Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection
Former Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell will not seek reelection in 2026. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small reports.
United States Senate
Why concerns persist about Patel as FBI chief
The Senate confirmed Kash Patel to lead the FBI in a 51-49 vote on Thursday. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that the Trump ally could use the bureau's power to go after perceived political enemies of the president. CBS News Department of Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane explains.
Who could replace McConnell in the Senate?
Even before Sen. Mitch McConnell announced his decision not to seek reelection Thursday, a field of potential replacements started to take shape. The likely Republican candidates have been trading barbs for weeks. Kadia Goba, political reporter for Semafor, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Mitch McConnell not seeking reelection
Former Senate leader Mitch McConnell announced he will not be seeking reelection. This comes as both chambers of Congress navigate proposals for a budget plan. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Mitch McConnell says he won't run for reelection next year
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, long a powerful Republican leader in the Senate, won't be running for reelection in 2026.
What if Canada became the 51st state?
President Trump has floated the idea of Canada becoming the next state to join the Union. But how it would change the U.S. politically if that happened? CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett walks through a thought experiment.
Trump's pro-union pick for labor secretary faces confirmation hearing
Former GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump's nominee for labor secretary, faces opposition from at least one member of her own party.
Trump on conflicts of interest for Musk, DOGE
At a news conference on Tuesday, President Trump responded to a question about potential conflicts of interest for Elon Musk and his oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency. "Anything to do with possibly even space, we won't let Elon partake in that," Mr. Trump said. Political strategists Maura Gillespie and Meghan Hays join "America Decides" to discuss.
Rep. Stacey Plaskett on "The Takeout"
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, top Democrat on the House Judiciary's "weaponization of government" select subcommittee and the delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands, sits down with Major Garrett for this week's episode of "The Takeout" to discuss her role on the Republican-led committee and why she says House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan are attempting to intimidate Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in his investigation of former President Trump.
The headlines from Trump's first weeks in office
It has been 25 days since President Trump returned to the Oval Office, and he has kept his campaign promises, which have included mass firings, sweeping layoffs, and the upending of international policy, and all of that in just the last few days. Major Garrett discusses some of the biggest actions from the Trump administration, and what they could mean moving forward.
Minnesota open Senate seat shakes up midterms
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota announced Thursday she will not run for reelection in 2026. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall joins "America Decides" to discuss what Smith's retirement means for the Senate map in the midterms.
Sen. Tina Smith won't run for reelection in Minnesota next year
Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota announced on Thursday that she will not run for reelection next year.
Why McConnell is against some Trump nominees
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican no vote against Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence Wednesday and Thursday for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of Health and Human Services. Despite this, the Republican Party has largely remained united in confirming President Trump's Cabinet nominations. Political strategists Liza Acevedo and Kevin Sheridan join "America Decides" with analysis.
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 and sworn in as HHS secretary
The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
How Tulsi Gabbard won over Republicans
Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in Wednesday as the next director of national intelligence. During the confirmation process, she faced scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee for a 2017 visit with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, and for refusing to call National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden a traitor. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Tulsi Gabbard confirmed, sworn in as director of national intelligence
One Republican — Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — joined Democrats in voting against Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as director of national intelligence.
Trump rules out Vance as his successor
Will Vice President JD Vance be the one to take over the MAGA mantle in the future? President Trump didn't exactly give that idea a ringing endorsement. Deepa Shivaram, White House correspondent for NPR, and Leigh Ann Caldwell, chief Washington correspondent at Puck News, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Where the 2026 House map stands for Democrats
The Cook Political Report is already spotlighting toss-up races to watch in 2026. Erin Covey, U.S. House editor for the Cook Political Report, joins "America Decides" with analysis of the contests that could determine the balance of power in Washington, D.C.
Tulsi Gabbard to face final Senate vote
President Trump's nominee for director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, will soon face a final confirmation vote. She was seen as one of his more controversial picks but is now expected to face little, if any, Republican defections. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Why Gabbard will likely be confirmed as DNI
The Senate is expected to vote on and confirm Tulsi Gabbard to serve as President Trump's director of national intelligence this week. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the details.
What's next for USAID workers
A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from putting 2,200 U.S. Agency for International Development employees on leave. However, the White House still has the agency in its sights. Plus, the Senate is still awaiting a full vote to confirm three of President Trump's most controversial Cabinet nominees. CBS News' Jake Rosen and Taurean Small report.
Trump knocks Time Magazine after Musk cover
President Trump on Friday criticized Time Magazine after the publication put Elon Musk on its cover, saying he "didn't even know" it was still in business. Plus, tensions are growing between House and Senate Republicans over how to approach getting Trump's agenda to his desk. NOTUS political reporters Jasmine Wright and Daniella Diaz join "America Decides" to discuss.
Senate Democrats delay vote on Kash Patel
Senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee were set to vote on advancing Kash Patel's nomination to lead the FBI on Thursday, but that has been delayed. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more on what this means.
Trump touts first-year accomplishments in lengthy White House briefing
President Trump spoke in the White House briefing room for nearly two hours on Tuesday, marking the first year of his second term as he prepares for a high-pressure trip to Europe.
DOJ subpoenas Walz, Frey, others in probe alleging immigration obstruction
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others were subpoenaed in connection with a DOJ probe into an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers, three sources said.
Exclusive
"Mastermind" of Minnesota's biggest fraud scheme speaks out
In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Aimee Bock defended her conduct in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future fraud case, but admitted regrets.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child.
Judge bars Lindsey Halligan's continued use of U.S. attorney title
A federal judge said Lindsey Halligan's continued use of the U.S. attorney title "ignores a binding court order" that disqualified her from the position last year.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star during his 20-year MLB career. Andruw Jones was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves.
U.S.
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How parents are finding community support in delaying smartphones
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem.
Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán was a nine-time All-Star during his 20-year MLB career. Andruw Jones was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves.
Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
Supreme Court to weigh Trump's bid to oust Lisa Cook from Fed board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in August.
MoneyWatch
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Lululemon pulls "Get Low" leggings from website amid sheer fabric complaints
The company said its "Get Low" collection is temporarily unavailable for sale online, but remains in stock in stores while it reviews customer feedback.
Danish pension fund says it's selling all its U.S. Treasuries
The chief investment officer of AkademikerPension said the decision was not directly related to the rift between the U.S. and Greenland.
Trump's 10% credit card cap deadline is here. Will card companies comply?
President Trump called for a one-year 10% cap on credit card rates starting Jan. 20. Here's what credit card companies are doing.
A new buy now, pay later option from Affirm will help tenants cover rent
A new BNPL pilot from financial technology company Affirm will give renters the option to break up their rent into two equal payments.
Netflix revises its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, making it all cash
The streaming service is sweetening its offer amid Paramount Skydance's hostile takeover bid for the Hollywood studio.
Politics
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U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Supreme Court to weigh Trump's bid to oust Lisa Cook from Fed board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in August.
Second lady Usha Vance announces she is pregnant with fourth child
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance announced they are expecting their fourth child.
Judge bars Lindsey Halligan's continued use of U.S. attorney title
A federal judge said Lindsey Halligan's continued use of the U.S. attorney title "ignores a binding court order" that disqualified her from the position last year.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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U.S. seizes a seventh Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in Caribbean
The U.S. has seized seven Venezuelan-linked oil tankers since Dec. 10, 2025.
Commuter train in Spain hits collapsed wall, killing at least 1 person
A commuter train hit a collapsed retaining wall near Barcelona on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials.
Concerns mount over Iranian-American journalist wrongfully detained in Iran
Lawyers for Reza Valizadeh, a U.S. citizen arrested in 2024 by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, filed a petition Tuesday with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
China "super embassy" greenlit in London despite concerns
Despite fears of Chinese spying and hacking, the British government gave the go-ahead for China to build a massive new embassy in the heart of London.
Mexico sends 37 cartel members to U.S. amid pressure from Trump administration
Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch wrote in a social media post on X that the people transferred were "high impact criminals."
Entertainment
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Timothy Busfield ordered released from jail pending trial in child sex abuse
A judge has ordered that actor Timothy Busfield be released from jail during a detention hearing on child sex abuse charges.
"Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown on why he skipped cast interview on "CBS Mornings"
An assistant for "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown told "CBS Mornings" he would not be joining Tuesday's interview with the cast ahead of the release of the series' 10th and final season.
Bert Kreischer talks new comedy series
Actor and comedian Bert Kreischer stars in the new comedy series "Free Bert," where he plays a fictional version of himself. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the series, which was inspired by his own family, and why the show almost didn't happen.
"Queer Eye" cast reflects on show
The cast of the series "Queer Eye" talks to "CBS Mornings" about a member of the show's absence, the series' legacy ahead of its 10th and final season and how it has impacted them.
Fashion designer Valentino Garavani dies at 93
Acclaimed fashion designer Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, has died at age 93. Seth Doane looks back at his life and legacy.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Crime
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.
Busfield released before child sex abuse trial
A New Mexico judge ordered the release of actor Timothy Busfield during a pretrial detention hearing on Tuesday. Busfield is accused of inappropriately touching two child actors, which he denies. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the latest.
Indiana judge shot, injured, manhunt underway
A manhunt is underway in Indiana after a county judge and his wife were shot and wounded inside their home over the weekend. Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were taken to a hospital for medical treatment following the shooting and are in stable condition. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
New docuseries looks at "Deadpool Killer"
The new Paramount+ docuseries "Handsome Devil: Charming Killer" takes a look at the case of Wade Wilson, a convicted murderer of two women who shares a name with the comic book character Deadpool. Writer and executive producer Brian Ross joins to preview the show.
Indiana judge, wife shot in home
The manhunt is underway in Indiana after a judge and his wife were shot and wounded in their Lafayette home. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending its first all-female crew to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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
Parents find support in delaying kids' digital use
As parents grapple with their children's technology use, new guidance goes beyond individual behavior to approach the digital ecosystem. Meg Oliver has details.
Parents on edge as massive measles outbreak grows
It's been one year since a measles outbreak in West Texas killed two children and made hundreds of other people sick. While that outbreak is over, another in South Carolina is getting worse. Skyler Henry reports.
Trump's Greenland push raises global tensions
President Trump marked the first year of his return to power by posting private text messages between him and other world leaders, mocking critics of his plan to take control of Greenland, and then heading overseas to negotiate with those critics face-to-face. Ed O'Keefe has more.
Former Uvalde CISD officer's trial nears end
A jury will soon decide the fate of former Uvalde CISD officer Adrian Gonzales, whom prosecutors allege failed in his duty to stop a gunman during a 2022 mass shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca has the details.
Ten Commandments law heard in appeals court
The fate of a Louisiana law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments now lies in the hands of a federal appeals court. The court heard oral arguments on Tuesday. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has more.