Biden announces creation of Defense Department China task force
He made the announcement during his first visit to the Pentagon since becoming commander-in-chief.
Pentagon
New COVID-19 vaccination megasites open
The Pentagon is sending more than 1,000 active-duty troops to the frontlines of vaccine distribution in the United States. Some will assist the vaccination effort at new COVID-19 vaccination megasites opening up across the country in places like casinos and baseball stadiums. Michael George reports.
Military to address extremism in ranks
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a "stand down" during which the military will pause other activities to focus on addressing extremism and white nationalism within its ranks. More than 20 current or former military members have been arrested in connection with the assault on the U.S. Capitol. Washington Post reporter Missy Ryan joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.
Military to address extremism in its ranks
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a service-wide "stand down" over the next 60 days to give military leaders the chance to address extremism in the ranks, after the Pentagon learned veterans and reservists were among those involved in the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January. CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge joins CBSN AM to talk about what this will mean in practice.
11/11/20: Red and Blue
Pres. Trump refusing to accept election results; Honoring America's veterans on Veterans Day
Former FEMA leader on COVID vaccine rollout
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking the Pentagon to ready as many as 10,000 troops to support nationwide vaccine efforts. Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss what needs to be done to speed up vaccinations around the country.
Pentagon halts vaccinations at Guantanamo Bay
Over the weekend, the Department of Defense halted plans to vaccinate 40 wartime prisoners at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay. New York Times reporter Carol Rosenberg joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
FEMA asks Pentagon to ready thousands of troops to support vaccine push
The government envisions 50 "mega" vaccination sites capable of administering 6,000 shots per day, in addition to 50 "large" vaccination sites providing 3,000 shots per day, according to defense officials.
Novavax vaccine, China-Taiwan & more headlines
Novavax has announced that its coronavirus vaccine is nearly 90% effective and also works against the more contagious variant discovered in the U.K. And China has warned Taiwan that any move towards independence will mean war. CBS News' Ian Lee joins Anne-Marie Green on "CBSN AM" with those and other headlines from around the world.
Biden signing executive orders on economy
President Biden is expected to sign two new executive orders today aimed at stabilizing the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. White House officials plan to hold talks on relief measures with a bipartisan group of senators in the coming days. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN with the latest developments.
FBI monitoring potential threats ahead of inauguration
The Pentagon has deployed 25,000 National Guard members to secure the 59th presidential inauguration. Several have already been dismissed after "questionable behavior" was flagged during the FBI's vetting process. CBS News chief justice and homeland correspondent Jeff Pegues, and then Frank Figliuzzi, former assistant FBI director for counterintelligence, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the security situation in Washington.
AP: FBI vetting 25,000 National Guard troops
An unprecedented security operation is underway in Washington, D.C. amid growing fears of an insider attack ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. The Associated Press reports the FBI is vetting all 25,000 National Guard troops pouring into the capital for Wednesday's events. CBS News chief justice and homeland security correspondent Jeff Pegues joins CBSN to break down the latest developments.
Sen. Murphy on possible Trump impeachment
Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy joins "CBS This Morning" to talk about the possible impeachment of President Trump and safety at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration.
U.S. keeping aircraft carrier in Persian Gulf, after all
Acting Pentagon chief Christopher Miller says he changed his mind about bringing USS Nimitz home in light of "recent threats" from Iran
New tensions emerge between Biden team and Trump administration
The rift comes as the president-elect is set to announce more historic Cabinet appointments.
Biden transition team at odds with Pentagon
The Biden transition team is clashing with the Trump administration over access to the Pentagon. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller says his team and the Biden team mutually agreed to put off some meetings scheduled for Friday until after the holidays, but the head of the Biden transition told reporters that's not true, and that his team continues to face "isolated resistance from political appointees" in the Defense Department and similar issues at a few other agencies he declined to name. Ed O’Keefe reports on the latest in the Biden transition.
Pentagon will get 40,000 vaccine doses to start
Pentagon officials announced Wednesday the Defense Department will get 40,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to begin its phased rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program. First in line among defense personnel will be health care workers. Watch their remarks from a Pentagon news briefing.
Biden introduces Lloyd Austin to lead Pentagon
President-elect Joe Biden introduced retired Army General Lloyd Austin, his nominee to lead the Department of Defense, at a press event in Wilmington, Delaware. Austin spoke about the challenges ahead as he prepares to return to the Pentagon, and said, "If confirmed, it will be the honor of my lifetime to lead them again with honor and integrity." Watch their remarks.
Key Dem weighs in on Biden's Pentagon pick
President-elect Joe Biden is facing bipartisan concerns over his choice to lead the Pentagon. He's urging Congress to pass a waiver that would allow retired General Lloyd Austin to serve as defense secretary. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports from Wilmington, Delaware, with the latest developments on Mr. Biden's transition to power, and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith joined CBSN to discuss some of the major concerns with Austin's nomination.
Army announces findings of Fort Hood probe
Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy announced 14 leaders are being fired or suspended as a result of the investigation into the culture at Fort Hood, following the murder of 20-year-old soldier Vanessa Guillén earlier this year. Watch his remarks at a Pentagon briefing.
WH replaces Pentagon advisory board members
The White House replaced members of the Pentagon advisory board with Trump loyalists. Omar Villafranca spoke with Politico White House and Washington reporter Daniel Lippman about how this will affect things for the incoming Biden administration.
Biden to formally announce economic team
President-elect Joe Biden is formally announcing his economic team today, including Janet Yellen as his nominee for treasury secretary and Neera Tanden for White House budget chief. However, several top Republicans are already criticizing Tanden, claiming she's too partisan and divisive. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN from Wilmington, Delaware, with the latest developments.
Pentagon accused of cover-ups, improper sexual assault investigations
"I think the breadth and the depth of the problem is so large that they really don't want the general public to understand that they don't have it under control," one whistleblower said.
Pentagon drawing down troops in Afghanistan
The move comes days after President Trump replaced his defense secretary.
Pentagon to reduce troops in Afghanistan and Iraq
The Pentagon is reducing the number of troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 in each, which is a drawdown of about 2,000 in Afghanistan and 500 in Iraq. David Martin has details.
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Live
Iran accuses U.S. of escalating tensions as Washington plans more strikes
Iran accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the region and said it's preparing its own response if Washington goes ahead with new strikes.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Spain to put containment fence around Ceuta after migrants rush border
Most migrants who entered the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, Spain's authorities said Saturday.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Body of missing girl found in New Jersey river after 2-day search, officials say
The body of a missing girl was found in the Passaic River in New Jersey after a two-day search, officials said.
U.S.
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Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
MoneyWatch
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Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Politics
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Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
World
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Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Europe continues to celebrate Pride after attack on Berlin parade
Large Pride events in Hamburg and Amsterdam are underway after last week's deadly ramming attack in Berlin.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
10 climbers, including famed mountaineer, dead in Pakistan avalanche
The 10-person expedition lost contact with its base camp after an avalanche struck Broad Peak as they attempted to scale the mountain.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20 & Charlie Musselwhite play "Crazy Love"
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
Laysla de Oliveira, Jill Wagner on "Lioness"
Actors Laysla de Oliveira and Jill Wagner are here to discuss the ongoing third season of the hit Paramount+ spy thriller "Lioness."
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
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.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga reports.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Possible ransom notes released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper or kidnappers include specific details about Guthrie's white Apple Watch and allege that she died unexpectedly of a medical condition and "is buried in nature." CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks it down.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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.
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?
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
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"