What to know as Congress counts electoral votes on Jan. 6
Several changes to the electoral vote count process have been enacted since a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
United States Electoral College
Electoral College votes on 2024 results
Presidential electors gathered Tuesday to formalize President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Members of the Electoral College met at state capitols across the U.S. to cast their electoral votes. CBS News election law expert and political contributor David Becker joins to break down the process.
Electoral College meets to cast ballots in 2024 election
Electors are voting in each state to formalize President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
When do states have to certify 2024 election results? Here's a full list of dates
After voters cast their ballots, their votes are certified by state officials before the electoral college gathers.
How the 2024 election compares to 2016
Comparisons are being made between Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss and Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 defeat. Evan McMorris-Santoro, political reporter for NOTUS, and Sabrina Rodriguez, national political reporter for The Washington Post, join "America Decides" to assess the similarities and differences.
Why do we have the Electoral College?
When people cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, their votes translate into Electoral College representation. Many wonder why the system still exists, and if it should.
Revisit the 2020 election results map ahead of the 2024 vote
Donald Trump managed to win back some states that he captured in 2016 but lost to President Biden won in 2020.
Map shows how many Electoral College votes your state has in 2024
It's not the popular vote that decides who wins the presidency — it's the outcome of the Electoral College. This map shows how many votes each state gets in 2024.
How does the Electoral College work?
Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will need to secure at least 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the 2024 presidential election.
Walz says "Electoral College needs to go"
"I think all of us know the electoral college needs to go," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. "But that's not the world we live in."
How the electoral map has changed since 2020
Election Day is less than four weeks away, and more than two million Americans have already voted early across 26 states. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto has the latest numbers.
Map shows where effort to replace Electoral College stands
Nearly 20 years in the making, the reform initiative seeks to change the way Electoral College votes are counted.
Nebraska governor won't call special session to change Electoral College system
Republicans did not have enough support to change how the state allocates Electoral College votes, a move that would have benefitted former President Donald Trump.
Poll: Harris makes gains with economic voters
The latest CBS News polling shows Vice President Kamala Harris making up some ground regarding what most voters consistently say is the biggest issue this election: the economy. Harris' support among voters who say the economy is a major factor in the 2024 race has gone up four points since August. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins to discuss.
What's behind push for Georgia rule changes?
There are new concerns about election night chaos in the battleground state of Georgia. Derek Muller, professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, joins "America Decides" to unpack the rule changes being pushed through by pro-Trump election officials in Georgia and the potential legal challenges.
Nebraska Republican rejects push to change Electoral College system to help Trump
Changing Nebraska's electoral vote allocation to winner-take-all would almost certainly have benefited former President Donald Trump this fall.
Graham hopes Nebraska will change system that could give electoral vote to Harris
Sen. Lindsey Graham said it's "very reasonable" for Nebraska to push for a change to its electoral vote system because the election could come down to a single electoral vote.
Examining Harris and Trump's paths to victory
In the 75 days since the Biden-Trump debate that reshaped the 2024 presidential campaign, polling has shown a razor-tight race. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto and Major Garrett take a closer look at the key battleground states and potential paths to victory.
Ex-Trump campaign legal adviser agrees to cooperate in Arizona "fake elector" case
Arizona's attorney general has agreed to drop nine felony charges against Ellis in exchange for her cooperation in the investigation.
Rudy Giuliani served indictment in Arizona fake elector case
The former New York mayor was served after his 80th birthday celebration as he was walking to the car, a political adviser said.
New book examines minority rule in politics
Rights for minority parties are a staple of American legislative politics. Daniel Ziblatt, co-author of the new book "Tyranny of the Minority," joins "America Decides" to discuss how centuries-old U.S. institutions to protect those minority rights are possibly making the nation less democratic.
Michigan official discusses fake electors
Sixteen Michigan residents are facing felony charges for falsely claiming to be presidential electors for former President Donald Trump after he lost the 2020 election, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday. Each of the 16 alleged false electors have been charged with eight felony counts. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins "America Decides" to discuss the charges.
Bipartisan senators introduce reforms to Electoral Count Act of 1887
The legislation would also make it more difficult to challenge a state's presidential election results.
Bipartisan senators reach general agreement on updated Electoral Count Act
Senators aim to prevent another Jan. 6 insurrection from happening again.
Senators consider election law changes
In the wake of the Capitol insurrection, a bipartisan group of senators is discussing potential changes to the Electoral Count Act. CBS News elections and surveys director Anthony Salvanto joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers to break down the latest polling on the subject.
Israel-Hamas truce deal brings hope, but no peace, and no reunions yet
The ceasefire deal agreed by Israel and Hamas has not ended the bloodshed in Gaza yet, nor the desperate wait for hostages' loved ones.
live updates
Southern California containment efforts continue today as winds weaken
Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 27 people. The Palisades and Eaton wildfires continue to burn in California today. Here are the latest updates.
David Lynch, director of "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet," dies at 78
David Lynch has died at the age of 78, his family announced.
Trump to install Texas border czar as Border Patrol chief, sources say
Mike Banks, who has spearheaded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border crackdown, is expected to be appointed Border Patrol chief after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Supreme Court may announce opinions Friday as TikTok decision looms
The Supreme Court said it may announce opinions on Friday, a last-minute addition that comes just two days before a law that would ban TikTok is set to go into effect.
Wildfire conspiracy theories are going viral again. Why?
Researchers say the conspiracies around the L.A. wildfires follow familiar patterns.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft destroyed in mega rocket launch
Telemetry from the Starship froze just more than 8 minutes after launch from Texas, moments after engines began shutting down.
Polar vortex set to freeze the U.S. as far as the Deep South
A deep freeze, thanks to the polar vortex dipping down from Siberia, will bring frigid temperatures to nearly 300 million Americans.
How Watch Duty became an essential app during the L.A. wildfires
The Watch Duty app's fire fact-checkers brought reliable information to Los Angeles residents during a week of chaos.
U.S.
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Driver pleads guilty in smuggling attempt that resulted in 53 migrant deaths
Temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit while migrants screamed and banged the walls of the trailer for help or tried to claw their way out, investigators said.
Polar vortex set to freeze the U.S. as far as the Deep South
A deep freeze, thanks to the polar vortex dipping down from Siberia, will bring frigid temperatures to nearly 300 million Americans.
How Watch Duty became an essential app during the L.A. wildfires
The Watch Duty app's fire fact-checkers brought reliable information to Los Angeles residents during a week of chaos.
Judge allows 3 states to advance efforts to restrict access to abortion pill
A federal judge in Texas is allowing three other states to pursue a challenge seeking to restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone nationwide.
What's a passive home and what can L.A. learn from Colorado's worst fire?
In L.A., where the historic Palisades and Eaton Fires continue to burn, a Passive House was the only house still standing in its neighborhood.
MoneyWatch
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Capital One customers report deposits not showing up in their accounts
Capital One says the bank is working to restore service after thousands of customers reported problems depositing money.
Investors urge Walmart not to "give into bullying" on diversity
Some Walmart shareholders say the retailer hasn't offered a good business case for canceling its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Bessent calls for stronger Russia sanctions at treasury confirmation hearing
Scott Bessent, tapped by Donald Trump to be treasury secretary, faced sharp questions from Democrats and Republicans on tax policy, tariffs, China, Russia sanctions and the IRS.
Women's college basketball teams to be paid for playing NCAA Tournament games
In a move to help close the pay gap between men and women in college sports, the NCAA will now pay Division I women's basketball teams who play in March Madness games starting this year.
State Farm cancels Super Bowl ad, citing impact of Los Angeles fires
State Farm is pulling its Super Bowl ad, saying the insurer is focused on supporting Los Angeles residents.
Politics
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Judge allows 3 states to advance efforts to restrict access to abortion pill
A federal judge in Texas is allowing three other states to pursue a challenge seeking to restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone nationwide.
Trump to install Texas border czar as Border Patrol chief, sources say
Mike Banks, who has spearheaded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border crackdown, is expected to be appointed Border Patrol chief after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Trump names Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone his Hollywood envoys
President-elect Donald Trump said the three will be his "eyes and ears" in Hollywood.
Supreme Court may announce opinions Friday as TikTok decision looms
The Supreme Court said it may announce opinions on Friday, a last-minute addition that comes just two days before a law that would ban TikTok is set to go into effect.
Bessent calls for stronger Russia sanctions at treasury confirmation hearing
Scott Bessent, tapped by Donald Trump to be treasury secretary, faced sharp questions from Democrats and Republicans on tax policy, tariffs, China, Russia sanctions and the IRS.
HealthWatch
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The long-term mental health toll of wildfires and the danger if left untreated
Wildfires can take a long-term toll on mental health, and, if left untreated, people can suffer for even longer. Experts explain what to know.
How food brands, drugmakers are responding to FDA's ban of food dye Red 3
Food manufacturers will have until 2027 to stop using the dye. Drugmakers have until 2028.
Nearly 330,000 smoke alarms sold by HSN recalled due to malfunction
There have been 8 reports of made-in-China alarms sold by HSN nationwide and online not sounding in response to smoke.
Cancer deaths are down in U.S., but rates rise for some groups
The American Cancer Society's annual cancer trend report shows cancer mortality is decreasing but cancer rates are increasing in young adults and women.
Junk food turns public villain as power shifts in Washington
Some Trump insiders are ready to take on the food industry. It remains to be seen whether their entrée will result in any meaningful change in government oversight of "Big Food" — or on American health.
World
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Australian woman charged with poisoning toddler, then requesting donations
The 1-year-old girl was subjected to "immense distress and pain" for over two months, according to police in Queensland, Australia.
U.K. to open new inquiries into past child grooming cases after Musk tweet
Britain's Home Secretary announced there would be a number of new local inquiries into decade-old allegations of child grooming, weeks after Elon Musk accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of failings.
Pope Francis hurt in fall at home for second time in less than 6 weeks
Francis, 88, didn't break his arm, but a sling was put on as a precaution, the Vatican says.
Knife lodged in Bollywood star's spine during home invasion in Mumbai
Doctors say Saif Ali Khan is recovering well after being stabbed multiple times by a burglar who broke into his Mumbai home.
"TikTok refugees" are flocking to RedNote. Could it face the same fate?
With the U.S. ban on TikTok looming, many Americans are opting for another Chinese app known as RedNote. It could be short-lived.
Entertainment
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Billie Eilish, Green Day and more to headline FireAid benefit concert
The proceeds will help short and long-term relief efforts for Southern California wildfire victims.
Trump names Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone his Hollywood envoys
President-elect Donald Trump said the three will be his "eyes and ears" in Hollywood.
Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively as "It Ends With Us" feud deepens
Justin Baldoni's lawsuit comes after "It Ends With Us" co-star Blake Lively accused him of sexual harassment.
David Lynch, director of "Twin Peaks" and "Blue Velvet," dies at 78
David Lynch has died at the age of 78, his family announced.
Fox to stream Super Bowl for free on Tubi for the first time
A second stream on Tubi will feature the "Tubi Red Carpet" hosted by Olivia Culpo from the Superdome in New Orleans.
Technology
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Technology
How a TikTok ban would affect Gen Z users
The TikTok ban will take effect on Sunday if its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, does not divest its ownership. Denora Getachew, CEO of dosomething.org, a leading site for young activism, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the potential ban's effect.
"TikTok refugees" are flocking to RedNote. Could it face the same fate?
With the U.S. ban on TikTok looming, many Americans are opting for another Chinese app known as RedNote. It could be short-lived.
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 to download your TikTok data in case the app goes dark
Some TikTok users are preparing for the likely ban by downloading their data. Here's how to do it.
Meta is cutting 5% of its workforce, or more than 3,600 employees
Meta will cut about 5% of its workforce, focusing on getting rid of low-performing employees at the social media giant.
Science
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Scientists make "jaw-dropping" discovery about Iron Age women in U.K.
Scientists analyzing 2,000-year-old DNA have revealed that a Celtic society in the southern U.K. during the Iron Age was centered around women, a study said.
SpaceX pushes Starship test flight back one day due to weather
If the weather cooperates, the Starship launch will follow the maiden flight of Jeff Bezos' already weather-delayed New Glenn rocket.
What to know about the pink fire retardant being dropped on L.A. wildfires
Aircraft battling fires raging through the Los Angeles area are dropping hundreds of thousands of gallons of hot-pink fire suppressant in a desperate effort to stop the flames.
When will cicadas come back in 2025?
Brood XIV, the second-largest group of periodical cicadas, known for their noisy mass emergence from the ground, will arrive this spring.
Scientists: "Toxic" semen could kill female mosquitoes, curb disease spread
Female mosquitoes are targeted because only they bite and drink blood, thereby spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
Crime
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Australian woman charged with poisoning toddler, then requesting donations
The 1-year-old girl was subjected to "immense distress and pain" for over two months, according to police in Queensland, Australia.
Drug-eating rats invade Houston police evidence room
The rodents are enjoying marijuana at the Houston Police Department that has been sitting in evidence for years.
Knife lodged in Bollywood star's spine during home invasion in Mumbai
Doctors say Saif Ali Khan is recovering well after being stabbed multiple times by a burglar who broke into his Mumbai home.
Man sought after "So I raped you" Facebook message extradited to U.S.
Ian Cleary is accused of stalking an 18-year-old Gettysburg College student, sneaking into her dorm and sexually assaulting her while she texted friends for help.
Army doctor learns fate for sexually abusing dozens of soldiers
Maj. Michael Stockin pleaded guilty to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and five of indecent viewing, officials said.
Space
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Space
What's next for SpaceX?
SpaceX completed its seventh launch of the Starship rocket, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit and a NASA astronaut stuck in space went on her first spacewalk in seven months. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks down the latest stories.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft destroyed in mega rocket launch
Telemetry from the Starship froze just more than 8 minutes after launch from Texas, moments after engines began shutting down.
Details on Blue Origin launch of Glenn rocket
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket was launched Thursday morning in Florida following a three-day delay. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer from the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss the launch.
Blue Origin launches New Glenn rocket
Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket early Thursday, sending a test satellite into orbit. The mission wasn't a complete success though, as the booster crashed while trying to land on a platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin New Glenn rocket soars into space on maiden flight
Despite losing its booster during a landing attempt, the upper stage reached orbit as planned.
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Latest CBS News Videos
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L.A. residents returned home to find ruins
Some Los Angeles residents have been allowed to return to areas that were evacuated amid the wildfires, but others may have to wait at least another week before they can see what's left of their homes. Rob Marciano reports.
Fire weather conditions improve in L.A.
Winds in the Los Angeles area ease as crews continue to battle wildfires on Thursday. Meanwhile, freezing temperatures are expected to move East this week. CBS News Philadelphia meteorologist Grant Gilmore has the forecast.
What's next for SpaceX?
SpaceX completed its seventh launch of the Starship rocket, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit and a NASA astronaut stuck in space went on her first spacewalk in seven months. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks down the latest stories.
Rising cancer rates in young women: Report
While a new report from the American Cancer Society showed an overall drop in U.S. cancer deaths, it also highlighted an uptick in the number of young women being diagnosed with the disease. Dr. Larry Norton, breast medical oncologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
What to expect from Trump's climate policy
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency faced a confirmation hearing on Thursday. Former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin said he believes in climate change, despite Trump calling it a hoax. CBS News senior coordinating producer of climate Tracy Wholf has more.