8/31: Red and Blue
U.S.-Afghan relations unclear moving forward; Texas poised to enact new voting restrictions
Voting Rights
The latest on the 2016 presidential elections, voting rights, and national security, with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and others
The latest on the 2016 presidential elections, voting rights, and national security, with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and others.
New Yorkers reject voting rights expansion
New York voters rejected three ballot measures last week focused on expansion of voting rights and changes to the state’s political redistricting process. Rachel Holliday Smith, senior reporter for The City, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" to discuss why the proposals were voted down.
New voting laws shaping Texas primaries
Early voting has started for the Texas primaries, and new voter ID laws are already causing issues for some voters. Thousands of mail-in ballots have been rejected over the new requirements. Chuck Rocha, host of the podcast "Nuestro," talks with Major Garrett on CBS News' "Red & Blue" about how the new law may impact the election, and the shift happening among Hispanic voters in Texas.
Texas Republicans set legislative agenda
With a special legislative session starting in Texas, the state is poised to become a testing ground for Republican messaging on "culture war" issues, from election reform to critical race theory. Politico reporter Renuka Rayasam joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with more on that, plus Governor Greg Abbott's reelection campaign and what to expect when CPAC 2021 starts in Dallas this weekend.
CBS News poll on voting laws
With Republican lawmakers in many states pushing bills to tighten voting rules, a new CBS News study finds most Americans don't want to see the voting process become harder. CBS News' Elections and Surveys Director Anthony Salvanto joins Elaine Quijano on "Red and Blue" with the details.
Texas Dems meet with Vice President Harris
Democratic lawmakers from Texas are trying to block a pair of restrictive voting bills by fleeing the state during a special legislative session. On Tuesday, they met with Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to discuss voting rights. Politico reporter Renuka Rayasam joins CBSN’s "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on why the lawmakers had to leave the state and what they could face once they return.
Arndrea Waters King on voting rights marches
According to the Brennan Center, at least 18 states have enacted 30 laws restricting access to the vote so far this year. On August 28, the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, civil rights organizations are coming together for March On for Voting Rights, which will take place in cities across the country. Arndrea Waters King, the president of the Drum Major Institute, one of the organizations involved in planning the event, joined Elaine Quijano on CBSN's "Red and Blue" to discuss.
Voting rights advocate on Senate debate
The Senate is debating a voting rights bill after numerous states passed more restrictive voting measures. Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice and author of "The Fight to Vote," joins "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more.
"American Reckoning" explores civil rights movement
A new documentary on PBS explores the civil rights movement in Mississippi. Co-director Brad Lichtenstein and executive producer Dawn Porter joined "Red and Blue" to discuss "American Reckoning" and how it compares to modern calls for justice and equality.
Senate starts debate on voting rights bill
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is moving forward with debate on the voting rights bill. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, Politico's national political correspondent Meridith McGraw, and Wall Street Journal congressional reporter Eliza Collins join "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on that and the day's other political headlines.
Biden delivers voting rights speech
In a major speech on Tuesday, President Biden stressed the need to defend voting rights against Republican-led efforts to pass restrictive election reforms on the state level. However, some activists are disappointed after the president failed to mention any planned action related to the Senate filibuster. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns, The Washington Post national political reporter Eugene Scott and Reuters White House correspondent Nandita Bose join "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details and the latest on repercussions former President Trump's legal team is facing after making false election claims.
U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan by August 31
America's longest war is coming to an end, with President Biden announcing the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan will conclude by August 31. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, Politico White House correspondent and associate editor Anita Kumar, and The Washington Post's Capitol Hill reporter Rhonda Colvin join CBSN's "Red & Blue" with more on the impact, as well as the latest push by Democrats to protect voting rights.
White House announces new policy for federal workers
In an address to the nation on Thursday, President Biden announced new incentives to encourage more Americans to get vaccinated. He called on states to use surplus COVID relief funds to gift $100 dollars to every newly vaccinated American and announced a new policy for federal workers that requires the unvaccinated to consent to mandatory masking and regular COVID tests. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett joins "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with details on the political backlash. Later, Axios political reporter Sarah Mucha and Washington Post congressional reporter Mike Debonis discuss the battle over masking on Capitol Hill, and the latest on a bipartisan infrastructure deal.
Thousands of felons in North Carolina can now register and vote
Tens of thousands of people in North Carolina serving punishments for felony convictions but who aren't behind bars can now register to vote and cast ballots.
UCLA launches "Safeguarding Democracy Project"
The UCLA School of Law is launching the "Safeguarding Democracy Project", led by elections expert Rick Hasen. It is aimed at promoting free and fair elections in the U.S. Janai Nelson, a board member and president and director-counsel of the Legal Defense Fund, joins John Dickerson on CBS News to discuss what the project could mean for voters.
DOJ sues Arizona over law requiring proof of citizenship to vote
The Justice Department is suing Arizona over a new state law that it says conflicts with federal law.
Remembering Clifford Alexander Jr.
The first Black secretary of the Army, Clifford Alexander Jr., died on Sunday at the age of 88. He was a pioneer, who served as an adviser to Democratic presidents and worked on landmark legislation, including the Voting Rights.
Supreme Court blocks 2nd mostly Black district in Louisiana for 2022
The Supreme Court has put on hold a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power.
Supreme Court justices' past abortion views, in their own words and votes
More than a month ago, a stunning leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito indicated that the Supreme Court was prepared to take the momentous step of overruling the Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 and stripping away women's constitutional protections for abortion.
Judge blocks Louisiana Congress map with one Black district
Louisiana's Democratic governor says he'll call the state's Republican-dominated Legislature into special session to draw up new congressional districts.
Eric Holder on voting rights and new book
Former Attorney General Eric Holder joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about voting rights, his new book and big changes he thinks will fix an American democracy "on the brink of collapse."
Eric Holder: "Republicans have to cheat in order to win" elections
Former attorney general says partisan gerrymandering, laws aimed at suppressing voter turnout are attempts to keep "the will of the American people from being expressed in the ballot box."
Concerns raised about democracy in America
In the wake of the January 6th attack on the Capitol and former President Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, some analysts are raising concerns about the state of American democracy. Carol Anderson, Charles Howard Candler professor and chair of African American studies at Emory University, joined CBS News to discuss the threats to civil liberties in the U.S.
Florida GOP proposes election police force
Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers have proposed forming a special police force to investigate elections fraud — a proposal that concerns voting rights advocates. Senior White House and Political Correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports on the ongoing fight over election integrity.
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Spain sends over 48,000 migrants back to Morocco from Ceuta; dozens dead
Spain's Ministry of the Interior said about 50,000 people entered the Spanish enclave since Thursday morning, with an estimated 48,300 back in Morocco by 6 p.m. Friday.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second says, ""She is buried in nature now."
F-35 fighter jet crashes near San Diego Marine Corps base, sparking fire
An aerial photo shows a smoking F-35 fighter jet next to scorched vegetation in a field at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Live
U.S. preparing new Iran strikes as Trump says, "We've done an amazing job"
There was no sign of the conflict ending as Iran claimed to have struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. probing if Iran was behind cyberattack on water systems in 7 states
Malicious cyber activity affected technology at water systems in at least seven states this week, including Minnesota, leading authorities to dig into whether Iranian actors are behind the attack, CBS News has learned.
Body of missing girl found in New Jersey river after 2-day search, officials say
The body of a missing girl has been found in the Passaic River in New Jersey after a two-day search, officials said.
U.S.
More U.S.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second, a few days later, says, "She is buried in nature now."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Lawyer for Rep. Miller's ex-wife files for restraining order amid abuse claims
The ex-wife of GOP Rep. Max Miller asked a court to issue a restraining order blocking Miller from contacting her lawyer, as the Ohio congressman faces allegations of abuse — which he denies.
First on CBS
Democrats demand training info on ICE agent who killed immigrant in Maine
Two Democrats are demanding details and records about the training of an ICE officer who shot and killed a Colombian immigrant in Maine, according to a letter obtained by CBS News.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
Extended Interview: Jay Bhattacharya
Rob Gutman speaks with Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health and acting director of the CDC, about Dr. Anthony Fauci's actions during the pandemic, the possible origins of COVID-19, vaccines and more.
World
More World
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Spain sends over 48,000 migrants back to Morocco from Ceuta; dozens dead
Spain's Ministry of the Interior said about 50,000 people entered the Spanish enclave since Thursday morning, with an estimated 48,300 back in Morocco by 6 p.m. Friday.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" swings into theaters
Just weeks after "Supergirl" underperformed at the box office, the ninth live-action Spider-Man film since 2002 is expected to premiere with a projected global opening of as much as $465 million. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss.
From the archives: Spider-Man creator Stan Lee
The creator of such superheroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, Stan Lee (1922-2018) was a comic book genius whose characters made him a superhero himself to legions of fans. In this report that originally aired Jan. 17, 2016, Lee talked with "Sunday Morning" correspondent Lee Cowan about his marvelous life story that, fittingly, was published in comic-book form.
Netflix sued for allegedly losing unreleased Nicolas Cage movie
A lawsuit alleges that a drive storing a $45 million spy film starring Nicolas Cage was "stolen right off a Netflix desk."
From the archives: "Once" songwriter Glen Hansard
Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, an Oscar-winner for "Once" (which became a Tony Award-winning musical), died July 29, 2026 at age 56. In this March 17, 2013 "Sunday Morning" profile, Hansard talked with Anthony Mason about growing up as a street performer in Dublin, and his meteoric rise to fame as a member of the rock band The Frames and (with Markéta Irglová) half of the duo The Swell Season. Also: A web extra featuring Hansard busking on the streets of New York City.
Actor Jared Leto facing allegations
Actor Jared Leto is facing allegations of criminal sexual conduct, which he has denied. In a new BBC documentary, four women accuse Leto of targeting them when they were underage. Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
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.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga reports.
Science
More Science
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Possible ransom notes released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper or kidnappers include specific details about Guthrie's white Apple Watch and allege that she died unexpectedly of a medical condition and "is buried in nature." CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks it down.
Epstein survivor calls Blanche "walking perjury"
Survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's abuse were on Capitol Hill this week lobbying senators to reject Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. One survivor, Dani Bensky, joins "The Takeout" to discuss her concerns about Blanche.
Brother of slain cartel leader "El Mencho" pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes worked for cartels with his brother Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the drug lord known as "El Mencho," according to federal prosecutors.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second, a few days later, says, "She is buried in nature now."
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Some migrants go back after crossing into Spain
According to the president of Ceuta, 60,000 migrants have flooded the small Spanish territory from Morocco since Thursday. Most voluntarily left the territory amid shortages of food, water and shelter, but thousands remained. Spain's prime minister called it an attack. Aiden Stretch reports from Ceuta, Spain.
Stranger gifts a boy with a piano
Back in 2023, a stranger gifted a boy with autism a piano after seeing his story on the local news. Now, the stranger is more like family, and the boy is dazzling the world with his music. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" revisiting Jude's story.
Oil giants see profits surge amid Iran war
America's biggest oil companies are reporting massive profits as the Iran war continues to disrupt global energy supplies. CBS News business contributor Javier David joins with analysis.
DOJ dismisses indictment over Reflecting Pool
The U.S. government dismissed the felony indictment against David Hearn, the former Olympian accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool of the National Mall.
Trump blames cyber attacks on Minnesota
President Trump took his Cabinet meeting on the road to Camp David on Friday, where he downplayed cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems that U.S. officials suspect were linked to Iran. Nancy Cordes reports.