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Articles by Nikole Killion
Feds investigating "suspicious" letters sent to election officials and congressional offices
Washington — Federal investigators said Wednesday that they are looking into "suspicious" letters mailed to state election officials and congressional offices, some of which contained unknown substances. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the "suspicious mailings," according to Brendan Donahue, the deputy chief inspector at the USPIS.
Obama raises more than $13 million for Democrats, urges voters to "turn hope into action" at ballot box in November Original
Washington — He still calls himself the "hope guy." Former President Barack Obama, who ran on "hope and change," is resurrecting his signature campaign slogan in a new series of digital ads for the Democratic National Committee that were viewed exclusively by CBS News. "I'll be honest with you: I never imagined some of the stuff that's been going on in our country lately," Obama said in a direct-to-camera message.
Obama hosts fundraiser with Senate Democrats with midterms less than 1 month away Original
Washington – Former President Barack Obama headlined a fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Wednesday night to discuss the stakes of the upcoming midterm election. The event featured a conversation between Obama and Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, vice chair of the DSCC, about Democrats' efforts to flip the Senate.
Sen. Josh Hawley introduces bill aimed at stopping abuse of Flock cameras and similar AI technology Original
Sen. Josh Hawley is unveiling legislation Wednesday to establish guardrails for Flock cameras and other artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technology, CBS News has learned. The bill, dubbed the Stop Flock Abuse Act, would regulate automated license plate readers (ALPR) by imposing stricter limits on data, security and search functions.
Sen. Josh Hawley introduces bill aimed at stopping abuse of Flock cameras and similar AI technology
1 day ago WASHINGTON (AP) — Long before he was the top official at the U.S. Postal Service, David Steiner was a corporate executive surfing mid-oughts television when he came across Donald Trump on “The Apprentice.” He was unimpressed. “If that is leadership, if that’s what we’re telling people that our …
Why some battleground GOP candidates are skipping this week's Trump-backed midterm convention Original
Dallas — President Trump calls this week's Republican National Committee midterm convention a "rally like never before," and an opportunity to celebrate his administration's first two years ahead of the November elections. But the convention is taking place as the GOP faces headwinds over the unpopular war in Iran, and Mr. Trump's approval ratings have continued to slip.
Jared Kushner and Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries met as midterm elections loom Original
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and President Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner met recently, a source familiar with the details confirmed to CBS News. The private discussion comes less than three months before the midterms. Democrats are aiming to take control of the House in the November elections, with Jeffries in line to possibly become the next House Speaker if they win the majority.
New Library of Congress exhibit features rare draft of Declaration of Independence: "You can see them changing words throughout" Original
Washington — They are words etched into America's conscience: "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." They are foundational principles preserved in a rare draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, now on display at the Library of Congress in a new exhibit titled "The Declaration's Promise." "This is Jefferson's fully-realized draft," Ryan Reft, lead curator for the Library of Congress, told CBS News.
Trump admin. to support heavy tariffs on Russian oil in effort to end Ukraine war, sources say Original
The Trump administration will support a draft bill that would impose heavy financial penalties on purchasers of Russian oil, adding to economic pressure on Moscow, all in an effort to bring Russia's four-year war on Ukraine to a close, sources told CBS News. The bipartisan bill, from GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, aims to increase economic pressure on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine.
Senate Democrats launch campaign to kill what DOJ calls its "anti-weaponization fund" Original
Senate Democrats are launching a coordinated effort to kill the Trump administration's $1.7+ billion "anti-weaponization fund." In a "Dear Colleague" letter released Monday, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will use a variety of strategies, from floor action to oversight, to block President Trump's "nearly $2 billion MAGA slush fund." "If Republicans return to reconciliation, we will be ready with amendments to shut the fund down," Schumer wrote.
GOP senators press Blanche on "anti-weaponization fund" in tense meeting Original
Some Republican senators openly expressed their concerns about the Justice Department's new "anti-weaponization fund" in a tense meeting Thursday with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "You could call it a curveball right at the end, and nobody could hit it," Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville told reporters after the meeting, in reference to the compensation fund.
House leaders to announce bipartisan working group to address process for handling sexual misconduct claims Original
Washington — Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are preparing to announce a bipartisan task force, or working group, aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirmed to CBS News. "We're all in support, fully supportive," Johnson told CBS News ahead of the forthcoming announcement.
2 former federal workers turned their firings into a movement to help hundreds of others Original
Washington — One year ago, Rebecca Ferguson-Ondrey and Drew Ruby-Howe were abruptly terminated from their jobs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They are among more than 300,000 workers to leave the federal government as part of cuts by the second Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Ferguson-Ondrey said she did not cope well in those initial days.
Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer to retire after nearly 50 years in Congress and decades in Democratic leadership Original
Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland will not seek reelection next year, a source familiar with his plans confirmed to CBS News — ending a career in Congress that stretches back to the early 1980s and included decades in Democratic leadership. Hoyer plans to formally announce his retirement in a speech on the House floor Thursday morning, the source said.
Obama encourages Democrats to focus on winning back House, not "tactical differences" Original
Former President Barack Obama urged Democrats to "meet the moment" at a Los Angeles fundraiser with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday. "The short-term strategy is, win the House of Representatives," stated the former president, garnering applause. "Because that's going to be the circuit breaker that will give us control of one major component of the federal government.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Trump's attacks on her a "very poor reflection on him"
Washington Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argued President Trump lacks self-awareness as he continues to hurl insults at the conservative firebrand who was once one of his fiercest allies in Congress."I actually am starting to feel very sorry for President Trump," the Georgia Republican told CBS News in an interview Wednesday.
Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Trump's attacks on her a "very poor reflection on him" Original
Washington — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argued President Trump lacks self-awareness as he continues to hurl insults at the conservative firebrand who was once one of his fiercest allies in Congress. "I actually am starting to feel very sorry for President Trump," the Georgia Republican told CBS News in an interview Wednesday.
Jasmine Crockett calls would-be opponents as she weighs jumping into Texas Senate Democratic primary Original
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirms she's spoken with would-be opponents about the race. Crockett said earlier this week she will make a "special announcement" in Dallas at 4:30 p.m. Monday, 90 minutes before the state's deadline for candidates to file their campaign paperwork. "I cannot confirm what I will be announcing," Crockett, who represents most of Dallas in Congress, told CBS News on Thursday.
Grijalva assumes role in Congress after 7-week delay: "It's really an injustice"
Washington – For 50 days, Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona had no budget and couldn't hire staff or open up her offices. That changed this week when she was officially sworn in as the newest member of Congress. "It's been 50 days of waiting," Grijalva said in an interview with CBS News after her swearing-in Wednesday. "And so the emotions run the gamut of frustration, anger, happiness, sadness, I mean, every emotion you can think of.
Obama surprises dozens of veterans after their plane arrives in Washington for Veterans Day
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Obama surprises dozens of veterans after their plane arrives in Washington for Veterans Day Original
Washington — It's a Veterans Day they won't soon forget. On a balmy 70-degree day in the nation's capital this past weekend, former President Barack Obama boarded an Honor Flight filled with veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars that had just touched down from Madison, Wisconsin. "Hello, everybody," his voiced boomed over the loud speaker. "What!" exclaimed one person. Another veteran gasped, his mouth wide open.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin introduces bill to fund Head Start during shutdown Original
Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin introduced a bill Friday to restore funding for Head Start programs during the ongoing government shutdown. "My bill would give families certainty that Head Start and the care it provides will continue," Baldwin said in a statement provided exclusively to CBS News.
Nancy Pelosi, former House speaker, to retire from Congress after this term Original
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has wielded enormous power in Congress and in the Democratic Party for decades, announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection and will retire from Congress after her term ends in early 2027. Pelosi, 85, made her decision public in a video released Thursday morning that begins as a letter to the people of the San Francisco area, whom she has represented in the House since she was first elected in 1987.
Head Start programs begin to close as funding ends during government shutdown Original
With the Senate out of town, the government shutdown is almost certain to extend through at least Monday, as millions of Americans begin to feel its effects. Among them are those who rely on Head Start, a free early childhood development program for low-income families. The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program is shuttering nine Head Start centers in early November because of the shutdown. A program in Richland Center, Wisconsin, is closing its doors Friday.
Senate confirmation hearing for Casey Means, Trump's surgeon general pick, postponed after she goes into labor Original
The Senate confirmation hearing for Dr. Casey Means, President Trump's pick for surgeon general, was postponed Thursday after she went into labor with her first child, a health committee spokesperson confirmed to CBS News. Means had been scheduled to appear Thursday morning before the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions Committee. She was nominated to the position in May, after Dr. Janette Nesheiwat's nomination was withdrawn by the White House just before her confirmation hearing.
We asked 7 lawmakers and Vice President Vance what they're doing to end the government shutdown Original
The government shutdown has dragged on for more than four weeks, and there are no signs that Congress will resolve the impasse soon, as members of both parties continue to blame each other and push their opponents to fold. Senate Democrats want to extend a slate of expiring health insurance subsidies in exchange for their votes to reopen the government, but Republicans have pressed to end the shutdown with no strings attached before negotiating on health care.
Arizona attorney general sues House over Johnson's delay in swearing in Adelita Grijalva Original
Washington — Arizona's attorney general is taking legal action against the House of Representatives over Speaker Mike Johnson's delay in swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who would be the decisive signature on a petition to force a vote on releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Government shutdown live updates as Senate prepares to vote again
Updated 7m ago Thune considers standalone appropriations votes to restore government funding The top Senate Republican indicated Wednesday he may hold votes on standalone bills to fund parts of the government, amid an impasse on how to end the shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Axios he's "prepared" to move some appropriations bills to the floor, including the defense appropriations bill, which has already passed the House.
Trump to meet with Schumer and Jeffries as government shutdown looms Original
Washington — President Trump plans to meet this week with Democratic leaders as Congress seems to be barreling toward a government shutdown, according to a source familiar with the plans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both New York Democrats, have repeatedly asked Republican leaders to negotiate with them on a short-term funding patch.
Ousted CDC director Susan Monarez to warn of "real risk" for vaccines for children if vaccine panel meets this week Original
Susan Monarez, the ousted former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plans to warn a Senate committee Wednesday that if a vaccine panel proceeds with a meeting scheduled for this week, there's a "real risk" vaccines for children could be limited, according to testimony obtained by CBS News. She also plans to tell lawmakers her side of the story about a contentious meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
White House requests $58 million to increase security for executive, judicial branches after Charlie Kirk shooting, sources say Original
The Trump administration is sending a $58 million request to Congress to increase security for the executive and judicial branches in the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News Saturday. Punchbowl was first to report the news. A White House official confirmed the extra funds would be directed to the U.S. Marshals Service and would also include enhancedprotection for Supreme Court justices.
Sen. Cassidy calls for vaccine advisory meeting to be postponed amid CDC departures Original
Details on CDC director's refusal to step down Washington — Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, called on the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday to "indefinitely postpone" its vaccine advisory committee meeting next month amid a slew of departures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Democrats spotlighting inflation as they target vulnerable House Republicans in Labor Day weekend ads Original
Inflation still outpacing wages, study finds Cracking open a cold one could cost you more this Labor Day. That's the message in a new digital ad that will be released this holiday weekend by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "This Labor Day, Republicans are making the price of beer soar," the ad reads in white lettering over a beer can.
How Capitol Hill is addressing politically motivated violence Original
Washington — Whether in Washington, D.C., or back in their home states, Democratic Rep. Hillary Scholten of Michigan and Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee are constantly on guard. "Mr. Burchett and I are both people of strong faith, so I can say I put faith over fear every single day, and I continue to do this job," Scholten told CBS News when asked if she feels safe. "No, I don't feel safe. But my head is on a swivel all the time," Burchett added.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder talks with House Democrats about redistricting Original
House Democrats convened a virtual call Wednesday amid an escalating national redistricting controversy that could have widespread implications on next year's midterm elections. The call, hosted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, featured former Attorney General Eric Holder, chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene were also on the call.
NAACP launches town halls to mobilize Black voters ahead of 2026 midterm elections Original
The NAACP, the nation's oldest civil rights organization, is kicking off a series of town halls this week in an effort to mobilize Black voters around the country more than a year ahead of the 2026 midterms. "It may still seem far away, but the 2026 midterm elections will determine whether our democracy still holds on or whether the people surrender their power to a king," NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement to CBS News.
Rep. Ro Khanna backs Gen Z progressive Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois congressional race Original
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California endorsed progressive congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh Monday, calling the 26-year-old influencer "the absolute best that the Democratic party has to offer." "I'm thrilled to endorse Kat Abughazaleh," Khanna said in a statement.
NPR CEO warns public broadcasting cuts could be "a real risk to the public safety of the country" Original
Before the Senate voted early Thursday morning to pass a rescissions package that includes major cuts to public broadcasting, National Public Radio President and CEO Katherine Maher warned, "defunding this is a real risk to the public safety of the country." "Public media, public radio, public television, are a critical part of the emergency response plans of nearly half of the states in this nation," Maher said in an interview with CBS News.
Bipartisan lawmakers reup bill to provide new legal pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants Original
Washington – A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday reintroduced a comprehensive bill to reform the immigration system and create a potential pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican of Florida, and Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas, announced the legislation, known as the DIGNITY Act, at a press conference alongside more than a dozen co-sponsors.
Bipartisan lawmakers reup bill to provide new legal pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
American Joins Russian Army For Citizenship, Gets A Big Surprise Instead Derek Huffman signed his contract with the understanding it'd be in a non-combat role. Instead, he was sent straight to the frontline in Ukraine. I …
Mike Waltz's confirmation hearing to be ambassador to U.N. planned for next week, source says
Washington — President Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, is expected to appear before senators next week for his confirmation hearing, a source familiar with the schedule confirmed to CBS News. Waltz left Congress to become Mr. Trump's national security adviser, a post he vacated in May after he came under scrutiny for his role in putting together a Signal chat in which a journalist was mistakenly included.
Blue state governors to testify on "sanctuary policies" amid L.A. protests over immigration raids
Washington — Three Democratic governors are defending their responses to the migrant crisis and dispute claims of failing to cooperate with federal authorities, according to prepared remarks that will be delivered Thursday before a House oversight panel. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are among the witnesses scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on so-called "sanctuary policies".
Blue state governors to testify on "sanctuary policies" amid L.A. protests over immigration raids
Now Democratic governors will defend immigration policies before Republican-led House panel WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Donald Trump spars with California’s governor over immigration enforcement, Republicans in Congress are calling other Democratic governors to the Capitol on Thursday to question them over policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The House … 2 hours ago Watch live: Gov. JB Pritzker testifies at House committee on Illinois sanctuary laws Gov.
Navy set to rename USNS Harvey Milk, mulls new names for other ships named for civil rights leaders
Washington — The U.S. Navy plans to rename the USNS Harvey Milk, a fleet replenishment oiler named after the slain gay rights leader and Navy veteran, and is considering renaming multiple naval ships named after civil rights leaders and prominent American voices, CBS News has learned. U.S. Navy documents obtained by CBS News and used to brief the secretary of the Navy and his chief of staff show proposed timelines for rolling out the name change of the USNS Harvey Milk to the public.
Sen. Joni Ernst defends her "we all are going to die" comments: "I'm very compassionate"
Johnson Medicaid cuts in Trump bill Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa defended herself Monday after drawing attention for telling a town hall attendee worried about proposed changes to Medicaid that "we all are going to die." "I'm very compassionate, and you need to listen to the entire conversation," Ernst told CBS News on Monday.
Tim Scott highlights opportunity agenda as Black History Month draws to a close
For Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, opportunity didn’t come without a struggle. “To anyone who believes that opportunity ought not come with headwinds, I don’t know where you live, but it ain’t reality,” the 59-year-old mused to a crowd on a recent afternoon overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Raised by a single mother in North Charleston, Scott described being plagued by low self-esteem after failing several courses in high school, including civics.
Tim Scott highlights opportunity agenda as Black History Month draws to a close
For Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, opportunity didn't come without a struggle. "To anyone who believes that opportunity ought not come with headwinds, I don't know where you live, but it ain't reality," the 59-year-old mused to a crowd on a recent afternoon overlooking the U.S. Capitol. Raised by a single mother in North Charleston, Scott described being plagued by low self-esteem after failing several courses in high school, including civics.
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