Layoffs start at federal agencies that deal with health, drugs, food, more
Employees of the massive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began getting dismissal notices in a major overhaul expected to ultimately lay off up to 10,000 people.
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Former CDC director reacts to Trump's health cuts
The mass firing of workers at federal health agencies is underway. Thousands of jobs are being cut within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Former CDC director Tom Frieden joins to discuss the impact.
Trump taps ex-congressman for Labor role
President Trump has tapped former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito of New York to serve as the next inspector general for the Department of Labor. Mark Greenblatt, who served as inspector general of the Department of the Interior until Mr. Trump fired him, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
How NIOSH cuts could impact Americans
As part of the federal government's ongoing efforts to cut spending, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as NIOSH, is laying off at least two-thirds of its staff, under a restructuring order from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. CBS News digital reporter Alex Tin has more.
RFK Jr. purges CDC and FDA's public records transparency teams
It is unclear what will happen to hundreds of pending requests for public information as the health agencies slash staff.
Dr. Deborah Birx talks RFK Jr.'s HHS cuts
Layoffs began at the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday as Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. set out to cut about 10,000 full-time jobs. Dr. Deborah Birx, former White House coronavirus response coordinator, joins "America Decides" with her reaction.
HHS sued by 23 states, D.C. over $11 billion in cuts to public health funding
The lawsuit, filed in Rhode Island, calls the HHS cuts to public health grants illegal.
RFK Jr.'s layoffs expected to gut worker safety agency, officials say
More than 800 employees at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health are expected to be cut.
FDA's top vaccine official forced out, decries RFK Jr.'s "misinformation and lies"
A Department of Health and Human Services official delivered an ultimatum to Dr. Peter Marks: either resign or be fired.
RFK Jr. makes questionable COVID-19 comments
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made some eyebrow-raising statements about those who contracted COVID-19 on Friday. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder discusses the claims.
RFK Jr. to gut vaccine promotion and HIV prevention office, sources say
Much of the federal government's efforts to buoy lagging childhood vaccination rates have been run through the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.
Trump administration to shrink federal health agencies by 20,000 employees
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy will cut 3,500 jobs from the Food and Drug Administration and 2,400 from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Analyzing RFK Jr.'s HHS cuts
The Department of Health and Human Services is laying off 10,000 employees as part of a larger plan to cut the agency's workforce by nearly a quarter. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook discusses what these cuts mean for health agencies.
Implications of cuts to U.S. health agencies
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans on Thursday to cut federal health agencies dramatically. The administration plans to let go of 10,000 federal health workers and then not fill another 10,000 positions. CBS News digital reporter Alex Tin has more.
Health agencies brace for layoffs with RFK Jr.'s restructuring of HHS
HHS Secretary RFK Jr., with help from DOGE, is planning a restructuring with sweeping cuts expected at multiple agencies.
Can other departments handle education issues?
One day after signing an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, President Trump provided more insight on his plan to reallocate the department's responsibilities. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo reports.
All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
RFK Jr. warns vaccinating poultry for bird flu could backfire
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned vaccines could turn "birds into mutant factories."
Why RFK Jr.'s top spokesperson abruptly resigned last week
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused his department's top communications official of quitting to avoid being fired.
RFK Jr. rolls back transparency policy on Medicaid and NIH changes
The move supercharges RFK Jr.'s authority to implement health policy changes.
HHS: Next season's flu shots will be on time
A meeting of experts at the Food and Drug Administration to discuss next season's flu vaccines has been unexpectedly canceled. Despite this, the Department of Health and Human Services says the shots will be ready. CBS News reporter Alexander Tin has the details.
Federal workers urge congressional lawmakers to reverse job cuts
The newly-formed Fork Off Coalition, composed of recently laid off government employees, represents an alphabet soup of agencies with various levels of tenure.
Mental health agency loses 1 in 10 to DOGE cuts, 988 hotline team impacted
Around 100 were fired from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
CDC's "disease detectives" apparently spared in DOGE cuts at health agencies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemic Intelligence Service officers — a group known as the CDC's "disease detectives" — feared the impact of job cuts.
What to know about Medicaid as Republicans consider cuts
Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for people with low incomes or disabilities, touches millions of Americans and has become deeply woven into the U.S. health care system.
Live
Iran says it "cannot trust" U.S. in negotiations as Trump says "we control" strait
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump also claimed to have "wiped out" Iran's armed forces.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
Colorado governor commutes Trump ally Tina Peters' prison sentence
Colorado's governor on Friday announced he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.
Exclusive
Pentagon's rush to counter drone threat may pose safety risks, specialist says
The safety specialist's warning appeared in a memo describing how a mini-drone had detonated and injured an Army Special Forces soldier.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say
An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a prominent synagogue in New York, prosecutors said Friday.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote province in Congo has caused 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, Africa CDC says.
Pirro threatens charges against parents if their teens violate local curfew
In a move aimed at curbing the growing problem of "teen takeovers," D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is threatening to bring charges against parents if their teens violate the local curfew.
U.S.
More U.S.
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.
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
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.
1 firefighter dead, 10 other people injured in fire and explosion at lumber mill
Firefighters responded to a fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont, Maine, about 95 miles from Portland.
U.S. reups $6M reward for American missing in Afghanistan for 12 years
Paul Edwin Overby Jr. vanished in May 2014 while researching a book in Khost province, Afghanistan, the FBI said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
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.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Politics
More Politics
Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats' bid to revive new congressional map
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a bid by Virginia Democrats to revive its new voter-approved congressional map that was drawn to advantage the party for the upcoming midterm elections.
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.
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
Colorado governor commutes Trump ally Tina Peters' prison sentence
Colorado's governor on Friday announced he is commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
The origins of hantavirus
The deadly hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship was caused by the Andes virus, the only known strain to spread from person to person. Rodents are known to carry hantavirus, but what's the disease's origin story? Ramy Inocencio explains.
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote province in Congo has caused 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases so far, Africa CDC says.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
World
More World
Lawmakers press Trump for military support for Taiwan after Xi summit
President Trump told reporters he made "no commitment either way" to China's Xi Jinping regarding U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan.
U.S. reups $6M reward for American missing in Afghanistan for 12 years
Paul Edwin Overby Jr. vanished in May 2014 while researching a book in Khost province, Afghanistan, the FBI said.
Cuba's biggest threat to U.S. is collapse, says former defense secretary
In an interview with "Face the Nation," Gates said another mass exodus from Cuba is the "biggest risk."
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.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Inside look at "Jack Ryan: Ghost War"
John Krasinski and Michael Kelly join "CBS Mornings" to discuss reuniting for the movie, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War," after starring in the TV series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" for four seasons. They discuss the movie, their friendship and how they balance it all with their busy family lives.
Previewing new season of "Couples Therapy"
Dr. Orna Guralnik speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the new season of the docuseries "Couples Therapy," which features Guralnik counseling four new couples on how to tackle issues in their relationships, including major political differences and infidelity.
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
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.
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.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Science
More Science
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.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Sources: Iraqi national planned synagogue attacks
Federal prosecutors charged an Iraqi national on Friday with planning several terrorist attacks in the U.S. as retribution for the Iran war. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Iraqi national accused of plotting attacks
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi is facing federal charges for allegedly plotting several terror attacks in the U.S., including targeting a Jewish institution in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter and Jake Rosen report.
Prominent N.Y. synagogue targeted in alleged terror plot, prosecutors say
An Iraqi national allegedly plotted to carry out terror attacks in the U.S., including at a prominent synagogue in New York, prosecutors said Friday.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
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.
What did Trump, Xi accomplish?
President Trump has wrapped his high-stakes summit with China, calling it "very good," but it's hard to tell exactly what the takeaway is. Ed O'Keefe has more details.
Wildfires rip across Texas Panhandle
Powerful winds fueled wildfires that raced through the Texas Panhandle this week. Firefighters are working around the clock to get the upper hand. Jason Allen reports and Rob Marciano has the forecast.
Trump returns from China after 2-day visit
President Trump returned to the White House on Friday night after two days of high-level talks in China. CBS News foreign correspondent Anna Coren has the latest.