What happens if a lawmaker takes a long absence?
Senate GOP leaders say they've spoken to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for more than three weeks. USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page joins to discuss.
United States Senate
Platner under pressure from Democrats
Top Democrats want the party's nominee to drop out of the U.S. Senate race in Maine. Graham Platner has been involved in controversy throughout the campaign, but a new allegation of sexual misconduct had former allies speaking up. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Democratic, GOP strategists on Platner fallout
Democrats are floating potential replacements for Graham Platner in the wake of a sexual assault allegation, but he has yet to drop out of the Maine Senate race. Platner denies the claim. Political strategists T.W. Arrighi and Matt Bennett join with analysis.
Graham Platner faces tight deadline
Democrat Graham Platner is facing growing pressure to drop out of the Maine Senate race over a sexual assault allegation he denies. If Platner does decide to end his campaign, he needs to do so by July 13 or he'll remain the Democratic nominee. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports from Maine.
Fetterman tells those who backed Platner to "sit it out" on a possible replacement
Sen. John Fetterman condemned his colleagues who continued backing Graham Platner amid a string of scandals.
Senate Republicans say they talked to McConnell
Questions are growing about the health of Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has not been seen since he was hospitalized in mid-June. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has the latest.
Fetterman calls Platner a "total dirtbag"
Democrats are pulling their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the claim. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joins "The Takeout" with his reaction.
Where Graham Platner's Senate campaign stands
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner's support among lawmakers is vanishing in the wake of a sexual assault allegation first reported by Politico. Platner denies the claim. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says he encouraged Graham Platner to step aside
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Tuesday that he spoke with Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner and recommended that he exit the Senate race.
Platner told to leave race amid allegations
Senate hopeful Graham Platner is under increasing pressure to drop out of his race ahead of a key ballot deadline after he was accused of sexual assault. Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest.
What are the limits of Trump's IRS deal?
The IRS is permanently blocked from pursuing claims against President Trump and his family members following a lawsuit settlement. Senate Democrats are now asking 11 organizations with ties to the Trumps to explain whether they are included in the deal. Bradley Blackburn has more.
Platner pressured to drop out of Senate race
Party leadership is pressing Maine Democrat Graham Platner to leave the Senate race following sexual assault allegations. CBS News' Fin Gómez explains what could happen if Platner drops out.
Democrats call on Platner to drop Senate bid
Politico reports that a woman Graham Platner dated claims he forced her to have sex against her will. The Maine Democratic Senate nominee denies the allegation. Aaron Zitner, reporter and editor in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, joins with more.
Platner "taking the time to reflect" on campaign
A woman who dated Democratic Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner five years ago is accusing him of sexual assault in a new Politico report. Platner denies the allegation. CBS News political director Fin Gómez has more.
Democrats withdrawing Platner endorsements
At least two Democrats, Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, have pulled their endorsements of Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault in an interview with Politico. Platner denies the allegation. Political strategists Ameshia Cross and Marc Short join with analysis.
Platner denies sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner says he's mulling the "best path forward" after a woman he dated told Politico he sexually assaulted her five years ago. Platner called the allegation "categorically false." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
AOC backs Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate bid
Michigan progressive Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has scored an endorsement from Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, her first in a contested Senate primary for the 2026 cycle. Political strategists Joel Payne and Sarah Chamberlain join with analysis.
Axios: Harris reached out to Mamdani, activists
Axios reports that former Vice President Kamala Harris has reached out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and pro-Palestinian activists. Political strategists Cassie Smedile and Hyma Moore join with analysis.
Cassidy on Trump and the Senate
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who recently lost the primary in his state to a challenger endorsed by President Trump, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he thinks Congress will continue to hold Mr. Trump accountable after he and Sens. Thom Tillis and John Conryn leave, but he added "I don't know" if the president knows the Senate is a separate body from the presidency.
Bill Cassidy on shouting match with Trump
Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy got into a shouting match with President Trump in a private meeting on Wednesday, telling him the administration has not been honest with the American people about the conflict. Cassidy spoke with Margaret Brennan and Ed O'Keefe reports.
Senate Dems launch election observer training
Senate Democrats announced they're creating a new program to train congressional staff to serve as independent election observers. The staff members will be sent to polling locations to monitor voting procedures and ballot counting in states with Senate races. The House already has a similar program. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has more.
Cassidy on changing Iran war powers stance
The Senate on Wednesday rejected a measure to constrain President Trump's war powers in Iran after two key Republicans flipped their votes. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan spoke with one of those senators, Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, about the decision. Political strategists Matt Bennett and Doug Heye join with analysis.
Democrats rally for Talarico at Texas convention
Democrats from around the country are convening in Texas for the party's largest gathering this year. A top focus of the three-day convention will be on the state's upcoming Senate race. CBS News political contributor and Talarico campaign adviser Chuck Rocha joins to assess the state of the race.
What happened at Trump-Senate GOP meeting
President Trump held a tense meeting with Senate Republicans on Wednesday, hours after he suddenly canceled a signing ceremony for newly passed housing affordability legislation. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has the details. Then, New York Times congressional correspondent Robert Jimison joins to discuss further.
Trump has shouting match on Capitol Hill
President Trump threw Capitol Hill into turmoil on Wednesday, abruptly canceling plans to sign a bill aimed at lowering housing costs. His closed-door luncheon with Republican senators turned into a shouting match over the war in Iran. The president wants senators to pass a different bill that would change voting rules. Caitlin Huey Burns reports.
Judge blocks Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, restoring White House access
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from barring the outlets from the White House and said their journalists' press credentials must be restored.
Trump rolls out the red carpet for Xi despite U.S.-China tensions
It's not clear what specific goals President Trump wants to accomplish in his meeting with the Chinese leader.
Navy reports 8 suicide attempts on carrier group that faced monthslong deployment
There have been eight suicide attempts across the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group since the beginning of its grueling monthslong deployment last year, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said.
Live
Iran's president calls U.S. attacks "cowardly" as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Hurricane Polo is a powerful Category 4 storm off Mexico. See its path.
Hurricane Polo intensified rapidly in the Pacific off the southwestern Mexican coast, growing into a Category 5 storm before weakening slightly to a Category 4. Here's the latest on its path.
Sen. Tim Scott says GOP in "fight for our lives," sees path to holding Senate
With just under six weeks until the midterms, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina laid out the NRSC's strategy to try to hold onto the Senate amid a tough political environment.
Hawaii is facing another hurricane watch as new storm closes in
Nolo is expected to become a hurricane sometime Thursday, and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island.
Florida gov. candidate Byron Donalds responds after Trump mentions removed from site
Some prominent references to President Trump were scrubbed from Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds' campaign website in recent weeks, but the Republican said he isn't backing away from the president's agenda.
Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 15 years in New York sexual assault case
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday morning for sexually assaulting Miriam Haley at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
U.S.
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Florida gov. candidate Byron Donalds responds after Trump mentions removed from site
Some prominent references to President Trump were scrubbed from Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds' campaign website in recent weeks, but the Republican said he isn't backing away from the president's agenda.
Sen. Tim Scott says GOP in "fight for our lives," sees path to holding Senate
With just under six weeks until the midterms, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina laid out the NRSC's strategy to try to hold onto the Senate amid a tough political environment.
Judge dismisses Trump's 2024 lawsuit against Iowa newspaper over poll results
An Iowa judge sided with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, saying that allowing the lawsuit and its "faulty" claims to proceed could "discourage others from reporting on and debating public affairs."
Dolly Parton's estate granted restraining order against her nephew
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
Hawaii is facing another hurricane watch as new storm closes in
Nolo is expected to become a hurricane sometime Thursday, and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island.
MoneyWatch
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Disney is raising prices for Disney+ and Hulu. See the breakdown.
The price hikes for new subscribers are effective immediately. Existing subscribers' plans will go up next month.
Social Security tax hike "financially impossible" for many, expert says
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Meta's Muse shopping agent is a hit, as AI commerce starts to take off
Meta's new AI tool now ranks at the top of the App Store. Some retail experts see a "natural evolution from search."
Andreessen Horowitz launches AI school as college alternative
One of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture investors is gearing its new tech academy toward aspiring entrepreneurs focused on building AI.
Politics
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Judge blocks Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, restoring White House access
A federal judge temporarily blocked senior Trump administration officials from barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House and said their journalists' press credentials must be immediately restored.
Florida gov. candidate Byron Donalds responds after Trump mentions removed from site
Some prominent references to President Trump were scrubbed from Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds' campaign website in recent weeks, but the Republican said he isn't backing away from the president's agenda.
Sen. Tim Scott says GOP in "fight for our lives," sees path to holding Senate
With just under six weeks until the midterms, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina laid out the NRSC's strategy to try to hold onto the Senate amid a tough political environment.
Navy reports 8 suicide attempts on carrier group that faced monthslong deployment
There have been eight suicide attempts across the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group since the beginning of its grueling monthslong deployment last year, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said.
Judge dismisses Trump's 2024 lawsuit against Iowa newspaper over poll results
An Iowa judge sided with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, saying that allowing the lawsuit and its "faulty" claims to proceed could "discourage others from reporting on and debating public affairs."
HealthWatch
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Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Her son was dying, but his rare cancer made it difficult to get the right drug
As knowledge about genetics advances, some doctors say cancers should be defined by their mutations, not the tissues where they manifest.
Her postpartum symptoms wouldn't go away. A brain tumor was to blame.
Lisa Fasone's first pregnancy went smoothly. Then a rare health condition put her dreams of a second child on hold.
World
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Ambassador says son is fighting for his life after attack in West Bank
Neria Leiter, the son of Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, was seriously injured in a car-ramming attack in the West Bank.
6 people killed in bear attacks in Siberia: "Under siege"
Prosecutors said they opened a probe into criminal negligence, accusing local officials of failing to control bear numbers.
El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
Iran's president calls U.S. attacks "cowardly" as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift releasing new music before VMAs
Taylor Swift announced a new single, "Patient Zero," and a deluxe version of her record-breaking album, "The Life of a Showgirl," this week as the VMAs and Grammy voting season approach. Bryan West, who covers Taylor Swift for USA Today, joins "The Daily Report."
Dolly Parton's estate granted restraining order against her nephew
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
Ugly legal fight for Dolly Parton's estate
Members of Dolly Parton's family and team appear to be feuding over her estate. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul explains.
Disney is raising prices for Disney+ and Hulu. See the breakdown.
The price hikes for new subscribers are effective immediately. Existing subscribers' plans will go up next month.
Zibby Owens on living "between chapters"
Zibby Owens sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss her new book "Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot ."
Technology
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Technology
How Meta AI agent Muse differs from chatbots
Meta is announcing its latest artificial intelligence tools and smart glasses at its annual showcase on Wednesday. CNET AI reporter Katelyn Chedraoui joins CBS News to discuss.
AI leaders call for international cooperation
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei are among the artificial intelligence executives briefing the U.N. Security Council amid warnings about AI's possible threat to humanity. Fortune magazine reporter Eva Roytburg joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Meta set to launch camera-free smart glasses
Meta's smart glasses have sparked privacy concerns with some users recording people without their knowledge or consent. Now, the company is expected to launch a new pair of spectacles addressing those worries. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News with more.
Trump to meet with China's XI over AI
President Trump has downplayed the threat posed by artificial intelligence amid growing calls for AI regulation. MIT professor and artificial intelligence expert Max Tegmark weighs in on Mr. Trump's planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
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Crime
Rollercoaster linked to brain injuries
Over 100 Six Flags visitors are accusing the X2 rollercoaster in Southern California of leaving them with traumatic brain injuries. Carter Evans has more.
Dolly Parton's nephew facing court order
Dolly Parton's nephew, Bryan Seaver, who had announced her death in a video last month, was ordered by a court to stay out of most of her estate's affairs after threat accusations. Nicole Valdes has the latest.
American Idol contestant on trial for murder
Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant, is on trial in Ohio for the murder of his wife. Ian Lee has the story.
Ugly legal fight for Dolly Parton's estate
Members of Dolly Parton's family and team appear to be feuding over her estate. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul explains.
Could Boise's "Unknown Wanderer" be linked to Chicago Tylenol murders?
Boise police have identified a man known as the "Unknown Wanderer" who was found dead in a church in 1982, and revealed a possible link to the Chicago Tylenol murders.
Space
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NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Bone Loss: A Silent Disease
About half of women over the age of 50 experience bone density loss, but most don't even know they have a problem. That's why Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein calls it a "silent disease." Dr. Wittstein has been at the forefront of understanding how joint pain and joint health evolve over a woman's lifetime. She tells Norah how you can reverse bone loss and what impact hormones have on bone density.
9/23: CBS Evening News
Both coasts bracing for extreme weather; Trump hosts China's Xi Jinping amid media boycott.
Mortgage rates surpass 7%
The 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the U.S. has gone over 7% for the first time since May 2024. CBS News business contributor Javier David breaks down what's driving the spike.
Taylor Swift releasing new music before VMAs
Taylor Swift announced a new single, "Patient Zero," and a deluxe version of her record-breaking album, "The Life of a Showgirl," this week as the VMAs and Grammy voting season approach. Bryan West, who covers Taylor Swift for USA Today, joins "The Daily Report."