Sequester threatens exhibits at National Zoo
Very little in Washington is safe from the potential budget cuts, including the animals
The Sequester
Economic impact of sequester cuts
Editor-at-large for CBS MoneyWatch on impact of blunt budget cuts on economic recovery, stock market
Job loss warnings ahead of sequester
FAA, defense department warn of furlough, loss of tens of thousands of jobs
What will happen if the sequester takes place?
If the government doesn't reach an agreement on looming massive spending cuts, how will that affect the country?
The sequester: A Q&A
What you need to know about the across-the-board federal spending cuts set to take effect March 1
Sequester cuts could hurt food inspections
USDA estimates across-the-board cuts would force them to furlough all food inspectors
Sequester cuts threaten Sandy relief
The mayor of Seaside Heights is overseeing a recovery that is challenging even by the standards of superstorm Sandy
Sequestration poses threat to government agency budgets
The FBI says the sequester would require all employees, including special agents, to be furloughed for up to 14 days
Sequester cuts would be a "catastrophe" for DOD civilians
DOD civilians, manage the flow of supplies to troops in Afghanistan, overhaul army tanks, and provide medical care wounded warriors
Why don't Americans trust government?
CBS News Elections Director Anthony Salvanto digs through the polls to explain American's skepticism about government
Poll: Obama's approval stands at 52%
In a new CBS News poll, 40% of Americans think the country is headed in the right direction, a 10-point increase since last summer
Poll: On deficit, immigration, guns, public in sync with Obama
As Obama readies his State of the Union address, a new CBS News poll shows he receives public support for many of his policies
Poll: 71% support ending Saturday postal delivery
The percentage of Americans who almost never use the post office has doubled since June, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: 45% approve of Obama's handling of the economy
As the president readies his economic-focused State of the Union speech, more disapprove of how he's dealing with the economy
Poll: Most support women in combat
Americans overwhelmingly support a new Pentagon policy change regarding women in combat, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: Most have a good image of New Orleans
As the city prepares to host another Super Bowl, a majority are optimistic about New Orleans' future
Poll: Most support letting working illegal immigrants stay
51 percent back allowing them to stay and apply for citizenship
Poll: Americans optimistic about Obama's next four years
In spite of the daunting fiscal challenges ahead, a new CBS/New York Times poll shows most Americans feel good about Obama's second term
Poll: Americans want compromise over debt ceiling
CBS/New York Times poll: Americans overwhelmingly want the debt ceiling raised, and most want it done with spending cuts
Obama enters second term with 51 percent approval
Forty-one percent disapprove of the job the president is doing in new CBS News/New York Times poll
Poll: Majority of Americans back stricter gun laws
A new CBS News/New York Times poll found that Americans back the central components of President Obama's new gun proposals
Michelle Obama: It's her birthday, and she's still popular
On the first lady's birthday, a new CBS News/NYT poll shows half of Americans still have positive views of her
9 in 10 back universal gun background checks
CBS News/NY Times survey finds wide support for Obama proposal; 3 in 4 back say armed guards in public places would help
Poll: Nearly half support legalization of marijuana
The shift in public opinion was reflected on Election Day in Colorado and Washington state
Most predict "major problems" if "cliff" isn't averted
CBS News poll: More than half of Americans say there will be "major" economic problems if Washington fails to reach a deal
Politics
Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
4 Trump administration picks have sexual misconduct allegations in their past
Four men chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for top positions have been accused of varying degrees of sexual misconduct.
Here's what experts say about the chances of another stimulus check
Some voters are hoping President-elect Donald Trump may send out another stimulus check. Here's what the experts say.
Trump taps Russ Vought to lead budget office again
If confirmed, this will be Russ Vought's second time as OMB director. He authored a chapter of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for a GOP administration.
Matt Gaetz meets privately with Senate Republicans to build support
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz is meeting with Senate Republicans as he seeks to shore up support after Donald Trump tapped the embattled GOP firebrand as his pick for attorney general.
U.S. to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, official says
Ukraine has been one of the most mined countries in the world since Russia's invasion in 2022, and Ukraine is inundated with anti-personnel mines.
As he retires, Ohio lawmaker recalls 2017 shooting at House GOP baseball practice
As he gets ready to retire, GOP Rep. Brad Wenstrup often thinks about the day Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the House Republican leaders, was shot during a baseball practice.
Pentagon solves 1 UFO mystery but still probing case of "large orange orb"
Director of Pentagon office probing UFOs showed Congress 3 cases it's resolved, but also discussed 3 — out of nearly two dozen — still under active investigation.
Trump picks Linda McMahon for education secretary
Linda McMahon is a co-chair of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team and was the Small Business Administrator in his first term.
As Biden nears Trump's number of judicial confirmations, GOP may slow the process
The Senate has confirmed 217 of Mr. Biden's selections to serve on the federal bench and are aiming to approve more before Republicans take control.
Here's what Trump's FCC pick, Brendan Carr, wrote in Project 2025
Brendan Carr wrote Project 2025's chapter on overhauling the Federal Communications Commission. Here's what to know.
Trump taps Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead key Medicare and Medicaid agency
Dr. Mehmet Oz unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2022. Now he's Trump's choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Race to take over DNC has begun after devastating 2024 losses
Martin O'Malley and Ken Martin have both jumped in the race for DNC chair, while others are exploring runs.
Trump will nominate transition adviser Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary
Trump has picked Howard Lutnick, a crypto enthusiast and the head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, to be commerce secretary.
Prosecutors urge judge to consider postponing Trump's sentencing
President-elect Donald Trump's six-year New York criminal odyssey might need to continue for at least another four, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Trump assassination task force issues subpoenas for ATF testimony
The Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump on Monday issued subpoenas for testimony from two ATF employees regarding the response to the July 13 assassination attempt.
U.S.
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Dad of 14-year-old accused in Georgia school shooting pleads not guilty
Colin Gray and his son, Colt Gray, were both indicted in the Sept. 4 shooting that killed two students and two teachers and injured others.
Which Thanksgiving foods can go through airport security?
As record travelers prepare to fly for Thanksgiving, here's what to know about transporting food through TSA checkpoints.
McDonald's to serve up a McValue offering in 2025. Here's what it includes.
McDonald's wants to make dining at its restaurants affordable for customers again with new value offerings.
Woman in coma after trying to save star golfer's son from drowning
Former British Open champion Brian Harman said a close family friend remains in a coma after trying to save his 6-year-old son.
College basketball player collapses and dies after workout
Kaiden Francis was a freshman basketball player from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and had recently passed multiple health screenings.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
McDonald's to serve up a McValue offering in 2025. Here's what it includes.
McDonald's wants to make dining at its restaurants affordable for customers again with new value offerings.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Politics
More Politics
Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
World
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Ancient amulet showing biblical king spearing devil is unearthed
The amulet was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, Turkey.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro bears the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fires U.S.-made missiles into Russia, and Ukraine claims Moscow may have used an ICBM.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Entertainment
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Shelby Lynne on how personal struggles and friendships impacted her music
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne opens up about her new album and how her friendships helped save her when she thought her recording career could be over.
Malcolm Washington on "The Piano Lesson"
Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington brings August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play to the screen with help from his father, Denzel Washington and sister, Katia.
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs; Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Technology
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
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How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
More Crime
Dad of 14-year-old accused in Georgia school shooting pleads not guilty
Colin Gray and his son, Colt Gray, were both indicted in the Sept. 4 shooting that killed two students and two teachers and injured others.
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Jussie Smollett's conviction overturned
The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett's conviction for staging a fake hate crime. Smollett had claimed he was the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in January 2019.
2 killed in Pacific Northwest bomb cyclone
At least two people are dead and widespread power outages are being reported from the bomb cyclone storm that hit the Pacific Northwest this week. CBS News Sacramento reporter Sakura Gray has the latest on the storm and CBS News Philadelphia meteorologist Kate Bilo has a look at the forecast.
Inside the confirmation process for Gaetz
President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, is facing a tough road in his confirmation process as calls continue for the release of a House Ethics Committee report on sexual misconduct allegations against the former congressman. NOTUS political reporter Reese Gorman joined CBS News to discuss what the confirmation process could look like for Gaetz.
What to know about Musk and Ramaswamy's op-ed
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy shed some light on their plans for the Department of Government Efficiency in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more on that and Pete Hegseth's visit to Capitol Hill to push for his confirmation as secretary of defense.
Entrepreneurs develop disposable hijabs
Respiratory therapists Firaoli Adam and Yasmin Samatar are the co-founders of Mawadda. They are breaking barriers by designing disposable, hygienic hijabs that make personal protective equipment more inclusive for Muslim women.