Senate approves Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary
South Dakota governor Kristi Noem has been confirmed as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
John Thune
Wreaths laid for Jimmy Carter in Capitol
Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and John Thune delivered the first wreath to the casket of former President Jimmy Carter in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday. House leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Johnson delivered the second wreath, and Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff brought the third.
John Thune eulogizes Jimmy Carter
Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivers a eulogy for former President Jimmy Carter from the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday.
1/5: Face the Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Senate Majority Leader John Thune joins to discuss the GOP's priorities with President-elect Donald Trump coming into the White House, while House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi discusses the legacy of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack with the House set to count the electoral votes again.
Thune on helping Trump understand "what's realistic" in Senate
Senate Majority Leader John Thune tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that as President-elect Donald Trump set to take back the White House, Thune will work with him to understand "what's realistic" in achieving his agenda in the upper chamber.
Open: "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 5, 2025
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Senate Majority Leader John Thune joins to discuss the GOP's priorities with President-elect Donald Trump coming into the White House, while House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi discusses the legacy of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack with the House set to count the electoral votes again.
Full interview: Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Margaret Brennan spoke with Sen. John Thune (SD-R) in his first sit down interview as Senate Majority Leader. Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with Sen. Thune here, a portion of which aired on January 5, 2025, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Transcript: Senate Majority Leader John Thune on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 5, 2025
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Jan. 5, 2025.
On possible GOP votes against Trump nominees, Thune says no "clarity" yet
One of the first priorities for Senate Majority Leader John Thune is the confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump's expected nominees.
Thune on Senate confirmation for Trump picks
When asked whether Senate Republicans would oppose some of President-elect Donald Trump's picks for his Cabinet and second term, new Senate Majority Leader John Thune tells "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he doesn't have clarity on that, but said the nominees deserved a fair confirmation process. Watch the interview Sunday on "Face the Nation."
Hegseth speaks out on Trump's requests
Pete Hegseth is characterizing allegations around him as distractions as he attempts to gain the support of senators ahead of his confirmation hearing for the secretary of defense post. Politico's Megan Messerly has more on the growing concerns about Hegseth.
Nov 13: CBS News 24/7, 1pm ET
Senate Republicans elect John Thune as leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell; White House outlines President Biden's upcoming trip to South America.
What to know about Sen. John Thune, the new Senate Republican leader
Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is set to become Senate majority leader in the new Congress, after Republicans flipped the chamber in the 2024 elections.
Senate Republicans elect John Thune to lead after 17-year McConnell run
Sen. John Thune of South Dakota won on the second round of voting against Sen. John Cornyn of Texas in the race for Senate Republican leader.
What will be on Sen. John Thune's plate?
Senate Republicans elected South Dakota's John Thune to replace Mitch McConnell as the new majority leader. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports on how the vote went down and what Thune will be tasked with.
John Thune on Senate majority leadership
South Dakota Sen. John Thune addressed reporters on Capitol Hill after being elected to replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader. David Yaffe-Bellany, a crypto and technology reporter at The New York Times, joins CBS News as more details emerge of new leadership in Congress.
CBS News projects House majority party
Republicans will have the majority in the House of Representatives, CBS News projects. This comes after the GOP gained control of the Senate and as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Latest news on Trump's D.C. visit
President-elect Donald Trump met with President Biden at the White House after gathering with House Republicans in Washington, D.C. Semafor's Kadia Goba joins CBS News with more on Trump's visit and the latest leadership news on Capitol Hill.
Thune elected Senate Republican leader
South Dakota Sen. John Thune has been elected to replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as the upper chamber's Republican leader. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Republicans to vote on Senate leader
Republicans on Wednesday will choose between South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott to replace outgoing GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell. At this point, President-elect Donald Trump hasn't lent his support to any of the three, but Scott is positioning himself as the MAGA candidate. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
What is a recess appointment?
Congressional Republicans are preparing to carry out President-elect Donald Trump's agenda. This weekend, he took to social media saying that the next Senate Republican leader must "agree to recess appointments." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion breaks down what that is, and what else the next leader will be tasked with.
Congress' agenda for lame-duck session
Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for the first time since Election Day. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports on what Congress has in store for the remainder of its term.
Who will be the next Senate leader?
Three names -- Florida Sen. Rick Scott, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Texas Sen. John Cornyn -- are being floated in Congress as Senate Republicans prepare to meet to choose their next leader. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
GOP to vote on Senate leader Wednesday
Votes are still being counted in key U.S. House races, but it's looking more likely that President-elect Donald Trump will take office with the Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of Congress. In the Senate, where the GOP has already clinched control, Republicans will vote on a new leader to replace Mitch McConnell on Wednesday. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Musk backs Rick Scott for GOP Senate leader
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans will select the next majority leader. Several Trump allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, are pushing for Florida Sen. Rick Scott. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports on the state of the Senate leadership race.
DOJ releases huge new set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as conservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
2 dead, at least 20 hurt in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion, officials say
Two people were killed and at least 20 more were injured in an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials said.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Body of missing 9-year-old California girl Melodee Buzzard found, mother arrested
Authorities said Melodee Buzzard's body was found in a rural area outside of Cainville, Utah, and her mother was arrested Tuesday morning.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
U.S.
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Trump plows ahead with construction plans as conservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
MoneyWatch
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California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
Job listings for store Santas have plunged in recent years as more families shop online and retailers look to contain costs, a new analysis found.
Consumer confidence continues to fade despite heady economic growth
Concerns about inflation, tariffs and politics weighed on consumer sentiment in December, The Conference Board said.
Politics
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Trump plows ahead with construction plans as conservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Former GOP Sen. Ben Sasse says he has stage-four pancreatic cancer
Republican Ben Sasse represented Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2023, then became president of the University of Florida.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Major pre-Christmas Russian attack on Ukraine kills at least 3
Russia fired more than 650 drones and three dozen missiles at Ukraine in a major pre-Christmas attack, killing at least three people including a child.
U.S. military hits alleged "low-profile" drug vessel in Pacific, killing 1
The U.S. military says it struck a vessel that was allegedly carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific on Monday, killing one person — part of a months-long campaign of boat strikes near Latin America.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Aubrey O'Day opens up about disturbing Sean "Diddy" Combs affidavit
Aubrey O'Day discusses the disturbing witness affidavit involving Sean "Diddy" Combs in a "CBS Mornings" interview on Tuesday.
How to watch the Kennedy Center Honors tonight on CBS and Paramount+
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast tonight, Dec. 23, celebrating George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone.
"Call of Duty" co-creator Vince Zampella dies after crash on Los Angeles highway
Vince Zampella, a video game developer known for pioneering iconic franchises like "Call of Duty," died in a car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County on Sunday afternoon.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
New trove of Epstein files released
The DOJ released more than 10,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The release includes court records, emails, news clippings, photos, spreadsheets, audio and video files. It also offers new details on Epstein's associates, including President Trump. Mr. Trump has not been charged in connection with Epstein and the new documents do not accuse him of any crime. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
2 killed in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion
Two people are dead after an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and several are still missing, Gov. Josh Shapiro said. CBS Philadelphia reporter Nikki DeMentri reports.
Holiday train delivers Christmas cheer
When the Canadian Pacific Kansas City holiday train rolls into town, the tracks transform into a holiday festival. Lana Zak has the story.
Financial strains of the "sandwich generation"
Between now and 2030, about 10,000 Americans will turn 65 every single day, giving rise to a term known as the "sandwich generation" -- adults who find themselves caring for their aging parents while still raising their own children. CBS News spoke to one woman about her struggles.
FDA approves weight loss drug in daily pill form
Regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication approved to treat obesity. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
Bystanders pull survivors from deadly plane crash
Federal investigators are looking into what caused a deadly plane crash in Galveston Bay, off the Texas coast. A medical plane transporting a child burn victim from Mexico went down with eight people on board. Five were killed, including the 2-year-old. Karen Hua has more on the rescue mission.