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
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
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.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
Exclusive
Will Trump ask Putin to bring these Americans home?
Anastasia Antonov believes that her father, Aleksandr, was arrested by the Russian government last year because he is an American citizen. Now, she is appealing to President Trump to push Vladimir Putin's government to free her father.
CIA Director Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
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.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
U.S.
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Meet the horses running in the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes will feature its biggest field in 15 years with 14 horses in the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
American passenger from hantavirus-hit cruise ship on life in quarantine
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
MoneyWatch
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How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
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.
Politics
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RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
HealthWatch
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Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
World
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Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes rare trip to Cuba as island faces energy crisis
The meeting came as Cuba is contending with a massive power failure to its national energy grid amid U.S. sanctions that have caused an oil and gas shortage crisis.
Exclusive
U.S. moving to indict Cuba's Raúl Castro, sources say
The potential indictment — which must be approved by a grand jury — is expected to focus on Cuba's 1996 downing of two planes operated by a humanitarian group.
Bipartisan bill aims to help civilians exposed to toxic burn pits
A bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a bill to help civilians, including law enforcement agents, receive workers' compensation for illnesses like cancer that are often associated with toxic exposure to burn pits.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
"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.
Technology
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Technology
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson 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.
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.
Science
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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
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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
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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
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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
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.
How a pair of 3-legged pets found their home
Two animals with specials needs are adjusting to their new home in Maryland after recovering together at "Last Chance Animal Rescue." Photojournalist Parrish Smith shows us how Blueberry and Meadow found each other and their forever home.
Restaurants turning back clock for customers
Some restaurants are going retro to try to bring customers into dining rooms. Bradley Blackburn got a taste of how they're putting nostalgia - on the menu.
What U.S. and China want out of talks
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump are discussing a wide range of topics in Beijing, including Taiwan and the war with Iran. Henrietta Levin, a senior fellow with the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss what success would look like for both the U.S. and China during these talks.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.