flight that was approaching Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
MoneyWatch
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Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
Poll: Americans say holidays are costing them more, some are scaling back
Negative views of the nation's economy persist as 2025 draws to a close.
Recalled ice cream sold nationwide could contain "small stones," FDA says
The recall affects So Delicious Dairy Free's Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream with best by dates of Aug. 8, 2027.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
How will the stock market perform in 2026? Wall Street pros weigh in.
Wall Street analysts expect another strong year in stocks in 2026, propelled by continued AI sector gains and additional Fed interest-rate cuts.
Politics
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D.C.'s homeless hide in plain sight, growing sicker and costing taxpayers more
The White House says encampment sweeps have enhanced the capital, but city leaders estimate nearly 700 homeless people roam by day and bed down outdoors by night.
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says
The U.S. military says it has conducted 26 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific or Caribbean since early September, killing at least 99 people.
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Ghislaine Maxwell asks court to toss out her conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell asked a federal judge on Wednesday to vacate her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges, just two days before the federal government is expected to release a massive trove of documents on Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge blocks ICE from requiring lawmakers to provide notice before jail visits
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that sought to require members of Congress to submit requests a week before visiting ICE detention facilities.
HealthWatch
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Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
World
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Soccer star Mario Pineida shot and killed in Ecuador
Guayaquil has become a hotspot for gang violence linked to drug trafficking and several soccer players in Ecuador have been targeted in recent months.
Australian police conduct dramatic operation 4 days after Bondi attack
Police intercepted two vehicles in a Sydney suburb based on "information received that a violent act was possibly being planned."
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says
The U.S. military says it has conducted 26 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific or Caribbean since early September, killing at least 99 people.
U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Democrats' push to limit boat strikes and attacks on Venezuela fails in House
The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
Entertainment
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Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Meg Ryan honors Rob Reiner and his wife Michele
Meg Ryan starred in Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally...," a breakout role that catapulted her career in romantic comedies.
CBS News special celebrates Rob Reiner's life and legacy
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
Rob and Michele Reiner's children speak out after brother's arrest
Jake and Romy Reiner released a statement on Wednesday, remembering their parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as their best friends.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
Technology
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Technology
How artificial intelligence grew in 2025
In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence into the U.S. economy and people's everyday lives grew to historic levels. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent joins to recap how the transformative technology expanded over the past year, and what we can expect in 2026.
OpenAI, Amazon in talks over $10B investment
OpenAI, the developer for ChatGPT, and Amazon are in talks over a possible $10 billion investment. Mark DeCambre, editor-in-chief for MarketWatch, joins with 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.
Local pushback grows against AI data centers
A frenzy of development to support the artificial intelligence boom is prompting pushback from communities who say they don't want data centers in their backyards. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
These are the most popular internet services of 2025, as AI gains traction
Global internet traffic rose 19% this year as people rely more on tech for daily communication and entertainment, a new report finds.
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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Soccer star Mario Pineida shot and killed in Ecuador
Guayaquil has become a hotspot for gang violence linked to drug trafficking and several soccer players in Ecuador have been targeted in recent months.
Police call for public help in Brown probe
The manhunt for the gunman who killed two students and wounded nine others at Brown University last weekend is now in its fifth day. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest from Providence, Rhode Island.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Nick Reiner makes first court appearance
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday since being arrested for the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Police ask public for footage in Brown manhunt
Investigators remain stymied in the hunt for the Brown University gunman. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Space
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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.
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.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Made with love
Visit a Uyghur restaurant in Southern California, where culture is shared and the food is made with love. Plus, a man who wanted to save his friends life by donating a kidney ends up saving his own life.
Takeaways from Trump's year-end address
President Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Wednesday night in a speech looking back on the first 11 months of his second term. Political strategists Joel Payne and Kevin Sheridan join with analysis. Then, CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins to unpack Mr. Trump's remarks further.
Trump touts policies in year-end address
President Trump delivered remarks Wednesday night looking back at his first year back in office. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump delivers year-end address to nation
President Trump delivered a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday night, touting the administration's actions during the first 11 months of his second term and outlining his goals for the next three years. CBS News' Norah O'Donnell anchors a special report.
Measles entrenching in U.S., doctor says
A measles outbreak in South Carolina is worsening with 138 cases reported in the state. CBS News' Skyler Henry and Dr. Céline Gounder have more.