Former acting defense secretary thinks defense budget should be halved
Miller argues the Pentagon budget, now at $816 billion, could be slashed by as much as half.
United States Department of Defense
Military commander tells senators on spy balloon: "We think before we shoot"
Senators questioned Pentagon officials about why the spy balloon was not shot down over Alaska.
Chinese balloons are part of wider surveillance program
China's balloon program is "designed to augment" its surveillance abilities, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
Officials reveal size of suspected Chinese spy balloon that was shot down
A senior Biden administration official confirmed that the U.S. intelligence community believes the balloon was part of a surveillance program run by the People's Liberation Army.
Remains of Ohio pilot shot down over Germany in WWII identified
Six of the 10 crew members were able to escape the plane before it crashed, while pilot Carl Nesbitt and the rest were killed.
Pentagon office tracking UFO reports has not seen evidence of alien life
But there's no evidence so far of alien life, the Defense Department said Friday.
Senate passes annual defense spending bill
The measure now goes to President Biden's desk for his signature.
Pentagon reviews say China is "pacing challenge" and Russia is "acute threat"
"In the coming years, for the first time, we will have to deter two major nuclear armed competitors, both Russia and China," said one senior defense official.
Former defense chief Mark Esper sues Pentagon over memoir redactions
Esper, who wrote about his time as Trump's Secretary of Defense, claims redactions demanded by the Pentagon after an "unusual" delay infringe on his constitutional rights.
Powell remembered as groundbreaking figure
Colin Powell died from COVID-19 complications at age 84 amid a battle with the blood cancer multiple myeloma and other underlying conditions. Powell was the first Black secretary of state and also a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. CBS News correspondent Meg Oliver reports on his life and legacy, and CBS News political contributor Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist, joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss what people will remember the most about Powell.
Here's what we know about the 13 U.S. service members killed in Kabul
The suicide bombing also left 18 U.S. service members and scores of Afghans wounded.
Here's how to help Afghan refugees
Organizations across the globe are working to address Afghanistan's growing humanitarian emergency. Here's how you can get involved.
Austin mandates COVID-19 vaccination for all service members
Austin had said earlier this month that he'd require service members to be vaccinated either upon FDA approval or by mid-September with a waiver from Biden.
Service members receive mental health resources as U.S. exits Afghanistan
"These are difficult days for those who lost loved ones in Afghanistan and those who carry the wounds of war," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday.
How the military can address sex assault
A RAND Corporation report suggests ways the U.S. military can address sexual assault and harassment in its ranks. Senior behavioral and social scientist Joie Acosta joins CBSN AM to discuss the report.
Donald Rumsfeld has died at 88
Donald Rumsfeld, the two-time defense secretary who led the Pentagon through the 9/11 terror attack and into the long and costly Iraq War, has died, his family said in a statement. He was 88.
Former Defense Dept. official on Capitol riot
In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Ryan Goodman, a former special counsel for the U.S. Defense Department, points out what we learned and did not learn from FBI Director Christopher Wray's recent congressional testimony. He spoke with Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers on CBSN to discuss what he thinks the FBI should do going forward to prevent another attack like the one on January 6.
Government report unable to explain source of many UFOs
The government is expected to release its report on unidentified aerial phenomena this month.
Pentagon inspector general to audit department's actions on UFOs
In April, the Defense Department confirmed the authenticity of different Navy videos showing objects described as a "sphere," "acorn," "pyramid" and "metallic blimp."
Pentagon halts border wall construction paid for with defense funds
In 2019, the Trump administration used Defense Department cash for border wall projects when Congress refused to fund them.
Docs show lead up to Capitol riot response
The internal watchdog for the U.S. Capitol police will appear in a highly-anticipated congressional hearing Thursday. Meanwhile, an internal Defense Department timeline obtained by CBS News reveals new details about the lead-up to the January 6 riot. Catherine Herridge reports.
Pentagon establishes working group to counter extremism in the ranks
At least 37 current or former military members were arrested in relation to the attack on the Capitol on January 6.
Pentagon announces new policies on transgender troops
The updated policies come on Trans Day of Visibility.
White House responding to southern border
Vice President Harris will lead an effort to work with Mexico and Central American countries to stem the flow of migrants to the southern border. Meanwhile, journalists were offered limited access to a border facility housing migrant children Thursday. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian joins CBSN AM with the latest from El Paso.
D.C. National Guard chief says Pentagon took hours to send troops to Capitol
Major General William Walker, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, testified before senators on the January 6 assault on the Capitol.
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 in Beirut as diplomats push for cease-fire
The strikes, which destroyed an eight-story building and left a crater in the ground, were the fourth in Beirut in less than a week.
Fred Harris, former senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94
It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
Marta's Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit for their first NWSL title
Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the NWSL Shield and the title in the same year.
2 killed in U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crash in Northern Colorado
Two people were killed and a third was injured when a U.S. Civil Air Patrol plane crashed in Colorado's Front Range Saturday morning.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
U.S.
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Marta's Orlando Pride defeat Washington Spirit for their first NWSL title
Orlando is the first team since 2019 to win the NWSL Shield and the title in the same year.
Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor
When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.
Fred Harris, former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94
It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
MoneyWatch
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Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says
A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.
Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.
Supreme Court takes up FCC fund dispute over subsidies for rural telecom services
The Universal Service Fund was created by Congress in 1996.
Politics
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Fred Harris, former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94
It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
Trump meets with NATO head in Florida for talks on global security
In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID vaccine mandates, to head FDA
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
HealthWatch
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New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak
Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.
E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2
More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.
What to know about the newly identified chemical in U.S. drinking water
Researchers have identified a chemical in certain tap water across the United States as chloronitramide anion. Here's what to know.
Whole Foods organic carrots and celery recalled amid E. coli outbreak
Whole Foods Market stores in five states sold recalled carrots and celery sticks that could contain E. coli.
World
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Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.
Russia bans child adoption from countries that allow gender transition
The adoption ban would apply to at least 15 countries, most of them in Europe, and Australia, Argentina and Canada.
Kayaker's leg amputated after 20-hour rescue to free him from rocks
Officials said the man, a tourist in his 60s, was kayaking with friends in the Franklin River when he slipped and became trapped.
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 in Beirut as diplomats push for cease-fire
The strikes, which destroyed an eight-story building and left a crater in the ground, were the fourth in Beirut in less than a week.
A craving for good food flips gender roles in Italy
Around the world, women cook more meals per week than men, but Italy serves as the exception to the rule.
Entertainment
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Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."
Jonathan Majors' ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit
Lawyers for actor Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, according to a joint filing in Manhattan federal court.
The Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Early Shirley."
The Coward Brothers on new album
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.
The Coward Brothers perform "Tipsy Woman"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Tipsy Woman."
Technology
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Technology
Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?
Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
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.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
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Science
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Crime
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Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor
When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.
$20 million settlement reached in death of woman fatally shot by officer
Teresa Gomez, 45, was fatally shot in 2023 after a Las Cruces police officer on a bicycle approached her while she sat in a parked car with another person, authorities said.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
U.S. accuses former Colombia general of extrajudicial killings
Former general Mario Montoya and his family are barred from traveling to the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
4.78 tons of cocaine, $193,000 in cash found in shipping containers
Prosecutors said eight people were detained following searches carried out in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
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.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Here Comes the Sun: Jack Antonoff and more
Record producer and singer Jack Antonoff sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his band Bleachers, working with Taylor Swift, and producing the music for Broadway’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Then, Luke Burbank learns about the Aluminaire House, which can now be viewed at the Palm Springs Art Museum. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Capturing Moriah Wilson’s Killer
A promising young athlete is murdered. Her suspected killer disappears and an international manhunt by U.S. Marshals begins. “48 Hours” contributor Jonathan Vigliotti reports. (30-minute show)
The Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Early Shirley."
The Coward Brothers on new album
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.
The Coward Brothers perform "Tipsy Woman"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Tipsy Woman."