Biden isn't considering firing Austin, White House official says
The Pentagon failed to disclose Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for days.
Lloyd Austin
New questions about Austin's hospitalization
President Biden said he still has full confidence in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, despite the White House not being told about the defense secretary's hospitalization in the ICU for several days. The lack of communication with the White House and other officials has some lawmakers concerned. David Martin reports.
WH official: Biden not considering firing Austin
A Biden administration official tells CBS News the president is not considering firing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after he failed to report his hospitalization to the White House for days. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Lloyd Austin's hospitalization: What we know
There are growing questions about the hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last week, and for three days, President Biden didn't know that Austin was in intensive care. CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin has more.
Questions over Lloyd Austin's hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin went into the hospital for an elective medical procedure on Dec. 22 and returned home a day later. But on New Year's Day, Austin experienced severe pain and was admitted to the intensive care unit, something President Biden didn't know about until three days later. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang has more.
Pentagon's No. 2 not told of Austin hospitalization when she assumed his duties
The Pentagon's No. 2, Kathleen Hicks, was informed of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization two days after she assumed some of his duties.
White House wasn't notified of Defense Secretary's hospitalization for days
The Pentagon's failure to disclose Lloyd Austin's hospitalization is counter to normal practice with the president and other senior U.S. officials and Cabinet members.
White House was unaware of Austin hospital stay
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Jan. 1 due to complications from a medical procedure, it was publicly revealed Friday. However, CBS News has learned that the National Security Council and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan were unaware of Austin's hospitalization until Thursday.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized after complications from procedure
Austin has been hospitalized since Monday due to complications following a minor elective medical procedure, officials said.
How Red Sea threats could cause shipping woes
The U.S. announced a task force with other nations aimed at protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi rebel attacks. But some shipping companies have already rerouted their vessels over the attacks. CBS News' Lana Zak breaks down the importance of the Red Sea for international shipping.
How powerful are Yemen's Houthi rebels?
Yemen's Houthi rebels have stepped up attacks in the Red Sea. But who are they, and why are they attacking vessels along one of the world's most important shipping routes? CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio and Center for Strategic and International Studies senior adviser Mark Cancian explain.
Secretary Austin's remarks in Israel
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Israel Monday during his latest trip to the Middle East and continued to push for a two-state solution after Israel concludes its war against Hamas in Gaza. BBC News Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega is following Austin's visit from Jerusalem.
U.S., Israeli defense heads speak to press
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated America's support for Israel during a joint news conference Monday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel is under worldwide pressure to do more to minimize civilian deaths in Gaza amid its war with Hamas.
Israel facing pressure to change tactics
Pressure is growing on Israel to scale back its military campaign after the IDF confirmed they mistakenly killed three hostages who they say were waving a white flag. At a rally in Tel Aviv over the weekend, Israelis demanded a deal to bring the remaining hostages home. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has the latest from Tel Aviv and Charlie D'Agata has a report on Hamas' tunnel network.
Secretary Austin urges two-state solution
During a trip to the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Monday a two-state solution is in the interest of Israelis and Palestinians. Military analyst Mike Lyons, a retired major in the U.S. Army, joins CBS News to discuss.
Growing calls for a cease-fire
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin landed in Israel this morning, amid growing calls for a cease-fire. Israel's former ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, told CBS News' Ramy Inocencio "we are kind of hanging on a thread, and that thread is Joseph Biden."
U.S. urging Israel to use caution
Members of the Biden administration are urging Israel to do more to prevent Palestinian civilians from being killed in its mission to eradicate Hamas. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes is following the developments as Israel expands its ground offensive in Gaza.
U.S. defense chief in Ukraine to affirm support "now and in the future"
Defense chief Lloyd Austin said he was in Ukraine to affirm U.S. support "against Russia's aggression, both now and in the future."
Blinken, Austin on aid for Israel and Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testified at a Senate hearing on Tuesday to urge lawmakers to send emergency aid to Israel and Ukraine. CBS News' chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Blinken, Austin testifying for foreign aid
On Capitol Hill Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are testifying before the Senate appropriations committee. They're hoping to garner support for the White House's proposed funding bill to finance aid for Ukraine and Israel among other security-related initiatives. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini has more.
Blinken, Austin urge Congress to pass funding to support both Israel and Ukraine
Austin and Blinken told lawmakers supporting both Israel and Ukraine is part of a single fight against increasingly connected adversaries.
Protesters calling for cease-fire in Gaza disrupt Senate hearing
Blinken was interrupted multiple times by protesters who called for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Israel advances into Gaza amid U.S. aid talks
The Israel-Hamas war continues after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls Monday for an immediate cease-fire. In the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testified before the Senate appropriations committee about the Biden administration's requests for aid for Israel and Ukraine. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee has the latest from Israel, and CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports on the battle shaping up in Congress.
U.S. leaders vow support for Israel after deadly Hamas attacks
The attack has killed at least 700 people in Israel so far, with hundreds more injured and an unknown number of people taken hostage by Hamas.
3 military branches without Senate-confirmed leaders for first time in history
The Navy on Monday joined the Army and Marine Corps in operating without a Senate-confirmed military leader because of Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on senior military nominations.
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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NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition: See the live map
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
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.
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.