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
Iran threatens war "beyond the region" if U.S. launches new attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard says any new U.S. or Israeli attacks will be met with retaliation "in places you cannot even imagine."
Rep. Massie is latest GOP incumbent to lose primary after Trump backs challenger
President Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.
Exclusive
U.S. soldier fears newly-freed wife could still be deported by ICE at any time
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Afghanistan war veteran Jose Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE despite doing the "right thing."
The major cases the Supreme Court will decide in the coming weeks
The Supreme Court's term is set to end around the end of June, with decisions on birthright citizenship, transgender athlete bans and gun rights still to come.
Teen attackers in mosque shooting were wallowing in hate, investigators say
"These subjects did not discriminate in who they hated," said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego Field Office.
DOJ's settlement with Trump bans IRS from taking action over his old tax returns
The Internal Revenue Service is permanently barred from pursuing claims against President Trump or his company based on prior tax returns, part of a controversial settlement deal between the Justice Department and Mr. Trump.
U.S. intel assessment says military identified at least 10 mines in Strait of Hormuz
CBS News was unable to determine what type of mines were in involved in this latest assessment.
Trump's $1.7+ billion fund sparks rush to capitalize: "All J6ers will apply"
One Republican lawyer close to the administration told CBS News that they expect the fund to face court challenges even though "a lot of people in MAGA world are already counting their money."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
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Suspected drug trafficker rescued from plane crash linked to politician
A survivor of a recent plane crash near Florida was allegedly found with roughly $30,000 inside a bag labeled with the name of a Bahamian politician.
Exclusive
U.S. soldier fears newly-freed wife could still be deported by ICE at any time
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Afghanistan war veteran Jose Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE despite doing the "right thing."
The major cases the Supreme Court will decide in the coming weeks
The Supreme Court's term is set to end around the end of June, with decisions on birthright citizenship, transgender athlete bans and gun rights still to come.
New video shows fiery moments engine separated from UPS plane in deadly crash
The NTSB also revealed that the crew of the crashed jet had been reassigned to it after their original plane was taken out of service.
As gas prices surge, consumers search for other savings
The national average for a gallon of gasoline has been ticking up since the start of the war with Iran. The latest average of $4.50 a gallon is an increase of over $1.50 since the war started.
MoneyWatch
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Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
As gas prices surge, consumers search for other savings
The national average for a gallon of gasoline has been ticking up since the start of the war with Iran. The latest average of $4.50 a gallon is an increase of over $1.50 since the war started.
Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers. No more — here's why fewer young people are expected to clock in when school ends.
Polymarket to let users make prediction market bets on private companies
Polymarket users can now trade on private companies' valuations, IPOs and secondary market activity.
The 10 most affordable U.S. cities to buy a home
Buyers can still find lower-cost homes in some midsize cities, especially across the Rust Belt and Sun Belt, a new analysis finds.
Politics
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Exclusive
U.S. soldier fears newly-freed wife could still be deported by ICE at any time
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Afghanistan war veteran Jose Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE despite doing the "right thing."
The major cases the Supreme Court will decide in the coming weeks
The Supreme Court's term is set to end around the end of June, with decisions on birthright citizenship, transgender athlete bans and gun rights still to come.
Rep. Massie is latest GOP incumbent to lose primary after Trump backs challenger
President Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District.
Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic governor primary, CBS News projects
Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has secured enough support to avoid a runoff in Georgia's closely watched Democratic primary for governor, CBS News projects
Mike Collins and Derek Dooley advance to runoff in Georgia GOP Senate primary
Rep. Mike Collins and former college football coach Derek Dooley will advance to a runoff next month in the Georgia GOP primary for Senate, as Republicans vie for an opportunity to take on Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
HealthWatch
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WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
Latest on American who contracted Ebola
A missionary doctor who was serving in Congo will receive treatment in Germany after testing positive for Ebola. Skyler Henry has the latest.
World
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WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Live
Iran threatens war "beyond the region" if U.S. launches new attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard says any new U.S. or Israeli attacks will be met with retaliation "in places you cannot even imagine."
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump's Iran war powers for first time
Four Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to advance the Iran war powers measure, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy joining the Republican defectors for the first time.
First on CBS
Federal prosecutors open new criminal probe into Maduro, sources say
There is concern among some in the Justice Department that the pending charges against him are weak, sources said.
Who's who in Cuba's leadership? Here are the names to know.
President Trump has been openly mulling a takeover of Cuba similar to the operation that toppled Venezuela's Nicolás Madoro. What it would mean for the regime's leaders remains to be seen. Here are some of the figures to watch.
Entertainment
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Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Beanie Feldstein on takeaways from kids' book
Actor Beanie Feldstein talks about the theme of her debut children's book, which focuses on the power of friendship. She also discusses becoming a parent soon and starring in a new film with Robert De Niro.
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."
Technology
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Technology
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
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.
Musk says he'll appeal OpenAI lawsuit dismissal
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Jury unanimously dismisses Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI
California jury dismissed all charges, finding that Musk missed the three-year statute of limitations to file suit.
Science
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Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Islamic Center shooting victims hailed as heroes
New details are coming out about the victims in Monday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
Mosque shooting victims hailed as heroes
Police and federal authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, as well as what exactly happened during the attack. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Teen attackers in mosque shooting were wallowing in hate, investigators say
"These subjects did not discriminate in who they hated," said Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego Field Office.
San Diego imam describes victims of shooting
Imam Taha Hassan of the Islamic Center of San Diego tells CBS News about the beloved security guard and members of his mosque who died "sacrificed their lives for the entire community" during Monday's shooting.
FBI: Islamic Center shooters radicalized online
Investigators gave an update Tuesday on Monday's deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego. CBS News' Lana Zak and Anna Schecter have the latest.
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."
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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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Senators grill Blanche over compensation fund
Senators grilled acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Tuesday over the Justice Department's nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who claim they were politically targeted. CBS News' Natalie Brand and Caitlin Huey-Burns report.
Expert: Current redistricting wave unprecedented
The redistricting battle for the 2026 midterms will have a profound impact on the balance of power in Washington, D.C. CBS News' David Becker, Anthony Salvanto, Nikole Killion and Caitlin Huey-Burns have more.
What's behind Cuba's energy crisis?
In January, the U.S. began a blockade of oil tankers to Cuba, exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis. Roxanna Vigil, international affairs fellow in national security at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins with analysis.
Barr projected to win Kentucky GOP Senate primary
CBS News projects that Andy Barr will win the Republican primary for Kentucky Senate. CBS News' Aaron Navarro, Caitlin Huey-Burns and Nikole Killion have more.
Inside the redistricting effect on primaries
Some Alabama primary races were postponed from Tuesday due to the redrawing of the state's congressional map. CBS News' Jan Crawford and Anthony Salvanto, along with Sabato's Crystal Ball managing editor Kyle Kondik, take a look at how redistricting efforts are changing primary battles across the country.