This week on "Face the Nation," January 17, 2021
Incoming CDC Dir. Rochelle Walensky and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb appear on Sunday's "Face the Nation"
COVID-19
FBI tracking potential inauguration threats
CBS News has confirmed President-elect Joe Biden has canceled his plans to ride an Amtrak train to Washington for his inauguration because of security concerns. This comes as the head of the FBI warned the agency is tracking "extensive" chatter online involving potential threats to the inauguration, but despite the security concerns the Biden transition team is focused on its coronavirus agenda with Mr. Biden unveiling a nearly $2 trillion plan to combat the pandemic. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined CBSN from Wilmington, Delaware, to discuss.
Coronavirus death toll tops 2 million worldwide
The United States, with about 4% of the world's population, has reported about one-fifth of all reported deaths globally.
Biden's inauguration to feature ceremony honoring COVID-19 victims
Officials are asking cities around the country to participate by illuminating buildings and ringing church bells during the ceremony.
Instacart and Trader Joe's to pay workers to get vaccines
Vaccine stipends, however, will be relatively small, generally less than $100.
Norway warns of vaccine risks for elderly
As the U.S. grapples with chaos in its vaccine distribution system, officials in Norway are warning COVID-19 vaccines may be too risky for the elderly and terminally ill. Dr. Bob Lahita, chairman of medicine at St. Joseph University Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, joined CBSN to discuss whether the warning is cause for concern and to explain what we know so far about new coronavirus variants emerging in the U.S.
Some wealthy Americans accused of skipping vaccine line
Since the vaccine rollout began shipping in the U.S. in December, it is up to the individual states to determine who gets the vaccine.
High school students discuss pandemic
"CBS This Morning" national correspondent Jericka Duncan speaks to author Jason Reynolds who is the ambassador for young people's literature for the Library of Congress and has been connecting with students virtually throughout the pandemic. They spoke with the four high school students about how COVID-19 has transformed their lives.
Some wealthy people try to cut vaccine line
As many Americans wait desperately for their chance to get the COVID vaccine, there are accusations that some wealthy and well-connected people are trying to cut the line. In Florida, officials are investigating reports that a luxury assisted living facility offered and vaccinated its board members and wealthy donors, out of turn. Manuel Bojorquez has the details on how and why this may be happening.
Biden unveils $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan
President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday released a $1.9 trillion spending plan aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic and its economic toll. As Weijia Jiang reports, the package would include $1,400 stimulus checks for Americans, $400 a week in federal unemployment benefits, and an increase to the child tax credit.
Biden unveils $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill
This is the first of two bills Mr. Biden plans to address COVID-19. His transition team said he would introduce a second "recovery" bill in February.
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
Post-COVID lungs worse than the worst smokers' lungs, surgeon says
Texas trauma surgeon Dr. Brittany Bankhead-Kendall says that means even survivors could have long-term post-COVID problems.
Biden's relief bill is "right on the mark," economist says
President-elect Joe Biden unveiled his "American Rescue" plan to stimulate the U.S. economy, which has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gene Sperling, a former director for the National Economic Council, joins CBSN to discuss Mr. Biden's coronavirus relief package.
Biden unveils COVID-19 response plan
President-elect Joe Biden addressed the nation on Thursday night to outline his coronavirus economic recovery plan — and pledged to ramp up vaccinations against COVID-19. He also urged that there should be a national minimum wage of $15 per hour. Watch his remarks.
"We have to act now": Biden outlines economic rescue package
The massive stimulus bill is intended to improve vaccine distribution and economic recovery.
Biden to unveil $1.9 trillion relief plan
President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a coronavirus relief package proposal worth $1.9 trillion. The plan includes $1,400 direct payments for individuals on top of the $600 stimulus checks Congress passed last year, and funding for a national vaccination program. CBS News political reporter Sarah Ewall-Wice joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.
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.
Extensive lung damage seen in COVID patients
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins CBSN to discuss another grim forecast from the CDC projecting more than 90,000 COVID-related deaths in the U.S. in the next three weeks. He also explains new information on lung damage and the rise in cases among children.
Biden to unveil massive economic rescue plan
President-elect Joe Biden will detail how he plans to address the economic crisis through stimulus checks, unemployment benefits and improving the vaccine rollout. Weijia Jiang reports.
Girl Scout creates pandemic-safe sales pitch for cookies
The girl recorded a message to send to friends and family via a Ring doorbell.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
WHO team in China probing COVID-19's origins
A team from the World Health Organization has arrived in Wuhan, China, to begin its investigation into where and how the coronavirus first started. The team of 10 scientists will work to figure out how the virus jumped from animals to humans, but getting answers may not come easily. CBS News Asia correspondent Ramy Inocencio reports from Wuhan.
Unemployment claims surge to nearly 1 million
About 965,000 people filed unemployment claims in the first week of January 2021. Lori Bettinger, co-president of Alliance Partners and president of BancAlliance, joins CBSN to discuss what it will take to improve the economy.
Vaccine distribution ramps up across U.S.
The U.S. saw its second consecutive day of more than 4,000 reported deaths from COVID-19 on Wednesday. This comes as the Trump administration releases all remaining doses of the coronavirus vaccine for the public, forcing states to ramp up distribution. Tanya Rivero spoke with Dr. Rahul Gupta, the chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes and a former West Virginia health commissioner, about the additional doses' impact.
Voter data Trump claimed China obtained is easy to get in most states
President Trump called China's acquisition of voter information "the largest compromise of election data in history." In 20 states, anyone can get this information with a simple public request.
Live
U.S. finishes 7th straight night of Iran strikes as Strait of Hormuz freezes up
As the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks 140 days into the war, an industry analyst says "nobody is willing to move" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
Maps show wildfire smoke forecast, air quality alerts in U.S.
Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is engulfing large swaths of the Midwest and the U.S. East Coast this week.
Trump revisits disputed claims about elections but offers no new proof of fraud
In a primetime address, President Trump alleged the U.S. election system falls "catastrophically short," revisiting a topic that has drawn his attention for years — and making claims that election experts have heavily disputed.
Feeding Our Future fraud ring's alleged No. 2 appears in court after Somalia arrest
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Friday, just weeks after he was arrested in Mogadishu.
U.S.
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DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
2 kidnapped Forest Service workers safe after being zip-tied, held at gunpoint
Two suspects, a father and his adult son who were allegedly armed with guns and knives, have been arrested, authorities said.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
MoneyWatch
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DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
Boomer wealth transfer will mostly benefit the already rich, report finds
Trillions of wealth passed down by the baby boomers will likely go to younger Americans who are already rich. Here's how much they'll get.
Coca-Cola temporarily halts production of Fairlife milk after cyberattack
A cybersecurity incident has forced Coca-Cola to suspend Fairlife milk production in the U.S. An investigation is underway.
Trump Media to sell faster access to president's Truth Social posts
"Markets already move on Truth Social posts," the company's chief executive said in the Truth API announcement.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
Voter data Trump claimed China obtained is easy to get in most states
President Trump called China's acquisition of voter information "the largest compromise of election data in history." In 20 states, anyone can get this information with a simple public request.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Mexican lettuce potential source of parasite
Authorities have traced the cyclosporiasis outbreak to Mexican-grown lettuce delivered to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
FDA approves new cholesterol pill
The FDA has approved a new daily cholesterol pill that works differently from popular statins and may deliver better results for some people. Dr. Corey Bradley, a cardiologist at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, joins "CBS Evening News" to discuss.
FDA names likely cyclosporiasis source
The FDA has identified Taylor Farms as the likely source of lettuce contaminated with the parasite behind cyclosporiasis, as the outbreak grows. Mark Strassmann reports.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell
A lettuce supplier to fast-food giant Taco Bell has been linked to a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands of people, the CDC said.
World
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Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
Journalist targeted by Iran says U.K.'s crackdown on IRGC is "the happiest day"
British Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in what is believed to have been an Iranian state-sponsored attack in 2024.
Strong earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border, tsunami alert lifted
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 with the epicenter 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdan, Mexico.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
India activist urged to end hunger strike as he risks organ failure
Well-known activist Sonam Wangchuk hasn't eaten in nearly 3 weeks, endangering his health as he demands changes to India's exam system.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"The Odyssey" inspires interest in original poem
Before Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Homer's original epic poem. Kelly Olson, graduate chair of the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario, joins CBS News to unpack the history of the Greek tale.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Stars of "The Odyssey" preview film
Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, who star in "The Odyssey," speak to "CBS Mornings" about the movie, the challenges they faced during filming and working with Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan.
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
Technology
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Technology
Erin Brockovich on data center regulation
New York is now the first state to temporarily ban data center construction, paving the way for others to follow suit. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
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.
Mississippi residents decry data center plant
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi, are sounding off about a data center plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area, likening the constant noise to being tortured.
Meta announces new safety features
Meta announced it is introducing new features to help protect teens using Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, including alerting a parent if their child discusses self-harm with one of its AI chatbots. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Feeding Our Future fraud ring's alleged No. 2 appears in court after Somalia arrest
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Friday, just weeks after he was arrested in Mogadishu.
Agent in ME shooting has violent record: AP
The ICE officer who shot and killed a Maine man has a history of violent behavior, the Associated Press reports, citing interviews with family and court records. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
"Master yachtsman" fugitive captured on boat after 21 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer, who was featured on "America's Most Wanted," fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial for first-degree sexual assault in 2005.
Journalist known as "The Jaguar" shot dead in Mexico
The state government condemned the murder of Josue Martinez, and called on prosecutors to launch a probe in order to find those responsible.
U.S. designates cartel on Texas border as foreign terrorist organization
The Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras joined six other Mexican criminal organizations that the U.S. considers terrorist groups.
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
"The Odyssey" inspires interest in original poem
Before Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Homer's original epic poem. Kelly Olson, graduate chair of the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario, joins CBS News to unpack the history of the Greek tale.
Darline Graham considering Senate campaign
President Trump urged late Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline, who is temporarily replacing him in Congress, to run for his seat in South Carolina's upcoming special election. Fin Gómez reports.
Trump makes new election claims
In a primetime address on Thursday evening, President Trump accused China of interfering in U.S. elections as he questioned the integrity of the country's voting system. CBS News' Jake Rosen fact-checks his claims.
Spain, Argentina prepare for World Cup final
Tens of thousands of fans, along with President Trump, are expected to gather in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain and Argentina battle for the World Cup trophy. Nicole Valdes reports.
7-foot-3 man sworn in as Texas police officer
At 7-foot-3, Jordan Wilmore was told his entire life that he was destined for a career in basketball. But that was never his dream. Steve Hartman has the story.