Cornyn running for Senate GOP leader, kicking off race to replace McConnell
"I believe the Senate is broken — that is not news to anyone. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it," Sen. John Cornyn said.
Mitch McConnell
Cornyn announces bid for Senate GOP leader
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn announced he is running to replace Mitch McConnell as the next GOP leader in the Senate. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Lawmakers react to McConnell stepping down
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he will step down as Republican Senate leader in November, ending the longest leadership tenure in Senate history. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports some of McConnell's colleagues weren't expecting the news.
Why McConnell is stepping down as GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he's stepping down as the upper chamber's Republican leader. The Kentucky senator, who turned 82 last week, has served as the party leader for 17 years. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Examining Mitch McConnell's legacy in Senate
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he will step down from leadership later this year. Paul Kane, senior congressional correspondent for The Washington Post, joins CBS News to unpack McConnell's legacy.
Congress reacts to McConnell stepping down
Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Wednesday he plans to step down from his post as the Republican leader in the upper chamber come November. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
McConnell stepping down as Senate GOP leader, ending historic 17-year run
The Kentucky Republican, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the longest serving Senate leader of either party in American history, announced Wednesday that he will step down from his role as the Senate GOP's leader in November. The 82-year-old McConnell said, however, he will serve out the remainder of his Senate term through 2026. Nikole Killion has more.
McConnell's move marks seismic shift for GOP
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell surprised Capitol Hill on Wednesday by announcing he will step down from leadership in November. CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa examines what the move means for the Republican Party.
McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday announced his decision to step down as the upper chamber's GOP leader this year. The party will elect a new leader in November. Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history, called attention to the national security supplemental package and the state of the Republican party.
Schumer: "Intense" meeting at White House
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the meeting at the White House between President Biden and other congressional leaders was one of the most intense he has ever attended. Schumer told reporters that conversations over the looming government shutdown were productive, but also said House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back on aid for Ukraine until more is done to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane discusses the takeaways from Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' remarks.
Schumer signals progress in funding talks
President Biden and congressional leaders met Tuesday to work on a solution toward averting a government shutdown. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest on where negotiations stand.
Biden meets with congressional leaders
President Biden met with the top congressional leaders on Tuesday as a partial government shutdown looms. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also discussed funding for Ukraine and other key U.S. allies. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
House Republicans face wave of retirements
House Republicans are facing a wave of retirements amid dysfunction and infighting on Capitol Hill. The chairs of multiple important committees say they don't plan on running for reelection. CBS News' Major Garrett and Scott MacFarlane join to discuss what the exits mean for Congress and the Republican Party.
Senate passes $95 billion foreign aid package
The Senate passed a major foreign aid bill on Tuesday that would send more funding to Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific after months of negotiations and false starts on the package. Now the bill moves to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson's opposition has thrown the bill's fate into question. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Senate advances foreign aid package
The Senate voted Thursday to advance a foreign aid package after support for legislation that included a border security component fell short a day earlier. CBS News' Nikole Killion looks at the future of this version of the bill.
Congress hits stalemate during election year
The Senate on Wednesday voted against advancing a bipartisan border policy and foreign aid bill after weeks of negotiations. Steven Smith, professor of political science at Arizona State University, joins CBS News to discuss what the failure says about the inner workings of Capitol Hill -- and what it will take to get anything passed in an election year.
Senate fails to advance border security deal
A procedural vote to begin debate on a national security bill that included border security measures and foreign aid was 49 in favor to 50 against, falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed to advance in the Senate. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Senate border security deal in question
Lawmakers say the Senate is "whisper close" to releasing its border deal after weeks of negotiations, but some Republican senators are suggesting ditching the plans altogether. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez explains what's known about the bill.
McConnell freezes during news conference
During a press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze mid-sentence for 30 seconds and was escorted away. He later said, "I'm fine." CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump looming over Senate border policy talks
Republican leaders are gauging how much party support there is for a border policy deal now that former President Donald Trump has solidified himself as the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan, and CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane, have the latest on where the talks stand.
Lawmakers divided on border security
Talks on Capitol Hill appear to be treading water over border security in a larger bill that would also send aid money to Ukraine and Israel. The negotiations are coming with Texas and the federal government in a standoff over razor wire along the southern border and access to a key crossing point. CBS News' Omar Villafranca and Nikole Killion have more.
Still no deal on national security package
Senate leaders continue to make the case for additional funds to aid Ukraine and Israel's wars, but certain factions of Congress are still hesitating on a deal for a national security supplemental package that would include the funding. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports from Capitol Hill.
What's in the 2024 government funding deal?
Congressional leaders announced Sunday they have reached an agreement on overall government spending levels for the remainder of 2024. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane is following the latest in funding negotiations to avoid a partial government shutdown later in January.
John Dickerson on the Colorado Trump ruling
The Colorado Supreme Court's decision to bar Trump from the state's 2024 primary ballot put the 14th Amendment in the spotlight. And while the legal battle unfolds, voters are left to reach their judgment. CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson explains.
Live
As Iran fires missiles and drones, its neighbors threaten to join the war
Iran's neighbors rage over Iran's response to the U.S.-Israeli war, and Israel launches a new incursion in Lebanon on day 4 of the Mideast conflict.
Live
Watch Live: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testifies at Senate hearing
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, her first appearance since the recent immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said.
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 3 and wounded 13 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Panel reviewing Trump ballroom plans will also hear from skeptical commenters
At a meeting this week, the National Capital Planning Commission will be hearing from about 100 people who are expected to register their dismay over Trump's plans for a White House ballroom addition.
6 U.S. service members killed in Iranian strike in Kuwait, Pentagon says
The first U.S. casualties of the war with Iran occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait.
Video of Clintons' Epstein testimony released by House committee
The House Oversight Committee released recordings of last week's depositions with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
U.S.
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Alabama man on death row for 36 years may get new trial
Michael Sockwell, one of Alabama's longest-serving death row inmates, could soon receive a new trial.
Americans urged to leave 14 Middle East countries amid Iran war
The State Department urged Americans to "depart now" from countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Panel reviewing Trump ballroom plans will also hear from skeptical commenters
At a meeting this week, the National Capital Planning Commission will be hearing from about 100 people who are expected to register their dismay over Trump's plans for a White House ballroom addition.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
SCOTUS blocks Calif. law against schools outing transgender students to their parents
The Supreme Court order blocks for now a California law that bans automatic parental notification requirements if students change their pronouns or gender expression at school.
MoneyWatch
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Stocks set to slide as investors focus on the Iran war's impact on oil
Airline stocks were among Monday's biggest losers, and their declines are poised to continue on Tuesday, data shows.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
More U.S. employees are hugging tight to their jobs. Here's why.
More employees are clinging to their positions in a trend known as "job-hugging." That's making it harder for job-seekers to find work.
Politics
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Panel reviewing Trump ballroom plans will also hear from skeptical commenters
At a meeting this week, the National Capital Planning Commission will be hearing from about 100 people who are expected to register their dismay over Trump's plans for a White House ballroom addition.
Live
Watch Live: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem testifies at Senate hearing
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, her first appearance since the recent immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Why is the U.S. attacking Iran? Here's what Trump has said.
President Trump on Monday listed four reasons why the U.S. launched its attack on Iran, initiating what he said he expects to be a weeks-long war.
Exclusive
Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
World
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Stocks set to slide as investors focus on the Iran war's impact on oil
Airline stocks were among Monday's biggest losers, and their declines are poised to continue on Tuesday, data shows.
Americans urged to leave 14 Middle East countries amid Iran war
The State Department urged Americans to "depart now" from countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Crocodile found near family's home — 1,200 miles from its habitat
Authorities were initially skeptical of the reported find but had caught the elusive reptile by Sunday night.
Powerful cartel boss "El Mencho" is buried in golden casket in Mexico
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes' killing set off retaliatory violence by the cartel, killing more than 70 people.
Live
As Iran fires missiles and drones, its neighbors threaten to join the war
Iran's neighbors rage over Iran's response to the U.S.-Israeli war, and Israel launches a new incursion in Lebanon on day 4 of the Mideast conflict.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
USA hockey stars joke about "Heated Rivalry" and Trump invite on "SNL"
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
Extended interview: Marc Shaiman
In this web exclusive, composer Marc Shaiman, a Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, talks with Tracy Smith about his career; his new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner"; and his collaboration and friendship with Rob Reiner.
Technology
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Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
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.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
Video shows Clintons being deposed on Epstein
Video of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton being deposed by the House Oversight Committee has been released. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports on what the Clintons said about their knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's dealings.
New details on slain Texas gunman
At least two people are dead, and 14 others are injured after a shooting outside an Austin, Texas, bar on Sunday. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible terror attack. CBS News' Jason Allen and Camilo Montoya-Galvez have more.
Chilling photo shows grinning suspect in Scotland stabbing
A man was arrested for a stabbing incident in Edinburgh, Scotland, after a standoff with police in which he was photographed leaning out a window with a menacing grin.
Officials give update on Austin bar shooting
Authorities in Texas gave an update Monday on the shooting that killed two people at a bar in Austin over the weekend. The incident is being investigated for possible terrorism ties to the U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Latest details on deadly Austin bar shooting
A deadly shooting at a popular bar in Austin, Texas, is being investigated for possible links to terrorism. Two people were killed and 14 others injured, authorities said.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
Trump tries to clarify reasons for Iran war
President Trump is providing some insight into the reasons behind the U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Gulf states grapple with Iran war pressure
Gulf states grappling with the impact of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran are weighing their options as the conflict enters Day 4. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Eye Opener: Iran war widens
Iran attacks civilian targets in neighboring Gulf nations. Plus, newly released video shows Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimonies about Jeffrey Epstein. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
New poll ahead of 2026 midterm elections
Recent CBS News polling data shows how Americans feel about the political parties in power before the 2026 midterm elections. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto reports.