McConnell "plans to serve his full term" as GOP leader, spokesman says
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was elected to helm the Republican conference in November, fending off a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott.
Mitch McConnell
Republicans offer continued backing of McConnell after freezing episode
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze mid-sentence for several seconds while speaking to reporters Wednesday and was escorted away briefly.
McConnell freezes during news conference
During a press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell froze mid-sentence for 30 seconds and was escorted away. He later said, "I'm fine." CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
McConnell says he's "fine" after freezing
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 81, says he's "fine" after he suddenly stopped talking during a briefing Wednesday. McConnell appeared to freeze mid-sentence at the briefing before being led away by colleagues. He later returned and took questions. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest.
Mitch McConnell freezes during news conference
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suddenly stopped speaking midsentence during a weekly news conference Wednesday.
McConnell freezes during news conference
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was speaking to reporters Wednesday when he appeared to freeze up. An aide later said he "felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
U.S. destroys last of its declared chemical weapons
The U.S. destroyed the last of its declared chemical weapons stockpile, located at the Blue Grass Army Depot in eastern Kentucky.
Senate Republicans on debt limit bill
Senate Republicans spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon about the debt ceiling deal reached by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he anticipates the bill will pass in the House.
Debt ceiling talks to continue
President Biden will meet with the top four members of Congress again on Friday after he and the lawmakers appeared to make little progress on the debt ceiling Tuesday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins Errol Barnett and Lana Zak to discuss on the latest the ongoing debt limit battle.
Biden hosts debt ceiling talks at White House
President Biden is meeting with top congressional leaders at the White House about the debt ceiling. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang and CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane join with the latest from D.C.
Biden hosts debt limit talks at White House
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the other congressional leaders are meeting with President Biden Tuesday to discuss the debt ceiling as the U.S. risks possibly defaulting in a matter of weeks. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins Errol Barnett and Lana Zak to discuss what to expect from the meeting.
What to expect from debt ceiling talks
President Biden is meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss the debt ceiling amid warnings of possible default. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins Errol Barnett and Lana Zak to discuss what to expect from the talks.
U.S. could default on debt within weeks
President Biden will meet with House and Senate leaders on both sides of the aisle Tuesday to discuss raising the debt limit. A new analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center says that the country could default as soon as June. CBS News reporter Sarah Ewall-Wice has more.
Senate Democrats fail to replace Feinstein on Judiciary Committee
"Senate Republicans will not take part in sidelining a temporarily absent colleague off a committee just so Democrats can force through their very worst nominees," McConnell said.
Mitch McConnell back home after completing physical therapy for concussion
Earlier this month, the senator from Kentucky tripped and fell while attending a private dinner at a Washington, D.C., hotel.
McConnell back home after treatment for concussion
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is back recuperating at his home after he suffered a concussion in a fall earlier this month. He was first hospitalized, and then received treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility.
McConnell eager to return to Senate as he recovers from fall, senators say
McConnell was discharged from the hospital last week and is continuing his recovery at an inpatient rehabilitation facility.
McConnell discharged from hospital after concussion to recover at rehab facility
The Kentucky Republican suffered a concussion and rib fracture after falling at a hotel last week.
3/9: Red and Blue
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with a concussion; Ex-Trump official Ken Cuccinelli launches PAC for Ron DeSantis.
Mitch McConnell hospitalized with concussion
Senate Minority Leader remains hospitalized after he tripped and fell while attending a private dinner at a Washington, D.C., hotel Wednesday evening. He has been diagnosed with a concussion and is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days, his office said. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Mitch McConnell hospitalized in D.C.
Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., after he fell during a private dinner. Nikole Killion reports.
McConnell suffered concussion in fall, will remain hospitalized for several days
The Senate minority leader, 81, was at a private dinner at a Washington, D.C., hotel when he tripped and fell, his office said.
Sprawling bot network praises Trump, attacks DeSantis and Haley
Researchers have uncovered a network of tens of thousands of fake Twitter accounts created to support former President Donald Trump and attack his critics and potential rivals.
Rick Scott amends plan to make exceptions for Social Security, Medicare
Democrats repeatedly seized on Scott's plan to accuse Republicans of looking to cut Medicare and Social Security.
Biden, McConnell tout Kentucky bridge project
President Biden traveled to Kentucky on Wednesday to tout a $1.6 billion bridge project that resulted from the bipartisan infrastructure package he signed in 2021. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined him for the visit. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins us to discuss the significance of the rare joint appearance.
Gisèle Pelicot's husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge in France has found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
Wisconsin shooter was in contact with California man plotting his own attack
A California judge issued a restraining order against a 20-year-old man who told FBI agents he'd been messaging with the Wisconsin shooter, authorities and court documents say.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Teamsters going on strike against Amazon at several locations nationwide
The union says workers at seven facilities will walk off the job this morning. It's an attempt to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during the key holiday shopping period.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
New details of Captagon drug trade exposed with Assad regime's collapse
A CBS News team gained access to a site outside Damascus which holds the precursor chemicals for Captagon, one of the most popular street drugs in the Middle East and beyond.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Failed bill included disaster relief and other key funding measures
The 1,500-page measure would have done much more than prevent a government shutdown.
U.S.
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Wisconsin shooter was in contact with California man plotting his own attack
A California judge issued a restraining order Tuesday against a 20-year-old man who told FBI agents that he had been messaging with the Wisconsin shooter.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
MoneyWatch
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Teamsters going on strike against Amazon at several locations nationwide
The Teamsters union says workers at seven facilities will walk off the job Thursday morning. It's an attempt to pressure the e-commerce giant for a labor agreement during the key holiday shopping period.
Stock market plummets after Fed forecasts fewer rate cuts in 2025
The stock market is down sharply today after the Federal Reserve forecast fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than expected.
U.S. Mint announces 5 historical women on new quarters for 2025. Here's who.
It's the last year the American Women Quarters Program will put historical female figures on reverse side of coins.
U.S. mulls ban on Chinese-made TP-Link routers over national security concerns
TP-Link routers could be banned in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to a report.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
Politics
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Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, including teachers, firefighters and others with public pensions.
House conservatives revolt over GOP-backed spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
HealthWatch
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What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
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Gisèle Pelicot's husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge in France has found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
New details of Captagon drug trade exposed with Assad regime's collapse
A CBS News team gained access to a site outside Damascus which holds the precursor chemicals for Captagon, one of the most popular street drugs in the Middle East and beyond.
Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
Entertainment
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The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Crime
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Gisèle Pelicot's husband found guilty in mass rape trial in France
A judge in France has found the former husband of Gisèle Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to do the same.
Teacher, student killed in Wisconsin school shooting identified
Erin West, 42, and Rubi Vergara, 14, were fatally shot Monday morning at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mangione expected to waive extradition, lawyer says
Luigi Mangione, the man indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to waive extradition back to New York, his lawyer said Wednesday. Mangione is currently in custody in Pennsylvania.
New details emerge about teen shooting suspect
We are learning more about the background of a 15-year-old girl who authorities said opened fire Monday at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and wounding six others. Ian Lee reports from Madison.
Mangione's lawyer on extradition
An attorney for accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione said he plans to waive extradition to New York City this week. CBS News New York reporter Ali Baumen has the latest.
Space
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Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Latest Galleries
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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.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
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.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Stopgap funding bill in limbo after GOP opposition
A bipartisan House deal on a short-term funding measure that would avoid a potential shutdown and keep the government operational through March appeared to have been scrapped Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and some hardline Republican lawmakers came out against it. Nikole Killion has details from Capitol Hill.
"CBS Evening News" headlines for Dec. 18, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Mangione expected to waive extradition, lawyer says
Luigi Mangione, the man indicted on murder charges in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to waive extradition back to New York, his lawyer said Wednesday. Mangione is currently in custody in Pennsylvania.
New details emerge about teen shooting suspect
We are learning more about the background of a 15-year-old girl who authorities said opened fire Monday at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and wounding six others. Ian Lee reports from Madison.