Trump calls for prosecution of more political foes including Smith and Garland
President Trump late Friday pushed for several Biden-era Justice Department officials to be prosecuted over an FBI investigation into the fallout of the 2020 election.
Merrick Garland
Authorities launch investigation into ex-Trump prosecutor Jack Smith
Federal officials are investigating Jack Smith, the former special counsel who investigated then-candidate Donald Trump before his reelection to a second term.
Gunman who killed 23 at El Paso Walmart offered plea deal to avoid death penalty
The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at an El Paso Walmart in 2019 in one of the the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history has been offered a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
Garland address to Justice Department
Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered his farewell address to the Justice Department before President-elect Donald Trump's administration begins. Garland called for discretion in enforcing the law and referenced the Watergate scandal that plagued the Richard Nixon administration.
Merrick Garland delivers farewell remarks
Attorney General Merrick Garland delivered his farewell address on Thursday. Meanwhile, House Democrats pushed Speaker Mike Johnson to erect a long-delayed Jan. 6 plaque. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more details.
Democrats urge Garland to drop charges, release rest of special counsel report
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee say Attorney General Merrick Garland should "take all necessary steps" to ensure the rest of the special counsel's report is released before Trump takes office.
Jack Smith, who led probes against Trump, resigns
In a widely expected move, special counsel Jack Smith departed from the Justice Department after years of federal investigations into President-elect Donald Trump. Willie James Inman has the details.
Latest on Trump legal cases and meetings
The Justice Department is pushing for the release of special counsel Jack Smith's final report on the investigation into President-elect Donald Trump's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. CBS News political reporter and attorney Katrina Kaufman reports. Then, CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more on Trump's meeting with Republican Senators on Wednesday.
Trump attorneys ask for block of Smith report
Attorneys for Donald Trump are urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to block the release of special counsel Jack Smith's upcoming report on two dismissed criminal cases against the president-elect. CBS News political reporter Olivia Rinaldi has the latest.
Details on FBI director's planned resignation
FBI Director Christopher Wray announced Wednesday that he plans to resign from his post at the end of President Biden's term in January. President-elect Donald Trump originally tapped Wray for the role during his first administration. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more on the announcement and Trump's transition.
Former U.S. attorney on Gaetz as Trump pick
President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Rep. Matt Gaetz as his attorney general. Former U.S. attorney and assistant deputy attorney general Harry Litman joins CBS News to discuss his column calling Gaetz the "anti-attorney general" and what to expect from his potential management of the Justice Department.
Alleged Iran plot to kill Trump: What we know
The Department of Justice has revealed criminal charges in connection with a failed Iranian plot to kill U.S. officials, including President-elect Donald Trump. The DOJ named three individuals in a criminal complaint unsealed Friday, including an Iranian man who says he was instructed to surveil and assassinate Trump during the campaign. The two other suspects are not accused of going after Trump. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
U.S. sues Visa for monopolizing market
The Department of Justice is suing credit card giant Visa for using its market dominance to stifle competition. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Visa tactics led to more costs for consumers.
Garland: DOJ won't be a political weapon
Attorney General Merrick Garland denounced what he called "an escalation of attacks" against the Justice Department during a Thursday speech that got fiery and emotional at points. Garland's comments come amid a rise in threats against not only Justice Department employees but also other law enforcement officials and members of Congress. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
What Garland revealed about threats to DOJ
The Department of Justice has come under fire in recent years for its handling of various investigations, including into both former President Donald Trump and President Biden. On Thursday, Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned threats against the DOJ, saying that officials will not be intimidated. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Garland condemns "escalation of attacks" against DOJ employees
In an address to staff, Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned attacks against Justice Dept. staff and stressed the department's political independence.
Inside Garland's comments on threats to DOJ
Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday denounced an escalation of attacks the Justice Department has faced, including conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods and threats of actual violence. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more on Garland's reasoning for the address.
U.S. accuses Russia of sprawling election interference, seizes dozens of sites
The Justice Department filed charges against two people and seized more than two dozen internet domains used in a Russian interference operation, officials said.
Russia accused of election disinformation scheme
The Justice Department on Wednesday accused Russia of a sophisticated propaganda campaign designed to sway U.S. voters ahead of Election Day. Attorney General Merrick Garland said RT, a state-controlled Russian media outlet, was behind the $10 million scheme. Scott MacFarlane has more.
U.S. accuses Russia of election interference
The Biden administration is accusing Russia of attempting to interfere in the 2024 presidential election. Attorney General Merrick Garland says the Kremlin led an influence campaign designed to covertly spread Russian propaganda. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has details.
DOJ vows to keep going after Hamas leaders
The U.S. has indicted six senior Hamas leaders over their involvement in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Hamas' top leadership is accused of planning, supporting and praising the attacks, according to a criminal complaint from the Justice Department. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Tuesday the Justice Department "has a long memory" and will continue pursuing "the terrorists responsible for murdering Americans." Jon Alterman, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins to discuss.
What's behind U.S. seizure of Maduro's plane
The U.S. has seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over alleged sanctions violations. The jet in question has been transported from the Dominican Republic to Florida. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has more from Fort Lauderdale.
Jan. 6 defendant jailed over alleged threats against Amy Coney Barrett, others
A Nevada man awaiting trial on Jan. 6-related charges has been jailed after allegedly making threats toward Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and others.
GOP effort to hold Garland in inherent contempt of Congress fails
The House voted on a resolution to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in inherent contempt of Congress, aiming to impose a $10,000 per day fine for defying a congressional subpoena.
House Republicans sue Garland, seeking Biden audio
House Republicans want audio recordings of President Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur as part of their impeachment inquiry.
Live
Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota
An ICE officer shot a man Wednesday night in Minneapolis after allegedly being attacked by men with shovels during an arrest operation, three U.S. officials told CBS News.
Machado presented Trump with Nobel Peace Prize medallion
Venezuelan opposition leader María Machado previously said she wanted to "share" the prize for removing Nicolás Maduro from power.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
Feds charge 26 in college basketball point-shaving scheme
Authorities said the alleged scheme involved 39 players, 17 different NCAA Division I men's basketball teams and 29 games.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Could ICE agent in Good's shooting claim immunity from state charges?
The ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting could try to invoke immunity under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause to try to end state criminal prosecution.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
U.S.
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Protesters in Minneapolis smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
MoneyWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Mortgage rates fall to 3-year low, offering relief for homebuyers
The average interest rate on a typical mortgage dipped to 6.06%, the lowest level since September 2022, according to Freddie Mac.
Bankruptcy filings surged last year. Here's what's behind the rise
The increase in bankruptcy filings comes as Americans face a slate of economic pressures, from sticky inflation to elevated borrowing costs.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
How the new $6,000 senior tax deduction could impact older Americans
A new tax deduction for senior citizens is kicking in this tax season, potentially providing bigger refunds to millions, the AARP says.
Politics
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Protesters in Minneapolis smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Sidelining of DOJ's Civil Rights Division in ICE shooting is unusual, experts say
Though DOJ says there's "no basis" for criminal civil rights probe in ICE shooting case, some legal experts say the division's lack of involvement here is unheard of.
What is the Insurrection Act, and why is Trump threatening to invoke it?
President Trump is threatening to invoke a centuries-old law to deploy troops to Minnesota. Here's what to know.
Senators say bipartisan compromise on ACA tax credits has stalled
"We are in a little bit of a pothole," said GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno, who previously expected the compromise to be unveiled this week.
HealthWatch
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ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
Chicago mayor explains how he's tackling the city's life expectancy gap
In 2023, life expectancy in the Loop was 87.3 years, while in West Garfield Park, life expectancy was just 66.6 years, according to the city's Health Department.
Recalled "super greens" supplement linked to dozens of salmonella cases, CDC says
Illnesses linked to the New York-based Live it Up Super Greens brand powder were reported in 21 states from Aug. 22 to Dec. 30, 2025.
Wide variation found in funding for states' rural health proposals
Every state will receive at least $100 million annually from the federal Rural Health Transformation fund, but some scored millions more based on their plans and willingness to pass policies embracing MAHA initiatives.
World
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Gulf states pushing to avert U.S.-Iran conflict, official says
Several key U.S. allies in the Middle East have engaged in intensive diplomacy between Iran and the United States, aiming to stave off a military conflict, a Gulf official told CBS News.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Russia calls NATO "unpredictable" amid divide over Greenland
As NATO prepares for war games around Greenland, Russia is highlighting the Trump administration's disagreement with its closest allies over the island.
U.S. forces seize sixth Venezuela-linked oil tanker
The seizure comes as President Trump is set to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado Thursday at the White House.
FIFA says it's received more than 500 million World Cup ticket requests
FIFA says it has received over 500 million ticket requests for 2026 World Cup matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico— with prices as high as $8,680.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
Oscar's Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries "Donkey King," which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Ali Larter talks what's ahead in "Landman"
Actor Ali Larter plays Angela Harris, the ex-wife of an oilman played by Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series "Landman." She talks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, working with Thornton and how she landed her role.
Actor Timothy Busfield turns himself in following child sex abuse allegations
In a video provided to TMZ on Tuesday, Timothy Busfield said the allegations "are all lies."
Technology
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Technology
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
New parental controls on YouTube kid accounts
YouTube is introducing new parental controls on youth accounts that it says could limit how long kinds spend scrolling. The latest parental controls will focus on YouTube Shorts, which utilizes a continuous scrolling video feed featuring videos three minutes and shorter. Parents of kid and teen account users are now able to enact time restrictions that will limit how long their children can scroll.
Details on Verizon cell phone outage
A widespread Verizon outage hit the U.S. on Wednesday, leaving thousands of customers without service. CBS News' Karen Hua has more.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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Protesters in Minneapolis smash into FBI vehicles allegedly containing federal documents
The FBI is offering a reward after protests in north Minneapolis Wednesday evening culminated in vandalism and the apparent compromising of federal documents.
26 charged in college basketball gambling scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged 26 people, including many college basketball players, in an illegal gambling probe. Danny Funt, author of "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of Sports Gambling," joins to unpack the alleged scheme.
Busfield held without bond in child sex abuse case
Actor Timothy Busfield is being held without bond in his New Mexico child sex abuse case. Busfield denies the charges. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Drug ring used swimmers to stash cocaine on ships at sea, police say
Police said they had busted a network that saw smugglers swim on the high seas to help stash Colombian cocaine on container ships and hijack vessels.
Man convicted of killing Uber driver who he thought was robbing him
William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said.
Space
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Space
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ISS astronauts prepare for early return
Crew-11 is preparing for an unprecedented early return to Earth over concerns for an astronaut's medical condition aboard the International Space Station. Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and engineering professor at Columbia University, joins with more.
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
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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
Astronaut in "good spirits" after medical issue
Four space station fliers undocked and plunged back to Earth, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the Southern California coast six days after NASA ordered them home early because of an unspecified medical issue. Mark Strassmann has details.
Feds allege college basketball games were fixed
Federal prosecutors charged 26 people in an alleged point-shaving scheme involving multiple current and former college basketball players, authorities announced. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Iran tightens grip, regional powers urge restraint
The Iranian regime has appeared to tamp down anti-government protests that have swept across the country in recent weeks. Thousands are estimated to have been killed in the crackdown. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.
Machado gives Trump her Nobel Prize medallion
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she presented President Trump with her real Nobel Peace Prize medallion during her visit to the White House on Thursday. Weijia Jiang has more.
Tensions flare after second shooting involving ICE
Tensions are soaring in Minneapolis as protesters face off against federal agents. As Matt Gutman reports, it comes after a Venezuelan migrant was shot by an ICE agent after allegedly trying to flee federal officers.