What to know as Congress counts electoral votes on Jan. 6
Several changes to the electoral vote count process have been enacted since a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
United States Electoral College
Electoral College votes on 2024 results
Presidential electors gathered Tuesday to formalize President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Members of the Electoral College met at state capitols across the U.S. to cast their electoral votes. CBS News election law expert and political contributor David Becker joins to break down the process.
Electoral College meets to cast ballots in 2024 election
Electors are voting in each state to formalize President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Map shows how many Electoral College votes your state has in 2024
It's not the popular vote that decides who wins the presidency — it's the outcome of the Electoral College. This map shows how many votes each state gets in 2024.
When do states have to certify 2024 election results? Here's a full list of dates
After voters cast their ballots, their votes are certified by state officials before the electoral college gathers.
Revisit the 2020 election results map ahead of the 2024 vote
Donald Trump managed to win back some states that he captured in 2016 but lost to President Biden won in 2020.
How the 2024 election compares to 2016
Comparisons are being made between Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss and Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 defeat. Evan McMorris-Santoro, political reporter for NOTUS, and Sabrina Rodriguez, national political reporter for The Washington Post, join "America Decides" to assess the similarities and differences.
How does the Electoral College work?
Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will need to secure at least 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the 2024 presidential election.
Why do we have the Electoral College?
When people cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, their votes translate into Electoral College representation. Many wonder why the system still exists, and if it should.
Walz says "Electoral College needs to go"
"I think all of us know the electoral college needs to go," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. "But that's not the world we live in."
How the electoral map has changed since 2020
Election Day is less than four weeks away, and more than two million Americans have already voted early across 26 states. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto has the latest numbers.
Map shows where effort to replace Electoral College stands
Nearly 20 years in the making, the reform initiative seeks to change the way Electoral College votes are counted.
Nebraska governor won't call special session to change Electoral College system
Republicans did not have enough support to change how the state allocates Electoral College votes, a move that would have benefitted former President Donald Trump.
Poll: Harris makes gains with economic voters
The latest CBS News polling shows Vice President Kamala Harris making up some ground regarding what most voters consistently say is the biggest issue this election: the economy. Harris' support among voters who say the economy is a major factor in the 2024 race has gone up four points since August. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins to discuss.
What's behind push for Georgia rule changes?
There are new concerns about election night chaos in the battleground state of Georgia. Derek Muller, professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, joins "America Decides" to unpack the rule changes being pushed through by pro-Trump election officials in Georgia and the potential legal challenges.
Nebraska Republican rejects push to change Electoral College system to help Trump
Changing Nebraska's electoral vote allocation to winner-take-all would almost certainly have benefited former President Donald Trump this fall.
Graham hopes Nebraska will change system that could give electoral vote to Harris
Sen. Lindsey Graham said it's "very reasonable" for Nebraska to push for a change to its electoral vote system because the election could come down to a single electoral vote.
Examining Harris and Trump's paths to victory
In the 75 days since the Biden-Trump debate that reshaped the 2024 presidential campaign, polling has shown a razor-tight race. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto and Major Garrett take a closer look at the key battleground states and potential paths to victory.
Ex-Trump campaign legal adviser agrees to cooperate in Arizona "fake elector" case
Arizona's attorney general has agreed to drop nine felony charges against Ellis in exchange for her cooperation in the investigation.
Rudy Giuliani served indictment in Arizona fake elector case
The former New York mayor was served after his 80th birthday celebration as he was walking to the car, a political adviser said.
New book examines minority rule in politics
Rights for minority parties are a staple of American legislative politics. Daniel Ziblatt, co-author of the new book "Tyranny of the Minority," joins "America Decides" to discuss how centuries-old U.S. institutions to protect those minority rights are possibly making the nation less democratic.
Michigan official discusses fake electors
Sixteen Michigan residents are facing felony charges for falsely claiming to be presidential electors for former President Donald Trump after he lost the 2020 election, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday. Each of the 16 alleged false electors have been charged with eight felony counts. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins "America Decides" to discuss the charges.
Bipartisan senators introduce reforms to Electoral Count Act of 1887
The legislation would also make it more difficult to challenge a state's presidential election results.
Bipartisan senators reach general agreement on updated Electoral Count Act
Senators aim to prevent another Jan. 6 insurrection from happening again.
Senators consider election law changes
In the wake of the Capitol insurrection, a bipartisan group of senators is discussing potential changes to the Electoral Count Act. CBS News elections and surveys director Anthony Salvanto joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers to break down the latest polling on the subject.
Bondi faces heated questions on handling of Epstein files at House hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced contentious questioning from House Democrats about the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
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Investigators in Guthrie search get over 4,000 calls to tip line in 24 hours
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
Airspace closure followed FAA, Pentagon spat over drone-related tests, sources say
Pentagon officials had undertaken planning to use military technology near Fort Bliss, in El Paso, to practice downing drones.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claim silver in ice dance at 2026 Winter Olympics
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday following a stunning free dance routine.
9 killed, dozens injured in shootings at high school and home in Canada
The suspected shooter was found dead in the school from a "self-inflicted injury," Canadian police said.
Why ex-FBI agent thinks person in Nancy Guthrie video isn't a career criminal
A former FBI agent called the actions of the person seen in video at Nancy Guthrie's home "extremely amateurish."
House to vote on the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push
The House is set to vote Wednesday on the SAVE America Act, which would implement strict new requirements for registering to vote and casting ballots.
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Georgia army veteran deported after traffic stop speaks out on ICE detention
A Georgia Army veteran who spent nearly five decades in the United States was deported to Jamaica following a routine traffic stop.
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Madison Chock and Evan Bates claim silver in ice dance at 2026 Winter Olympics
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday following a stunning free dance routine.
Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
MoneyWatch
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Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
Dispute over Cardi B's Super Bowl cameo roils prediction markets
Cardi B appeared during Bad Bunny's halftime show at the Super Bowl, but one prediction market says it's unclear whether she sang.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Data center building boom stirs pushback in state and local politics
The Trump administration is trying to supercharge the race to dominate artificial intelligence by fast-tracking federal permits for data centers, but some local homeowners are raising concerns.
Politics
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Lawyer for lawmaker in video to troops threatens suit after failed charges
An attorney for one of the lawmakers who appeared in a video telling members of the military to reject "illegal orders" demanded that the federal prosecutors preserve records for a potential suit.
McConnell released from hospital after weeklong stay for "flu-like symptoms"
"He is feeling better and will be working from home this week on the advice of his doctors," Sen. Mitch McConnell's spokesman said.
Airspace closure followed FAA, Pentagon spat over drone-related tests, sources say
Pentagon officials had undertaken planning to use military technology near Fort Bliss, in El Paso, to practice downing drones.
Data center building boom stirs pushback in state and local politics
The Trump administration is trying to supercharge the race to dominate artificial intelligence by fast-tracking federal permits for data centers, but some local homeowners are raising concerns.
House to vote on the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push
The House is set to vote Wednesday on the SAVE America Act, which would implement strict new requirements for registering to vote and casting ballots.
HealthWatch
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Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
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Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say
The aim of the "deceptively simple but thrilling strategy game" was to hunt and trap the opponent's pieces in as few moves as possible, scientists said.
Lindsey Vonn shares update after 3rd surgery: "I'm making progress"
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
Russia says again it will abide by lapsed weapons treaty if U.S. does
Moscow reiterates willingness to adhere to expired nuclear weapons treaty, "as long as the United States does not exceed the aforementioned limits."
How Team USA's Maxim Naumov carried his parents' legacy onto the ice
A close family friend tells CBS News about the Olympic dream Team USA skater Maxim Naumov shared with his parents, and how "he did it."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek," "Varsity Blues" and more, has died at the age of 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
New York Fashion Week begins
New York Fashion Week is underway, with designers debuting looks for the Fall/Winter 2026 season. Claire Sulmers, the editor-in-chief and founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, joins with more.
Chappell Roan leaves Wasserman talent agency after his mentions in Epstein files
Chappell Roan says she's left her talent agency after its CEO, Casey Wasserman, was named in files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Technology
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TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Americans turn to AI for mental health advice
Millions of Americans are turning to AI for emotional therapy. A report in JAMA found about 13% of young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice. Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, explains what to know about safety, privacy and ethical standard concerns.
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.
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
Social media companies face massive trial
Opening statements began in a landmark trial against Google and Meta on the apparent harms of social media platforms. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
New details in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Police say a shooter killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others in shootings at a high school and a home in British Columbia, Canada. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Bitcoin's possible role in Nancy Guthrie case
A purported ransom note for Nancy Guthrie demanded payment in bitcoin. Ben Weiss, a crypto reporter for Fortune, joins with analysis.
Former FBI special agent on Guthrie case
Authorities released new surveillance video and photos showing a subject at Nancy Guthrie's doorstep the night she disappeared. Former FBI special agent Jeffrey Harp breaks down clues the new surveillance video reveals and discusses the latest on the investigation.
Lieu accuses Bondi of lying under oath
Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of lying under oath about apparent evidence in the Epstein files released by the Justice Department that he says links President Trump to potential crimes.
Watch: Bondi on Don Lemon probe
Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, asked Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Justice Department's probe into Don Lemon for his presence during a protest inside a church in Minneapolis. Jordan also asked Bondi about a potential probe into former CIA Director John Brennan surrounding allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign.
Space
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New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
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Trump says he wants more Iran nuclear talks
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Wednesday to discuss Iran. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.
Terence Crawford reflects on boxing journey
Terence "Bud" Crawford, one of boxing's all-time greats, reached the pinnacle of his sport before retiring in December. He speaks about what early experiences shaped him to become a future champion, and silencing his critics.
Sources: Spat led to El Paso airspace closure
Sources tell CBS News that the FAA briefly grounded all flights in El Paso, Texas, Wednesday due to disagreements with the Pentagon over drone-related tests. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more.
New details in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Police say a shooter killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others in shootings at a high school and a home in British Columbia, Canada. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Combative Bondi hearing over Epstein files
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced tough questions from lawmakers on Wednesday over the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion joins with her takeaways.