Why Trump is changing the DOD's name
President Trump began the process of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. It's been more than 75 years since that name was used. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more details.
United States Department of Defense
Trump signs executive order renaming Defense to Department of War
President Trump singed an executive order Friday directing the Department of Defense to use the name Department of War as a "secondary title" — restoring a name it last held in the late 1940s.
Trump orders Department of Defense name change
President Trump signed an executive order at the White House on Friday, changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. An act of Congress is still required to officially change its title.
Defense Dept. to send up to 600 military attorneys to serve as immigration judges
The military attorneys would help with a backlog of some 3.7 million immigration cases.
Pentagon mulls speeding process to reinstate troops discharged over Covid vaccine
Veterans forced out under the mandate have been frustrated by what they described as a slow, arduous process to return to service.
Three-star general Jeffrey Kruse ousted as Defense Intelligence Agency director
Lt. General Jeffrey Kruse is no longer Defense Intelligence Agency director, a senior defense official confirmed Friday.
Trump orders military force against cartels
The New York Times reports President Trump has secretly ordered the Pentagon to conduct military actions against some Latin American drug cartels. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Watchdog group asks for probe of acquisition of Qatari jet on Trump's behalf
A watchdog group asked the Pentagon inspector general to probe whether the Defense Dept. broke laws by accepting a $400 million Qatari plane on Trump's behalf.
Watchdog asks for probe of Trump's Qatari jet
CBS News has learned that a nonpartisan government watchdog group is requesting an investigation into whether the Pentagon violated any laws by accepting a jet from the Qatari royal family on behalf of President Trump.
Preparations underway for Qatari jet that will be used as Air Force One
Earlier this year, President Trump confirmed that the Qatari royal family was donating a Boeing 747-8 for his use.
Senior Hegseth adviser out at Pentagon, sources say
Justin Fulcher started at the Defense Department as a member of DOGE. He was later promoted to a post as senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Warren, Sheehy team up on Defense Depart. bill
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana are partnering on a bill that would change the way the military repairs equipment. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns spoke with the pair about why the issue has them crossing party lines.
Official: U.S. to send Ukraine weapons again
The U.S. has now resumed sending some weapons to Ukraine, a U.S. official told CBS News. The decision follows last week's move to pause some shipments to Ukraine. The pause was reportedly due to concerns about the U.S. military stockpiles falling too low. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
Trump administration evasive on weapons pause
The Trump administration has announced it is halting some weapons shipments to Ukraine, even as Russia is intensifying its attacks. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more details.
Key data used in hurricane forecasting in jeopardy, NOAA says
The satellite program has historically been a key source of weather forecasting data for NOAA.
Maryland bill seeks to help ex-federal workers
New legislation in a Maryland county is aiming to make it easier for laid-off federal employees to find work. Will Jawando, vice president for the Montgomery County Council in Maryland, joins "The Takeout" to discuss the bill.
Latest details on Iran intel assessment
The Trump administration is defending its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as a complete success, even as some key questions remain. CBS News' Eleanor Watson, Nikole Killion and Willie James Inman have the latest reporting.
Pentagon officials defend success of U.S. strikes on Iran amid intel leak
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said leaker of initial intel assessment wanted to "make it look like this historic strike wasn't successful."
Iranian nuclear sites damaged, not destroyed
The Trump administration claimed it "obliterated" Iran's key nuclear sites, but CBS News is learning that may not be the case. A preliminary intel assessment finds U.S. strikes on three Iranian facilities over the weekend only set back the country's nuclear program by a few months. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Charlie D'Agata have the latest.
Iran nuclear program only set back by months
Three sources familiar with a Defense Department intelligence report say that this weekend's strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities set the nation's program back by months and did not "obliterate" the facilities as President Trump has claimed. CBS News chief Washington analyst Robert Costa joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Trump says he's restoring the original names of these Army bases
President Trump will restore seven more Army base names that originally honored Confederate military figures — but with different namesakes.
Hegseth limiting press access at Pentagon
Pete Hegseth's tenure as defense secretary has resulted in numerous changes at the Pentagon, particularly for journalists covering the Department of Defense. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin explains.
Trump defends deploying troops over protests
President Trump is defending his response to the Los Angeles protests, even as local officials call his actions unnecessary and illegal. Hundreds of U.S. Marines arrived in L.A. County on Tuesday to support thousands of National Guard troops deployed over the weekend. CBS News' Elise Preston, Nikole Killion and Eleanor Watson have the latest details.
Congresswoman gets frustrated with Hegseth
Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut grew frustrated with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the lack of details the Trump administration has provided in the Pentagon's budget request. "What is your plan for the future?" DeLauro pressed Hegseth, who was appearing before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on Tuesday.
Report: Pentagon, NASA push SpaceX competitors
Even as Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a radio satellite into orbit on Saturday, the Pentagon and NASA are pushing his competitors to speed up the development of their own spacecraft, according to the Washington Post. CBS News New York journalist Ali Bauman has more.
Tony Dokoupil: Don't just trust me. Make me earn it.
"You come first," declares the new anchor of the Evening News. "Not advertisers. Not politicians. Not corporate interests — including the new owners of CBS."
Fire kills dozens at crowded Swiss Alps bar on New Year's
Police in Switzerland say a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort area is believed to have left about 40 people dead and dozens more injured.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani addresses New Yorkers at public inauguration
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in early Thursday as the 112th mayor of New York City. The democratic socialist is the city's first Muslim mayor, as well as one of its youngest ever.
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
Everything we know about Minnesota's massive fraud schemes
A viral social media video has put Minnesota's long-running fraud scandal at the center of the national conversation. Here's what to know.
At least 6 reported killed during Iran protests over struggling economy
The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran's theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in Tehran but expanded elsewhere.
Coast Guard searches for 77-year-old woman who went overboard from cruise ship
The woman was a passenger on the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship, which was roughly 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, when she went overboard, the Coast Guard said.
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After Swiss Alps bar fire, a look at America's past nightclub and bar fires
A look at bar and nightclub fires in the United States with significant death tolls and similar risks that led to the tragedies.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
Coast Guard searches for 77-year-old woman who went overboard from cruise ship
The woman was a passenger on the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship, which was roughly 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, when she went overboard, the Coast Guard said.
U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. reduces proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, Italy says
Steep U.S. import duties targeting 13 Italian pasta makers will be sharply reduced, Italy's foreign ministry said on Jan. 1.
Trump administration delays tariff increases on furniture, kitchen cabinets
The one-year delay comes as President Trump has rolled back some other import duties amid affordability concerns.
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
What's open on New Year's Day 2026? See which stores are operating.
Banks, post offices and major stock exchanges will be closed in observance of the federal holiday, but some stores are open.
Federal appeals court blocks Hawaii's tourist tax on cruise ships
The levy, which would impose a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passenger, was set to go into effect at the start of 2026.
Politics
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White House aiming to get final approval for Trump-backed ballroom by March
The Trump administration is aiming to move a planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom through the federal government's review process at a rapid clip, with final approvals as soon as early March.
U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
Trump says he underwent CT scan, not MRI, during October examination
"In retrospect, it's too bad I took it because it gave them a little ammunition," President Trump told The Wall Street Journal.
Trump administration delays tariff increases on furniture, kitchen cabinets
The one-year delay comes as President Trump has rolled back some other import duties amid affordability concerns.
Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
HealthWatch
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Price hikes hit ACA health insurance plans as subsidies expire
Enhanced tax credits that have helped Americans offset the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired overnight.
Some states ban junk food from SNAP benefits
In 2026, several states are set to prohibit individuals from purchasing certain junk food items using their federal benefits. Meg Oliver has the details.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
World
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U.S. says China military drills near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily"
Chinese war games around Taiwan "unnecessarily" spiked tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department said, calling on Beijing to "cease its military pressure."
At least 6 reported killed during Iran protests over struggling economy
The deaths may mark the start of a heavier-handed response by Iran's theocracy over the demonstrations, which have slowed in Tehran but expanded elsewhere.
Pope starts 2026 with prayer for countries "bloodied by conflict"
Pope Leo XIV celebrated a New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and then delivered a special noontime prayer from his studio overlooking the piazza.
Fire kills dozens at crowded Swiss Alps bar on New Year's
Police in Switzerland say a fire at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort area is believed to have left about 40 people dead and dozens more injured.
France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
Entertainment
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France defends granting George Clooney and his family French citizenship
George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, were granted French citizenship because "they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France's international influence and cultural outreach," the French government said.
Notable works entering the public domain in 2026
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, as crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
Technology
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Technology
Economic oasis emerges in the Arizona desert
Arizona is fast becoming a major hub for computer chip production thanks to what's being called the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history. Kris Van Cleave takes us to a sprawling campus in Phoenix that is providing thousands of jobs while reducing America's reliance on overseas products.
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Fallout grows over freezing of child care funds
After the Trump administration paused federal assistance to child care centers in Minnesota, parents are now wondering if their kids' day care is in jeopardy, as the government investigates fraud claims. Jonah Kaplan has been following this developing story.
Epstein survivors decry delay in releasing files
There may be millions of documents the Justice Department still needs to release from the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. By law, those files were required to be made public nearly two weeks ago. Scott MacFarlane has the latest.
Day care in Minneapolis vandalized after viral video purporting fraud
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
New details on charges against Stefon Diggs
Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of strangulation, assault and battery following an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month. Diggs' attorney, David Meier, said in a statement that the wide receiver "categorically denies" the allegations and "looks forward to establishing the truth" in court. CBS News Boston's Aaron Parseghian has more.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
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.
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Latest CBS News Videos
Millions facing health care cost increases
Enhanced tax credits that have helped reduce the cost of health insurance for the vast majority of Affordable Care Act enrollees expired overnight as 2026 arrived, cementing higher health costs for millions of Americans at the start of the new year. Nicole Sganga reports.
Protests erupt in Iran over economic crisis
In Iran, some are protesting the rising cost of living and clashing with security forces in a number of cities. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest.
Mamdani starts historic term as NYC mayor
Zohran Mamdani was publicly sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on New Year's Day. Meg Oliver reports.
Extreme weather grips U.S. as the new year begins
Heavy snow and a rare thundersnow hit the Northeast as flooding rain soaks parts of California and a deep freeze reaches the South. Carter Evans and John Elliot have more.
Survivors recount Swiss Alps ski resort fire
A night of celebration in the Swiss Alps ended in tragedy after a fire tore through a ski resort bar, killing at least 40 people and injuring dozens more. Ramy Inocencio reports.