Key political issues poised to shape 2026
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe breaks down the major political stories likely to dominate 2026, from the economy to the midterms.
Trump Administration
Trump says U.S. hit "big facility" linked to alleged drug boats
President Trump said the U.S. hit a "big facility" last week linked to alleged drug boat operations, as tensions ratchet up with Venezuela.
U.S. slashes pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid funding by billions
The U.S. announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid as the Trump administration continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance and warns United Nations agencies to "adapt, shrink or die" in a time of new financial realities.
New details on D.C. pipe bomb probe
New court filings from the Justice Department reveal more details about what Brian Cole, the man accused of placing two pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021, allegedly told investigators. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Top national security threats in 2026
CBS News contributors Samantha Vinograd, a former top Homeland Security official in the Obama administration, and Christopher Krebs, the former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, discuss what national security threats the U.S. is facing in 2026. Editor's note: This segment was filmed on Dec. 21, 2025.
Full interview: Brian Moynihan
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, a portion of which aired on Dec. 28, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was recorded on Dec. 17, 2025.
Moynihan on new Fed chair
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan talks prices, affordability, inflation predictions for 2026, the "shock" from the business community when President Trump enacted tariffs and how "the market will punish people if we don't have an independent Fed." Editor's note: This interview was filmed on Dec. 17, 2025.
Trump establishing a hard line on foreign policy
During his first year back in power, President Trump has used American military might to send messages to adversaries abroad. On Christmas Day, Mr. Trump ordered a strike on ISIS militants in Nigeria, which came about one week after the U.S. also struck ISIS targets in Syria. Willie James Inman reports from Mar-a-Lago.
Ukraine signals peace plan progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has agreed to most of the United States' 20-point plan to end Russia's war with Ukraine, but control of the Donbas region remains a sticking point. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Inherent contempt charges over Epstein files
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna announced late Tuesday that they are bringing inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more details.
Lawmakers blast DOJ over Epstein files
Democrats and some Republicans are blasting the Justice Department over its handling of the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which included major redactions. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Judge orders plan to return ex-CECOT detainees to U.S. or give them hearings
A federal judge gave the Trump administration two weeks to submit a plan to either return a group of men previously held at a notorious Salvadoran prison to the U.S., or give them a hearing to contest allegations of gang membership.
Exclusive
Trump administration seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases
ICE has filed more than 8,000 requests to toss out asylum claims in immigration court, asking judges to send immigrants to third-party countries.
U.S. GDP grew at a blistering 4.3% pace in the third quarter
Economic growth blew past forecasts in the third quarter despite ongoing concerns about jobs, tariffs and inflation.
Judge ruling on Venezuelans sent to CECOT
A federal judge ruled on Monday that a group of Venezuelan men deported to the infamous CECOT prison in El Salvador back in March were denied due process and the U.S. government should help facilitate their return or some kind of remote hearing. The administration can still appeal. Vlad Duthiers reports.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden Fleet."
Trump admin says it's halting offshore wind projects over security risk
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agency is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms "due to national security concerns."
How Americans grade the economy in 2025
As 2025 wraps up, a new CBS News poll finds it's another in a string of years after the 2020 pandemic in which most Americans consistently voiced negative views about the economy amid ongoing concerns about costs -- a topic that looks poised to dominate 2026, too. Anthony Salvanto explains.
U.S. seizes another oil tanker near Venezuela
The U.S. confirmed that it seized an oil tanker near Venezuela, the second such seizure this month. The U.S. Coast Guard led the operation, which took place in international waters. Meanwhile, the U.S. military hit more than 70 targets in a retaliatory assault against ISIS in Syria. Willie James Inman has more.
Latest details on the new batch of Epstein files
The Justice Department released thousands of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, including photos featuring people like former President Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger. However, survivors are concerned with how much information was redacted from the files.
New defense law allows drone takedowns
President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law on Thursday, approving a record $901 billion in military spending for 2026. The NDAA authorizes law enforcement to take down drones at public gatherings, something police and professional sports entities have been requesting ahead of events like Super Bowl LX, the FIFA Men's World Cup, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Kennedy Center Board votes for new name to be Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change its name.
Trump signs order to reclassify marijuana as Schedule III drug
President Trump signed an order to reschedule marijuana to a lower drug classification, one of the most significant changes to drug policy in decades.
Trump announces "warrior dividend" for military. Here's what to know.
The president announced the one-time payments during his White House address on Wednesday. Here's what to know about timing, taxes and more.
Live
Iran keeps targeting American bases as U.S. interceptor stockpiles dwindle
Explosions were heard near a U.S. base in Iraq, and Iran said it targeted Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait as the 21-week war intensifies.
Pentagon website "anomalies" that removed names of 4 killed in Iran war remain
The Pentagon website, which was last updated on July 22, still showed only 14 killed in the conflict as of Friday.
Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expands to 4 more states
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, the nation's largest, is currently affecting nine states.
Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Exclusive
Sen. Peters wants to know why ICE bought spyware that can take control of phones
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has purchased commercial spyware that can covertly take control of phones, collect messages, photos and location information.
Trump expected to attend White House Correspondents' Dinner redo after attack
President Trump is expected to attend the redo of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night after an armed assailant upended April's dinner.
Tony Romo arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said Romo was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend that South Carolina should hold the nation's first 2028 presidential nominating contest.
Upper West Side double stabbing suspect facing hate crime charges
The suspect in Thursday's double stabbing on New York City's Upper West Side has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, among other things.
U.S.
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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Tony Romo arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said Romo was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend that South Carolina should hold the nation's first 2028 presidential nominating contest.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
MoneyWatch
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Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Ford recalls more than half a million Bronco vehicles over engine fire risk
A short circuit in the engine compartment can potentially cause a fire. Here's the fix.
Here are the new tariff rates on dozens of countries targeted by Trump
President Trump announced new tariffs of up to 12.5% to replace expiring Section 122 levies. Here are the rates for each country.
The Federal Reserve meets next week. Could it raise interest rates?
The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on Wednesday, but persistent inflation concerns are reshaping expectations for the rest of 2026.
Politics
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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
South Carolina on cusp of being first 2028 Democratic presidential primary state
The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee voted Friday to recommend that South Carolina should hold the nation's first 2028 presidential nominating contest.
Trump expected to attend White House Correspondents' Dinner redo after April attack
President Trump is expected to attend the redo of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night after an armed assailant upended April's dinner.
Pentagon website "anomalies" that removed names of 4 killed in Iran war remain
The Pentagon website, which was last updated on July 22, still showed only 14 killed in the conflict as of Friday.
HealthWatch
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Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
"The child is terrified": Doctors on front lines of measles comeback speak out
Confirmed measles cases in the U.S. just hit a 35-year high, and it's only July.
Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expands to 4 more states
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, the nation's largest, is currently affecting nine states.
FDA investigating new cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials said they are investigating an additional outbreak of cyclospora, but do not know its source. Plus, Taylor Farms has reportedly shut down the plant where lettuce is suspected to have started the initial outbreak that has sickened thousands in at least 41 states. Carter Evans reports.
Measles outbreak "slowing," but newborn's family still can't meet her
Utah's weekly measles case count has fallen. The national tally hasn't, and a newborn who's too young to be vaccinated is caught in between.
World
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Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Costa Rica captures top fugitive "Diablo," wanted by U.S., officials say
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, had a $500,000 U.S. bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking.
Meet the "Steel Warriors" melting down knives to empower British teens
A charity is turning thousands of knives taken off London streets into a new type of weapon to counter youth violence: Free outdoor gyms.
Ex-cop wanted for murder extradited from China after 21 years on the run
The case of former officer Daniel Hiers Jr. was featured on "America's Most Wanted."
Pentagon website "anomalies" that removed names of 4 killed in Iran war remain
The Pentagon website, which was last updated on July 22, still showed only 14 killed in the conflict as of Friday.
Entertainment
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Tilly Norwood's creator insists the AI actor is creating Hollywood jobs
The robot actor is generating work for Hollywood creatives, not stealing jobs from actors, her inventor tells CBS News.
From the archives: Legendary late-night producer Peter Lassally
Peter Lassally, the fabled TV executive for such late-night hosts as Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and a mentor for many rising comedians, died July 19, 2026 at age 93. In this March 11, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, correspondent Mo Rocca talked with Lassally (affectionately dubbed "The Host Whisperer") about working with the kings of late-night. Lassally also talks about his childhood, part of which was spent in Nazi concentration camps, and also about whether he has had joy in his life.
Aisha Tyler on "Criminal Minds" journey
"Criminal Minds" star Aisha Tyler was only supposed to be in six episodes of the show, but her journey on the series has now spanned over a decade. She tells "CBS Mornings" how her role has impacted her in real life and what it was like to work with guest star Connor Storrie from "Heated Rivalry."
James Norton talks "House of the Dragon"
Actor James Norton describes what it is like to play a villain in "House of the Dragon," which is a prequel to "Game of Thrones" and reveals which scene made him nearly faint during shooting.
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Technology
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Technology
Lawmakers weigh AI "kill switch"
Days after OpenAI revealed one of its models went rogue and hacked into another company's servers, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the federal government to effectively shut down models that may put the public at risk. Jo Ling Kent explains.
How to save on your next laptop amid AI boom
As the back-to-school shopping season begins, you can expect to pay more for certain items, like laptops, due to shortages stemming from artificial intelligence. Brian Westover, principal hardware writer for PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss how you can save money.
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.
Study: ChatGPT solved complex cybersecurity task
New research from a cybersecurity company now indicates that artificial intelligence models are getting better at solving multi-part problems. Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro, who worked on the project and is a distinguished AI research scientist at SentinelOne, joins to unpack his team's research.
OpenAI confirms "unprecedented" incident
OpenAI is investigating after two of its AI bots went rogue and targeted an outside company during a training exercise in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident." Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins with more.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
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.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Upper West Side double stabbing suspect facing hate crime charges
The suspect in Thursday's double stabbing on New York City's Upper West Side has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, among other things.
Costa Rica captures top fugitive "Diablo," wanted by U.S., officials say
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, had a $500,000 U.S. bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking.
Inside heightened security for WHCA dinner
The Secret Service says there has been a significant rise in threats ahead of the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News' Nicole Sganga has more details.
Apalachee shooting suspect pleads guilty
The teen accused of killing four people during a 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has pleaded guilty to all charges. CBS News' Jared Eggleston reports.
Ex-cop wanted for murder extradited from China after 21 years on the run
The case of former officer Daniel Hiers Jr. was featured on "America's Most Wanted."
Space
More Space
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.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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.
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.
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.
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
Mixed close on Wall Street amid Iran war, tariffs
Stock markets closed mixed on Friday as the Iran war continues to upend energy prices. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady has more.
Trump says "nobody got out ahead" on Saudi deal
President Trump took questions from reporters the day after he seemed to upend a nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia by adding a new condition: that the country join the Abraham Accords. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has the details.
Ontario Premier Ford on U.S.-Canada relations
Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke with CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe about the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge and President Trump's new tariffs on Canada. "We didn't start this trade war. President Trump decided to go after his close ally and friend, his number one customer in the entire world," Ford said.
Impact of Trump's new tariffs
The markets showed a muted reaction as President Trump announced the latest round of tariffs on Thursday over "forced labor" concerns. Moneywatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady reports.
Trump to meet with Zelenskyy at White House
President Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Tuesday amid calls for military support against Russia as Ukraine gains ground in the conflict. The Trump administration also recently imposed a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries, alleging forced labor concerns. Nicole Killion breaks it down.