Thune elected Senate Republican leader
South Dakota Sen. John Thune has been elected to replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as the upper chamber's Republican leader. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Rick Scott
Republicans to vote on Senate leader
Republicans on Wednesday will choose between South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott to replace outgoing GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell. At this point, President-elect Donald Trump hasn't lent his support to any of the three, but Scott is positioning himself as the MAGA candidate. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
What is a recess appointment?
Congressional Republicans are preparing to carry out President-elect Donald Trump's agenda. This weekend, he took to social media saying that the next Senate Republican leader must "agree to recess appointments." CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion breaks down what that is, and what else the next leader will be tasked with.
Congress' agenda for lame-duck session
Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for the first time since Election Day. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports on what Congress has in store for the remainder of its term.
Who will be the next Senate leader?
Three names -- Florida Sen. Rick Scott, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Texas Sen. John Cornyn -- are being floated in Congress as Senate Republicans prepare to meet to choose their next leader. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Next moves for Republicans, Democrats
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will have to assess how former President Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections. This comes as Trump's team begins to take shape and as Republicans begin to raise their hands for leadership positions in Congress. CBS News' Nicole Killion reports.
GOP to vote on Senate leader Wednesday
Votes are still being counted in key U.S. House races, but it's looking more likely that President-elect Donald Trump will take office with the Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of Congress. In the Senate, where the GOP has already clinched control, Republicans will vote on a new leader to replace Mitch McConnell on Wednesday. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Musk backs Rick Scott for GOP Senate leader
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans will select the next majority leader. Several Trump allies, including billionaire Elon Musk, are pushing for Florida Sen. Rick Scott. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports on the state of the Senate leadership race.
Latest on Republican Senate leader race
John Cornyn, John Thune and Rick Scott have emerged as the frontrunners to replace Mitch McConnell and become Senate majority leader in January, but President-elect Donald Trump hasn't lent his support to any of them yet. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more on that and the ongoing vote count for races that will decide the majority in the House.
Rick Scott denounces anti-Puerto Rico comment
Derogatory comments directed at Puerto Rico from former President Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden Rally have sparked outrage from both sides of the aisle. Political strategists Chuck Rocha and Bryan Lanza join "America Decides" to discuss the fallout.
Gaetz, Scott win primaries in Florida
Rep. Matt Gaetz, who led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, beat his primary challenger Aaron Dimmock in Florida Tuesday. Sen. Rick Scott, a former Florida governor, also won his primary. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Sen. Rick Scott on potential gun reform
Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, joined CBS News to discuss his thoughts on potential gun reform after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump and what issues he would like to see Trump tackle first if the former president is elected again in November.
Florida Republicans oust party chairman Christian Ziegler, who is accused of rape
The Republican Party of Florida ousted Chairman Christian Ziegler in a special vote on Monday as police investigate a rape accusation against him
Florida Sen. Scott looks at Idalia's impact
Now-Tropical Storm Idalia is causing serious flooding and damage across the Southeast. Florida Sen. Rick Scott joins "America Decides" to assess the storm's impact in his state.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott on debt limit bill
Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott told CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion he could not support the debt limit bill heading for a House vote Wednesday night.
Rick Scott wants to use $80 billion from IRS for armed guards at schools
Also, in response to the Uvalde shooting, a bill is pending in Texas that would let schools offer stipends of up to $25,000 to staffers who also become armed campus "sentinels."
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.
Meta to reinstate Trump's Facebook account
Social media giant Meta says it will reinstate former President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts. And Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott announces that he will seek reelection, forgoing a 2024 presidential bid. CBS News political director Fin Gomez joins Anne-Marie Green and Vlad Duthiers to discuss.
Big-name Republicans appear at Vegas meeting
Several high-profile members of the GOP addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition at its annual leadership conference in Las Vegas over the weekend. CBS News' Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers spoke with Isaac Arnsdorf, a national political reporter for the Washington Post, about why this meeting is crucial for the Republican Party's future.
In Las Vegas, some potential GOP 2024 rivals warn Trump is "a loser"
Republican presidential prospects are courting anxious donors and activists in Las Vegas, as the GOP's early 2024 class warns it's time for the party to move on from Trump.
McConnell reelected as Senate minority leader
Senator Mitch McConnell has won reelection for Senate minority leader over challenger Rick Scott. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins "Red and Blue" to discuss what McConnell is saying about the midterm elections and more.
Republicans weigh future leadership
Former President Donald Trump announced he's running again in 2024, and Senate Republicans reelected Mitch McConnell as leader over Sen/ Rick Scott. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns breaks in all down.
Republicans close in on House majority
Republicans are looking to solidify the party's leadership for the next session in Congress as the midterm results continue to trickle in. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins us from Capitol Hill with the latest.
McCarthy wins GOP nomination for House speaker
House Republicans have nominated House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for speaker. He passed the first round of votes 188 to 31 during a closed door conference meeting. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins CBS News to discuss.
Republican congressional leadership shakeup
House Republicans nominated Representative Kevin McCarthy to be the next House Speaker should their party win control. In the Senate, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is facing a challenge from Florida Senator Rick Scott. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins "Red and Blue" to break it all down.
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.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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.
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.
84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
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.
Alabama carries out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker became the third person executed by nitrogen gas in both the U.S. and Alabama.
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.
U.S.
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84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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
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Georgia fires review board members after info leaked on 2 maternal deaths
Georgia's top health official dismissed all members of a state committee that investigates pregnancy-related maternal deaths after the leak, presumably by a committee member, of information about two such deaths.
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."
HealthWatch
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Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment period
The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.
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.
World
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2024 is deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers, U.N. says
Bloodshed in the Middle East has been the single biggest cause of the 281 deaths among humanitarians globally this year, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Iran says it will boost uranium enrichment after IAEA rebuke
A rebuke of Iran led by the U.S. and its close allies at the global nuclear watchdog agency has drawn a vow by the Islamic republic to further ramp up uranium enrichment.
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.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Suspicious package causes security scare near U.S. Embassy in London
London police said a "loud bang" heard near the U.S. Embassy was a controlled explosion carried out after a suspicious package was discovered.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ridley Scott on his vision for "Gladiator II"
Nearly 25 years after the original "Gladiator" won five Academy Awards, Ridley Scott returns with "Gladiator II," out today. Elizabeth Palmer speaks with the director about bringing his epic vision back to life.
Melissa Etheridge to perform at NWSL Championship
Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will sing the national anthem at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City. Known for her hit "Come to My Window," Etheridge shares her excitement about the honor and the big game.
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
Technology
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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
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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.
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.
Crime
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84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Georgia woman convicted of killing her toddler gets life in prison
Leilani Simon was spared the maximum punishment of life without a chance of parole.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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.
Space
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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
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Women's sports surge with record revenue
From New York's historic ticker tape parade for the WNBA champion Liberty to global revenues surpassing $1 billion, Adriana Diaz explores the factors fueling the unprecedented growth of women's sports.
Ridley Scott on his vision for "Gladiator II"
Nearly 25 years after the original "Gladiator" won five Academy Awards, Ridley Scott returns with "Gladiator II," out today. Elizabeth Palmer speaks with the director about bringing his epic vision back to life.
Melissa Etheridge to perform at NWSL Championship
Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will sing the national anthem at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City. Known for her hit "Come to My Window," Etheridge shares her excitement about the honor and the big game.
6 dead after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos
At least six people have died after officials say they drank tainted alcohol in the southeast Asian nation of Laos. Authorities say the victims include one American, two Danish tourists, a British woman and two Australian teenagers. Investigators believe they had drinks containing methanol.
Darian Jenkins reflects on NWSL career
After retiring from professional soccer, Darian Jenkins is bringing her expertise to CBS Sports. She is best known for her time with the Orlando Pride and North Carolina Courage. Jenkins reflects on her career and her new role with CBS Sports.