Barr rebukes Trump on Biden probe, election fraud
Outgoing Attorney General William Barr broke with President Trump on election fraud claims and declined to appoint a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden. Major Garrett has more.
Donald Trump
"CBS Evening News" headlines for December 21, 2020
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Trump tries to pin hack on China, not Russia
Cybersecurity experts and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo say evidence points to Russia for a massive hack of U.S. government agencies, but President Trump is pointing the finger at China. CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid spoke with CBSN's Anne-Marie Green about what the Biden administration can do to deter Russian hacking and interference, as well as the president's latest moves to fight the election results.
Lawmaker decries "massive" US government hack
U.S. officials are raising alarm over a massive cyberattack that affected some government agencies. The country's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has called the hack a "grave risk" to the federal government and private organizations. Representative Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat, joins CBSN to discuss the significance of the security breach of the nation's sensitive data.
U.S. experts assess severity of cyberattack
Senator Mitt Romney blasted President Trump for downplaying the Russian-linked cyberattack on U.S. government agencies and private companies. Sergio Caltagirone, vice president of threat intelligence at Dragos, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the severity of the hack.
Surgeon general cites antibody treatment for Trump vaccine delay
Surgeon General Jerome Adams says the president has a "medical reason" for not getting the vaccine, since he was treated with antibodies in October.
Transcript: Ron Klain on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Ron Klain, incoming White House chief of staff for President-elect Joe Biden, that aired Sunday, December 13, 2020, on "Face the Nation."
Transcript: Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb that aired December 20, 2020, on "Face the Nation."
Trump floated appointing Sidney Powell special counsel on fraud
Trump's legal team had previously said she did not work for them.
Trumps wear matching tuxedos in final White House Christmas card
The Trumps' final Christmas portrait from the White House is a departure from previous years, in more ways than one.
New tensions emerge between Biden team and Trump administration
The rift comes as the president-elect is set to announce more historic Cabinet appointments.
How Trump and past presidents have used presidential pardon powers
President Trump's final days in office leave plenty of time for more controversial pardons.
Iran building something new at underground nuclear site
Building work comes a year after Tehran claimed enrichment progress at the Fordo site, and as it seeks leverage ahead of possible new talks with Washington.
How the Lincoln Project's tweets get made
The Lincoln Project is known for its fiery social media presence. So, who writes the Tweets?
Whitman: Ignoring science is dangerous
Former New Jersey governor and EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss accusations of political interference by the Trump administration at the CDC, as well as President-elect Joe Biden's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the current head of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality, Michael Regan.
Ex-W.H. official on Biden's Cabinet picks
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to unify a divided nation after the electoral college confirmed his election victory. Meantime, Biden's future cabinet is starting to take shape. So far he's announced more than a dozen nominees for key positions. Joe Grogan, former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council and a former member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
Trump again threatens to veto defense bill amid standoff with Congress
The president has threatened to veto the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed Congress with a veto-proof majority.
Police chief on threats against election officials
The typically routine process of presidential electors casting their ballots in the Electoral College took place this year amid threats of violence. And a Texas man is under arrest for threatening a man at gunpoint over false suspicions of election fraud. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" to explain why he believes such threats are on the rise.
Stimulus checks expected in COVID relief bill
Congressional leaders are negotiating a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill that is expected to include stimulus checks of about $600 per person. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes and the Washington Post's Eugene Scott join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to break down the latest on the talks and when relief could be in the hands of Americans.
Report: Trump adviser pushed "herd immunity"
A former Trump adviser reportedly encouraged top health officials to allow "herd immunity" as the nation's strategy against coronavirus. Politico obtained internal emails between Paul Alexander and other officials in which he appears to urge the government to let millions of Americans to become infected. Politico health reporter Dan Diamond joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on his reporting.
Trump expected to attend RNC meeting in January
The RNC meeting at Amelia Island will come during Mr. Trump's final days in office.
Global nuclear agency chief says risks increased under Trump
Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency voices hope that President-elect Joe Biden will re-engage with friends and foes to lower the risk of nuclear conflict.
In a first, feds have executed more inmates this year than states
Death Penalty Information Center head says, "We never expected to see it. And it may be a long time before we ever see it happen again."
GOP leadership urges Senate Republicans to not protest election results
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday.
Biden officially wins Electoral College vote
President-elect Joe Biden won the Electoral College's official vote count, marking his victory in the 2020 election. Nikole Killion reports from Wilmington, Delaware.
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Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins
The leaders of Lebanon and Israel agreed to start a 10-day truce at 5 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday.
U.S. intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct, which he denies
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna told CBS News that Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego was the previously unnamed senator whom she accused of "very disturbing" conduct. Gallego has denied all wrongdoing.
Controversial surveillance program extended by House but only until April 30
The House OK'd a short-term renewal until April 30 of FISA, the controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, after Republicans revolted, refusing President Trump's push for a longer extension.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
Democrat Analilia Mejia projected to win N.J. House District 11 seat
CBS News projects that Democrat Analilia Mejia will win the special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, a seat formerly held by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Musician d4vd arrested on suspicion of murder in teen's death, LAPD says
Singer and songwriter d4vd has been arrested on suspicion of murder for the death of a 14-year-old whose dismembered body was found last year in a Tesla belonging to the singer.
U.S.
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AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
U.S. intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
MoneyWatch
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AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
This is the fastest-growing job for young workers, LinkedIn says
Hint: It involves AI, and a LinkedIn economist says employers are clamoring for people to fill these roles.
NPR gets $113 million in gifts, including $80 million from Connie Ballmer
NPR said the donation from Ballmer, the largest to the public radio network by a living donor, will help offset the loss of federal funding in 2025.
Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
S&P 500, Nasdaq hit record highs as investors shrug off Iran war fears
With another round of U.S.-Iran peace talks on the horizon, investors are optimistic that the war will wind down.
Politics
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Controversial surveillance program extended by House but only until April 30
The House OK'd a short-term renewal until April 30 of FISA, the controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, after Republicans revolted, refusing President Trump's push for a longer extension.
Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct, which he denies
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna told CBS News that Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego was the previously unnamed senator whom she accused of "very disturbing" conduct. Gallego has denied all wrongdoing.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
U.S. intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
Exclusive
Trump to sign executive order on psychedelic drug used abroad to treat PTSD
Ibogaine is used in Mexico and the Caribbean to treat depression, anxiety, addiction and brain trauma.
As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
World
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U.S. intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
Cuban leader says country will "be ready" for possible U.S. attack
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight back.
Latest effort to rein in Trump on Iran falls short in House vote
Few Republicans have been willing to distance themselves from the president as the war's end remains uncertain.
Caine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with blockade
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday thatthe U.S. military can "make the transition" from the blockade to "major combat operations."
Setback for ex-U.S. Marine pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators
An Australian judge turned away an appeal by former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the U.S. over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Surprise twist in "Survivor 50" elimination
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) "CBS Mornings" reveals a surprising twist in Wednesday's "Survivor 50" episode that led to a historic trial council ceremony.
More on Live Nation, Ticketmaster ruling
A jury ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly. Variety's Jem Aswad joins CBS News with more.
Simon Helberg on "The Audacity"
Simon Helberg, known for his role as Howard in "The Big Bang Theory," talks about the new show "The Audacity." Helberg plays a developer who is creating an AI companion. He explains what drew him to the role and discusses the show's messages about humanity and technology.
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Technology
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AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
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.
Key takeaways on Anthropic's new AI model
More concerns are emerging about Anthropic's new Mythos AI model. Matt Shumer, a former AI company founder and CEO, joins CBS News with more details.
How hackers are using AI to breach networks
U.S. officials are warning of Iranian cyberattacks on businesses and consumers. It comes as a new FBI report shows losses from cybercrime reached nearly $21 billion last year. Ash-har Quraishi shows how hackers are using artificial intelligence, and how you can protect yourself.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Crime
Police: Politician killed wife, himself
Police in Virginia say the former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax died after he shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself. Nicole Sganga reports.
Divorce battle preceded Fairfax murder-suicide
Just after midnight on Thursday, police say former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then himself in their home. Both of their teenage children were home at the time of the incident. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
Sharp increase in ICE detention deaths
New JAMA network research data shows a sharp increase in the number of people who died while in ICE detention last year. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
ICE agent accused of assault for pulling gun on 2 people on highway, charges say
Gregory Morgan Jr. of Temple Hills, Maryland, was charged Thursday morning with two counts of second-degree assault in the Feb. 5 incident.
Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in pair of alleged gambling cases
Damon Jones was among dozens of people, including alleged mafia figures and athletes, charged last year in connection with a pair of gambling schemes.
Space
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Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
What to know about Strait of Hormuz, Iran war
Lindsey Reiser anchors a special CBS News 24/7 report on the blockade against Iranian ports, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the current state of the war with Iran.
What Americans think about Iran, economy
CBS News' Lana Zak spoke with some Americans about their thoughts on the conflict with Iran and its impact on the economy.
Where Trump's goals in Iran stand now
President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the war with Iran is "almost over." He has also stated multiple times that the U.S. is close to accomplishing "all of its goals" in Iran. CBS News' Robert Costa reports and Michael Doran, director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at the Hudson Institute, have more.
Trump continues feud with Pope Leo
Earlier this week, President Trump turned his criticism toward an unlikely subject- Pope Leo. Michael O'Loughlin, the executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter, joins "The Daily Report."
4/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Ceasefire begins between Israel and Lebanon; U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues for a fourth day.