Evening News With Norah O'Donnell
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Moments to remember from Biden-Harris inauguration
The peaceful transfer of power went off without a hitch. Here are some of the extraordinary moments from the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Pfizer vaccine may be effective against U.K. strain
A preliminary study found that the Pfizer vaccine appears to be effective against a more contagious U.K. strain of the coronavirus.
Biden sets tone with call for unity
CBS News senior political analyst and "60 Minutes" correspondent John Dickerson discusses President Biden's inaugural speech and the challenges he faces in the White House.
Trump skips inauguration and heads to Florida resort
Former President Trump skipped town before President Biden was inaugurated, but CBS News has learned that the TVs on Air Force One were tuned in to the festivities. CBS News correspondent Paula Reid reports.
Kamala Harris shatters race and gender barriers
Vice President Kamala Harris made history on Wednesday when she took the oath of office — and broke down multiple barriers. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion shares more.
Biden upends controversial Trump policies
President Biden wasted no time getting to work shortly after he was sworn in. He signed several executive orders undoing his predecessor's policies. Senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports.
Biden sworn in during historic inauguration
President Biden focused on the theme of unity during his inaugural address Wednesday, two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest.
"CBS Evening News" headlines for January 20, 2021
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
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Biden moves quickly to implement agenda
"There's no time to start like today," the new president told reporters, hours after his inauguration.
Trump defends his record and says "we'll be back" in farewell speech
President Trump told his family members and supporters present at Joint Base Andrews to "have a good life."
Biden signs executive actions on first day as president
The 46th president is undoing some of his predecessor's executive actions.
Jennifer Lopez speaks Spanish in inauguration performance
In a medley of political songs, Lopez slipped in her own song and also took a moment to say something in Spanish. Here's what she said.
Girl's virtual lemonade stand catches eye of Biden's inaugural team
Morgan Marsh McGlone, 8, of Wisconsin will deliver a virtual speech Wednesday night during President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Norah O'Donnell Reports
"Totally unacceptable": Army secretary condemns command climate
"CBS Evening News'' spoke with Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy in an exclusive interview.
Norah O'Donnell Reports: Sexual Assault in the Military
A year-and-a-half long investigation by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and the CBS News Investigative Unit into sexual assault within the U.S. military uncovered failures by leaders to address the issue. Over the course of the investigation, CBS News spoke with nearly two dozen survivors of sexual assault, whistleblowers who worked for the military's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and families of suicide victims who say the military grossly mishandled reports of sexual assault.
Pentagon accused of cover-ups, improper sexual assault investigations
"I think the breadth and the depth of the problem is so large that they really don't want the general public to understand that they don't have it under control," one whistleblower said.
Military's system to combat sexual assault is broken, survivors say
Sexual assault survivors said their allegations were brushed aside and they were retaliated against for reporting their assaults.
Army did "nothing" for soldier who reported sexual assault, mom says
Morgan Robinson died by suicide after she was allegedly sexually assaulted a second time while serving in the military.
Vaccinating America
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New COVID-19 strains appear across U.S.
As the U.S marks the deaths of more than 400,000 Americans from COVID-19, mutations of the virus are rapidly popping up across the country. So far, vaccines seem to be effective against the new variants. David Begnaud reports.
California battling COVID variant as cases surge
California leads the world in coronavirus cases with over 3 million residents infected. There is a concern over a new virus variant spreading throughout the state. Jamie Yuccas reports.
LA becomes first county to hit 1 million COVID-19 cases
Los Angeles is the first county in the nation to hit 1 million COVID-19 cases and is now battling the new more contagious coronavirus strain. Lilia Luciano reports.
Up to 90,000 more COVID deaths projected within weeks
There's added urgency in vaccinating Americans as the CDC projects nearly 100,000 will die in the U.S. from the coronavirus in the next three weeks. Carter Evans reports.
States race to ramp up coronavirus vaccine distribution
The White House Coronavirus Task Force warned there may be a U.S. variant of the coronavirus that is more contagious as the country is racing to increase the number of vaccinations. Carter Evans has the latest.
On The Road
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91-year-old man with dementia bonds with kids across the street
Gene McGehee spends every day playing with the children at the day care across the street — and while he doesn't seem to remember the children the next day, something always brings him back.
Fairy garden sparks a friendship between strangers
"I want people to believe that they don't have to be a fairy to give a little bit of magic to someone else."
Secret Santa surprises essential workers with Christmas cash
In the coming weeks, Secret Santa will give away about $100,000 total — to total strangers.
Santa adjusts to new normal during COVID
Santa is doing thousands of virtual visits during the holiday season.
How a 7-year-old won the battle to make female toy soldiers
"I've never gotten a letter from a child like that before," one toy manufacturer said.
Full Episodes
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CBS Evening News, January 19, 2021
Biden prepares for inauguration upended by COVID and security threats; Wisconsin girl starts online lemonade stand to raise money for charity
CBS Evening News, January 18, 2021
Unprecedented security effort in Washington, D.C., ahead of Biden inauguration;"Museum of the Courageous" nominates group of 5th graders using their voice to combat hate.
CBS Weekend News, January 17, 2021
Police ramp up presence at state capitols amid extremist threats; 10-year-old writes letter to officer hurt during Capitol riot
CBS Weekend News, January 16, 2021
Washington, D.C. fortifies security ahead of Biden inauguration; Canadian choir uses technology to sing together while social distancing in cars
CBS Evening News, January 15, 2021
Authorities say rioters aimed to "assassinate" elected officials; Man with dementia forms special bond with kids
Profiles In Service
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"An honor and a privilege": Two West Point cadets earn Rhodes Scholarships
For West Point Cadets Evan Walker and Tyrese Bender, the road to becoming Rhodes Scholars was paved with hard work.
100-year-old World War II pilot says he still flies every week
In honor of Veterans Day, CBS News salutes an extraordinary World War II fighter pilot, who is still flying 75 years after the war.
Navy's first Black female fighter pilot to receive her wings
Lieutenant Madeline Swegle is about to become a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, making history as the first Black female to do so. CBS News has her inspiring story in our series: "Profiles in Service."
Retired army doctors join the fight against coronavirus
Colonel Melissa Givens retired after spending 20 years as an emergency room doctor in the army. Now she's in New York, helping patients at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
Army Reserve names first female chief
Military history was made when Lieutenant General Jody Daniels became the first woman to take charge of the U.S. Army Reserve, a force of nearly 200,000 soldiers. She's also the first woman to lead any Army component. Norah O'Donnell has the latest in CBS News' series "Profiles in Service."
World
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Work on Keystone XL pipeline halted
The Obama administration rejected the pipeline, but President Trump revived it and has been a strong supporter.
4 killed in Madrid gas explosion
A tower of smoke rose from a building, where repairs were being done to a gas boiler, and billowed through Toledo Street near the city's center.
U.S. allies "greatly relieved," but also wary as Biden steps up
"After 4 long years, Europe has a friend in America," said one top EU leader. But will our oldest friends ever think of us as they did before?
Should COVID vaccination restore "basic rights" to avoid lockdowns?
Germany's Foreign Minister thinks so, and he's not alone, but his fellow cabinet members, and many experts say vaccination shouldn't bring privileges.
Kamala Harris' ancestral village in India revels on Inauguration Day
Candy, firecrackers and prayers as the tiny village of Thulasendrapuram finds inspiration and joy in the 1st U.S. Vice President from South Asia.
U.S.
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Recent Trump appointee at NSA placed on leave
Ellis' appointment is now the subject of an investigation by the Defense Department Inspector General.
White House site allows users to choose their pronouns
The changes may seem minor, but advocates say they're meaningful.
Kamala Harris won't be moving into vice president's residence immediately
Vice presidents since Vice President Walter Mondale have been living in the residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
Proud Boys organizer arrested for alleged role in Capitol attack
Joseph Randall Biggs, 37, faces three charges for his alleged role in the deadly attack.
SpaceX launches another 60 Starlink satellites
SpaceX has now launched more than 1,000 Starlink internet relay satellites.
Politics
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Inauguration Live Updates: President Biden moves quickly to implement agenda
"There's no time to start like today," the new president told reporters, hours after his inauguration.
Recent Trump appointee at NSA placed on leave
Ellis' appointment is now the subject of an investigation by the Defense Department Inspector General.
White House site allows users to choose their pronouns
The changes may seem minor, but advocates say they're meaningful.
Kamala Harris won't be moving into vice president's residence immediately
Vice presidents since Vice President Walter Mondale have been living in the residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
Senate confirms Biden's first Cabinet nominee
The Senate confirmed Avril Haines to be director of national intelligence on Wednesday evening.
Entertainment
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Jennifer Lopez speaks Spanish in inauguration performance
In a medley of political songs, Lopez slipped in her own song and also took a moment to say something in Spanish. Here's what she said.
Watch inaugural poet Amanda Gorman perform 5 of her poems
Gorman, who read a poem at President Biden's inauguration, has previously performed five original commissioned poems for "CBS This Morning."
Sarah Thomas will be the first woman to referee a Super Bowl
Thomas will work as a down judge at Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay next month.
Kamala Harris wears Black designers at inauguration
Michelle Obama also wowed in a monochrome outfit by a Black designer.
New movies coming in 2021 and beyond: The most anticipated films on the way
From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the next "Fast and Furious" film, here's when to expect all the biggest flicks.
Technology
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White House site allows users to choose their pronouns
The changes may seem minor, but advocates say they're meaningful.
Richard Branson company launches rocket from under plane's wing
Virgin Orbit asserts its method offers maximum flexibility since the launching Boeing 747s could take off from airports anywhere.
Twitter suspends Congresswoman over election fraud claims
Republican Congresswoman from Georgia condemned big tech companies for "silencing" conservative views.
A protected right? Free speech and social media
Social media – hailed as an organizing tool for pro-democracy rallies – has also become a forum for conspiracy theories, racism and disinformation. What are the implications of tech companies "de-platforming" users (even a president) for speech that enflames?
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Science
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Climate activists expect a lot from Biden and aren't afraid to say so
"We are not sitting on our hands waiting for action to be taken," one activist said. "We're not afraid to put public pressure on the administration."
Desperate states turn to National Guard to roll out vaccines
As the death toll mounts, more states are turning to the National Guard to speed up vaccinations around the country.
U.K. COVID variant detected across U.S. as nation races to distribute vaccine
Health officials are trying to stay ahead of the virus by vaccinating as many people as possible — but it hasn't been easy.
"Super puff" exoplanet is as big as Jupiter but 10 times lighter
The "cotton candy" planet is challenging everything astronomers thought about the formation of gas giants.
Software blamed for moon rocket engine shutdown
Engineers are debating whether to carry out another test firing before pressing ahead toward launch
Health
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New York City closing vaccination sites due to lack of supply
The mayor warned on Tuesday that the city was about to run out of vaccine doses.
Desperate states turn to National Guard to roll out vaccines
As the death toll mounts, more states are turning to the National Guard to speed up vaccinations around the country.
Should COVID vaccination restore "basic rights" to avoid lockdowns?
Germany's Foreign Minister thinks so, and he's not alone, but his fellow cabinet members, and many experts say vaccination shouldn't bring privileges.
Doubling up on masks could help keep COVID away, research shows
It creates more of an "obstacle course" for particles to make their way through into the body, research shows.
Study shows U.K. COVID variant unlikely to "escape" Pfizer vaccine
New research expands on earlier lab tests, providing further evidence that the widely used vaccine should prove effective against an infectious new strain.
MoneyWatch
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Desperate states turn to National Guard to roll out vaccines
As the death toll mounts, more states are turning to the National Guard to speed up vaccinations around the country.
Starbucks and Microsoft tapped to help with vaccinations
Starbucks CEO liken the company's role in the mass vaccination effort to building a store with one product.
What a Biden presidency means for your wallet
Agenda includes more stimulus checks, student loan forgiveness and stronger protections for workers.
Doctors locked out from Houston hospital, treat patients in parking lot
The locks on Heights Hospital were changed overnight. A notice from a lawyer cited more than $1 million in back rent.
Biden extends student loan payment freeze
On the campaign trail, Mr. Biden promised to address the student loan crisis and supported cancelling $10,000 in debt per borrower.
Crime
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Proud Boys organizer arrested for alleged role in Capitol attack
Joseph Randall Biggs, 37, faces three charges for his alleged role in the deadly attack.
"Oath Keeper" coordinated other militia members in riot, charges say
Three people face conspiracy charges as prosecutors investigate evidence they planned to obstruct the Electoral College vote.
Woman suspected of stealing Pelosi's laptop faces new charges
The amended criminal complaint cites a video in which Williams allegedly instructs a man to put on gloves before he touched Pelosi's laptop.
Martin Shkreli denied early prison release for second time
Shkreli claimed that mental health issues have weakened his immune system and made him more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus.
Woman investigated for allegedly stealing Pelosi's computer surrenders
A caller who identified themselves as the former partner of Riley Williams told authorities that she planned to give the device to a friend who would sell it to Russia's foreign intelligence service, a claim that authorities are investigating but have not yet confirmed.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches another 60 Starlink satellites
SpaceX has now launched more than 1,000 Starlink internet relay satellites.
"Super puff" exoplanet is as big as Jupiter but 10 times lighter
The "cotton candy" planet is challenging everything astronomers thought about the formation of gas giants.
Software blamed for moon rocket engine shutdown
Engineers are debating whether to carry out another test firing before pressing ahead toward launch
Richard Branson company launches rocket from under plane's wing
Virgin Orbit asserts its method offers maximum flexibility since the launching Boeing 747s could take off from airports anywhere.
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Latest Galleries
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New movies coming in 2021 and beyond: The most anticipated films on the way
From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the next "Fast and Furious" film, here's when to expect all the biggest flicks.
Photos: Inauguration of Joe Biden
Thanks to the pandemic and worries over violence, the swearing-in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris looks very different.
The evidence that convicted Charles Bryant
An inside look at the investigation into the murder of Jackie Vandagriff.
Newest dog breeds: From tiny toys to massive mastiffs
Have you heard of the Belgian Laekenois? The Cesky terrier? Sloughi? You have now.
How U.S. presidents aged in office
How it started and how its going in America's highest office.
Popular
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Hindsight is 2020: An Unprecedented Election
When a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and rampant misinformation converged, Americans were faced with an election unlike any other. This CBSN documentary follows voters around the country as they grapple with who they're voting for, how they're voting and the issues supercharging the stakes.
Legal troubles awaiting Trump
Now that he's left office, former President Trump could soon be facing legal troubles as the protections that have been shielding him are set to expire. CBSN legal analyst Rebecca Roiphe joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the details.
Biden's road to the White House
President Biden began his career in politics in 1973 as the junior United States senator from Delaware. Now, nearly 50 years after his journey began, he has taken office as the 46th president of the United States. Robert Hoopes, president of VOX Global and who served as Biden's chief of staff during the 2012 Democratic National Convention, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to reflect on the president's career in public service.
Biden works on packed legislative agenda
President Biden wasted no time getting to work after taking the oath of office. He signed several executive actions and prepared legislation to be sent to Congress. CBS News political contributor and Democratic strategist Lynda Tran, and CBS News political analyst and Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss what is on the Biden administration's legislative agenda and how easy it will be to get it through Congress.
CBSN Originals: "The QAnon Effect"
What started out as a fringe conspiracy theory in 2017 has recently spread into the mainstream. Dozens of people linked to the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory ran for federal office in 2020, and two were elected to Congress. This CBSN Originals documentary explores how QAnon has taken root amid challenging times and a growing distrust in American institutions, and what it means for the future of the country.