CBS Weekend News, June 27, 2020
Texas continues to hit record highs in coronavirus infections; Pasadena Fire Department staffs all-women fire crew for the first time
Greg Abbott
Gerrymandering surges ahead of midterms
There is a surge in gerrymandering as several states work to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. CBS News political reporter Aaron Navarro joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero with more.
Doctor on masks in schools and vaccine rules
A federal judge halted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order banning mask mandates in schools. Meanwhile, 10 states are suing the Biden administration to block vaccine regulation for health care workers, and Pfizer has asked the Food and Drug Administration for approval of its COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for all U.S. adults. Dr. Leo Nissola, the chief scientific officer at First Bio Research and an immunotherapy scientist, joined CBSN to discuss the latest coronavirus headlines.
Texas gov. issues new order on face coverings
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued an executive order requiring residents to wear face coverings in public in counties with 20 or more positive coronavirus cases. Janet Shamlian reports.
Texas governor bans COVID vaccine mandates
Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to fine companies that enforce COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Nancy Cordes has more on how it contradicts a federal mandate.
Texas governor bans vaccine mandates
Texas' Republican Governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order banning "any entity" in his state from issuing a coronavirus vaccine mandate. Last month, President Biden announced that all companies with 100 employees or more will need to require vaccination or weekly COVID testing. On Tuesday, Mr. Biden is attending a virtual meeting with G20 leaders on the situation in Afghanistan. CBS News political contributor and Associated Press White House reporter Zeke Miller joins CBSN AM to discuss.
Biden meets with G20 leaders on Afghanistan
Afghanistan and the controversial abortion law in Texas are just two of the many issues on President Biden's docket. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joined Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers on CBSN with the latest.
McConnell makes Democrats debt ceiling offer
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made an offer to Democrats Wednesday that would temporarily extend the government's borrowing ability, avoiding a default on its debts. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, CBS News' congressional correspondent Nikole Killion and Insider's politics reporter Oma Seddiq join "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with the details.
Florida lawmaker introduces abortion bill similar to Texas law
The bill, filed by state Representative Webster Barnaby, is similar to the law recently enacted in Texas, which bans abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.
Abbott signs social media "censorship" bill into law
The legislation aims to stop social media companies from banning users based solely on their political opinions.
Texas governor vows to "eliminate" rapists in defense of abortion law
Governor Greg Abbott said that the state will "eliminate all rapists from the streets of Texas by aggressively going out and arresting them."
Texas governor signs election bill into law
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday signed into law a bill to overhaul Texas elections, despite bitter opposition from Democrats that inspired two walkouts by legislators. Watch him sign the law and take questions from reporters afterward.
Abbott signs controversial voting bill into law
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a controversial voting bill into law Tuesday. The Election Integrity Protection Act of 2021 bans drive-thru voting and changes voting hours. It also includes new requirements for mail-in voting and poll worker protections. Renuka Rayasam, author of Politico Nightly, joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss that and more.
Supreme Court decides 5-4 to allow restrictive Texas abortion law
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to block a Texas law outlawing abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, allowing the nation's most restrictive measures to remain in effect. Correspondent Ben Tracy has the latest.
Texas abortion ban after 6 weeks takes effect
A Texas law banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy went into effect early Wednesday after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to act on an emergency request to block it. It came as the state's Republican governor prepares to sign a controversial voting restrictions bill into law. Nikole Killion has the details.
Texas Legislature passes sweeping election bill
The legislation's passage ended a months-long standoff with Democrats, who stalled the bill by leaving the state.
Biden administration vigilant after Kabul bombing
The Biden administration is ramping up its evacuation efforts from Afghanistan ahead of the August 31 deadline. Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' ban on school mask mandates is overturned by a state judge. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss this weekend's "Face the Nation."
Texas' ban on school mask mandates temporarily denied by court
Public schools in the state will no longer be barred from mandating face masks — for now.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19
Abbott is fully vaccinated and so far is experiencing no symptoms, his office said.
No pediatric ICU beds left in Dallas, county judge says
"Your child will wait for another child to die," Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said Friday.
Texas governor files challenge to end Dallas County mask mandate
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily halted an order from Abbott that banned mask mandates.
Controversy over Texas mask mandate ban heats up
Governor Abbott isn't backing down, even as he takes several steps to fight the COVID-19 surge in his state and urges people to get vaccinated.
Texas state representative on special session
The Texas state legislature has begun a new special session, as many Democrats remain in D.C. Texas state Representative Carl Sherman joined CBSN to discuss what's next for the caucus.
Voting Rights Act turns 56
As the Voting Rights Act turns 56, activists warn that the sanctity of the ballot box is corroding under relentless Republican efforts on the state level. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urged Congress to act to pass new legislation to protect voting rights. CBS News political contributors and analysts Antjuan Seawright and Leslie Sanchez join with their perspectives on the anniversary and the road ahead.
Texas shelters for migrant kids to operate without state oversight
After August 30, 36 Texas-based shelters housing migrant children in federal care will no longer be regulated or inspected by state officials.
Live
Trump confirms "major combat operations" as U.S. and Israel attack Iran
The U.S. and Israel are attacking Iran, which is responding with attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as President Trump confirms "major combat operations."
Read Trump's full statement on U.S. "major combat operations" in Iran
President Trump says his objective in attacking Iran "is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" from the regime in Tehran. Read his full statement here.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
How advanced is Iran's nuclear program? Here's what we know.
President Trump launched military strikes on Iran after several rounds of talks over the country's nuclear program and uranium stockpiles. Here's what to know about the nuclear program.
Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's AI technology
President Trump said he will give federal agencies six months to phase out their use of Anthropic's AI products.
Renee Good's family spent "hours in limbo" after she was fatally shot
Renee Good's family said they spent agonizing "hours in limbo," unsure of the details surrounding her fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last month.
Bill Clinton at Epstein deposition: "I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong"
Former President Bill Clinton denied any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes in an opening statement before the House Oversight Committee in New York.
Neil Sedaka, singer whose hits included "Laughter in the Rain," dies at 86
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for his hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died.
Hegseth declares Anthropic a "supply chain risk to national security"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk on Friday, following days of increasingly heated public conflict with the AI company.
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Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei calls White House's actions "retaliatory and punitive"
Hours before Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed the AI company a "supply chain risk to national security," which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic.
A Hawaii man tackled his sports gambling addiction by offering free surf lessons
For Buddy Wiggins of Honolulu, Hawaii, the end result of a yearslong sports gambling addiction has come to this: soliciting strangers on the beach.
Renee Good's family spent "hours in limbo" after she was fatally shot
Renee Good's family said they spent agonizing "hours in limbo," unsure of the details surrounding her fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last month.
10 Epstein files conspiracy theories, debunked
Conspiracy theories about the Epstein files have racked up millions of views on social media. Here's what to know about 10 of the most viral claims.
Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
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Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Hegseth declares Anthropic a "supply chain risk to national security"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk on Friday, following days of increasingly heated public conflict with the AI company.
Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
Book excerpt: "Streetwise" by Lloyd Blankfein
In his new memoir, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs writes about a life that stretched from the projects of New York City to the pinnacle of Wall Street.
Small business owner is already giving her customers a tariff refund
"If somebody charges you something and it's unlawful, they should give you your money back," Dame CEO Alexandra Fine said.
Politics
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Read the full transcript of our interview with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview Friday, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security.
Tejano music star boosted by late outside spending for his Texas congressional campaign
A Democratic primary in a GOP held Texas congressional district is seeing major money ahead of polls closing in the March 3 contest.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
See Trump's full statement on U.S. "major combat operations" in Iran
President Trump says his objective in attacking Iran "is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" from the regime in Tehran. Read his full statement and watch the video here.
Live
Trump confirms "major combat operations" as U.S. and Israel attack Iran
The U.S. and Israel are attacking Iran, which is responding with attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as President Trump confirms "major combat operations."
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Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
World
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See Trump's full statement on U.S. "major combat operations" in Iran
President Trump says his objective in attacking Iran "is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats" from the regime in Tehran. Read his full statement and watch the video here.
Live
Trump confirms "major combat operations" as U.S. and Israel attack Iran
The U.S. and Israel are attacking Iran, which is responding with attacks on U.S. bases in the region, as President Trump confirms "major combat operations."
Israel launches "preemptive strike" on Iran, Israeli military says
The Israel Defense Ministry said in a statement that it launched the strike because it was expecting "a missile and drone attack" from Iran "in the immediate future."
More than a dozen killed when plane carrying money crashes in Bolivia, official says
The plane belonging to the Bolivian air force was transporting new banknotes from Bolivia's Central Bank to other cities. A large number of bills were scattered on the ground at the crash site.
U.S.-Iran deal is "within our reach," Omani mediator says
Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran have made "substantial progress" toward a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi told CBS News on Friday.
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Entertainment
From the archives: Neil Sedaka on writing a hit song
Neil Sedaka, the singer and songwriter behind such hits as "Breaking Up is Hard to Do," "Calendar Girl," and "Love Will Keep Us Together," died on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at age 86. In this 2020 "Sunday Morning" story, David Pogue talked with Sedaka – as well as Valerie Simpson (of Ashford & Simpson), author John Seabrook, and producer Oak Felder – about the elements that go into writing a hit song.
Neil Sedaka, singer whose hits included "Laughter in the Rain," dies at 86
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for his hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died.
Book excerpt: "Never Mind the Happy" by Marc Shaiman
In his memoir, the Tony Award-winning composer of such hits as Broadway's "Hairspray" writes of his half-century in show business, which grew in part from his youthful worship of Bette Midler - an adoration that would grow into a collaboration.
"Sinners" composer on blues music journey
For Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Goransson, creating the score for "Sinners" was a challenge, explaining he had to find his "voice within the blues." He describes his unlikely personal connection to the music and how he met the film's director.
"Scream" creator on directing latest movie
"Scream" writer and creator Kevin Williamson describes his passion for horror films and being asked to direct a "Scream" movie for the first time, at the request of one of the returning stars. Natalie Morales reports.
Technology
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Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
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.
Full interview: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security, which restricts military contractors from doing business with the AI giant. Amodei called the move "retaliatory and punitive," and he said Anthropic sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values."
Anthropic CEO on "red lines" for AI military use
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said in an exclusive interview with CBS News that the AI company sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values." He added: "Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world."
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
Bill Clinton opening statement for deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is being deposed by members of the House Oversight Committee over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Did ICE lie before detaining NYC student?
Columbia University acting president Claire Shipman described the ICE detention of student Elmina "Ellie" Aghayeva, claiming agents gained entry to a residential building by stating they were police seeking a missing child. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Bill Clinton's turn for Epstein deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is up next for a deposition before members of the House Oversight Committee regarding his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Latest news Columbia student taken by ICE
Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva has been released after ICE took her from one of the institution's residential buildings. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Epstein files questionings continue
Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick may be asked to testify on his knowledge of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's dealings. This comes as former President Bill Clinton prepares for his deposition. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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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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Trump's full statement on Iran strikes
President Trump announced early Saturday morning that the U.S. is conducting "a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests." See his full remarks.
U.S. and Israel launch strikes against Iran
The U.S. and Israel carried out military strikes on targets in Iran early Saturday after President Trump threatened the Iranian regime for weeks to make a new deal to rein in its nuclear program, and before that, threatened it over its violent crackdown on protesters in January. Carissa Lawson anchors CBS News' special report.
Trump speaks as U.S. launches Iran strikes
President Trump said the U.S. military has begun "major combat operations in Iran" in a statement released early Saturday morning. Mr. Trump threatened the Iranian regime for weeks to make a new deal to rein in its nuclear program, and before that, threatened it over its violent crackdown on protesters in January.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
Full interview: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security, which restricts military contractors from doing business with the AI giant. Amodei called the move "retaliatory and punitive," and he said Anthropic sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values."