Trump eases rules on military raids and airstrikes
The increase in the range of people who can be targeted by the U.S. military dismantles Biden-era mandates that included more safeguards.
United States Department of Defense
Pentagon plans to remove trans troops
The Pentagon issued a memo on Wednesday ordering the removal of transgender troops from the U.S. military. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
U.S. pilot of crashed WWII bomber "Heaven Can Wait" is accounted for
Airmen from other warplanes in the formation reported seeing "Heaven Can Wait" pitching up violently before banking left and plummeting into the ocean.
Hegseth travels to Guantanamo Bay
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will inspect the facilities at Guantanamo Bay where the Trump administration hopes to house migrants deported from the U.S. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Hegseth fires several top military attorneys
Major changes are happening at the Pentagon after a string of firings over the weekend. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired some of the military's top lawyers, cutting the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata unpacks the move.
What we know about Pentagon layoffs
More than 5,000 probationary employees at the Department of Defense could soon lose their jobs as part of Trump administration cuts, CBS News has learned. Ellee Watson reports.
The impact of Trump firing the Joint Chiefs chair
President Trump announced on Friday that he will replace Gen. Charles Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other senior Defense Department officials were also ousted. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata examines the impact of the firings.
Pentagon to fire 5,400 probationary workers, institute hiring freeze
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to come up with plans to cut 8% from the defense budget in each of the next five years, sources familiar with his plans told CBS News.
80 plus lawsuits against Trump administration
The Trump administration is facing over 80 lawsuits that are making their way through the legal system. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen breaks down the latest developments.
Judge allows Trump mass layoffs to continue
A judge allowed the Department of Government Efficiency's federal workforce cuts to continue on Friday. Probationary workers and IRS staff are on the chopping block as the Defense Department temporarily pauses efforts to fire civilian employees to review the impact on U.S. military readiness. CBS News' Willie James Inman and Charlie D'Agata have the latest.
Layoffs could soon hit Defense Department
The Department of Government Efficiency is targeting the Defense Department, with officials saying firings are expected to start soon. Barbara Starr, longtime Pentagon correspondent, joins "America Decides" to examine the possible repercussions of the move.
U.S. Army bars transgender people from enlisting
The military announced in a social media post on Friday that it will no longer allow transgender people to enlist.
What to know about Ukraine's borders
President Trump said he will likely meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. Trump spoke with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy separately about immediate discussions to end the war between the two countries. CBS News senior national correspondent Charlie D'Agata has the details.
Reported U.S. troop withdrawal plan for Syria
The Defense Department is working on a plan to remove all U.S. troops from Syria with NBC reporting that the Pentagon is considering 30, 60 or 90-day plans. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has the latest.
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Retired Gen. Mark Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Trump and Biden administrations, has had both his security detail and security clearance revoked, the Pentagon says.
New Trump military executive orders expected
President Trump announced a new batch of executive orders Monday aimed largely at the Department of Defense. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the details.
How executive orders could reshape military
President Trump is expected to sign new executive orders targeting the military. They include policies for transgender service members, a ban on several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and reinstating service members discharged for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Barbara Starr, longtime Pentagon correspondent, joins "America Decides" to take a closer look.
Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary; Vance casts tiebreaking vote
Pete Hegseth's nomination once appeared on shaky ground amid allegations that included sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
Biden remarks at Defense Department
President Biden addressed the Department of Defense days before he hands over the White House to President-elect Donald Trump. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
Hegseth facing new allegations in affidavit
Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, is facing new allegations in an affidavit reviewed by senators. In the document, Hegseth's former sister-in-law alleges he caused his second wife to fear for her safety, a claim he denies. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more.
Standout moments from Biden's Defense speech
President Biden delivered a farewell address on Thursday at the Department of Defense. asking, "If we don't lead the world, who will lead the world?" CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang breaks it down.
Senators spar over Hegseth's qualifications
Democratic and Republican senators sparred over whether Pete Hegseth is qualified for secretary of defense during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Barbara Starr, senior fellow at the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, joins "America Decides" to take a closer look at Hegseth's credentials.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Pete Hegseth
Democratic Senators criticized President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, was one of the critics, telling Hegseth he is not qualified to be the defense secretary. She joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Democrats grill Pete Hegseth at hearing
Senators kicked off the first day of confirmation hearings on Tuesday for President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks. Democrats grilled his defense secretary choice Pete Hegseth, who vowed to bring "warrior ethos" to the military. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Pete Hegseth faces grilling from Democrats at confirmation hearing
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, faced some tough questions from Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Trump settles IRS lawsuit, sets up $1.7B fund for claims of "weaponization"
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
Live
Iran war "re-escalation risks" keep oil prices volatile as talks stagger on
Oil prices remain volatile due to Iran war "re-escalation risks," as Tehran says it has shared another set of revised peace deal terms with the U.S.
Inside the "troubled teen" industry, when help sometimes does more harm
A CBS News investigation into youth residential treatment programs finds allegations of abuse, a lack of federal oversight, and families left to navigate a multibillion-dollar industry largely on their own.
U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Judge rules some key evidence can be used in Luigi Mangione's state trial
A New York judge ruled Monday on whether evidence found in Luigi Mangione's backpack during his arrest can be used during his state trial.
Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases
At issue in the cases was who can bring lawsuits in federal court to address potential violations of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Divers find bodies of 4 tourists in Maldives sea cave
Italy's Foreign Ministry said Monday rescuers have located the bodies of four Italian divers who were believed to be deep inside an underwater cave in a Maldive atoll.
Fighter jets' crews eject from air show crash: "A lot of luck involved"
The Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was locked down following the midair crash during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
U.S.
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U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Tornado levels family's brand new house: "Most terrifying thing I've experienced"
A mother and daughter hid in the basement of the home they moved into just two weeks ago when a destructive tornado tore across their Nebraska community.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases
At issue in the cases was who can bring lawsuits in federal court to address potential violations of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Trump settles IRS lawsuit, sets up $1.7B fund for claims of "weaponization"
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
MoneyWatch
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NextEra Energy to acquire Dominion in a $67 billion utility deal
The combined company will serve about 10 million utility customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Politics
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U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Supreme Court tells lower courts to take new look at 2 voting rights cases
At issue in the cases was who can bring lawsuits in federal court to address potential violations of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Trump settles IRS lawsuit, sets up $1.7B fund for claims of "weaponization"
President Trump had accused the Treasury Department and IRS of unlawfully allowing a government contractor to leak his tax returns and those of his sons and company.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
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U.S. announces Ebola-related travel restrictions amid outbreak in Congo, Uganda
The Trump administration announced it's restricting people who don't have U.S. passports from entering the country if they have been in Congo, South Sudan or Uganda amid the Ebola outbreak.
Inside the "troubled teen" industry, when help sometimes does more harm
A CBS News investigation into youth residential treatment programs finds allegations of abuse, a lack of federal oversight, and families left to navigate a multibillion-dollar industry largely on their own.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship arrives in Netherlands
The cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak has docked at the Dutch port of Rotterdam for disinfection, wrapping up a troubled journey that put world health authorities on alert.
Religious anti-abortion center finds opportunity in town without OB-GYNs
A crisis pregnancy center in Sandpoint, Idaho, wants to expand women's healthcare three years after the labor and delivery unit at the town's hospital closed and its OB-GYNs moved out of state.
WHO: Ebola outbreak a global health emergency
Outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus in two African countries have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
World
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Cuba's leader says country poses "no threat" to U.S. after military drone report
The Trump administration has placed intense pressure on Cuba's communist leadership.
Police kill escaped tiger after it injures man in Germany
It is believed the tiger was owned by a woman who describes herself as Germany's "Tiger Queen," CBS News partner BBC News reported.
Divers find bodies of 4 Italians in Maldives sea cave
Italy's Foreign Ministry said Monday rescuers located the bodies of four Italian divers who were believed to be deep inside an underwater cave in a Maldive atoll.
Child among 10 people shot dead by gunmen in Mexico
Nine people died at the scene from gunshot wounds and one woman died while being transported to the hospital, prosecutors said.
2 Americans arrested over stunt at viral baby monkey Punch's zoo in Japan
Two Americans were arrested in Japan after social media posts showed a person jumping into an enclosure at the zoo where viral baby monkey Punch found fame.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy
"Call Her Daddy" host Alex Cooper said on Instagram that she and husband Matt Kaplan are expecting their first child.
Director Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought the father-son relationship of Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen.
Technology
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Technology
An adobe renaissance
For thousands of years, civilizations around the world have built houses out of earth – whether it be mud brick, wattle and dab or rammed earth. But adobe (the practice of making mudbricks) has now become today's "it" building material, from museums around the world designed using adobe, to do-it-yourselfers constructing homes from the very dirt beneath their feet. Correspondent Conor Knighton looks at the history of adobe, and how ancient adobe materials are being merged with 3-D printing techniques.
Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
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.
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Science
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El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
Crime
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Crime
Judge rules on evidence in Mangione trial
New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled Monday that a gun and notebook found in the search of Luigi Mangione's possessions can be used as evidence in his state murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Teens arrested after Texas shootings
Three people are in custody after a string of shootings in Austin, Texas. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Judge rules on Mangione backpack evidence
A New York judge ruled Monday that certain evidence from Luigi Mangione's backpack can be used in his state trial for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Luigi Mangione in court for state case
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is appearing in court Monday for a hearing on his New York state case. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
What's next for Alex Murdaugh's case?
After the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, his lawyers are set to hold a press conference Monday to discuss new developments in the case. Meanwhile, prosecutors say they may seek the death penalty in a retrial.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
Brexit's role in U.K. leadership crisis
The United Kingdom has had six leaders in less than 10 years, and it could be headed for a seventh as British Prime Minister Kier Starmer faces growing pressure to step down. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman explains how the political crisis began with Brexit, Britain's break from the European Union.
Judge rules on evidence in Mangione trial
New York Judge Gregory Carro ruled Monday that a gun and notebook found in the search of Luigi Mangione's possessions can be used as evidence in his state murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Trump's ratings plummet, CBS News poll shows
President Trump's approval rating has slipped to its lowest level since 2023, with more than half of Americans saying his policies are making the economy worse, a CBS News poll shows. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.