CBS Evening News, October 1, 2020
Firefighters struggle to contain deadly blazes in California amid extreme winds; Twin brother and sister surprised with homecoming coronations
North Dakota
Nature: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"Sunday Morning" takes us to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, where the buffalo still roam. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
North Dakota drought exposes 130-year-old shipwreck
Archaeologists said lower water levels in the Missouri River revealed the ship's remains.
The debate over the geographical center of North America
For years Rugby, North Dakota, a tiny spot on the prairie, had made a name for itself from its designation as the geographical center of the North American continent – that is, until a bar owner in the town of Robinson, about a hundred miles south, used some string and a globe to claim his town was the true center. Correspondent Lee Cowan visited these unassuming contestants in a tectonic battle for bragging rights, and talked with a geography professor who, armed with latitudes, longitudes and algorithms, may have laid the question of center to rest.
The debate over the Geographical Center of North America
For years, tiny Rugby, N.D. had made a name for itself from its designation as the Geographical Center of the North American Continent – that is, until a bar owner about a hundred miles south used some string and a globe to claim HIS town was the true center.
East Coast bracing for winter storm
People across the East Coast are still dealing with the aftermath of a deadly winter storm. More than 350,000 homes and businesses are still without power. But a new winter storm is headed to the area. WBZ-TV chief meteorologist Eric Fisher has the latest.
Trump tax reform
President Trump laid out his plan for tax reform Wednesday in Mandan, North Dakota. Mr. Trump said the current tax code is a self-inflicted wound and that his administration was reducing the burdens of business. Watch a portion of Mr. Trump's speech.
Inside old nuclear bunker
The Oscar-Zero nuclear bunker in Cooperstown, North Dakota, was one of many nuclear sites manned around the clock during the Cold War. Decommissioned in the 1990s, it is now a historical site. CBS News got a look inside.
DAPL arrests
The protest camp near the Dakota Access Pipeline was cleared out on Thursday. About two dozen people who ignored orders to leave were arrested.
DAPL protesters leave camp
N.D. authorities arrested at least 10 protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline who had refused to leave a protesters camp after a Wednesday deadline.
Dakota Access standoff
For months, protesters have lived in tents during the freezing North Dakota winter in opposition to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. On Wednesday, the governor set a mandatory evacuation. Attorney Chase Iron Eyes joins CBSN to explain what he calls a "never-ending" struggle and what he would like to see changed.
Pipeline arrests
Many of the protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline left peacefully, but police arrested those who refused to evacuate nearly two hours after the deadline. Omar Villafranca joins CBSN near a campsite in Cannon Ball, North Dakota with more.
Dakota Access pipeline standoff
A deadline arrived Wednesday afternoon at the site of the Dakota Access Pipeline, with protesters defying government orders to leave. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca joined CBSN with more about what's unfolding.
Pipeline arrests
Police began arresting Dakota Access Pipeline protesters after dozens refused to leave the encampment that became the headquarters of the seven-month protest. Omar Villafranca reports.
Pipeline gets approval
The Army told Congress on Tuesday that it will allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to move forward, a move that comes shortly after President Trump issued an executive action that called on military officials to speed up their review process. Prairie Public Broadcasting reporter and Inside Energy Amy Sisk joins CBSN on the phone from North Dakota.
Deadly pileups
A wave of dangerously cold weather turned deadly Thursday as three people died in a massive car pileup in Michigan. Parts of upstate New York got nearly three feet of snow. Omar Villafranca reports from Bismarck, North Dakota, which is digging out from a nasty blizzard.
Dakota Acces Pipeline protests
A transition spokesman said President-elect Donald Trump will review the Dakota Access Pipeline when he takes office. The Army Corps of Engineers rejected part of the pipeline route that would have crossed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Omar Villafranca reports from Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
12/05: MoneyWatch
President-elect issues warning to manufacturers that ship jobs abroad; Trump uses Twitter to blast China's economic policies; and Obama admin blocks Dakota Access pipeline. These headlines and more from CBS MoneyWatch.
Pipeline protest victory
Protesters are celebrating the decision to halt construction of an oil pipeline that was close to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe reservation. CBS News' Omar Villafranca describes the scene near Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
N.D. pipeline protesters
Thousands of people protesting an oil pipeline in North Dakota say they will defy a mandatory evacuation order. North Dakota's governor calls winter weather conditions at camp "life threatening" and has ordered protesters to leave. Native Americans and other activists are concerned the Dakota Access Pipeline will damage drinking water and sacred sites. Michelle Miller reports from outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota.
Online pipeline protest
On Facebook Monday, people across the country started to check-in at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota, but a lot of those people weren't actually there. CBSN's DeMarco Morgan has more on why this was happening.
10/27: Evening News
A newly released hacked email from an aide to former President Bill Clinton reveals a tangled web of charity and personal enrichment revolving around the Clinton Foundation; shelter dogs spend most of their time in cages, with little opportunity to move around freely
North Dakota pipeline protest
The federal government has ordered a halt to part of the construction of a four-state oil pipeline. That section is in North Dakota, where thousands of Native Americans have protested, saying the project violates federal laws and will harm water supplies. But work on the rest of the pipeline can continue. Mark Albert reports.
9/8: Evening News
Hillary Clinton battled back against attacks launched by Donald Trump during a forum Wednesday night; Dabney Montgomery was a Tuskegee Airman, flying in World War II, and marched in Selma with Martin Luther King, Jr
Pipeline protest
Thousands of Native Americans and environmentalists are protesting an oil pipeline in North Dakota that critics say could destroy Native American sites. A crucial court ruling Friday will decide, at least momentarily, whether or not the pipeline can pass through the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's water supply, reports Mark Albert.
Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi in Beijing
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing, as the two countries aim to stabilize their trading relationship and grapple with uncertainty over Iran.
Exclusive
DHS chief on ICE's role at World Cup: "We're not there to go round up" people
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Live
Iran insists it's ready for a new U.S. attack as Trump in China for state visit
Iran's military says it's trained and ready for any new U.S. assault as President Trump predicted a "long talk" about the war with China's President Xi in Beijing.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial
Alex Murdaugh was convicted of his killing his wife and his son at the family's home in 2021.
Lutnick testified he knew little about Epstein, his next-door neighbor
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he was unaware for years that Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender, according to a transcript of testimony released Wednesday.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
U.S.
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Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
Lutnick testified he knew little about Epstein, his next-door neighbor
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he was unaware for years that Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender, according to a transcript of testimony released Wednesday.
MoneyWatch
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Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Politics
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Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi in Beijing
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing, as the two countries aim to stabilize their trading relationship and grapple with uncertainty over Iran.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Exclusive
DHS chief Mullin says agency has no plan to shut down "Alligator Alcatraz"
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department has no plan to shut down Alligator Alcatraz, following reports that companies hired by Florida to operate the detention center were told it would close.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
Sponsored
How diet and nutrition may help boost your brain health
Alzheimer's Association CEO and president Joanne Pike shares some recommendations on which foods to eat, and which foods to limit, for better brain health. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
World
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Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi in Beijing
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing, as the two countries aim to stabilize their trading relationship and grapple with uncertainty over Iran.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
Dua Lipa alleges Samsung uses copyrighted image of her to sell TVs
Pop singer accuses electronics manufacturer Samsung of using a copyrighted image of her face to sell TVs.
Technology
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Technology
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
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.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Tips to boost your phone's battery life
As smartphones become more advanced, are batteries keeping up? CNET senior mobile expert Abrar Al-Heeti joins to explain how you can improve your phone's battery life.
Science
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Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Crime
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Crime
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.
Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote a book about grief, to life without parole for the murder of her husband. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Space
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UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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
Watch: Trump, Xi arrive for summit
President Trump and Xi Jinping arrived for their high-stakes summit Thursday morning in Beijing. They are expected to discuss trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. Jessi Mitchell anchors CBS News' special report.
Study: Cash can help prevent homelessness
New research from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health shows that one-time direct cash payments of, on average, $3,700 can help prevent young people from falling into homelessness. Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
5/13: The Takeout with Major Garrett
President Trump's trip to China gets underway; DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin details what ICE agents will be doing at World Cup games.
What led to so-called "learning recession"?
The annual Education Scorecard is highlighting a long-term decline in learning among American students. CBS News national correspondent Meg Oliver breaks down the results.