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.
Lala is a tropical storm again after lashing past Hawaii's Big Island
As a hurricane, Lala skirted past Hawaii's Big Island, where it brought heavy rain and the possibility of life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Live
CENTCOM chief visits USS Abraham Lincoln amid morale concerns
Meanwhile, Israel is being condemned by Lebanese leaders for strikes in the south that killed at least 11 people, including children.
Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following a formal request for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
Exclusive
Ukraine's own ballistic missiles could strike Russia within months, says former minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister who is widely credited as the architect of the country's modern war-fighting strategy, told CBS News in an exclusive interview that he believes Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia.
Rahm Emanuel on Trump, the left, and what's right for America
As a Democratic Congressman, Chicago mayor, ambassador, and chief of staff in the Obama White House, Rahm Emanuel has been a key and combative moderate; he says his fight, now and in the future, is bigger than him and his party.
Ukraine launches one of the largest aerial attacks on Russia yet
Footage shows a large column of smoke after Ukraine struck a major logistics hub in the Moscow region.
NATO fighter jet shoots down drone in Romania near border with Ukraine
It is the latest in a series of similar incidents involving drone incursions into NATO airspace from Ukraine
South Carolina to hold first 2028 Democratic presidential primary
South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary will take place on Jan. 22, 2028. Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will also hold early Democratic nominating contests.
U.S.
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Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following formal requests for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
Short pants: The long and the short of it
The summer of 1936 saw a heat wave so dangerous at least five thousand people died. It also saw the popularization of a cooler fashion alternative – shorts – which, in some jurisdictions, were illegal.
How Lovina Zook left the Amish and found an online audience
This 23-year-old who grew up in a conservative Amish community and had never used a cell phone or computer is today an unlikely social media influencer, sharing stories and recipes of the Amish with her six million online followers.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Security video helps lead to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime
Dr. Steven Milner, a well-respected Oregon veterinarian, was accused of stalking and disguising himself before murdering Kenny Fandrich — the husband of a former employee. Security cameras played a key role in how detectives pieced the case together.
MoneyWatch
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CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
Politics
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Beshear says he's "heard absolutely nothing" from McConnell
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he hasn't heard back from Sen. Mitch McConnell following formal requests for an update on his health last month amid a weekslong hospitalization.
Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
Rahm Emanuel on Trump, the left, and what's right for America
As a Democratic Congressman, Chicago mayor, ambassador, and chief of staff in the Obama White House, Rahm Emanuel has been a key and combative moderate; he says his fight, now and in the future, is bigger than him and his party.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
South Carolina to hold first 2028 Democratic presidential primary
South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary will take place on Jan. 22, 2028. Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will also hold early Democratic nominating contests.
HealthWatch
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Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
World
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Transcript: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 16, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 16, 2026.
4 Renaissance paintings stolen from museum in Italy
Local officials have expressed their dismay and sadness at the theft which occurred during celebrations of the Virgin Mary.
Ukraine launches one of the largest aerial attacks on Russia yet
Footage shows a large column of smoke after Ukraine struck a major logistics hub in the Moscow region.
NATO fighter jet shoots down drone in Romania near border with Ukraine
It is the latest in a series of similar incidents involving drone incursions into NATO airspace from Ukraine
Exclusive
Ukraine's own ballistic missiles could strike Russia within months, says former minister
Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian defense minister who is widely credited as the architect of the country's modern war-fighting strategy, told CBS News in an exclusive interview that he believes Ukraine is in a "technological war" with Russia.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
8/16: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: Weather becoming more extreme; Rahm Emanuel; The Eagles' Don Henley; ex-Amish, now social media creator Lovina Zook; trophy bull riding belt buckles; the iNaturalist app; and the long and short of short pants.
The Eagles' "Long Goodbye" farewell tour, now longer
The Eagles, one of the greatest old-school bands on Earth (and whose "Greatest Hits" compilation is the bestselling album in history), have extended their farewell tour, currently in residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Eagles co-founder Don Henley talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the band's half-century relationship with their fans; the legacy of his late bandmate Glenn Frey; and how his pre-performance regimen has changed with age. (Originally broadcast Feb. 8, 2026.)
Almanac: August 16
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
8/15: CBS Saturday Morning
Rain floods the Midwest as Lala looms over Hawaii. We look inside a spy satellite company. Plus, Putin's meeting with President Trump, a year later.
Elizabeth Cook sings "Girls of Atomic City"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Girls of Atomic City."
Technology
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Technology
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
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.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority
France's social media ban, which was due to take effect on Sept. 1, would have barred younger users from networks such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Security video helps lead to a masked killer who tried to hide the crime
Dr. Steven Milner, a well-respected Oregon veterinarian, was accused of stalking and disguising himself before murdering Kenny Fandrich — the husband of a former employee. Security cameras played a key role in how detectives pieced the case together.
Violent crime down in big cities
Violent crime numbers are down across many major U.S. cities. Ali Bauman is in Newark, New Jersey, which has seen a large drop in homicides.
5 hurt in Virginia State University shooting
Police say multiple suspects were involved in the Virginia State University campus shooting that wounded five on Saturday.
Mozart statuettes snatched in classical caper
To celebrate Mozart's 270th birthday this year, German artist Ottmar Hörl made 320 statuettes of the composer and his dog, Pimperl, placing them around Salzburg, Austria. However, the statuettes have been pilfered.
Italian art heist foiled
Five accused thieves are under arrest after police say they took $10 million worth of art from a private museum in an Italian villa.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
8/16: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: Weather becoming more extreme; Rahm Emanuel; The Eagles' Don Henley; ex-Amish, now social media creator Lovina Zook; trophy bull riding belt buckles; the iNaturalist app; and the long and short of short pants.
Open: "Face the Nation," Aug. 16, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," amid a number of socialist candidates in the Democratic Party, President Trump has found his rallying cry for the midterm elections. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and GOP Rep. Don Bacon join, plus a new poll from CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto.
Nature: Sunflowers in South Dakota
We leave you this Sunday lost in a field of sunflowers in South Dakota's Lyman County. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
This 'n' That: Updates from "Sunday Morning"
Jane Pauley with updates of recent reports for "Sunday Morning" viewers.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including former NBA player and Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson.