Can Trump authorize land strikes in Venezuela?
Sources say top military officials presented President Trump with possible actions he could take against the country, including land strikes. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vingrad has more.
Venezuela
Pentagon builds up Venezuela military presence
The Trump administration is expanding its military presence in Latin America, with multiple warships deployed in the Caribbean and the western Atlantic Ocean. It comes as sources say senior military officials have presented President Trump with options for potential actions against Venezuela, including land strikes. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
Possible U.S. military options in Venezuela
Sources tell CBS News that senior military officials presented President Trump with options for potential military operations in Venezuela. CBS News' Eleanor Watson and Sam Vinograd have the details.
U.S. conducts 20th strike on alleged drug boat, killing 4 people
Since September, U.S. forces have destroyed multiple vessels in international waters, killing at least 80 people.
Potential land strikes in Venezuela?
President Trump has received an update from top U.S. military officials on potential expanded operations in the region near Venezuela, including land strikes, sources tell CBS News. CBS News' Eleanor Watson and Fin Gómez report.
Hegseth announces "Operation Southern Spear"
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced "Operation Southern Spear" in the Western Hemisphere as U.S. strikes continue in the region near Colombia and Venezuela. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports.
Land strikes in Venezuela would be major shift
Potential U.S. land strikes in Venezuela would add to tensions in the region as the USS Gerald R. Ford approaches the Caribbean. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports, and Ryan Berg, the director of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News with more insight.
Trump weighs Venezuela military options
Senior U.S. military officials have presented President Trump with options for potential military operations inside Venezuela, including strikes on land, sources tell CBS News. Charlie D'Agata reports.
More on potential action against Venezuela
President Trump has been briefed on updated potential military actions against Venezuela, including potential strikes on land, sources tell CBS News. Natalie Brand reports.
Top officials present Trump with military options for Venezuela in coming days
The potential operations for Venezuela presented to Trump included options for strikes on land, multiple sources said.
U.S. preps for possible Venezuela action: Sources
As F-35 stealth fighter jets fly missions from a reopened naval base in Puerto Rico and Marines practice beach landings, sources tell CBS News the Pentagon is preparing for possible military action in Venezuela. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Hegseth names alleged drug boat strikes
Amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, sources tell CBS News that senior military officials have presented President Trump with options for potential operations in the South American country. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
U.S. kills 4 in strike on alleged drug boat
U.S. forces have killed four people in the latest strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. CBS News national security coordinating producer James LaPorta has more. (Editor's note: A Pentagon official later told CBS News the strike took place on Monday, not Tuesday.)
Venezuelan opposition leader on his exile
David Smolansky, a Venezuelan opposition politician, has been living in the U.S. after being driven out of his home country by threats from President Nicolas Maduro's regime. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan spoke with Smolansky about why he believes Maduro's time is coming to an end.
Venezuela launches huge military exercise as U.S. Navy draws near
Venezuela has announced a major military exercise, reportedly involving 200,000 troops, as a U.S. Navy flotilla nears Caribbean waters.
Venezuelan opposition leader on U.S. pressure
Over the past several weeks, the relationship between the United States and Venezuela reached a boiling point as the U.S. launched a series of strikes against vessels alleged to be carrying drugs. Now, Venezuelan military exercises broadcast on state TV suggest the threat is being felt by its leader, Nicolas Maduro. Margaret Brennan spoke to David Smolansky, one of Venezuela's opposition leaders, about the country's future.
Venezuela mobilizing military assets
Venezuela has announced a "massive mobilization" of its military forces, as the U.S. continues its military buildup in the Caribbean. The announcement comes in the wake of U.S. strikes that have targeted at least 20 vessels in the waters around Latin America, killing dozens of people. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more.
Venezuela conducts military exercise
Venezuela is conducting a massive military exercise as tensions rise near its shores. This comes as the USS Gerald R. Ford enters the Southern Command, and as U.S. strikes against apparent drug-carrying vessels continue. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports.
U.S. increases military near Venezuela
U.S. military forces massing in the Caribbean near Venezuela are about to get a boost in their combat power. The Navy says the USS Gerald R. Ford is approaching Latin America. So far, the Pentagon's buildup in the region has been focused on taking out small boats suspected of carrying drugs. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports.
Spanish police arrest 13 suspected members of Tren de Aragua gang
The arrests were made in five cities in the first operation in Spain to dismantle the Venezuelan prison gang.
TPS ending for 250,000 Venezuelans in U.S.
Temporary Protected Status is set to end for around 250,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. CBS News Miami's Ivan Taylor reports.
New U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 3, death toll at 70
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth released aerial footage of the latest strike, which he said took place in international waters like the previous attacks.
2 killed in latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat, Hegseth says
Dating back to early September, the Trump administration has reported well over a dozen such strikes in the waters of the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean off South America.
Trump on Venezuela's Maduro, U.S. strikes
President Trump defended the U.S. military striking vessels in the Caribbean during his "60 Minutes" interview. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more details.
Trump says Maduro's days are numbered
President Trump weighed in on the ongoing strikes near Venezuela against vessels apparently transporting drugs toward the U.S. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports as news about another strike emerges.
Live
Trump says no talks with Iran ongoing, and none scheduled
President Trump says the U.S. is not engaged in any talks with Iran as the two countries remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz after almost six months of war.
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump's loyal assistant suddenly in the spotlight
The 35-year-old executive assistant to the president is a quiet but loyal force at President Trump's side.
Florida voters choose in governor, Senate primaries, and more races to watch
Three states are holding primaries on Tuesday, with Florida deciding on nominees for both governor and for Senate.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Former NIAID adviser pleads guilty in COVID-19 records scheme
David Morens, 78, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses and to defraud the United States.
Tupac Shakur autopsy photos shown at murder trial after some family members leave
Tupac Shakur's cousin said the autopsy photos made him feel "very angry, to say the least."
Inflation is outpacing wages again. Many workers were already behind.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
U.S.
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NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
Investigation
Beagles bred for research get new life amid questions over federal oversight
The USDA's own inspector general has repeatedly raised concerns about federal oversight of dog breeders.
Tupac Shakur autopsy photos shown at murder trial after some family members leave
Tupac Shakur's cousin said the autopsy photos made him feel "very angry, to say the least."
Former NIAID adviser pleads guilty in COVID-19 records scheme
David Morens, 78, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses and to defraud the United States.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Inflation is outpacing wages again. Many workers were already behind.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
State Farm is sending refund checks to customers. Here's who qualifies.
More than 7.2 million checks have been mailed so far, with millions more expected to go out this week, according to State Farm.
DEI policies brought no financial penalty to firms, study finds
Companies that stood by their diversity efforts faced no detectable impact from investors or shoppers, researchers found.
Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
Outshine Fruit Bars recalled over possible glass, parent Dreyer's says
Five flavors of Outshine Fruit Bars sold nationwide were recalled because they may include glass, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream said.
Politics
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Former NIAID adviser pleads guilty in COVID-19 records scheme
David Morens, 78, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses and to defraud the United States.
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump's loyal assistant suddenly in the spotlight
The 35-year-old executive assistant to the president is a quiet but loyal force at President Trump's side.
Former DOJ lawyer alleges government improperly targeted Ivy League schools
The Trump admin. pressured attorneys to investigate allegations of antisemitism at elite universities even though there was no factual or legal basis to do so, former DOJ lawyer says.
Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
Appeals court upholds block on immigration arrests at certain houses of worship
A federal appeals court sided with houses of worship from the Quaker, Sikh, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship religious traditions.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
From 2024: Tommy John on Tommy John surgery, before and after
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
School vaccination rates inch down again to record low
U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high for the 2025-2026 school year
RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
World
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Exclusive
U.S. deporting Mexican migrants to Guatemala and Honduras, angering Mexico
The Trump administration has been quietly deporting migrants from Mexico to Central America, despite the Mexican government's willingness to accept the return of all its citizens.
Ukraine targets Moscow with drones as Russia threatens U.K. over support
Ukraine targets Moscow with a huge wave of drones as Russia warns the U.K. will pay a price for supplying Kyiv with long-range weapons.
USS Benfold went days without power in the South China Sea
The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold spent four days without power last month after a problem with its engineering, according to a spokesperson for the Navy's 7th Fleet.
U.S. diplomat calls Israeli strikes on Syria base "unnecessary escalation"
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack says an Israeli attack on a Syrian air force base was an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability."
Trial opens 32 years after American woman murdered in Germany
The man is accused of luring Amy Lopez under false pretenses into a secluded room, where he then allegedly handcuffed her, sexually assaulted her and killed her.
Entertainment
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Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Nominees revealed for some VMA categories
"CBS Mornings" revealed the nominees for three categories at this year's VMAs, including artist of the year.
Top upcoming book to movie adaptations
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss some of her favorite books coming to the big screen this year.
Technology
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Meta's federal trial begins over child social media addiction claims
The lawsuit accuses the social media giant of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features that addict children to its platforms.
Data centers, AI become midterm flashpoint
Artificial intelligence and the data centers powering the technology have become a flashpoint ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Wall Street Journal, has more.
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.
Discord suspends livestreams in Brazil amid backlash over girl's suicide
Popular American chat app Discord says it suspended livestreams in line with a Brazilian government order, amid fierce criticism over a 13-year-old girl's death.
How this school uses AI instead of teachers
Alpha School is a private school that teaches students subjects like math and reading with artificial intelligence apps. Mackenzie Price, co-founder of Alpha School, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Crime
Landmark trial against Meta underway
New York Times technology reporter Mike Isaac joins CBS News to break down the landmark social media trial against Meta that's currently underway, with parents accusing the tech giant of designing its platforms to be addictive and harmful to children.
Tupac Shakur autopsy photos shown at murder trial after some family members leave
Tupac Shakur's cousin said the autopsy photos made him feel "very angry, to say the least."
Latest details in Lindsay Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy admitted to killing her three children, but her defense is trying to prove in court that she suffered from postpartum psychosis and was overmedicated. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
NAACP counsel on Nolan Wells' death
The body of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells was found days after he went missing during a Fourth of July boat trip. NAACP general counsel Kristen Clarke explains why the civil rights organization is joining the Wells family in searching for answers.
Forensic fans obsess over Lindsay Clancy case
Lindsay Clancy's murder trial is generating endless discussion among true crime aficionados online, sparking theories and misinformation over the case. Kathryn Coduto, an assistant professor of media sciences at Boston University, explains why the case has taken social media by storm.
Space
More Space
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Lindsay Clancy and mental health treatment
The defense in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial called multiple witnesses Tuesday. Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children in 2023, but has pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing she had postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder and was being overmedicated. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Mixed messages from White House on Iran
President Trump took to social media on Tuesday to say there are no ongoing or planned talks with Iran aimed toward ending the war. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports on the latest developments and Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
From 2024: Tommy John on Tommy John surgery, before and after
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
From 1981: Yankees pitcher Tommy John
Pitcher Tommy John, who in the 1970s underwent an innovative procedure on his injured pitching arm that would become famous as "Tommy John surgery," died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83. In this "Sunday Morning" story that aired Aug. 16, 1981, John talked with correspondent Heywood Hale Broun about his comeback after surgery, and about baseball's other comeback – returning to the field following the major league players' nearly two-month-long strike. [Also appearing are Yankee outfielder Lou Pinella and trainer Gene Monahan.]
Inside Alaska's nonpartisan primary for Senate
A primary is underway in Alaska on Tuesday for an open Senate seat. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto takes a look at the state's unique primary system.