Thousands of probationary federal health workers fired by letter this weekend
The move comes amid a government-wide effort to cut probationary workers by the Department of Government Efficiency task force led by billionaire Elon Musk.
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Doctor on COVID vaccines for schools
President Trump signed a largely symbolic executive order on Friday seeking to strip federal funding from schools that require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Infectious disease physician Dr. Amesh Adalja joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Trump targets COVID vaccine mandates
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday to halt federal funding for any schools and universities that require students to have COVID-19 vaccinations, though no state has such a mandate. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more details.
RFK Jr. is sworn in, but can he "Make America Healthy Again"?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is officially secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, but his promise to "Make America Healthy Again" may prove challenging. Here's why.
RFK Jr. got confirmed after controversy
The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday. He faced questions over his past remarks on the efficacy of vaccines during his confirmation hearings, but it did not stop him from becoming one of the top public health officials. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
McConnell votes against RFK Jr.'s confirmation
President Trump's Cabinet grew on Thursday, with the Senate confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary in a 52 to 48 vote. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of his party to vote against Kennedy. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will likely be sworn in Thursday afternoon as the new secretary of Health and Human Services after being confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more.
Judge orders HHS, CDC, FDA to restore deleted webpages with health information
The NGO Doctors for America argued that HHS, CDC and FDA violated federal law in removing medical information from public-facing websites.
Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general
The Senate confirmed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the U.S. attorney general on Tuesday evening. The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services as well. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more.
How RFK Jr. secured Sen. Bill Cassidy's vote
The Senate will soon vote on the confirmations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard after two panels opted to advance their nominations on Tuesday. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, once a critic of Kennedy, voted to support his bid for health secretary. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small explains what made Cassidy change course.
RFK Jr. faces questions in contentious hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced questions from senators in a hearing that last more than three hours Wednesday as he strives to be confirmed as President Trump's director of the Department of Health and Human Services. He was pressed about controversial statements he has made in the past on vaccines and abortion. Dr. Jon LaPook has more on the hearing.
Senators grill RFK Jr. on vaccines
Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended some of his past controversial vaccine statements on the first day of his confirmation hearings Wednesday. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more on the reaction of Democrats.
What RFK Jr. told senators about his views
President Trump's nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appeared for a confirmation hearing before senators Wednesday on Capitol Hill. As Republicans heaped praise, Democrats worked to pick apart Kennedy's views on everything from vaccines to abortion. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Olivia Rinaldi have the latest.
Breaking down RFK Jr. confirmation hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before senators on Capitol Hill, President Trump signed the first bill of his second presidency and the White House recalibrated its order to pause all funding on federal grants and loans. Political strategists Maura Gillespie and Hyma Moore join "America Decides" to unpack the day's top political stories.
Caroline Kennedy calls RFK Jr. a "predator" in letter to senators
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s cousin urged senators to reject his nomination as health and human services secretary.
RFK Jr.'s financial disclosures reveal millions in both debt and income
Financial disclosures show that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary nominee, is saddled with millions in debt, but is positioned to earn millions from book deals.
DHS authorizes federal law enforcement to implement Trump's immigration policies
The directive allows federal law enforcement agents to carry out immigration-related enforcement actions that are usually reserved for officials under DHS.
Who is in charge of the CDC right now? Nobody knows for sure
A number of other health agencies are also operating without acting heads, including the FDA and the National Institutes of Health.
Where does RFK Jr.'s nomination stand?
Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to appear before senators on Capitol Hill next week. It's a highly anticipated confirmation hearing partly because of the former presidential candidate's well-documented history of spreading false and misleading vaccine claims. Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, joins "America Decides" to discuss the state of Kennedy's nomination.
Government website offering reproductive health information goes offline
The site was launched in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a public awareness campaign.
RFK Jr. scrutinized over abortion statements
Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced that President-elect Donald Trump and his pick for secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., agree that abortion matters should be left to the states. CBS News political reporter Shawna Mizelle has more details on Kennedy's changing stance on abortion.
Trump defends tapping Kennedy for HHS
President-elect Donald Trump on Monday held his first news conference since winning the 2024 election. He defended selecting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and also discussed the economy. Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Bernie Sanders on RFK Jr.'s health stances
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont spoke to CBS News on Thursday about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Sanders said he agreed with Kennedy's recent comments about the food industry and criticized some of his views as "very wrong." CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Trump fills out picks to lead health agencies
President-elect Donald Trump is rounding out his Cabinet with several choices to lead the nation's top health agencies. Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joins CBS News to examine Trump's picks.
How RFK Jr. could impact vaccines as Trump's HHS secretary
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Live
Trump says "Clock is Ticking" for Iran as shaky ceasefire continues
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
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.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Finnish divers join search for bodies of 4 Italian divers in the Maldives
The search for the remains of the four Italian divers was suspended Saturday, after a Maldivian military diver died.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
At least 4 killed by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
Russian defenses shot down 81 drones headed for Moscow overnight, state agency Tass reported, citing Sobyanin.
Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
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.
Venezuela says it deported Alex Saab, a key Maduro ally, to the U.S.
Venezuela's government says it has deported a close ally of Nicolás Maduro to face judicial proceedings in the U.S. less than three years he was pardoned by President Joe Biden.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ronda Rousey defeats Gina Carano seconds into joint comeback match
Ronda Rousey used her signature armbar to stop Gina Carano just 17 seconds into a comeback bout between the two MMA fighters.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Favorite Philly foods: Cheesesteaks, pretzels and hoagies
"Sunday Morning" shares the love for three traditional foods in the City of Brotherly Love.
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.
One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Transcript: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
Tommy Bell thought he was in good shape. But a series of heart attacks painted a more complicated picture.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
World
More World
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Irish researchers find oldest English poem in medieval book in Rome
Researchers in Dublin discovered the oldest surviving English poem in a Roman library.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
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."
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.
Extended interview: Jon Favreau
In this web exclusive, Jon Favreau, the creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," and director of the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the myth of "Star Wars," the influences on the story (including Japanese samurai films), and expanding the universe for a new audience. He also talks about working with Robert Downey Jr. on his film "Iron Man," and about cooking, the subject of his 2014 movie, "Chef."
Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Director Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the handmade feel of the "Star Wars" universe, and how father-son relationships have always been at the heart of the stories set in a galaxy far, far away. He also discusses bringing his improv roots to directing Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."
Designing the future of Louis Vuitton
The French fashion house is today the world's largest luxury brand. "Sunday Morning" talks with artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière, who is shaping the future of Louis Vuitton by designing the unexpected.
Technology
More Technology
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
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
One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
"Survivor" 48 and 50 contestant Joe Hunter believes his sister Joanna, whose death was ruled a suicide, was murdered. He and their mother are working to be Joanna's voice and advocate for others who have experienced domestic violence.
Details on charges against Mohammad Al-Saadi
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is facing federal charges for his alleged terror plots targeting Jewish institutions around the U.S.
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.
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
5/17: 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."
Yui on Taiwan relationship with China
As Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping told President Trump there would be "conflicts" if the situation with Taiwan isn't "handled properly," Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that Taiwan is "not the ones creating all this trouble" in the region.
Greer on Board of Trade
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the newly-announced Board of Trade between the U.S. and China will be focused on "non-sensitive goods" such as "sales of agricultural goods to China, energy goods, Boeings, medical devices."
Open: "Face the Nation," May 17, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," as President Trump returns from his trip to China, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., join. Plus, Anthony Salvanto has the latest CBS News polling on the economy.
Nature: Chanticleer Garden
We leave you this Sunday at Chanticleer Garden just outside Philadelphia. Videographer: Jim Zurich.