Menendez's courtroom reaction to sentencing
Former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption and bribery. CBS News political reporter and attorney Katrina Kaufman reports.
United States Senate
RFK Jr. faces questions in contentious hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced questions from senators in a hearing that last more than three hours Wednesday as he strives to be confirmed as President Trump's director of the Department of Health and Human Services. He was pressed about controversial statements he has made in the past on vaccines and abortion. Dr. Jon LaPook has more on the hearing.
Senators grill RFK Jr. on vaccines
Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended some of his past controversial vaccine statements on the first day of his confirmation hearings Wednesday. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more on the reaction of Democrats.
Abortion opponents praise RFK Jr., after he vows to follow Trump
Kennedy pledged to do "whatever" Trump wants on abortion pills, as the nation's top health official.
What RFK Jr. told senators about his views
President Trump's nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appeared for a confirmation hearing before senators Wednesday on Capitol Hill. As Republicans heaped praise, Democrats worked to pick apart Kennedy's views on everything from vaccines to abortion. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Olivia Rinaldi have the latest.
Breaking down RFK Jr. confirmation hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before senators on Capitol Hill, President Trump signed the first bill of his second presidency and the White House recalibrated its order to pause all funding on federal grants and loans. Political strategists Maura Gillespie and Hyma Moore join "America Decides" to unpack the day's top political stories.
Menendez after sentencing: "Trump is right"
A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey to 11 years in prison in his bribery case. A jury convicted Menendez in 2024 on 16 felony counts. CBS News political reporter and attorney Katrina Kaufman has the details.
Hawaii Gov. Green makes case against RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, made his case to senators Wednesday on Capitol Hill. But as lawmakers consider Kennedy's nomination, Hawaii's Democratic governor has a message for them. Gov. Josh Green joins "America Decides" to explain why he believes confirming Kennedy could have deadly consequences.
Former N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced Wednesday on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Buttigieg taking "serious look" at Senate run
Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary, is seriously looking at running for Senate in Michigan, according to a source close to him. A seat opened up in the battleground state Tuesday after Democratic Sen. Gary Peters announced that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the details.
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he won't seek reelection
The announcement by Sen. Gary Peters creates an open seat in battleground Michigan, which has flipped from red to blue to red again in the last three presidential elections.
Judge temporarily halts federal funding pause
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily halted President Trump's federal funding freeze on Tuesday to allow further litigation. Nancy Cook, senior national political correspondent for Bloomberg News, and Juliegrace Brufke, senior political correspondent for The Daily Beast, join "America Decides" with analysis.
FBI insider raises concerns about Kash Patel
An FBI whistleblower is accusing Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to lead the bureau, of violating government protocol by commenting publicly about an ongoing hostage rescue in 2020. CBS News investigative reporter Dan Klaidman has the details.
Senate confirms Pete Hegseth as defense secretary; Vance casts tiebreaking vote
Pete Hegseth's nomination once appeared on shaky ground amid allegations that included sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
Murkowski, Collins to vote against Hegseth
Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins on Thursday became the first Republicans to say they won't vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Plus, a federal judge in Seattle temporarily stalled President Trump's plans to end birthright citizenship, calling the executive order "blatantly unconstitutional." CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Olivia Rinaldi have the latest.
Where does RFK Jr.'s nomination stand?
Health and Human Services secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to appear before senators on Capitol Hill next week. It's a highly anticipated confirmation hearing partly because of the former presidential candidate's well-documented history of spreading false and misleading vaccine claims. Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, joins "America Decides" to discuss the state of Kennedy's nomination.
Hegseth facing new allegations in affidavit
Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, is facing new allegations in an affidavit reviewed by senators. In the document, Hegseth's former sister-in-law alleges he caused his second wife to fear for her safety, a claim he denies. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more.
Trump, Biden pardons draw bipartisan ire
After the Justice Department's four-year effort to arrest, prosecute and punish those behind the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, President Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,500 people Monday night. Earlier that day, then-President Biden also issued preemptive pardons to his family members. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Ed O'Keefe join "America Decides" with the latest on the fallout.
Senate confirms Marco Rubio as secretary of state
The Senate quickly confirmed Rubio as the nation's top diplomat hours after Trump was sworn in.
Senate confirms Rubio as secretary of state
The Senate unanimously voted on Monday to confirm former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as President Trump's secretary of state. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports from Capitol Hill.
Jon Husted, Ohio's lieutenant governor, to fill Vance's Senate seat
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine named Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the Senate seat that Vice President-elect JD Vance is vacating.
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.
Main takeaways from confirmation hearings
On Thursday, Senators heard from President-elect Donald Trump's picks for secretary of the Interior, secretary of the Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency administrator and Housing and Urban Development secretary. CBS News political reporter Taurean Small has more and political reporter Aaron Navarro reports on Trump's latest moves.
More Trump nominees sit for Senate hearings
President-elect Donald Trump's picks for the Treasury, Housing and Urban Development and Interior departments, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, went before lawmakers on Thursday. Among them included former presidential candidate Doug Burgum and billionaire Trump donor Scott Bessent. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Taurean Small have more.
Who is Ashley Moody? DeSantis' pick for Rubio's Senate seat explained
The Florida attorney general will serve as U.S. senator until the next general election in 2026 when the seat returns to the ballot.
Live
Trump defends war with Iran as conflict widens
Israel sent troops into Lebanon as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran widened, and some of Iran's Gulf neighbors warned that Iran's retaliatory fire could draw them into the spreading conflict.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Texas GOP Senate primary heading to Cornyn-Paxton runoff, CBS News projects
In the Texas GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to a runoff, with neither clearing 50% of the vote.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
Critical primaries held in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas
Voters headed to the polls Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, marking the start of the 2026 midterm cycle.
GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw loses primary to Texas state Rep. Steve Toth, CBS News projects
Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas lost his primary race to Republican state Rep. Steve Toth.
FBI agents Patel fired worked in counterintel, including on cases involving Iran
Many of the agents who were fired last week by FBI Director Kash Patel were assigned to a squad that worked on global counterintelligence cases, including those involving Iran, sources said.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
The DOJ has been taking down Epstein files. Here's what remains.
The massive tranche of files the Justice Department currently maintains is more than 65,000 pages shorter than what the agency initially released.
U.S.
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GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw loses primary to Texas state Rep. Steve Toth, CBS News projects
Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas lost his primary race to Republican state Rep. Steve Toth.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
MoneyWatch
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United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Gas prices across the U.S. jump 11 cents per gallon, AAA says
Crude oil prices are surging due to the Iran war, pushing up prices at the pump across the U.S., according to AAA.
Target to invest $2 billion in AI, stores, staffing as it seeks to reverse slump
Target will invest another $2 billion in its business this year to spruce up stores, remodel locations and invest in workers, the retailer said Tuesday as it outlined plans to try to reverse a persistent sales malaise and reclaim its footing in fashion and home categories.
Stocks pare losses as Trump says U.S. will insure ships in the Persian Gulf
U.S. financial markets rebounded after shedding more than 1,200 points in earlier trading on Tuesday.
Politics
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GOP Rep. Dan Crenshaw loses primary to Texas state Rep. Steve Toth, CBS News projects
Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas lost his primary race to Republican state Rep. Steve Toth.
Laurie Buckhout projected to win GOP primary in redrawn N.C. district
Buckhout narrowly lost to Democratic Rep. Don Davis in 2024.
Bobby Pulido wins Democratic primary in Texas' 15th District, CBS News projects
CBS News projects Bobby Pulido wins Texas' 15th Congressional District, setting up battle against Republican incumbent Rep. Monica De La Cruz.
Texas GOP Senate primary heading to Cornyn-Paxton runoff, CBS News projects
In the Texas GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to a runoff, with neither clearing 50% of the vote.
Gates among 7 asked to testify before House committee on possible Epstein ties
Last week, Bill Gates apologized to the staff of his philanthropic Gates Foundation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which he said began in 2011 and continued through 2014.
HealthWatch
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Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
World
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Americans trying to evacuate Middle East frustrated with government response
The U.S. Department of State has urged Americans to leave 14 countries across the Middle East amid the widening Iran war, but most flights have been canceled.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
Beijing braces for economic impact as Iran war threatens Chinese oil
China is the largest importer of energy in the world, and the disruption to oil imports caused by the conflict could be a potential Achilles' heel for Beijing.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
Technology
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Technology
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data center
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
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.
Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
Science
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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.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Social media believed to be shooter's is full of antisemitic, anti-Christian posts
The attacker who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, over the weekend appears to have posted antisemitic, anti-Christian and misogynistic messages on social media.
Durbin presses Noem on Pretti, Good killings
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about her comments after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during immigration protests in Minneapolis.
Alleged school shooter's dad convicted
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School student accused of shooting and killing two students and two teachers, guilty of all charges, including second-degree murder, on Tuesday. This marks the third time a parent has been charged for connection to a mass shooting. CBS News' Skyler Henry has the latest.
Noem's opening statement before Senate panel
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blasted the current funding lapse affecting her department during her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Noem also touted the operations at DHS under the Trump administration despite mounting scrutiny over her handling of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Colin Gray: Jury finds father of accused Georgia school shooter guilty on all charges
The jury has found Colin Gray, the man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, guilty of second-degree murder and all other charges.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
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.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
Why polls in Dallas County are open late
Primary election polls have closed in most of Texas, but voters in Dallas County will have until 10 p.m. ET to cast their ballot. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe explains why.
Pilot, passenger survive plane crash in icy river
A small plane pulled off an emergency landing on the Hudson River north of New York City, with both people on board suffering only minor injuries. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Whatley and Cooper win Senate primaries
Republican Michael Whatley and Democrat Roy Cooper will face off in North Carolina's Senate race, CBS News projects, after the two picked up primary wins Tuesday night.
Trump says almost all of Iranian military hit
The U.S. and Israel have launched ferocious new attacks on Iran, with President Trump saying "just about everything's been knocked." Yet, Iran is still hitting back. Tony Dokoupil has the latest.
Man arrested outside Ken Paxton event
A man with magazines was taken into custody outside of a Ken Paxton election event in Dallas, Texas, Tuesday night. CBS News' Nidia Cavazos reports.