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
Israel strikes Lebanon as Iran says it "cannot trust the Americans"
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
Trump says U.S. has killed Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
Hamas leader who helped plan Oct. 7 attacks has been killed, Israel says
Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in a "precise strike in the area on the City of Gaza," the Israel Defense Forces said Saturday.
Maldives suspends search for remains of 4 Italians after military diver dies
The remains of the 4 Italians are believed to be deep inside an underwater cave.
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.
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.
U.S.
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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.
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.
A longtime Atlanta principal retired, then returned to his school as a handyman
David White retired as the longtime principal at the Burgess-Peterson Academy in Atlanta, and then returned to the school as its handyman.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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.
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.
Politics
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Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
GOP Sen. Cassidy fights to hold onto seat in Louisiana primary
Louisianans are voting Saturday in the state's Senate primaries as Sen. Bill Cassidy fights to hold onto his seat, facing a Trump-backed primary challenger.
Trump says U.S. has killed Islamic State leader in Nigeria
President Trump announced Friday evening that U.S. and Nigerian military forces had killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a leader in the Islamic State group.
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.
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.
HealthWatch
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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.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
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
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2 presidential campaign staffers killed in Colombia weeks before election
Colombia's presidential elections are scheduled for May 31, marking the end of the term for Gustavo Petro, the country's first leftist president.
Frequent burials, at least 80 dead as Congo grapples with Ebola outbreak
Officials first announced the outbreak on Friday, with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases.
U.K. health secretary will run to unseat Starmer after scathing letter
Wes Streeting is one of several challengers who could try to unseat the U.K. prime minister.
Days after Trump's summit in Beijing, Putin will meet with China's Xi
Russia's Putin will travel to Beijing next week to meet China's Xi. The announcement came one day after President Trump returned from his own summit with the Chinese leader.
Hamas leader who helped plan Oct. 7 attacks has been killed, Israel says
Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in a "precise strike in the area on the City of Gaza," the Israel Defense Forces said Saturday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Survivor" superfan builds her own tribe
The "Survivor" season 50 finale premieres on Wednesday, and "CBS Saturday Morning" meets Sarah Polakiewicz, a "Survivor" superfan in Atlanta who built her own community around the show.
"Dutton Ranch" stars on Texas transition
Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Finn Little of "Dutton Ranch" sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss their characters' transitions from Montana to Texas, and more on the new "Yellowstone" spinoff.
Taj Mahal performs "Time"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Time."
Taj Mahal performs "Queen Bee"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Queen Bee."
Taj Mahal performs "Wild About My Lovin'"
Five-time Grammy winner and blues legend Taj Mahal is best known for hits like "Corinna" and "Statesboro Blues," and has collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton during his career that spans six decades. His latest album, "Time," was recorded with his long-time bandmates "The Phantom Blues Band." Here's Taj Mahal performing "Wild About My Lovin'."
Technology
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Technology
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Science
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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
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Crime
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.
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.
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
The Dish: Scott Conant
Chef and restaurateur Scott Conant goes back to his culinary roots with home-cooked Italian food in his family home.
"Survivor" superfan builds her own tribe
The "Survivor" season 50 finale premieres on Wednesday, and "CBS Saturday Morning" meets Sarah Polakiewicz, a "Survivor" superfan in Atlanta who built her own community around the show.
"Dutton Ranch" stars on Texas transition
Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Finn Little of "Dutton Ranch" sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss their characters' transitions from Montana to Texas, and more on the new "Yellowstone" spinoff.
Breaking down Trump's China trip
Patrick McGee, who wrote "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to break down President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping.
Inside China's "dark factories"
Fully automated manufacturing plants in China, or "dark factories," could overhaul modern manufacturing and eliminate the need for human workers.