Republicans flip key seats to win control of Senate
Republicans flipped the Senate with projected wins in a number of key races, cementing their majority in the upper chamber.
United States Senate
Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania has conceded his Senate race to Republican challenger Dave McCormick. Pennsylvania would be another pick-up for the Republicans in the Senate. Assuming McCormick's lead holds, Republicans would control 53 seats to Democrats' 47.
Trump taps Pam Bondi for attorney general
President-elect Donald Trump has named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new pick for U.S. attorney general after former Rep. Matt Gaetz announced he was withdrawing from consideration for the role. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the details. Then, Tom LoBianco, national politics reporter and co-founder of 24sight news, joins with analysis.
Behind Gaetz's attorney general withdrawal
Just over a week after President-elect Donald Trump named Matt Gaetz as his intended nominee for attorney general, the now-former congressman has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Senators on Gaetz exit, Hegseth allegations
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina responded to Matt Gaetz's withdrawal as President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general by saying he would "not be a rubber stamp to his nominees." Still, he would also "not engage in an angry mob mentality." Political strategists Hyma Moore and Maura Gillespie join to examine what's next for Trump's Cabinet picks.
Gaetz withdraws; Hegseth courts senators
Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump's next attorney general amid allegations of drug abuse and sexual misconduct, which he denies. Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary who is also embroiled in controversy, met with senators Thursday to get them on board with his confirmation despite dealing with sexual assault allegations of his own. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Can Democrats fill 44 judicial vacancies?
President-elect Donald Trump is urging Republicans to slow down President Biden's judicial nominations before January. There are currently 44 vacancies, and 14 of Mr. Biden's nominations await Senate approval. Wall Street Journal Supreme Court correspondent Jess Bravin joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
The future of House panel's Gaetz report
The House Ethics Committee did not reach an agreement on whether to release its report about former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Wednesday. Politico congressional reporter Olivia Beavers has more on the report's future and Gaetz's meeting with Senate lawmakers.
Sens. Collins, Kennedy on Gaetz confirmation
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana weighed in Wednesday on the potential vetting and confirmation process of former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for attorney general. Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, and Laura Davison, politics editor for Bloomberg, join "America Decides" to discuss this and more on the latest picks by Trump to join his administration.
House Ethics set to meet again in December
President-elect Donald Trump's selection of former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida as attorney general is eclipsing the rest of his transition back to the White House. The House Ethics Committee chairman said late Wednesday that they didn't have an agreement on releasing their report into misconduct allegations against Gaetz. CBS News' Nikole Killion and Ed O'Keefe have the latest.
Panel fails to agree on Gaetz report release
The House Ethics Committee finished its meeting Wednesday without reaching an agreement on releasing a report on the panel's investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who denies all wrongdoing. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Trump joins Musk for rocket launch
President-elect Donald Trump continued announcing picks for Cabinet positions and administrative roles, including tapping banking CEO Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department. Trump also joined Elon Musk in Texas on Tuesday for a SpaceX rocket launch. Caitlin-Huey Burns and Nikole Killion have more on the transition.
Trump reportedly yet to submit ethics pledge
There are several reports that President-elect Donald Trump has not yet submitted a legally required ethics pledge vowing to avoid conflicts of interest after taking the oath of office. According to the Presidential Transition Act, this pledge was required to be submitted by Oct. 1. Max Stier, founding president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Senators express doubt on Gaetz confirmation
Can former Rep. Matt Gaetz pass a Senate confirmation? One Republican senator told CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett he wouldn't bet his house on it. Kadia Goba, political reporter for Semafor, and Brakkton Booker, national political correspondent for Politico, join "America Decides" to discuss.
Trump, Vance urging senators to back Gaetz
President-elect Donald Trump is doubling down on his choice for attorney general. Trump is calling senators to push his pick of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, even while he considers making recess appointments. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Fin Gómez join "America Decides" with the latest.
As Biden nears Trump's number of judicial confirmations, GOP may slow the process
The Senate has confirmed 217 of Mr. Biden's selections to serve on the federal bench and are aiming to approve more before Republicans take control.
How Trump — with or without the Senate — could install his Cabinet nominees
The move by the president to adjourn Congress to make recess appointments would create a new precedent, experts say, affecting the way presidents see presidential power going forward.
Ethics panel to meet amid Gaetz report push
At least two of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks are involved in controversy. Now there are questions about whether Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth have the support to get confirmed for their intended roles. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has new reporting.
Lawmakers skeptical of some Trump picks
Controversy is growing over some of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks. Lawmakers are pressuring the House Ethics Committee to release a report into Trump's pick for attorney general, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett has more. Then, Sophia Cai, a national politics reporter for Axios, joins to discuss.
2020 election deniers projected to keep power
More than 100 House Republicans who denied the results of the 2020 presidential election ran for reelection in 2024. Only two who objected to certifying the election results are projected to have lost this cycle. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has the details.
Trump standing by Hegseth amid allegations
President-elect Donald Trump is standing by Pete Hegseth, his selection for secretary of defense. The former Fox News host's lawyer says Hegseth paid a confidential financial settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault to save his job at the news channel. The army veteran has denied any wrongdoing. CBS News political reporter Olivia Rinaldi joins "America Decides" with more.
What the filibuster means for Trump
With Republicans controlling Congress and the White House, President-elect Trump appears to have a clear path for his legislative goals. But Democrats can still use the filibuster to slow progress. Scott MacFarlane explains.
Recount triggered in Pa. Senate race between Casey, McCormick
Sen. Bob Casey is locked in a tight race with Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania. There will be an automatic recount of the votes, state officials say.
What unified government means for Trump's Cabinet and agenda
Even with unified GOP control of government, Trump's agenda and some of his more controversial nominees may run into some opposition.
What to know about recess appointments as Gaetz faces Senate headwinds
A recess appointment would allow Trump to install some officials and sidestep lengthy hearings and a floor vote.
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Strait of Hormuz traffic ramps up in wake of U.S.-Iran deal signing
More tankers are transiting the Strait of Hormuz after 111 days of gridlock, but Iran and the U.S. still have much to discuss.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
How Trump's memo of understanding with Iran compares to Obama nuclear deal
The Obama-era Iran deal was packed with technical details and specific requirements limiting, but not shutting down, Iran's nuclear program. President Trump's new agreement is more of a framework, and it's not final yet.
Ukraine drone strike hits major Russian oil refinery near Moscow
Ukraine's Zelenskyy says after second major strike on Russian oil refinery that unless Putin stops his war, "Moscow will burn."
Read the 14 points of the agreement between Iran and the U.S.
The agreement, as read by senior U.S. officials, allows Iran to immediately begin exporting oil and petroleum products.
Live
Live Updates: Knicks celebrate championship win with parade in NYC
The New York Knicks are being honored with a ticker-tape parade at 10 a.m. Thursday through the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan.
Tornadoes tear through Illinois, Iowa as severe weather roils Midwest
Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Illinois and Iowa Wednesday as severe weather brought the risk of thunderstorms and prompted a flurry of tornado warnings for a large swath of the Midwest.
1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died, group says
A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood may have been loved to death.
Trump upends Senate GOP's plans once again with nomination demands
A number of poorly timed announcements have forced Senate Republicans to squander carefully laid plans, exposing a widening rift within the party.
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Trump upends Senate GOP's plans once again with nomination demands
A number of poorly timed announcements have forced Senate Republicans to squander carefully laid plans, exposing a widening rift within the party.
Gas prices fall below $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 3 months
The national average for a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. drops to $3.99, the lowest since March 30.
Live
Live Updates: Knicks celebrate championship win with parade in NYC
The New York Knicks are being honored with a ticker-tape parade at 10 a.m. Thursday through the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan.
Tornadoes tear through Illinois, Iowa as severe weather roils Midwest
Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Illinois and Iowa Wednesday as severe weather brought the risk of thunderstorms and prompted a flurry of tornado warnings for a large swath of the Midwest.
Knicks accepted invitation to visit Trump at White House, Dolan says
The New York Knicks are planning to visit the White House, owner James Dolan said Wednesday, marking a first for an NBA Finals winner during President Trump's time in office.
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Gas prices fall below $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 3 months
The national average for a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. drops to $3.99, the lowest since March 30.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
Social Security faces looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?
Social Security checks could see a 22% cut in 2032 unless Congress takes steps to shore up the program. Here are 5 ideas for fixing it.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
What to expect as Kevin Warsh leads his first Fed interest rate meeting
New Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is stepping in at a critical juncture for the U.S. economy, with inflation at its highest level in more than three years.
Politics
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Trump upends Senate GOP's plans once again with nomination demands
A number of poorly timed announcements have forced Senate Republicans to squander carefully laid plans, exposing a widening rift within the party.
Arrests of immigrant parents create mental health crisis for children
An estimated hundreds of thousands of children, many of them U.S. citizens, have been separated from a parent in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Knicks accepted invitation to visit Trump at White House, Dolan says
The New York Knicks are planning to visit the White House, owner James Dolan said Wednesday, marking a first for an NBA Finals winner during President Trump's time in office.
How Trump's memo of understanding with Iran compares to the Obama nuclear deal
The Obama-era Iran deal was packed with technical details and specific requirements limiting, but not shutting down, Iran's nuclear program. President Trump's new agreement is more of a framework, and it's not final yet.
This law firm has deep ties to Trump. Now a partner is his pick for a top job.
Jamie McDonald, a partner at the firm Sullivan & Cromwell, is President Trump's choice to helm one of the nation's most prestigious federal prosecutors' offices.
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HealthWatch
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
Drummer rediscovers his rhythm after setback
In the "CBS Mornings" series "Pushing the Limits," Mark Strassmann shows how a Georgia man's passion for music was almost taken away from him forever after a terrible accident. But thanks to his resilience and technology, the man is now a record-breaking drummer.
Arrests of immigrant parents create mental health crisis for children
An estimated hundreds of thousands of children, many of them U.S. citizens, have been separated from a parent in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Ebola outbreak still spreading in Congo: "We are missing cases"
A WHO official tells CBS News Ebola is still spreading in Congo after a month, as experts race to contain the outbreak in Central Africa.
American doctor who recovered from Ebola back in U.S., says he's "feeling well"
Dr. Peter Stafford, his wife, Rebekah Stafford, and their four children all arrived safely on Monday, according to Serge, a Pennsylvania-based Christian missions organization.
World
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Ukraine drone strike hits major Russian oil refinery near Moscow
Ukraine's Zelenskyy says after second major strike on Russian oil refinery that unless Putin stops his war, "Moscow will burn."
1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died, group says
A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood may have been loved to death.
Live
Strait of Hormuz traffic ramps up in wake of U.S.-Iran deal signing
More tankers are transiting the Strait of Hormuz after 111 days of gridlock, but Iran and the U.S. still have much to discuss.
Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
How mistrust and war are fueling a deadly Ebola outbreak
Efforts to stop Central Africa's deadly Ebola outbreak face widespread mistrust and porous borders in a war zone.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
Drummer rediscovers his rhythm after setback
In the "CBS Mornings" series "Pushing the Limits," Mark Strassmann shows how a Georgia man's passion for music was almost taken away from him forever after a terrible accident. But thanks to his resilience and technology, the man is now a record-breaking drummer.
Extended interview: Myles Smith
British singer-songwriter Myles Smith talks to Anthony Mason about his much-anticipated debut album, "My Mess, My Heart, My Life," growing up in London, his rapid rise to stardom and more.
CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
CBS to host America 250 special on July 4
"CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil and "Entertainment Tonight" co-host Nischelle Turner will host "The Great American Block Party 250," a primetime special on July 4 celebrating America's 250th birthday from Washington, D.C.
Technology
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Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
Australia's social media ban, 6 months later
Six months after Australia implemented the world's first-ever social media ban for kids under 16, South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the changes he's seen among teens.
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.
Anthropic pulls access to new AI models
Anthropic pulled access to its newly released AI models, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, after the U.S. government restricted who could use them. David Katzmaier, CNET editor-in-chief, joins CBS News to discuss.
Want to start a business? AI can help, business owners say
AI is slashing the cost of starting and running a business. "Everything has decreased in cost and increased in speed," one entrepreneur said.
Science
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Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
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Crime
Ex-police commissioner on Heuermann sentence
The Long Island architect who lived a secret life as the Gilgo Beach serial killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday. Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, who formed the task force that ultimately led to Rex Heuermann's arrest, joins with analysis.
Gilgo Beach serial killer sentenced
In a Long Island courtroom Wednesday, Rex Heuermann received three life sentences for choking and dismembering eight women, most of them in his basement, over the course of more than 15 years. The 62-year-old addressed the court before he was sent away. Tom Hanson reports.
Inside Gilgo Beach killer's sentencing hearing
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to life in prison without parole. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan was in the courtroom and joins with details.
Heuermann addresses court as he's sentenced
Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after pleading guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Heuermann spoke at the hearing where the sentence was handed down. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Rex Heuermann sentenced to life in prison
Rex Huermann, the man who pleaded guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
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NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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?
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.
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Latest CBS News Videos
Shocking draw in World Cup match
All 48 teams in the FIFA World Cup have played their opening matches. Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo only got a draw against Congo, who played in its first World Cup match since 1974. Meanwhile, Harry Kane led England to a win over Croatia.
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
Major drone attack in Russia near Kremlin
Ukraine launched its biggest attack in Moscow since the war with Russia began. Videos show massive fires after drones were used to attack an oil refinery near the Kremlin. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.
Trump on Iran having ballistic missiles
President Trump is now saying that Iran should have ballistic missiles. This comes as he navigates his way out of the war and as the clock begins ticking on negotiations with Tehran to reach an agreement. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe reports.
More Americans are worrying about retirement
Working and retired Americans are much less confident in their financial ability to maintain a comfortable retirement compared to a year ago, according to a new survey from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger has more context.