Key GOP senators withdraw objections to Electoral College count
There were some who still said they would object, including Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas.
United States Electoral College
Senator Graham on Biden: "He won!"
During a joint session of Congress, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close ally of President Trump, told his colleagues that President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were lawfully elected. HIs comments came after a day of violent turmoil by pro-Trump supporters who swarmed the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the electoral college vote. Watch Graham's remarks.
Loeffler drops objection to electoral count
Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost her Georgia Senate race the night before, addressed a joint session of Congress to say she no longer plans to object to the results of the electoral vote count. Watch her remarks here.
"Whatever it takes": Lawmakers vow to finish counting electoral votes after assault on Capitol
"Tonight, Congress will continue the business of certifying the electoral college votes," Congressman Jim Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, tweeted.
The VP's role in the Electoral College vote
President Trump has suggested Vice President Mike Pence has the authority to reject the Electoral College vote in the 2020 election. In 2017, then-Vice President Joe Biden denied opposition from members of his own party and presided over Congress' confirmation of Mr. Trump's victory in the 2016 election. Columbia Law School professor Richard Briffault joins CBSN to discuss the powers of the vice president when it comes to election results.
McConnell: Congress must honor voters' decision
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said upholding the Electoral College outcome will be "the most important vote I've ever cast." He said there is no evidence of fraud that would affect the results and that Congress must not intervene. "If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral," he said. Watch his full speech on the Senate floor.
Pence acknowledges no authority over election
As Congress convened a joint session to officially count the Electoral College votes, Vice President Mike Pence released a letter stating that he has no authority to decide the result -- resisting public pressure from President Trump to contest the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. Norah O'Donnell anchors CBS News Special Report coverage.
How to watch Congress count the Electoral College votes
It's the last step in the election process before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20.
Fact check: Objections GOP lawmakers may raise in Electoral College count
A dozen senators say they'll object to the 2020 presidential election's state-certified results during the congressional count of the Electoral College votes.
Where GOP senators stand on objecting to Electoral College votes
In an event set to filled with drama, the House and Senate will convene in a joint session Wednesday to count and certify electoral votes.
Protesters to flood D.C. over Electoral College
Tens of thousands of people are expected to protest Congress' Electoral College vote count to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Washington, D.C. Jeff Pegues reports.
Trump claims he and Pence agree on VP's election authority
The president is decrying reports that the vice president told him he lacks the authority to alter the election results.
Exclusive: Audio captured of threat to fly plane into U.S. Capitol
CBS News has learned of a threat to attack the U.S. Capitol on the same day Congress is set to count Electoral College votes. The threat cited Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by the U.S. last year. Jeff Pegues has the exclusive report.
Georgia runoff vote count could run late
Voters in Georgia's two Senate runoff elections which will decide which party controls the U.S. Senate for the beginning of the Biden administration. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns, CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, and Wall Street Journal national political reporter Josh Jamerson spoke to "Red and Blue" host Elaine Quijano about when to expect a clear picture of the outcome.
Election day for Georgia Senate runoffs
In Georgia, voters are heading to the polls today for the state's two crucial runoff senate elections. Over 3 million votes have already been cast early or absentee in the races which will determine the balance of power in the Senate. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns reports from Georgia, and CBS News political contributor Molly Hooper joins CBSN AM with more.
Dissecting Trump's baseless claims of fraud
President Trump continued to push baseless claims of election fraud during a rally in Georgia on Monday. The rally comes on the eve of the state's crucial senate runoff election. David Becker, CBS News contributor, election law expert and executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano on "Red & Blue" to discuss Mr. Trump's claims.
More GOP senators rebuff effort to object to electoral votes
At least 20 Republican senators said they do not plan to join their GOP colleagues in objecting to electoral votes cast in some battleground states for President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump pressures GOP to challenge election
Congress is preparing to meet Wednesday to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the November election, as President Trump pressures Republican lawmakers to challenge the results. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with the latest.
Some GOP lawmakers to dispute election results
Some Republican members of Congress have announced plans to object to the Electoral College results showing Joe Biden won the presidency. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins "CBSN AM" to explain their controversial move.
GOP effort to dispute Joe Biden's victory
At least a dozen Republican senators say they will officially object to Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. The group, led by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, cites unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud even though the allegations have all failed in court. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN with more.
D.C. National Guard to activate troops for pro-Trump rally
Thousands of Trump supporters are expected to protest the election results this week.
Paul Ryan denounces GOP efforts to challenge electoral votes
Ryan said it is "difficult to conceive of a more anti-democratic and anti-conservative act."
Republican senators to challenge election
A group of 11 Republican Senators announced plans to object to the election results in certain states during a joint session of Congress on January 6, citing allegations of voter fraud. The announcement comes despite no credible evidence of widespread fraud in the election. Weijia Jiang has more.
Judge dismisses Gohmert's attempt to force Pence to decide election
Gohmert had claimed in the lawsuit that Pence has the "sole" power to decide the outcome of the election.
Eye Opener: GOP split on Electoral College challenge
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill will meet on January 6 to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, as Republicans are split on overturning the Electoral College vote. Also, Congress voted for the first time to override a veto from President Trump. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.
Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump policies are not America First
The relationship between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of President Trump's most loyal backers, soured over the Epstein files and disagreements over MAGA policies.
Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
Himes says Pete Hegseth has "zero credibility" on boat strikes
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said that it's "really important" that video of the strikes "be made public."
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
"Family of Spies": Christine Kuehn discovers her grandfather's Nazi past
In 1994 Christine Kuehn received a letter that revealed a family history from which her father had tried to shield her: Christine's grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who was the only person tried and convicted for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Supreme Court to hear major test of presidential power in case over FTC firing
President Trump's efforts to reshape the executive branch and flex his presidential power are set to be tested at the Supreme Court on Monday.
Jurors in sandwich thrower case talk about their deliberations
Sean Dunn, who threw a "submarine-style sandwich" at a CBP officer in downtown D.C. in July was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault in November.
Stabbing on North Carolina train draws Trump's attention; suspect arrested
A suspect accused of stabbing a man on a Charlotte Area Transit System commuter train on Friday is undocumented and was previously deported, according to authorities.
Trump slams Rep. Cuellar for running again as a Democrat after pardon
President Trump took aim at Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democratic congressman from Texas whom he recently pardoned, in a Truth Social post.
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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Stabbing on North Carolina train draws Trump's attention; suspect arrested
A suspect accused of stabbing a man on a Charlotte Area Transit System commuter train on Friday is undocumented and was previously deported, according to authorities.
Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
Trump slams Rep. Cuellar for running again as a Democrat after pardon
President Trump took aim at Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democratic congressman from Texas whom he recently pardoned, in a Truth Social post.
MoneyWatch
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Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
210,000 power banks sold on Amazon recalled over fire and burn risks
The recall involves INIU 100,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41that were sold on Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022, the recall notice says.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus (a.k.a. David Pogue)! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Politics
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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Jurors in sandwich thrower case talk about their deliberations
Sean Dunn, who threw a "submarine-style sandwich" at a CBP officer in downtown D.C. in July was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault in November.
Fine against Southwest for 2022 winter storm cancellations waived by DOT
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
Omar: Any link between alleged Somali fraud and terrorism would be a "failure of the FBI"
Rep. Ilhan Omar told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that if allegations of a connection between tax dollars and terrorism are true, "that is a failure of the FBI and our court system."
Trump slams Rep. Cuellar for running again as a Democrat after pardon
President Trump took aim at Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democratic congressman from Texas whom he recently pardoned, in a Truth Social post.
HealthWatch
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Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
California warns against foraging mushrooms after cluster of poisonings, 1 death
California's public health department said one person has died and several others have suffered severe liver damage due to eating toxic mushrooms that were foraged.
Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
World
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Transcript: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Indonesian zoo releases photos of the first panda cub born in the country
A zoo on Java island has released photos of Indonesia's first locally born giant panda cub.
Transcript: Rep. Ilhan Omar on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar, Democrat of Minnesota, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who now serves on the boards of Pfizer and United Healthcare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Transcript: Rep. Jim Himes on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 7, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 7, 2025.
Entertainment
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Trump hosting Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a president
President Trump is hosting the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday after presenting medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony Saturday.
Book excerpt: "The Colonel and the King" by Peter Guralnick
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book traces the relationship between the King and Colonel Tom Parker, a manager whose marketing savvy helped launch a rock 'n' roll revolution.
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford: "I know that we don't have forever anymore"
The bestselling author had said she would no longer write novels set in the make-believe mountain village of Mitford. After the death of her daughter, she wrote through her grief – which led to her 15th Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford
Novelist Jan Karon has written 25 bestsellers, including 15 about a make-believe mountain village, Mitford – stories in which the humanity of her characters is evoked in what she calls "a place of refuge." Karon talks with Faith Salie about discovering her voice as a writer at a very young age; the comforting qualities of her stories; and how the death of her daughter, Candace, led to her latest Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Extended interview: Ethan Hawke
In this web exclusive, actor Ethan Hawke talks with Tracy Smith about his first experiences with Broadway. He also discusses his films "Explorers," "Dead Poets Society," "Reality Bites," "Training Day," and his latest, "Blue Moon," Leonardo DiCaprio's success, and his obsession with Jack Nicholson's performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
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Technology
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus, a.k.a. David Pogue! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. What might that mean for the media industry?
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.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. Jo Ling Kent talks with Tilly's creator, Eline Van der Velden, about her goal of producing "the Scarlett Johansson of the AI genre." Kent also talks with Kevin Reilly, CEO of Kartel ai, a Beverly Hills tech startup; and with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin, about the impact of AI on Hollywood and the actors' union.
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Stabbing on North Carolina train draws Trump's attention; suspect arrested
A suspect accused of stabbing a man on a Charlotte Area Transit System commuter train on Friday is undocumented and was previously deported, according to authorities.
Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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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WWII vet may be last to see Japan's surrender
John Lauritsen reports on Del Thielke, thought to be the last person alive who was present on the USS Missouri when Japan signed its Instrument of Surrender, ending World War II.
Wild horse prison program ending in Colorado
The end is near for a decades-long program that allowed incarcerated men in Colorado the chance to care for mustangs rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. Kati Weis has more.
Debt levels growing amid holiday shopping
Economists say holiday spending is growing over last year, but at a slower pace. Americans are facing higher prices without seeing more in their paychecks and that's leading to tough decisions at the register. Lisa Rozner has more.
Bethlehem lights up 65-foot Christmas tree
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has meant a return to some normalcy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Imtiaz Tyab reports from the city of Bethlehem.
Russia praises Trump's national security plan
Russia is welcoming President Trump's new U.S. national security strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow's "vision." Leigh Kiniry reports.