Hegseth orders 20% reduction of four-star generals and admirals
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the reduction of generals, admirals and officers to reduce "excess general and flag officer positions," he said in a memo.
United States Military
Hegseth orders cuts at Pentagon
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered a minimum 20% reduction of four-star generals and admirals across the military, according to a memo obtained by CBS News. Military analyst Mike Lyons, a retired major in the U.S. Army, joined CBS News to discuss the move.
Trump's military parade may cost millions
President Trump has given Congress a budget blueprint for fiscal year 2026. But for now, a different spending plan -- one for a military parade to be held on the president's birthday -- is drawing closer attention in Washington. Ed O'Keefe has details.
What's inside Trump's 2026 budget plan?
President Trump unveiled his budget plan for the 2026 fiscal year on Friday. It proposes $163 billion in cuts to some key programs. A notable exception is defense spending, which he wants to boost to over $1 trillion. Juliegrace Brufke, 24sight News congressional correspondent, and Andrew Solender, Axios congressional reporter, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Plan for possible military parade on Trump's birthday includes troops, vehicles
Army plans for a potential military parade on President Trump's birthday in June include military vehicles and "thousands" of troops.
Unpacking military report on sexual assaults
For the second year in a row, the U.S. military reported a drop in annual sexual assaults. Nearly 8,200 reports of assaults involving service members across all branches were made in 2024 -- down 4% from 2023. Charlie D'Agata has more.
Government spending is up, data shows
One of President Trump's campaign promises was to get rid of what he described as waste and fraud in the government to save money. CBS News dug into these claims to see if that's happened so far. CBS News vice president of data journalism John Kelly breaks down the numbers on government spending.
Legal challenges in Trump's first 100 days
In response to the Trump administration's flurry of actions during its first 100 days, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman looks into some of these cases.
Afghanistan Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer reenlists in Marine Reserves
Dakota Meyer, a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Afghanistan War, is reenlisting in the the military and will serve in the Marine Reserves.
Female Army Ranger first to compete in Best Ranger contest
A female Army Ranger for the first time competed in the annual Best Ranger Competition, finishing the event with her two-soldier team in 14th.
Admiral to NATO fired, 9th senior military officer ousted by Trump team
The Pentagon said Tuesday Navy Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield has been removed as the U.S. military representative to NATO "due to a loss in confidence in her ability to lead."
NATO chief on Trump's tariffs
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan he doesn't believe President Trump's sweeping tariffs on all U.S. trading partners will harm the military alliance. "I'm not saying it doesn't have an impact on individual allies, but it does not have an impact on the alliance," Rutte said.
About 1 in 4 close calls involve military aircraft
Nearly 1 in 4 of the more than 8,000 near midair collisions voluntarily reported to the FAA between 1987 and 2021 involve at least one military aircraft, according to a CBS News data analysis. Kris Van Cleave has more.
Extended: Afghanistan's Abdul Qahar Balkhi
In a wide-ranging interview with CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdul Qahar Balkhi says U.S. military hardware left behind after the Biden administration's hasty withdrawal from America's longest war belongs to Afghanistan, rejecting President Donald Trump's offer to consider releasing frozen currency assets in exchange. But Balkhi says the country's "untapped" mineral wealth are open to U.S. businesses, just as the ruling Taliban are open to dialogue with the Trump administration, in the hope of normalising relations.
Airman who was shot down, imprisoned during World War II accounted for
U.S. Army Air Forces Cpl. Glenn H. Hodak was a gunner aboard a B-29 "Superfortress" in Japan in March 1945.
Retired Army Major on Signal group chat leak
The Atlantic's editor-in-chief released new details on Wednesday from the Trump administration's Signal group chat he was added to about strikes in Yemen. Retired U.S. Army Major and military analyst Mike Lyons joins "CBS News" with reaction.
New Medal of Honor Museum stirs controversy
The sister of Master Sgt. John Chapman, who died in Afghanistan in March 2002, criticized the new National Medal of Honor Museum in an interview with "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil.
Black Veterans Project leader on DEI purge
The Department of Defense has restored some pages across its websites and social media that were deleted during a widespread purge of diversity, equity and inclusion content. Among the posts deleted was an article recognizing the military career of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who was drafted during World War II. Richard Brookshire, co-founder of the Black Veterans Project, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
New museum honoring Medal of Honor recipients
A museum honoring Medal of Honor recipients is set to open this week in Texas. Jason Allen takes a look inside.
Elon Musk meets with Pentagon officials
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk visited the Pentagon Friday for a briefing and meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. During a press conference at the Oval Office, President Trump denied reports that Musk received a briefing about the U.S. military's defense plans on China. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Trump tries to remove trans service members
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing back against a federal judge's ruling that blocks President Trump's executive order barring transgender people from the military. CBS News national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more.
Transgender military members open up about possible ban
Active duty service members discussed what it means to potentially face the ends of their military careers under President Trump's executive order.
Transgender military members discuss service
Two active service military members talk about their careers amid the Trump administration's efforts to ban transgender members.
2 transgender soldiers speak out on Trump's ban
A federal judge this week temporarily blocked an executive order from President Trump that seeks to ban transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. Two transgender service members spoke to Charlie D'Agata about why they want nothing more than the opportunity to serve their country. Then, Jan Crawford takes a look at how these court fights are shaping up.
Judge blocks Trump order barring transgender people from military
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ruled in favor of transgender active-duty service members and transgender people in the process of enlisting.
Live
Israel targets more Iran leaders as allies reject Trump's calls for help
Israel says it killed Iran's top security official Ali Larijani, as America's European allies reject Trump's demands for help in the Strait of Hormuz.
House Oversight chairman subpoenas Bondi for testimony on Epstein files
The subpoena issued by GOP Rep. James Comer of Kentucky requires Bondi to appear for a deposition on April 14.
Top Trump counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war
President Trump's director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, announced his immediate resignation Tuesday, citing the administration's decision to intervene in Iran.
Live
Live Updates: 2026 Illinois primary elections results as polls close
The Illinois primary election for 2026 is today, March 17, with races for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House up for grabs. Get live updates and results from the polls.
Senate votes to begin marathon debate over SAVE America Act
The Senate voted to begin a marathon debate on the SAVE America Act, an elections bill that President Trump has been pressing Republicans to pass.
Judge orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America's operations
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore the government-run Voice of America to full operations, putting hundreds of journalists who have been on administrative leave for a year back to work.
Chief Justice: Personal attacks on judges are "dangerous and it's got to stop"
President Trump has slammed the Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down most of his tariffs, claiming they "openly disrespect the Presidents who nominate them."
The U.S. is the world's leading oil producer. So why are gas prices soaring?
"If the price of oil goes up, the price of everything goes up," said former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
Meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Cleveland
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO.
U.S.
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Arizona alleges Kalshi engaged in illegal gambling, election wagering
The complaint includes 20 separate counts against Kalshi, claiming the company accepted bets from Arizona residents in violation of state law.
Here's how much U.S. families need to make to feel economically secure
Many Americans feel like they live in a "hamster wheel economy," said one expert who studies economic security.
Amazon introduces 1-hour and 3-hour delivery in U.S.
Amazon is speeding deliveries, putting pressure on other retailers. Here's where 1- and 3-hour delivery options are available and how much the service costs.
Chief Justice: Personal attacks on judges are "dangerous and it's got to stop"
President Trump has slammed the Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down most of his tariffs, claiming they "openly disrespect the Presidents who nominate them."
Sponsored
Using AI for financial advice? Here's what to watch out for.
AI and other technologies can help you manage your financial life. But don't rely exclusively on such tools for money matters.
MoneyWatch
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Arizona alleges Kalshi engaged in illegal gambling, election wagering
The complaint includes 20 separate counts against Kalshi, claiming the company accepted bets from Arizona residents in violation of state law.
Here's how much U.S. families need to make to feel economically secure
Many Americans feel like they live in a "hamster wheel economy," said one expert who studies economic security.
Amazon introduces 1-hour and 3-hour delivery in U.S.
Amazon is speeding deliveries, putting pressure on other retailers. Here's where 1- and 3-hour delivery options are available and how much the service costs.
Sponsored
Using AI for financial advice? Here's what to watch out for.
AI and other technologies can help you manage your financial life. But don't rely exclusively on such tools for money matters.
The U.S. is the world's leading oil producer. So why are gas prices soaring?
"If the price of oil goes up, the price of everything goes up," said former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
Politics
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Judge orders Trump administration to restore Voice of America's operations
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore the government-run Voice of America to full operations, putting hundreds of journalists who have been on administrative leave for a year back to work.
DHS keeps paying Coast Guard personnel despite partial government shutdown
The Department of Homeland Security is using discretionary funding to continue paying active-duty U.S. Coast Guard personnel during the department's ongoing shutdown, even as civilian employees remain unpaid.
Army general left classified maps of Ukraine war on train, watchdog finds
The Defense Department inspector general found Major General Antonio Aguto in separate incidents improperly handled classified documents and engaged in the "overindulgence of alcohol."
Chief Justice: Personal attacks on judges are "dangerous and it's got to stop"
President Trump has slammed the Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down most of his tariffs, claiming they "openly disrespect the Presidents who nominate them."
House Oversight chairman subpoenas Bondi for testimony on Epstein files
The subpoena issued by GOP Rep. James Comer of Kentucky requires Bondi to appear for a deposition on April 14.
HealthWatch
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Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
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Why the death of Iran's top security official is significant
Ali Larijani was among the most senior leaders of the regime still alive in Iran after top leaders were killed at the start of the war.
Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor embraced by Obama dies at 88
Shigeaki Mori was 8 years old when he survived the Aug. 6, 1945 U.S. attack, only one and a half miles away from the blast.
EU rejects Trump's calls for deployments to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Despite Trump's repeated calls, the EU foreign policy chief says "nobody is ready to put their people in harm's way in the Strait of Hormuz."
Top Trump counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war
President Trump's director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, announced his immediate resignation Tuesday, citing the administration's decision to intervene in Iran.
Accused Latin American drug lord arrives in U.S. after years on the run
Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was captured in Bolivia last week and transferred to U.S. custody.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Melissa Etheridge opens up about new music
Melissa Etheridge speaks with "CBS Mornings" about releasing her 17th studio album "Rise" later this month, writing about the loss of her son and grief.
Woman on viral Coldplay "kiss cam" speaks out
Kristin Cabot, the woman from the viral Coldplay "kiss cam" video, spoke in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey about the backlash she received from that moment and how it differed from comments made about her boss Andy Byron, the CEO of their company.
Kennedy Center votes to shut down ahead of Trump-backed renovation project
The Kennedy Center's board of directors has voted to shut down operations for two years following this summer's July 4 celebrations.
Stars walk Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet
Oscar winners Jessie Buckley, Michael B. Jordan and other celebrities appeared on the red carpet for the Vanity Fair party after the awards show. See some of the red carpet looks.
Did "Sinners" get snubbed at the Oscars?
The 2026 Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles on Sunday. Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier breaks down the winners and the biggest upsets.
Technology
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Technology
Landmark social media trial continues
A verdict could come as soon as Tuesday in the landmark trial against Meta and Google for allegedly fueling social media addictions. CBS News contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
U.S. hospitals, insurers turn to AI for claims
A constant battle in the U.S. health care system is the fight between insurers and providers over the cost of medical procedures and who foots the bill. Both sides are turning to artificial intelligence to make their case. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
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.
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Science
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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Crime
Kouri Richins found guilty on all charges
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom accused of killing her husband and later writing a children's book about grief, was found guilty on all charges Monday, including aggravated murder. Her sentencing is now set for May and she faces the possibility of life in prison.
Accused Latin American drug lord arrives in U.S. after years on the run
Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was captured in Bolivia last week and transferred to U.S. custody.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Kouri Richins, mom who wrote grief book, found guilty of murdering her husband
Jurors delivered their verdict Monday in the trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah mother accused of murdering her husband and later publishing a children's book about grief.
Space
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Meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
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
Top Iranian leader killed in major blow
Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani was killed in overnight strikes, Israel said, marking a significant moment for the Islamic Republic in the conflict. Charlie D'Agata has more.
Trump's counterterrorism chief resigns over Iran
President Trump's director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, announced his immediate resignation citing the decision to begin a war against Iran when "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation." Ed O'Keefe has details.
Weather whiplash across U.S. as spring begins
In parts of the west, there are already extreme heat alerts, days before spring starts. But further east, cold air has moved in, lingering after a major storm dropped feet of snow across the region. Dave Malkoff has the latest.
TSA checkpoints close over staffing issues
The situation at American airports have gone from bad to worse as parts of the Department of Homeland Security remain without funding. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Search for Nancy Guthrie hits Day 45
Tuesday marked day 45 in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. CBS News' Anna Schecter has an update on case.