Vaccine rollout adds to holiday shipping load
A record influx of mail is threatening to overwhelm delivery companies. Janet Shamlian has more.
United States Postal Service
CBS Evening News, December 15, 2020
Vaccine distribution expands amid record COVID hospitalizations; Child's quest for answers about coronavirus pandemic takes unexpected turn
USPS ordered to check facilities for mail-in ballots
A federal judge has ordered the Postal Service to perform twice-daily searches of its facilities for ballots that were sent in on time but still haven't been delivered.
Michigan AG on Biden's success in the state
CBS News is projecting Joe Biden has won Michigan, flipping a state President Trump turned red in 2016. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins CBSN to discuss Biden's projected victory and how the state plans to make sure every vote is counted.
Judge could call postmaster general to testify over missed deadline
The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, was meant to trigger sweeps of facilities in six key battleground states.
USPS to implement "extraordinary measures"
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Postal Service to take "extraordinary measures" ahead of Election Day. It comes as facilities across the country report delays in mail-in-voting ballot deliveries. Robert Brandon is the CEO and executive director of the Fair Elections Center. He joins CBSN and weighed in on whether these new measures will be enough to ensure all votes are counted.
On election eve, U.S. Postal Service faces delivery delays
Mail-in ballots for voters in some swing states are taking longer to reach election officials, USPS data show.
Questions about late-arriving mail ballots
Minnesota counties are segregating absentee ballots that arrive after 8 p.m. on Election Day in case the deadline is challenged in court later. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns spoke to CBSN's Tanya Rivero about what voters should do with their absentee ballots amid the uncertainty.
USPS mail delivery is getting worse, putting ballots at risk
First-class mail had "awful" on-time delivery rates in October, with 14% of mail arriving late, one expert says.
Postal worker charged for throwing out mail
He allegedly threw a large quantity of mail in a construction dumpster, including about 111 general election absentee ballots.
Postal Service awards $5 million contract to DeJoy's former company
Annual pay rate to move mail across a 700-mile highway route is one of the highest among 1,600 USPS contracts last quarter.
Federal judge blocks Postal Service changes that slowed mail
Fourteen states sued and the judge called the controversial changes "politically motivated"
Options for returning your mail-in ballot
In light of recent controversies surrounding the U.S. Postal Service and an expected surge in absentee ballots across the country, voters might be wondering about alternatives for delivering their ballots. Tony Dokoupil reports on options for returning mail-in ballots this election.
Pa. braces for increase of mail-in ballots
Bucks County, outside of Philadelphia, is the fourth largest in Pennsylvania. Like the rest of the state, it is bracing for a massive increase in mail-in ballots. Major Garrett sees how officials are preparing.
Prescription delivery times increased after DeJoy took over USPS, report finds
Operational shifts have allegedly led to a delay in mail delivery and backlogs.
House panel investigating postmaster general over GOP fundraising allegations
House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney said DeJoy "could face criminal exposure."
Probe launched after bags of mail dumped in 2 spots in LA area
Concerns raised in light of recent USPS election-related controversy.
Facebook aims to avoid election missteps
After widespread criticism over its role in the spread of misinformation and Russian meddling in the 2016 election, Facebook is trying to prepare for new challenges in the 2020 campaign season -- including the possibility that President Trump might use the platform to challenge the election results. CNET senior producer Dan Patterson joins CBSN to discuss what's at stake.
Sen. Gary Peters demands more answers from Louis DeJoy
Lawmakers grilled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy twice last week on changes he's made to the U.S. Postal Service. Senator Gary Peters, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, is demanding more answers from the Trump appointee. He joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano on "Red & Blue" to speak about the Postal Service and his upcoming Senate election.
Lawmakers question postmaster general
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy returned to Capitol Hill on Monday to testify before the House Oversight Committee. DeJoy continued to defend changes made to the Postal Service ahead of the 2020 election while also fielding questions regarding his loyalty to President Trump. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss.
Postmaster general testifies in House
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy defended changes at the U.S. Postal Service during his second day of testimony, this time before the House Oversight Committee. It comes amid concern grows over recent mail delays ahead of the November election. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with details.
USPS delays could put 14 million at risk for late prescriptions
Consumers are experiencing delays in prescription deliveries, an issue that threatens many seniors, veterans and rural Americans.
House passes $25 billion to fund USPS
In a rare Saturday session, the House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that would inject $25 billion into the U.S. Postal Service and block any changes to service that may slow mail-in ballots ahead of the 2020 election. CBSN political contributor Molly Hooper weighs in on the bill's likely fate in the Senate and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's upcoming testimony.
House passes additional Postal Service funding
The Democratic-led House of Representatives on Saturday approved an additional $25 billion in funding for the United States Postal Service. The legislation now moves to the Senate, but President Trump has threatened to veto the bill if it passes. Ben Tracy reports.
Postmaster general to testify before House
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday amid growing concerns surrounding the United States Postal Service ahead of the 2020 election. The emergency hearing will look at recent changes made to the agency, including reduction in overtime and a slowdown in deliveries. Illinois congresswoman and chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Cheri Bustos joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the upcoming hearing and more.
Trump, Harris campaign in the West as polls show tie just 5 days out
Former President Donald Trump tried to seize on the "garbage" comments at a truck in Wisconsin while Vice President Harris will have a campaign event with J.Lo in Las Vegas.
Alito denies Cornel West bid for intervention in Pennsylvania ballot access dispute
As the Nov. 5 election draws near, the Supreme Court has been asked to intervene in a growing number of disputes.
Death toll from historic flooding in Spain soars to at least 158
Floods sparked by torrential rain in Spain's Valencia region have left at least 158 people dead and others missing amid mud-caked debris.
Passenger attacked while sleeping on flight: "His face was bruised and bloody"
A United Airlines passenger attacked a man midflight, punching him repeatedly in the face until it was bloody, authorities said.
Trump says "whether the women like it or not, I'm going to protect them"
Former President Donald Trump said that his advisers deemed the line about protecting women "inappropriate."
North Korea launches new ICBM designed to reach U.S.
North Korea launched a new, perhaps more agile ICBM in its first test in almost a year of a weapon designed to threaten the U.S. mainland, days ahead of the U.S. election.
The PCE report drops to 2.1%. Here's what that means for interest rates.
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index eased to a 2.1% annual rate in September, close to the Fed's target.
Arrest made in camper's murder, initially reported as a bear attack
Dustin Kjersem was found dead by a friend who reported he appeared to have been killed by a bear. An autopsy later showed Kjersem sustained "multiple chop wounds."
Former CIA officer found not guilty in assault case
A Virginia jury has acquitted the man at the center of a case that helped trigger major changes inside the Central Intelligence Agency for its handling of sexual assault allegations.
U.S.
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Do you have to fill out your entire ballot?
Some voters may wish to only vote in some races. Here's what happens if you leave fields blank.
Ford to pause production of F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks
Ford is temporarily halting production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck as motorists cool on EVs.
Walz's closing campaign message to air on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"
Walz recorded the interview with Colbert Thursday in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, underscoring the Harris campaign's focus on the battleground state in the 2024 election.
"Dances with Wolves" actor is again indicted on sexual abuse charges
A grand jury in Nevada has again indicted Nathan Chasing Horse on charges that he sexually abused Indigenous women and girls for decades.
Here's how Starbucks' new CEO plans to overhaul its struggling cafes
Starbucks to bring back ceramic mugs and messages written in Sharpie pens to revive a coffeehouse vibe at its nearly 40,000 stores.
MoneyWatch
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Ford to pause production of F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks
Ford is temporarily halting production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck as motorists cool on EVs.
Here's how Starbucks' new CEO plans to overhaul its struggling cafes
Starbucks to bring back ceramic mugs and messages written in Sharpie pens to revive a coffeehouse vibe at its nearly 40,000 stores.
FTC sends $2.5 million to Credit Karma customers
The settlement stems from allegations Credit Karma misled consumers into applying for credit offers.
Trump's wealth slumps by $1.9 billion amid DJT stock plunge
Trump Media & Technology Group's stock, which trades under DJT, is plunging just days before the November 5 election.
A key inflation measure drops to 2.1%. Here's the interest rate impact.
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index eased to a 2.1% annual rate in September, close to the Fed's target.
Politics
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Do you have to fill out your entire ballot?
Some voters may wish to only vote in some races. Here's what happens if you leave fields blank.
Alito denies Cornel West bid for intervention in Pennsylvania ballot access dispute
As the Nov. 5 election draws near, the Supreme Court has been asked to intervene in a growing number of disputes.
Walz's closing campaign message to air on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"
Walz recorded the interview with Colbert Thursday in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, underscoring the Harris campaign's focus on the battleground state in the 2024 election.
Trump's wealth slumps by $1.9 billion amid DJT stock plunge
Trump Media & Technology Group's stock, which trades under DJT, is plunging just days before the November 5 election.
"Win With Black Women" founder on group's role in historic election
Jotaka Eaddy founded"Win With Black Women," a virtual network that started meeting by Zoom every Sunday during the pandemic to support and advance the policy agenda of Black women.
HealthWatch
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Tumblers sold at Wawa stores recalled after reports of cuts
The manufacturer of tumblers sold at Wawa stores says it has received four reports of cuts from the product's metal drinking straws.
How Harris and Trump's stances on Medicare compare
The future of Medicare continues to come up in the closing arguments from both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump ahead of Election Day 2024.
Dentists are pulling treatable teeth to profit from implants, experts warn
Americans are getting dental implants more than ever — and at costs reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Experts worry some dentists have lost sight of the soul of dentistry: preserving and fixing teeth.
4+ hours of screen time linked to more anxiety, depression in teens, data shows
Teens getting more hours of daily screen time are reporting increased levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, according to new data. But technology isn't always all bad, an expert explains.
"Oprah Daily" tackles women's mental health
Therapist Lori Gottlieb and Oprah Daily's Pilar Guzmán join "CBS Mornings" to discuss the pressures women face managing life's demands.
World
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Ancient town, tombs full of weapons found hidden in Arabian oasis
The remains of the town, dubbed al-Natah, reveal how life at the time was slowly changing from a nomadic to an urban existence, archaeologists said.
Rockets from Lebanon kill 7 in Israel, Israeli strike kills 5 in Syria
Israel's wars with Iran's allies in Lebanon and Gaza grind on as top U.S. envoys visit the region to push for cease-fires.
Death toll from historic flooding in Spain soars to at least 158
Floods sparked by torrential rain in Spain's Valencia region have left at least 158 people dead and others missing amid mud-caked debris.
"Halloween comet" disintegrates after flying close to the sun, video shows
NASA confirmed its sun-observing spacecraft captured the moment when the comet Atlas broke into chunks this week as it passed close to the sun.
2 journalists killed in separate attacks in Mexico within hours
Hours after gunmen killed a journalist who had just interviewed a mayor, an entertainment reporter was killed inside a restaurant she owned.
Entertainment
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Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges
Rapper Young Thug, whose given name is Jeffery Williams, pleaded guilty Thursday to gang, drug and gun charges.
Charli XCX to host "Saturday Night Live" for the first time
Charli XCX has been tapped to work a double shift on "Saturday Night Live" next month — playing host and musical guest in the same evening.
Megan Thee Stallion sues blogger over "defamatory falsehoods"
The lawsuit claims popular content creator Milagro Gramz caused Megan Thee Stallion emotional distress by cyberstalking and questioning if the Grammy winner was actually shot.
JB Smoove on hosting new game show
Emmy-winning comedian JB Smoove, known for Curb Your Enthusiasm, is bringing his humor to "Buy It Now," a Prime Video game show where entrepreneurs have 90 seconds to pitch products to a live audience and celebrity panel. He joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk more about it.
Tom Hanks, Robin Wright return with "Here"
Reuniting with "Forrest Gump" director Robert Zemeckis, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in "Here," a multigenerational story set in a single living room across decades. They join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the film.
Technology
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Reddit stock price soars after social media player reports rare profit
Reddit's stock leaps nearly 40% after the social media company reported a quarterly profit amid strong user growth.
Report probes phone companies over robocalls
While scam phone calls have slightly decreased in the last three years, scam texts have tripled. A consumer report found that phone companies need to do more to prevent robocalls and texts for customers. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen has more.
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.
Alleged China interference efforts: New details
The Washington Post is reporting that a group of hackers linked to the Chinese government collected audio recordings from phone calls of American political figures, including an unnamed Donald Trump campaign adviser. The report comes days after CBS News learned the same hacking group tried to access phones and networks used by the former president, Sen. JD Vance and members of Kamala Harris' campaign. Chris Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, joins CBS News with analysis.
Apple Intelligence AI rollout starts today with release of iOS 18.1
These are the Apple Intelligence features that are now available on compatible devices.
Science
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Science
New research on climate and extreme weather
A new report from the World Weather Attribution group has found that the 10 deadliest weather events of the last 20 years were intensified by manmade climate change. CBS News climate correspondent David Schecter has more.
The Climate Election: Transportation, explained
Transportation is a lifeline, but experts say it's aging, underfunded and unable to withstand more frequent and intense extreme weather events. And if changes aren't made quickly, the EPA says the costs will be "steep," with hundreds of billions of dollars of damage every year.
The Climate Election: Disaster recovery
Hurricane Helene is one of the deadliest hurricanes to make landfall in the mainland U.S. For many places across Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas, recovery could take months or even years — and the next president will play a vital role in what that process looks like when they take office in three months. Here's what to know about Project 2025, former President Donald Trump's and Vice President Kamala Harris' stances on extreme weather, disaster recovery, and the root of the increasing frequency and power of storms — climate change.
The Climate Election: Mining, explained
Viral claims in the wake of Hurricane Helene suggested that the government controlled the devastating storm to hit certain areas and that authorities were attempting to seize Chimney Rock, North Carolina, to commandeer mining operations. These claims are false — but extreme weather does have a significant impact on U.S. mines, particularly coal mines. Here's what to know.
China's space station gets new crew as Beijing advances Xi's "space dream"
A new crew of three Chinese astronauts, including the country's only woman spaceflight engineer, entered the Tiangong space station following an early morning launch into orbit.
Crime
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Rapper Young Thug pleads guilty to gang, drug and gun charges
Rapper Young Thug, whose given name is Jeffery Williams, pleaded guilty Thursday to gang, drug and gun charges.
Passenger attacked while sleeping on flight: "His face was bruised and bloody"
A United Airlines passenger attacked a man midflight, punching him repeatedly in the face until it was bloody, authorities said.
U.S. sanctions members of cartel linked to killings of Americans
The sanctions come two years after a judge ordered La Linea to pay $4.6 billion to the families of nine Americans killed in a 2019 ambush in Mexico.
Arrest made in camper's murder, initially reported as a bear attack
Dustin Kjersem was found dead by a friend who reported he appeared to have been killed by a bear. An autopsy later showed Kjersem sustained "multiple chop wounds."
2 journalists killed in separate attacks in Mexico within hours
Hours after gunmen killed a journalist who had just interviewed a mayor, an entertainment reporter was killed inside a restaurant she owned.
Space
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"Halloween comet" disintegrates after flying close to the sun, video shows
NASA confirmed its sun-observing spacecraft captured the moment when the comet Atlas broke into chunks this week as it passed close to the sun.
Chinese space station gets new crew
A Chinese spacecraft carrying a three-person crew, including the country's first female space engineer, has successfully docked with China's orbiting space station. The launch comes as Beijing works to expand its space exploration and put a person on the moon by 2030.
China's space station gets new crew as Beijing advances Xi's "space dream"
A new crew of three Chinese astronauts, including the country's only woman spaceflight engineer, entered the Tiangong space station following an early morning launch into orbit.
SpaceX Dragon crew taken to medical facility
NASA says three NASA astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut were taken to a medical facility for additional evaluation after splashing down to Earth Friday morning in the SpaceX Dragon Capsule. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss the mission.
SpaceX Dragon Capsule splashes down
Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut returned to Earth early Friday in the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour, capping a record-setting 235-day mission to the International Space Station. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood has more.
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.
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.
Clues and evidence in the John McCabe case
A teenager's murder in Lowell, Massachusetts, goes unsolved for more than 40 years -- were the clues there all along?
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
Josh Stein on North Carolina governor's race
Roy Cooper's eight-year tenure as the governor of North Carolina comes to an end in two months. Josh Stein, the Democratic candidate running to fill his shoes who currently serves as the state's attorney general, joins "America Decides" to discuss how the race is shaping up five days from Election Day.
More than 60 million early 2024 votes cast
More than 60 million people have already voted in the 2024 presidential race. CBS News deputy director of elections and data analytics Kabir Khanna is tracking the mountain of ballots cast in the battleground states so far and what it could mean for the eventual outcome.
Backlash over Trump's protecting women remark
Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism for a comment about women he made at a rally Wednesday night. "I'm going to do it whether the women like it or not. I'm going to protect them," Trump said. CBS News' Lilia Luciano and Nikole Killion have the latest on the backlash.
From the archives: Nelson Mandela on efforts to end apartheid in South Africa
In April of 1991, violence plagued South Africa as politicians debated how to end apartheid. Nelson Mandela joined Face the Nation to discuss the problems facing the country and his opinions of then South African President F.W. de Klerk. Two years later, the men won a joint Nobel Peace Prize. This archival episode may contain themes or use language that differs from modern interpretations.
Halloween weather expected in Northeast
Weather in the Northeast will be warmer than usual during Halloween, a change from what's usually a cold night for families who will be out trick-or-treating. CBS News' Lana Zak breaks down what's expected.