CBS Evening News, April 17, 2020
Debates over stay-at-home orders across the U.S.; How a North Carolina nurse ended up volunteering at a New York hospital
Queens
U.S. coronavirus death toll tops 23,000
More than 23,000 people have died from coronavirus across the U.S. Mola Lenghi reports.
Lawmakers report awful conditions at Rikers Island
New York lawmakers who visited Rikers Island jail complex this week described the conditions there as "awful" and "inhumane." Plans are in the works to close the facility by 2027. Earlier this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled an emergency relief plan to address immediate issues at the complex. New York State Senator Jabari Brisport and New York State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, who visited Rikers, joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss what they saw.
Biden tours Ida damage in Northeast
President Biden on Tuesday surveyed the storm damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida in parts of New Jersey and New York. He called the storm an opportunity to acknowledge the reality of climate change as extreme weather events become more common. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and Axios congressional correspondent Alayna Treene join CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano with more on the president's domestic policy agenda, as well as Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Doha, Qatar.
Biden to make case for spending bills
President Biden is expected to push for the passage of a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint while he visits parts of New Jersey and New York that were ravaged by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The storm killed dozens of people in the area and caused devastating flooding and tornadoes. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes spoke with Anne-Marie Green on CBSN about what to expect.
New York City mayor declares state of emergency
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared late Wednesday that the city is now under a state of emergency due to "an historic weather event ... with record breaking rain across the city, brutal flooding and dangerous conditions on our roads." He joins CBS New York with the latest. Read more here.
First-ever flash flood emergency hits New York City
For the first time, a flash flood emergency was issued in New York City as remnants of Hurricane Ida raced up the East Coast late Wednesday. The band of severe weather also caused the FAA to issue a "ground stop" at all three New York City-area airports. CBS New York has complete team coverage. Read more here.
Straight talk from James Caan
Few of the characters he's famed for playing, in such classics as "The Godfather," "Brian's Song" and "Misery," can compare to the man himself. Oscar-nominated actor James Caan talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his rise from the streets of Queens, N.Y., to the heights of stardom (as well as the depths of depression), and about experiencing the joy of his craft and the respect of his peers.
Hit and run in Queens, NY
A man stabbed two people and drove into a group of pedestrians in Queens, New York, early Sunday, police said. One person was killed and several others were injured. Police said the driver is in custody.
Graffiti art protected?
This week a dispute over graffiti goes to trial in New York. The beloved Queens structure known as 5Pointz become a destination for art lovers to see works of graffiti art painted on the walls. But then the owner of the building whitewashed the walls. Criminal defense attorney Doug Burns joins CBSN to explain the legal issues at stake.
Imam killed in NYC
A gunman in Queens killed an imam and an associate while they were walking home from Saturday afternoon prayers. Each man was shot in the head from close range, according to police. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.
Mom's message to killer
The mother of a slain Queens jogger offered a chilling message to her daughter's killer. CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers has more.
Steer that was headed to the slaughterhouse makes daring escape and is now enjoying life in an animal sanctuary run by former "Daily Show" host
Steer that was headed to the slaughterhouse makes daring escape and is now enjoying life in an animal sanctuary run by former "Daily Show" host.
A massive traffic jam crippled LaGuardia Airport in Queens Monday night, and some streets in the borough are being plowed for the first time Tuesday
Pockets of New York are fighting to clean up the weekend's blizzard. A massive traffic jam crippled LaGuardia Airport in Queens Monday night, and some streets in the borough are being plowed for the first time Tuesday. David Begnaud reports.
City officials say that 97 percent of New York City's streets have been plowed, but residents of Maspeth, Queens haven't seen a plow yet
City officials say that 97 percent of New York City's streets have been plowed, but residents of Maspeth, Queens haven't seen a plow yet. David Begnaud spoke to residents who feel overlooked after the snow storm.
Cops have finally captured a rogue cow running loose in Queens
Cops have finally captured a rogue cow running loose in Queens, after it fled a slaughterhouse. CBSN's Vladimir Duthiers has more on the cow's flight.
A gunman is on the run after shooting two people at an upscale home in Queens, New York
A gunman is on the run after shooting two people at an upscale home in Queens, New York. The party organizer had rented the house using Airbnb. "48 Hours" Crimesider's Graham Kates joins CBSN with more on the investigation.
Surveillance footage shows a fake cab driver attacking a woman in Queens, New York
A New York woman told police she hailed a dark sedan thinking it was a livery cab. The fake cab driver allegedly tried to sexually assault the woman before attacking her and her kids.
Fourteen people are signed up to run the 3,100-mile race, which consists of laps around one Queens block
Fourteen people are signed up to run the 3,100-mile race, which consists of laps around one Queens block. Vinita Nair reports on the race that's been an 18-year tradition.
CBS This Morning takes a look at some of the headlines from around the globe
CBS This Morning takes a look at some of the headlines from around the globe.
The classes allow amateur artists to learn the basics from professionals while bonding over drinks with friends
"Paint Nite" launched in Boston 18 months ago and is now in dozens of cities across the nation. The classes allow amateur artists to learn the basics from professionals while bonding over drinks with friends. CBS News' Alison Harmelin reports.
Video shows NYC Republicans dancing at maskless holiday party
"COVID conga lines are not smart," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said of the party that was held amid a worsening coronavirus pandemic.
Scientists capture two murder hornet queens after destroying nest
The team also uncovered the radio tag that led them to the nest in the first place — which appeared to have been chewed off.
New York to close schools in 9 neighborhoods
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state will shut down schools in nine coronavirus hot spots. The neighborhoods facing school closures have all seen a positive test rate well over 3% for the last seven days. CBS New York has the details.
1 dead, 2 injured when small plane crashes in New York City
The pilot and another passenger were hospitalized in critical condition when a small seaplane crashed onto a concrete pier in Queens.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
Judge orders 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and dad to be released from ICE detention
A federal judge in Texas on Saturday ordered 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father to be released from immigration detention.
Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
Massive release of Epstein files includes 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents Friday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after the DOJ's original deadline to do so.
Partial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal
The Senate passed a deal on a package of spending bills late Friday, sending it to the House, though funding for dozens of government agencies has still lapsed.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Powerful storm starts hitting an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
Blizzardlike conditions stemming from a "bomb cyclone" were bringing heavy snow to the Southeast and were ushering in frigid temperatures to much of the East Coast.
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
U.S.
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Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
New ICE memo gives deportation officers more leeway to conduct warrantless arrests
The memo suggests the rules are designed to give ICE greater flexibility to quickly arrest unauthorized immigrants who are not the original targets of an operation.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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Democrat Christian Menefee wins special election for U.S. House in Texas
Democrat Christian Menefee won a Texas U.S. House seat in a special election Saturday that will narrow Republicans' already-slim majority.
Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
Officials in Minnesota allege Bovino used language offensive to Jews on conference call
Top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino allegedly used language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a recent call, sources said.
Proposed Venezuelan bill could lead to release of hundreds of political prisoners
The U.S. Embassy for Venezuela also announced Friday that all American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released.
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
HealthWatch
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Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
World
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Explosion in Iranian port city ahead of Iran's naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz
The blast happened a day before a planned naval drill by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil traded passes.
Proposed Venezuelan bill could lead to release of hundreds of political prisoners
The U.S. Embassy for Venezuela also announced Friday that all American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released.
Satellite photos show activity at Iran nuclear sites as protest tensions rise
The images from Planet Labs PBC show that roofs have been built over two damaged buildings at the Isfahan and Natanz facilities.
Danish veterans protest outside U.S. Embassy over Greenland
Danish veterans are furious at the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Israel strikes in Gaza kill at least 30 Palestinians
Hamas called Saturday's strikes "a renewed flagrant violation" and urged the United States and other mediating countries to push Israel to stop the strikes.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Recovered treasure leads to a Grammy nomination
Archivist and music historian Alex Palao worked to restore old tapes by "Sly and Family Stone" that gathered dust for decades. He co-produced the live album called "The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967." He is now nominated for "Best Album Notes" at Sunday's Grammy Awards. CBS News San Francisco's Max Darrow has the story.
"Sanford and Son" star Demond Wilson dies at 79
Actor Demond Wilson died in his California home due to complications from prostate cancer, CBS News learned on Saturday. He starred alongside Redd Foxx in "Sanford and Son," one of the biggest TV hits of the 1970s.
Demond Wilson, "Sanford and Son" and "The New Odd Couple" actor, dies at 79
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Virginia woman was strangled with her child sleeping nearby, authorities say
Ten days before investigators say Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28, was strangled in her sleep in the Virginia apartment she shared with her 4-year-old daughter and a new roommate, she had broken up with Trenton Frye, a North Carolina man she met online months before.
Firefighter accused of staging a house fire to cover up a murder
It was Thanksgiving Eve 2020, and Melissa Lamesch was excited about the upcoming birth of her first child. Investigators would learn there was someone who was not as enthused — the expectant father, firefighter Matthew Plote.
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
The Sneak Attack on Katlyn Lyon
A mother goes viral on TikTok demanding justice for her murdered daughter. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Recovered treasure leads to a Grammy nomination
Archivist and music historian Alex Palao worked to restore old tapes by "Sly and Family Stone" that gathered dust for decades. He co-produced the live album called "The First Family: Live at the Winchester Cathedral 1967." He is now nominated for "Best Album Notes" at Sunday's Grammy Awards. CBS News San Francisco's Max Darrow has the story.
"Sanford and Son" star Demond Wilson dies at 79
Actor Demond Wilson died in his California home due to complications from prostate cancer, CBS News learned on Saturday. He starred alongside Redd Foxx in "Sanford and Son," one of the biggest TV hits of the 1970s.
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
The Firefighter's Secret
A young woman is found dead in her burning home. She'd been involved with a firefighter — could he have set a fire to cover her murder? "48 Hours" contributor Nikki Battiste reports.