CBS Evening News, May 14, 2020
Whistleblower says Trump administration ignored warnings about coronavirus; 5-year-old aspiring teacher takes over kindergarten class
Richard Burr
Search warrant issued to Senator Burr
CBS News has confirmed that a federal search warrant was issued to North Carolina Senator Richard Burr as part of a probe of financial moves before the coronavirus outbreak sent the markets plunging. A U.S. official says the FBI obtained Senator Burr’s cellphone in connection to stocks he sold. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Harris quieted
At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Senator Kamala Harris was interrupted by Chairman Richard Burr as she went head-to-head with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein over Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the Trump campaign ties with Russia.
Senate's Russia probe
Sen. Richard Burr, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking member, spoke at a news conference about their investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election. It was in sharp contrast to the House committee, which is surrounded by controversy. Jeff Pegues reports.
GOP senators face punishment for impeachment vote
Already, Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have been censured by their respective state GOPs.
Burr faces censure by North Carolina GOP for voting to convict Trump
North Carolina GOP Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement that Burr's vote to convict "in a trial that he declared unconstitutional is shocking and disappointing."
Justice Department closes investigation into Senator Burr
Senate financial disclosure records reveal Burr and his wife made at least 30 stock sales from January 31 to February 13, 2020 ranging from $600,000 to $1.7 million.
Trump accuses Dems of stealing staffers
President Trump lashed out at House Democrats who have re-launched investigations into him, accusing them on Twitter of "stealing people who work at the White House." CBS News intelligence reporter Olivia Gazis joined CBSN to discuss that, plus more of her exclusive interview with Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr.
Insight into the Senate's Russia investigation
CBS News intelligence reporter Olivia Gazis explains what she learned from Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr about why the Senate's investigation into Russian election meddling has taken so long
Justice Department drops probes into 3 senators' stock sales
Republican Senator Richard Burr, however, remains under investigation for his financial transactions.
Senate panel subpoenas Donald Trump Jr.
The fight between Congress and the White House is escalating. After the House Judiciary Committee voted to hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt, the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena for the president's son, Donald Trump Jr. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN to explain how it might end.
Rubio tapped as acting chairman of Senate Intel Committee
Rubio will serve as the acting chairman after Senator Richard Burr stepped down from the post during an investigation into his stock trades.
House to vote on $3 trillion coronavirus bill
The House is preparing to vote on a $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill aimed at giving Americans more financial help and supporting state finances. But Republicans oppose it, and some House Democrats also have concerns about the proposal. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with the latest.
How a 60 Minutes story is linked to FBI's investigation of Sen. Burr
Burr is under investigation for selling stock prior to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burr steps down as intel chairman amid FBI probe into stock sales
The move comes after FBI agents seized Burr's cell phone as part of an investigation into his stock sales.
Senators sold off stocks before market spiral
Four U.S. senators reportedly sold stocks before the coronavirus sent markets plunging. Republican Senator Richard Burr sold up to roughly $1.7 million in mid-February, days after penning an op-ed assuring Americans that the U.S. was prepared to handle the disease. No charges have been filed and there is no evidence any of the four senators had insider information. Nancy Cordes reveals who the other Senators are and breaks down the details surrounding the accusations.
Expert warns of "darkest winter" if COVID-19 rebounds
One of the nation's leading vaccine experts says the U.S. ignored warning signs in the early phases of the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Rick Bright, the former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, testified before the House on Thursday. Politico White House correspondent and associate editor Anita Kumar joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss this and the rest of the day's political headlines.
Burr steps down amid probe into stock sales
Senator Richard Burr is stepping down as chair of the Intelligence Committee while he is being investigated for selling $1.7 million in stocks before the market plunged due to the coronavirus pandemic. Jeff Pegues has the latest.
GOP senator's phone seized in FBI insider trading investigation
Burr sold up to $1.7 million in stocks over several weeks before the stock market plunged, amid mounting warnings of a coronavirus pandemic.
Senator Richard Burr's phone seized by FBI
The FBI has issued a search warrant and seized Senator Richard Burr's cellphone as part of an investigation into the North Carolina Republican's selloff of stocks before the coronavirus outbreak crippled the global economy. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joins CBSN with the latest developments.
Burr and other senators sold lots of stock as virus fears started
Senate records show the transactions involving Richard Burr and Georgia's Kelly Loeffler, among others, came as lawmakers were getting private briefings on the possible outbreak.
Senators play with fidget spinners during Trump impeachment trial
Several Republican senators were spotted playing with the toys while Democrats presented their opening statements.
Senate report details "unprecedented" Russian activity in 2016 elections
The committee says that though the country was unprepared in 2016 for the Russian attacks on its election infrastructure, the U.S. has learned "much more" about the nature of Russian cyber meddling and better understands the threat it poses
Donald Trump Jr. appears before Senate Intelligence Committee
The Trump son testified before the committee once before in 2017
Senate Intelligence Committee sets date for Donald Trump Jr.'s testimony
Trump Jr. agreed to appear before the Republican-led committee in May, after receiving a congressional subpoena
Live
Seized ship taken toward Iran as Trump and Xi agree on Strait of Hormuz
A ship was taken by unknown parties toward Iranian waters after an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
Exclusive
Bipartisan U.S.-Mexico congressional caucus launches amid diplomatic strain
The launch is being backed by the American Mexican Leadership Council, a new national organization also debuting Thursday to elevate Mexican American leadership and advance U.S.-Mexico collaboration.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record price at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" diamond was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Politics
More Politics
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Exclusive
Bipartisan U.S.-Mexico congressional caucus launches amid diplomatic strain
The launch is being backed by the American Mexican Leadership Council, a new national organization also debuting Thursday to elevate Mexican American leadership and advance U.S.-Mexico collaboration.
U.S. Border Patrol chief resigns in latest immigration shakeup
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, who was appointed to the role last year, told staff on Thursday that he is stepping down.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Sponsored
Activities that challenge your mind may help maintain brain health
Challenging your mind, through games and learning new skills, may help reduce your risk of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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.
World
More World
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
Ukraine says Russia launches "virtually nonstop" strikes on Kyiv
More than 1,500 Russian drones and dozens of missiles were launched in the last two days, according to Ukrainian officials.
U.K. health secretary resigns in scathing letter, setting up leadership fight
Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Cabinet in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
Sailors from doomed 1845 polar expedition identified through DNA
The identification of the remains also resolved a decades-long debate about the worst disaster in the history of British polar exploration.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
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.
Technology
More Technology
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
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.
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.
Science
More Science
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
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.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
CENTCOM chief: Iran's capabilities "degraded"
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, told Sen. Jack Reed that Iran is a "significantly degraded threat" but the country still retains some capabilities. Cooper appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.
Christopher Nolan | Sunday on 60 Minutes
Christopher Nolan, the filmmaker behind "Oppenheimer," "Interstellar," "The Dark Knight" and "The Odyssey," sits down with Scott Pelley. Sunday on 60 Minutes.
Breaking down the U.S. "learning recession"
A new report from the national Education Scorecard warns the U.S. is experiencing a "learning recession." Thomas Kane, professor at Harvard's Center for Education Policy Research, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crowdstrike exec on Chinese, North Korean threats
Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations for Crowdstrike, joins CBS News to discuss how Americans should view potential cyber threats from China and North Korea.