12/7/17: CBSN Evening News
Senator Al Franken is resigning; Behind Otis Redding's hit
Minnesota
Sen. Franken resigns
Sen. Al Franken bowed to pressure Thursday and resigned amid growing pressure after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. He did not, however, bow to his accusers. Nancy Cordes reports.
Impact of Franken's resignation
Senator Al Franken says he will resign from Congress after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. During a speech announcing his plans, Franken blasted the GOP for supporting President Trump and Senate candidate Roy Moore, who also face misconduct accusations. James Pindell from the Boston Globe joins CBSN to discuss the impact.
Political breakdown
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have called on Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign. Senior political correspondent for Bustle.com Erin Delmore joined CBSN to discuss the fallout -- and whether this sets a precedent ahead of the Alabama Senate special election.
Autism, sleep apnea eligible for medical marijuana
Minnesota health officials announced Thursday that autism and obstructive sleep apnea are now qualifying conditions for the state's medical marijuana program.
Sen. Franken apologizes
Senator Al Franken addressed the sexual misconduct allegations against him as he returned to work on Capitol Hill Monday. He apologized again to Leeann Tweeden, who accused him of nonconsensual kissing and groping, and said "you have to respect a woman's experience." Watch his remarks.
Sen. Franken talks
Sen, Al Franken, D-Minnesota, is responding to sexual misconduct allegations that have surfaced over the last month. Jamie Yuccas has more.
3M lawsuit
The state of Minnesota is suing manufacturing company 3M for $5 billion, alleging it concealed the potential harm of chemicals from government regulators and the scientific community to protect its revenue. CBS Minnesota has the story.
Franken accusations
CBSN political contributor Molly Hooper of The Hill and Yahoo News' Hunter Walker join "Red & Blue" to discuss the sexual misconduct allegations against Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota.
Civil rights charges in George Floyd's death
A federal grand jury in Minnesota has indicted Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis officer convicted in the death of George Floyd, and three other former officers on civil rights charges. CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers has more on the breaking news.
Minnesota snowstorm
At least 4 people died due to icy road conditions in Minnesota as the first snow of the season fell.
WWII veteran's daily walks
Harvey Djerf, 95, walks nearly a mile around his neighborhood twice everyday. The Minnesota man and World War II veteran is getting around with a little help from his neighbors. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Philando Castile fundraiser
A campaign to honor the memory of Philando Castile has raised enough money to pay off the school lunch debt of every student in St. Paul Public Schools for at least a year. CBS Minnesota reports.
Minn. governor announces plan to end COVID restrictions
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Thursday that the state will end remaining restrictions on outdoor limits and indoor activities by May 28. It's part of his three-step timeline to end all COVID-19 restrictions, which also includes lifting the mask mandate by July 1 or sooner.
Minn. governor announces plan to end COVID restrictions, lift mask mandate
"This is a great day," Governor Tim Walz said at a Thursday news conference.
Minnesota mosque bombing
Officials tell CBS News the explosive used in the Minnesota mosque blast was a pipe-bomb type device that showed "sophistication". CBS Minnesota's Rachel Slavik reports.
School explosion
Investigators in Minnesota are combing through evidence after an apparent gas leak triggered a deadly explosion at Minnehaha Academy. Two school employees were killed in the blast. CBS News correspondent Anna Werner joins CBSN from Minneapolis with the latest.
Tornado outbreak
Dozens of tornadoes touched down in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, and severe thunderstorms have been hitting the region as well. CBS News correspondent Adriana Diaz joins CBSN from Prairieville, Iowa, with details.
Philando Castile video
Dashcam footage of the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile has been released a week after the Minnesota officer who fired the shots was acquitted of manslaughter. Warning: graphic content.
MN officer shooting trial
Closing arguments are set for Monday in the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota police officer charged in the shooting death of a black driver during a traffic stop. Philando Castile was stopped for a broken tail light when officer Jeronimo Yanez fired his gun seven times, hitting Castile with five shots. Barry Petersen reports.
MN measles outbreak
Health officials in Minnesota are facing the worst measles outbreak in the state in nearly 30 years. Most of those with the disease are unvaccinated Somali-American children. The state's health commissioner says the Somali community has been targeted with misinformation about vaccine risks. Jamie Yuccas reports.
Kars4Kids probe
The attorney general of Minnesota is joining Oregon and Pennsylvania in raising questions about how Kars4Kids -- one of the largest vehicle-donation charities in the country -- spends its money. Tony Dokoupil reports.
Red Lake County
Chris Ingraham is a reporter for the Washington Post who wrote an article naming Red Lake County, Minnesota, as "the absolute worst place to live in America." After a visit to the small community, he apparently had a change of heart. Steve Hartman reports.
Protests after deadly Minnesota police shooting
Family members say Daunte Wright was killed by Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, police Sunday afternoon after he was pulled over. The shooting sparked protests in the city, just miles from the murder trial of Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. Jamie Yuccas reports.
Derek Chauvin trial: Witnesses testify on Day 12
The state of Minnesota has rested its case against Derek Chauvin in his murder trial in the George Floyd case. Now, the defense has begun to call its witnesses. Judith Browne Dianis of the Advancement Project joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero with her analysis.
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Live
Iran accuses U.S. of escalating tensions as Washington plans more strikes
Iran accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the region and said it's preparing its own response if Washington goes ahead with new strikes.
Spain to put containment fence around Ceuta after migrants rush border
Most migrants who entered the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, Spain's authorities said Saturday.
Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Several people killed in explosion at Moscow restaurant, Russian officials say
An improvised explosive device detonated at a restaurant Saturday in central Moscow, according to Russian state media.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
U.S.
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Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
MoneyWatch
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Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Politics
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Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
World
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Several people killed in explosion at Moscow restaurant, Russian officials say
An improvised explosive device detonated at a restaurant Saturday in central Moscow, according to Russian state media.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Europe continues to celebrate Pride after attack on Berlin parade
Large Pride events in Hamburg and Amsterdam are underway after last week's deadly ramming attack in Berlin.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
Entertainment
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Vincent Pastore, famous for his role in "The Sopranos," dies at 80
Vincent Pastore played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on all six seasons of "The Sopranos," which aired from 1999 to 2007.
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20 & Charlie Musselwhite play "Crazy Love"
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
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.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga reports.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Possible ransom notes released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper or kidnappers include specific details about Guthrie's white Apple Watch and allege that she died unexpectedly of a medical condition and "is buried in nature." CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks it down.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
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.
Latest Galleries
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"