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
Hegseth says U.S. "just getting started" as Iran war spreads
The U.S. is "accelerating, not decelerating" war on Iran, Hegseth says, as strikes intensify in the region and reach 1,000 miles away.
Senate rejects attempt to rein in Trump's power to wage war on Iran
The measure, which would have blocked President Trump from continuing military force against Iran, fell short of the simple majority needed to advance.
Key takeaways from House hearing with Walz, Ellison on Minnesota fraud
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz told lawmakers that fraud "happened on my watch," but defended his administration's handling of the allegations.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
U.S. torpedo sinks Iranian warship, Hegseth says
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Probe into Biden autopen closed by D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, source says
Federal prosecutors are dropping their probe into whether Biden and his aides unlawfully used an autopen for pardons, a source said.
Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, winning 100 games with the school, including a 12-0 national title-winning season in 1988.
What to know about the agency Trump says will insure ships in the Gulf
President Trump said the government agency will provide political risk insurance to "all shipping lines" operating in the Persian Gulf.
U.S.
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Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Gloves found near Nancy Guthrie's home tied to restaurant worker, no connection to case
DNA from the gloves found near Nancy Gunthrie's Arizona home was traced back to a local restaurant worker who has no connection to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Probe into Biden autopen closed by D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, source says
Federal prosecutors are dropping their probe into whether Biden and his aides unlawfully used an autopen for pardons, a source said.
12 defendants set to plea in NBA-mafia rigged poker game case, feds say
NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones are among 31 people charged in the federal case. They have pleaded not guilty.
Lou Holtz, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at age 89
Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, winning 100 games with the school, including a 12-0 national title-winning season in 1988.
MoneyWatch
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Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Nearly 37 million pounds of food recalled because it could contain glass
Oregon food manufacturer Ajinomoto expands an earlier recall of frozen and ready-to-eat products over glass contamination.
Google faces first lawsuit alleging its AI chatbot encouraged man's suicide
Google is accused in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a man who committed suicide in October, allegedly at the direction of the tech giant's AI chatbot, Gemini.
Tariff refund delays could cost U.S. $700 million a month in interest
The U.S. government must also reimburse businesses for the interest they paid on tariffs recently struck down by the Supreme Court, according to the Cato Institute.
What to know about the agency Trump says will insure ships in the Gulf
President Trump said the government agency will provide political risk insurance to "all shipping lines" operating in the Persian Gulf.
Politics
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Companies are entitled to Trump tariff refunds, trade court rules
A federal court in New York ruled Wednesday that businesses that paid emergency tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court are eligible for refunds.
Probe into Biden autopen closed by D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, source says
Federal prosecutors are dropping their probe into whether Biden and his aides unlawfully used an autopen for pardons, a source said.
House Oversight Committee votes to subpoena Bondi to testify in Epstein probe
Several Republicans on the Oversight panel joined with Democrats in supporting the motion to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Exclusive
Justice Dept. employee charged in child pornography case
Timothy Parsons, a legal staffer at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., is facing federal criminal charges in Maryland, where he lives, three sources said.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
HealthWatch
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Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
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.
World
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What we know about U.S. service members killed in Iran war
The fallen soldiers identified by the Pentagon were Sgt. Declan Coady, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Capt. Cody Khork, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens.
Iran says a girls' school was hit by a deadly air strike. Here's what we know.
Iranian officials say more than 170 people were killed in the strike. Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the attack, but the Pentagon is investigating.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Hegseth says U.S. torpedo sank an Iranian warship as military campaign ramps up
In Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's second news briefing since the start of the Iran war, Hegseth said the U.S. had sunk an enemy ship by a torpedo for the first time since World War II.
Senate rejects attempt to rein in Trump's power to wage war on Iran
The measure, which would have blocked President Trump from continuing military force against Iran, fell short of the simple majority needed to advance.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
True crime series spotlights U.S. small towns
Hilarie Burton Morgan, known for playing Peyton on "One Tree Hill," talks about her docuseries, "True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here," which is in its third season. She explains how each episode highlights a case in a small town in the U.S., how the series empowers the audience and recent developments in a cold case.
Padma Lakshmi talks "America's Culinary Cup"
TV host and food expert Padma Lakshmi, the creator and executive producer of the new CBS series, "America's Culinary Cup," speaks to "CBS Mornings" about creating the cooking competition and how it's different from other shows.
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
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.
Technology
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Exclusive
Anthropic CEO: We're trying to "deescalate" Pentagon AI standoff to reach agreement
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said his company and the Department of Defense "have much more in common than we have differences."
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has 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.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data centers
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
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).
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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Gloves found near Nancy Guthrie's home tied to restaurant worker, no connection to case
DNA from the gloves found near Nancy Gunthrie's Arizona home was traced back to a local restaurant worker who has no connection to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said.
Exclusive
Justice Dept. employee charged in child pornography case
Timothy Parsons, a legal staffer at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., is facing federal criminal charges in Maryland, where he lives, three sources said.
Officers who killed Austin gunman won't face charges
Travis County DA Jose Garza said Tuesday that suggestions that he would seek charges in the killing were "intentionally false" and political in nature, calling the officers heroes.
Cuba charges 6 suspects with terrorism over fatal U.S. boat shooting
The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols.
Dad of accused school shooter found guilty
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of an accused Georgia high school shooter, guilty on all 27 counts Tuesday, including second-degree murder. Last week Gray testified in his own defense that he never noticied any signs of trouble with his son, Colt Gray, who is charged with opening fire and killing four people inside Apalachee High School in 2024.
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
Sen. Chris Murphy: Iran war "makes no sense"
The Senate on Wednesday rejected a push to rein in President Trump's power to wage war on Iran. Ahead of the vote, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut spoke with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett about his opposition to the conflict.
Takeaways from Talarico's Texas primary win
Texas State Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Lone Star State's Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe spoke with Texans to get their reactions.
Iran's political future remains unclear
The war with Iran continues and has expanded. The Pentagon said war plans are unrestrained and ahead of schedule. Josh Lederman, fellow at Princeton University's Center for International Security Studies, joins with analysis.
Full interview: Israel President Isaac Herzog
Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaks with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil about the "superbly close" coordination between the U.S. and Israel on their war with Iran, outlining the objectives of their military campaign, sharing his vision for the country's future and more.
White House pressed on Mideast evacuations
Thousands of Americans are trying to evacuate from the Middle East. Their frustrations and the reliability of guidance from the U.S. Government were front and center at Wednesday's White House briefing. CBS News' Matt Gutman and Nancy Cordes have the latest.