Military commander blames ISIS for the carnage, saying the battered group was trying to “prove its existence.” Source

Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman captivated the nation Wednesday with her performance of “The Hill We Climb.” Gorman, the country’s first national Youth Poet Laureate, is being praised for meeting the moment with a work that’s both hopeful and realistic. “CBS This Morning” co-host Anthony Mason has the details. Source

The third highest-ranked Republican in the House drew a primary challenge after her impeachment vote and a blistering statement about President Trump. Source

With a major national holiday looming, which typically sees tens of millions travel across the country, authorities are taking drastic measures. Source

On the campaign trail, Mr. Biden promised to address the student loan crisis and supported cancelling $10,000 in debt per borrower. Source

Surveillance video shows a handcuffed teenager sitting outside the hospital when he is punched in the face by a deputy responding to 911 call. Source

As the Taliban talks peace, Afghan and U.S. officials say it’s using the targeted slaughter of Afghanistan’s journalists for leverage. Source

Biden is signing 10 executive orders aimed at expanding testing and vaccine availability and reopening schools soon. Source

Authorities say the Army National Guard members were on a routine training flight on a medical evacuation chopper when it went down outside Rochester. Source

The Mega Millions grand prize stands at $970 million and counting. This was the first time both lotteries topped $700 million simultaneously. Source