"CBS Evening News" headlines for January 4, 2021
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Republican Party
GOP effort to dispute Joe Biden's victory
At least a dozen Republican senators say they will officially object to Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. The group, led by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, cites unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud even though the allegations have all failed in court. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN with more.
More and more Republicans protesting Trump's election challenges
Paul Ryan, Larry Hogan, Mitt Romney, growing chorus of others say his efforts are undermining Americans' faith in democracy.
Final push ahead of Georgia runoff election
On Tuesday, Georgians are heading back to the polls for a pair of U.S. Senate runoffs. And with President Trump's attacks on Georgia's election integrity, the stakes could not be higher. Mark Strassmann reports.
GOP senators to object election results
About a dozen senators are expected to object to the electoral college results. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang joins CBSN with more on what this means.
Transcript: Asa Hutchinson on "Face the Nation"
The following is a transcript of an interview with Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson that aired Sunday, January 3, 2021, on "Face the Nation."
2021: Will Washington welcome the new dawn?
The nation awaits a new president. Yet, 2020 leaves behind unfinished political and pandemic business. CBS News chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett talks with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman about President-elect Joe Biden's agenda, and what loyalists to the outgoing president portend for the Republican Party's future.
Judge dismisses Gohmert's attempt to force Pence to decide election
Gohmert had claimed in the lawsuit that Pence has the "sole" power to decide the outcome of the election.
GOP senators say they will reject election results unless commission is formed
The group, led by Senator Ted Cruz, is working separately from Senator Josh Hawley in his effort to challenge the Electoral College results.
Eye Opener: GOP split on Electoral College challenge
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill will meet on January 6 to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, as Republicans are split on overturning the Electoral College vote. Also, Congress voted for the first time to override a veto from President Trump. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Your world in 90 seconds.
Senate overrides Trump's defense bill veto
During an unusual New Year's Day session, the Republican-controlled Senate voted to override President Trump's attempt to block a $740 billion defense policy bill. Later in the day a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Texas Congressman Louis Gohmert, who argued falsely that Vice President Mike Pence has the power to decide the outcome of the election. Weijia Jiang reports.
Congress overrides Trump's veto for first time
In a major defeat for President Trump, Republicans and Democrats united against him to override his veto of the defense bill. Weijia Jiang reports.
Senator vows to challenge certification of Biden win
Republican Senator Josh Hawley's objection will force the House and Senate to vote on whether to accept President-elect Biden's victory, putting Republicans in the awkward position of having to support President Trump or the will of the voters. Paula Reid reports.
McConnell blocks $2,000 stimulus checks
Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked Senate Democrats’ attempt to approve $2,000 stimulus checks, a measure President Trump has called for. Mr. Trump lashed out at Republicans for not supporting the checks or his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. Paula Reid reports.
Record-breaking fundraising in Georgia Senate races
The latest FEC filings from Christmas Eve show Georgia's Senate runoff candidates raised a combined $340 million for their campaigns over the last two months, with Democrats outraising Republicans. Republican strategist and co-founder of the nonprofit "Speak Georgia" Janelle King joins CBSN host Tom Hanson to discuss the final week of campaigning ahead of the January 5th elections.
Trump finally signs COVID relief bill
President Trump has finally signed the $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill and funding measure to avert a government shutdown. This comes after days of urging Congress to increase direct payments to Americans to $2,000, which most Republicans opposed. CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid joins CBSN to explain the latest developments.
Fate unclear of COVID economic relief package
Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans are set to expire on Saturday if President Trump refuses to sign the coronavirus relief bill passed by Congress. The bill also includes billions of dollars in funding for vaccine distribution. Paula Reid has more.
COVID relief bill sent to Trump
President Trump threatened to veto the COVID-19 relief bill unless direct payments were raised. With millions of Americans in limbo, Democrats are pushing to get the bill cleared. Paula Reid reports.
Trump's pardons reward close ties and "absolute loyalty"
Both Roger Stone and Paul Manafort were prosecuted for charges related to former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
Trump delays $900 billion COVID-19 deal
President Trump has not yet signed the bipartisan $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief bill passed by Congress. He says he wants the individual stimulus checks to be larger, something Democrats have been fighting for. CBS News' Debra Alfarone joins CBSN AM with the latest.
Politicians campaign for Ga. Senate runoff candidates
There are just two weeks left until Georgia's Senate runoff elections. Both Republicans and Democrats have made visits to the state to stump for their candidates in a race that will ultimately determine which party will control the Senate. Meantime, early voting is in full swing, with data showing more than 1.6 million people having cast their ballots. Tia Mitchell, Washington correspondent for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, joins CBSN's Tom Hanson with her analysis.
$900 billion COVID-19 relief deal passed
After months of disagreement, Republicans and Democrats agreed to a $900 billion coronavirus compromise economic relief package. They also passed a $1.4 trillion bill to fund the government through next September. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN AM with the latest.
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.
Trump meets with GOP allies on longshot bid to challenge electoral votes
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows confirmed the meeting, teasing "stay tuned."
Over 1 million early ballots cast in Georgia runoffs
Early voting is underway in Georgia for two highly contested Senate runoffs, which will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. Democrat Raphael Warnock is facing off against Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler, and Democrat John Ossoff is challenging GOP incumbent David Perdue. Reporter Emma Hurt from NPR station WABE in Atlanta joins CBSN with more on the campaigns.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
Live
Iran says strait won't open until the U.S. "corrects" behavior
The United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said one of its ships was targeted while transiting the strait on Saturday.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In Idaho, new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana. An investigation raises hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
Woman, 5-month-old die in New York Harbor after boat capsized; Captain arrested
A 46-year-old man was arrested on reckless endangerment charges, and authorities are investigating whether the boat was an illegal charter.
Winning Powerball numbers drawn for $863 million jackpot
The total is also the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot in the game's history.
Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
U.S.
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Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders join Margaret Brennan.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In Idaho, new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana. An investigation raises hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't.
MoneyWatch
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A quandary for the Fed: Dealing with hot inflation and cool job growth
A sudden slump in hiring has dramatically changed the outlook for the Federal Reserve's September interest rate decision.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Americans got their biggest raises in 40 years. Inflation took most of it.
The typical American's paycheck has grown faster since 2019 than in any stretch since the early 1980s. But prices climbed nearly as fast, swallowing about 80% of the wage increase.
July jobs report reveals unexpected loss of 23,000 jobs
Friday's jobs report showed employers shed jobs last month, rather than adding 95,000 new hires that had been forecast by economists.
Warren presses U.S. companies to share tariff refunds with customers
Companies receiving billions in refunds for U.S. tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court should return money to consumers, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.
Politics
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Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders join Margaret Brennan.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Dr. Stephen Patrick on drug testing new mothers
In this web exclusive, Dr. Stephen Patrick, a newborn ICU doctor and researcher on how the opioid crisis affects pregnant women and infants, talks with CBS News' Erin Moriarty about what happens after a mother tests positive for a substance during pregnancy. Patrick argues that automatically referring mothers to child welfare or law enforcement over a single drug test - even for substances like marijuana, which are legal in much of the country - can create more harm than it prevents: driving women away from prenatal care, disproportionately affecting Black and Native American families, and separating moms from newborns without evidence of harm.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In more than 40 states, marijuana is now a legal method of relieving pain. But in Idaho, more than a thousand new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana – following childbirth. In other states, women have even been sent to jail. The findings of a joint investigation by "CBS Sunday Morning" and the Marshall Project raise hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't. Erin Moriarty reports. [This story was produced in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system.]
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says
Federal officials issued a public health alert for meat products containing jalapeños that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least 27 states.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
World
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Suspected Irish crime boss extradited from Dubai
Daniel Kinahan, 49, faces charges of directing an organized crime group.
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
Entertainment
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Tales from Gay Talese
A legend among writers and reporters, and a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism," Gay Talese talks of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous, from Frank Sinatra, to aging sports figures, mobsters and nudists.
Tales from Gay Talese
For more than six decades, Gay Talese has been a celebrated legend among writers and reporters – a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism." At 94, he talks with New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous (including mobsters, aging sports figures and nudists), and why his renowned 1966 Esquire article about Frank Sinatra didn't require his actually talking to the Chairman of the Board.
The life and mystique of Tim Curry
In 50 years on screen, Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Clue" and "It," has played roles campy, comical, and menacingly sinister, yet his most inscrutable role is still Tim Curry. The actor talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his memoir "Vagabond" (which is decidedly not a Hollywood tell-all); the stroke he suffered in 2012, and learning how to speak again; and why he never sought to curry stardom. (Originally broadcast Oct. 19, 2025.)
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Phillip Jeffries turns walls into artwork
A family-owned wallpaper company made luxury design their booming business. Meg Oliver takes a look inside Phillip Jeffries, the decor business turning walls into works of art.
Technology
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Technology
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Meta must pay nearly $1B in fines, court says
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, must pay nearly $1 billion after a court found the social media giant to have put children and teen users at risk. A New Mexico judge ruled that Meta must pay $567 million into a fund to pay for harm prevention and awareness, in addition to $375 million in civil penalties previously decided by a jury.
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.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Meta fined $567M over child safety issues
Meta, the tech giant that operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms, faces another financial penalty for allegedly failing to keep kids safe. A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $567 million for its failure to warn the public about the dangers its products pose to children.
Science
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Science
Protecting the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world. (Originally broadcast April 26, 2026.)
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Crime
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Family of murdered photographer wonders if his killer acted alone
Joe Shymanski, a, well-known Washington D.C. photographer, was murdered and dismembered in 2023. His ex-wife's former boyfriend, Brandon Holbrook, was convicted in the case. Shymanski's family still wonders if anyone else was involved.
Survivor's testimony key in helping convict ex-boyfriend of murder
C.C. Opanowski says it's still difficult to process the fact that a person she once loved was convicted of murder. She hopes that others can learn from her story.
Police release video of In-N-Out shooting
Three people were killed during a shooting that began at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Investigators have now released security footage as they probe the motive for the shooting.
Police warn of "video game style" driving
Driving like a "Grand Theft Auto" player in real life is both illegal and highly dangerous, police warn. Kris Van Cleave went on a ride-along to see what the California Highway Patrol is dealing with.
Police release footage of In-N-Out shooting
Police have released surveillance and body camera footage revealing new details about the shooting at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho, that killed three people. Carter Evans has more.
Space
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Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
D4vd Charged with Murder
Following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains in a vehicle registered to D4vd last fall, what were the key developments that led to charges this week? On this episode of "Case by Case," we examine all of the new details coming out of the case against singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, who professionally goes by D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales and CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman break down what we know so far about Celeste's death and the alleged abusive relationship she had with the singer.
The Au Pair Affair: Banfield Sentenced to Life
On Friday, June 5, Brendan Banfield was sentenced to life in prison without parole for orchestrating an elaborate plot to murder his wife, Christine Banfield, while carrying on an affair with the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. The scheme involved luring an unsuspecting man, Joseph Ryan, to the Banfield home and attempting to frame him for the crime. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green and "48 Hours" producer Michelle Sigona share the most passionate moments from victim impact statements. You'll also hear from Brendan Banfield in court as he maintained his innocence.
Inside D4vd's Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case
A preliminary hearing offers the clearest look yet at the case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green is joined by Los Angeles Times investigative crime writer Richard Winton to unpack the latest courtroom developments, the prosecution's strategy, the defense's response, and the evidence that could determine whether the case advances to trial.
Disturbing New Allegations Against D4vd
On April 29, prosecutors released a brief outlining their case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who has been charged in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On this episode of "Case By Case," we examine the state's timeline of events, including the allegation that D4vd stabbed Celeste and went to great lengths to cover up the crime. Plus, an update on Nick Reiner who appeared in the same court just hours before D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty and Los Angeles Times crime writer Richard Winton dig into the new details on both stories.
Bhattacharya: "I trust the science" on vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the director of the National Institutes of Health, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that "I trust the science on vaccines," despite previous comments from Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about childhood vaccines. Amid the growing measles outbreak, Kennedy has now said parents should vaccinate their children against the disease.