What do Cabinet members do? Here are the expectations for each role
These are the president's top advisers and the highest-ranked U.S. officials. Here's what Cabinet members do — and some issues they're likely to face if confirmed by the Senate.
Federal Government of the United States
What unified government means for Trump's Cabinet and agenda
Even with unified GOP control of government, Trump's agenda and some of his more controversial nominees may run into some opposition.
Special counsel reindicts Trump with narrower set of accusations
The superseding indictment against Trump is based on a narrower set of allegations after the Supreme Court ruled Trump had some immunity from prosecution.
Examining the presidential transition process
The executive branch is preparing for what happens after the 2024 election, and the possibility they'll have to pack up and make way for a new administration. The Partnership for Public Service, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, breaks the transition into three phases -- with one already underway. President and CEO Max Stier joins CBS News to take a deeper look at the lengthy process.
U.S. announces effort to expedite cases of migrants who cross border illegally
Migrant adults released by federal border officials after crossing into the U.S. unlawfully will be eligible to be placed in the program.
Justice Department moves forward with easing restrictions on marijuana
The Justice Department officially proposed a new rule on Thursday that would reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug.
Closing arguments in Google antitrust trial
Closing arguments begin Thursday in the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google. The government and more than a dozen states say Google has turned its search engine into an illegal monopoly, while Google says people like to use the engine and could change their search habits at any time. Matthew Perlman, senior competition reporter for Law 360, joins CBS News to discuss the case.
U.S. considers sanctioning some in IDF
The United States is considering the unprecedented step of sanctioning members of the Israel Defense Forces in the West Bank for alleged human rights violations.
DOJ to meet with families of Boeing crash victims
CBS News has confirmed that the U.S. Department of Justice will meet later this month with the families of Boeing crash victims. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has more.
Majority of U.S. bridges lack impact protection. Will anything change?
There are 4,207 bridges in the U.S. that allow ships to pass under them. Of those, only 36% are described as having functional pier protection.
Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction should be paid for by feds, Biden says
The FBI earlier said there was no "there is no specific or credible information to suggest there are ties to terrorism."
Documents show $12 million price tag to protect 2 Trump advisers from Iran
Documents obtained by "60 Minutes" show the Secret Service shelled out more than $12 million to protect John Bolton and Robert O'Brien, two former national security advisers, over the course of a year.
Alaska company pays $900,000 after guide likely caused wildfire with campfire
In a settlement with the federal government, an Alaska fishing guide company paid $900,000 following allegations that one of its guides caused a 2019 wildfire by not properly putting out a campfire.
SCOTUS appears ready to limit agency powers
The Supreme Court is putting the power of federal agencies on the chopping block. The latest case before the justices could forever change the way the government operates. Craig Green, law professor at Temple University, joins CBS News to explain.
Survey: Americans overstate president's power
A recent survey suggests the American public tends to hold exaggerated ideas of what a president can and can't do. Brendan Nyhan, professor of government at Dartmouth College and one of the survey's co-authors, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
Supreme Court to hear federal authority case
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on a case that could impact the independent authority of every federal agency in the U.S. CBS News legal contributor and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson joins to unpack what's at stake.
President Biden signs short-term funding bill to keep government open
The bill will fund the government at current levels until mid-January.
Pentagon reports more than 270 UFO sightings
More than 270 reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena, known as UAPs or UFOs, were made to the U.S. government in a recent eight-month period, the Department of Defense said in a Tuesday report to Congress. Chris Impey, astronomy professor at the University of Arizona, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
Honoring America's public servants
America's public servants will be honored at an award ceremony Tuesday night. CBS News' John Dickerson takes a look at some of the 2023 Service to America Medal winners.
40 Acres and a Mule | CBS Reports
Today, the phrase "40 acres and a mule" represents the broken promises the U.S. government has made to Black American farmers, contributing to a vast racial wealth gap. CBS Reports explores the ways in which Black Americans are trying to reclaim their land, connect to their ancestry, and generate wealth that can be passed on for generations to come.
U.S. government agencies hit in cyberattack
The U.S. is working to understand the full scale of a cyber security attack that hit a number of government agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says it is providing support to several federal agencies experiencing what it described as "intrusions." CBS News senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge has more on the attack that's affecting universities and state governments as well.
Alleged Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira indicted by federal grand jury
Jack Teixeira, the former Air National Guardsman accused of leaking Pentagon documents, originally faced charges stemming from a criminal complaint.
Supreme Court rejects challenges to Indian Child Welfare Act, leaving law intact
The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in the case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act.
House passes debt ceiling deal and sends it to the Senate
A majority of Democrats and a majority of Republicans voted in favor of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Bill would block lawmaker pay if U.S. defaults
Lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan bill that would block members of Congress from getting paid if the U.S. defaults on its debt or the government shuts down. This comes as the default deadline quickly approaches to raise the debt limit. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more on the proposal and other news from Capitol Hill.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators seeking support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Education secretary pick Linda McMahon named in WWE child sex abuse lawsuit
The suit claims McMahon and others at the WWE were aware of misconduct decades ago and negligent in failing to prevent it.
Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick
Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey on Thursday conceded in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania to Dave McCormick.
McBride: GOP trying to "manufacture a crisis" with bathroom ban
Sarah McBride, set to be the first transgender member of Congress, talked with CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and commented on the GOP's effort to restrict bathroom use.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
Drug "several times" stronger than fentanyl linked to California overdose death
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
Actor Jussie Smollett's conviction overturned by Illinois Supreme Court
The state's highest court ruled a special prosecutor's decision to re-indict Smollett violated his constitutional rights after Cook County prosecutors previously dropped charges against him.
U.S.
More U.S.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Shohei Ohtani named NL MVP after record-setting Dodgers season
Shohei Ohtani becomes the second player named MVP in both the American and National leagues.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge easily wins second AL MVP Award
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a unanimous pick to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award in three seasons on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Trump's proposed tariffs could raise U.S. grocery prices, analysis finds
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could raise costs for U.S. consumers, economists say. Here's how much grocery bills could rise.
BJ's Wholesale Club hikes membership fees for first time since 2018
Warehouse chain follows rival Costco in raising amount its 7.5 million members must pay to shop at BJ's stores.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Here's where Elon Musk says his DOGE will aim to cut federal spending
Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say the Department of Government Efficiency has targets in mind for cost cutting.
Politics
More Politics
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick
Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey on Thursday conceded in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania to Dave McCormick.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Life expectancy gap in the U.S. widens to 20 years: "Truly alarming"
Life expectancy in the United States varies by more than 20 years depending on race and ethnicity and where you live, according to new research.
RFK Jr. weighing FDA crackdown on food additives under Trump
Kennedy's team is weighing a significant rewrite of the FDA's rules.
Why the latest bird flu case has experts worried about pandemic potential
A new potential case of bird flu in a California child without known contact with infected animals is raising concerns about a potential pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder explains what to know.
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
World
More World
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro indicted over alleged coup attempt
Former president Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people were indicted for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
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.
Ancient amulet showing biblical king spearing devil is unearthed
The amulet was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, Turkey.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator" after 24 years
Connie Nielsen opens up about returning as Lucilla in "Gladiator II," reuniting with director Ridley Scott and exploring her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on how personal struggles and friendships impacted her music
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne opens up about her new album and how her friendships helped save her when she thought her recording career could be over.
Malcolm Washington on "The Piano Lesson"
Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington brings August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play to the screen with help from his father, Denzel Washington and siblings John David and Katia
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
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.
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.
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Science
More Science
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.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Crime
More Crime
Alleged LA County drug distributor charged with dealing opioid more powerful than fentanyl
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
Mexican cartel leader who faked own death arrested in California
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.
Alleged New York Stock Exchange terror plot
The FBI has arrested a Florida man who's accused of plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange. CBS News New York reporter Allen Devlin has more.
Dad of 14-year-old accused in Georgia school shooting pleads not guilty
Colin Gray and his son, Colt Gray, were both indicted in the Sept. 4 shooting that killed two students and two teachers and injured others.
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Space
More Space
Space
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.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Addressing the U.S. shortage of Black doctors
There's a major effort underway to bring more Black doctors into hospitals and examination rooms nationwide, and that effort is focused on easing the burden of medical school for students at historically Black colleges and universities. Jericka Duncan has more.
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.
2024 Thanksgiving food costs
The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey found a difference between 2024 and 2023 Thanksgiving dinner prices. Business Insider senior personal finance reporter Jennifer Streaks discusses the cost changes and how to find meal deals.
Alex Jones sues The Onion
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones filed a lawsuit this week to try to block the sale of his right-wing company Infowars to satirical publisher The Onion. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks it down.
Russia, Ukraine war update
The Pentagon said Russia fired an experimental intermediate range ballistic missile at central Ukraine on Thursday. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams reports.