CBS Weekend News, November 15, 2020
SpaceX sends first team of astronauts to space; National Museum of the United States Army opens in Virginia
Stimulus
The full episode of the CBS Evening News from December 18, 2013
In his last press conference as Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke said the Fed will continue to stimulate the economy, but will cut bond purchases by $10 billion in January; and, Snowball Express, named for an old Disney movie, brings a weekend of fun to kids who have lost a parent to war. The non-profit organization gives children -- and parents -- an opportunity to spend time with people who understand what they've gone through.
Biden signs infrastructure bill into law
President Biden signed a sweeping bipartisan infrastructure bill into law. It's the largest investment in America's roads, bridges, ports, and broadband internet in decades. Nancy Cordes has the details.
Fed to start removing support for economy as inflation surges
The central bank said it will start reducing its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases in the coming weeks.
Breaking down Trumps' executive actions
As questions abound in Washington about the president's executive actions signed this weekend, Major Garrett explains the impact they could have on millions of Americans financially struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. He also weighs in on questions over their constitutionality and whether the orders could force Congress to compromise on a stimulus bill.
07/23: Red and Blue
The latest from around Capitol Hill; Dr. Fauci to throw out first pitch on Opening Day
Controversy over pandemic stimulus allocation
Although nearly 1.7 million PPP loans have been approved so far, a survey found that 80% of small businesses are either still waiting to receive their money or have not heard about their application at all. Four major banks are facing lawsuits alleging they prioritize bigger customers, which are now receiving backlash themselves for receiving stimulus money while smaller, independent businesses did not make the cut. Nancy Cordes hears from small business owners who are struggling with the loan program.
Important week for Biden's agenda looms
The fate of two massive spending bills remains uncertain as disagreements within the Democratic Party could threaten to upend President Biden's economic agenda. All this comes as a deadline to fund the federal government is fast approaching. Natalie Brand reports.
House Democrats divided on infrastructure bill
President Biden’s domestic agenda faces challenges as progressive House Democrats demand a larger bill dedicated to Democratic priorities before signing off on a bipartisans infrastructure bill. Senate Republicans and moderate Democrats meanwhile, are challenging the larger bill. Christina Ruffini has more.
Congress debates spending plan as shutdown looms
Congress is running out of time to reach a deal on spending to avoid a government shutdown. Democrats and Republicans are also in disagreement over whether to raise the debt ceiling. Nikole Killion has the details.
Stocks plummet over Chinese real estate woes
Wall Street had its worst day since May amid fears that a Chinese real estate company could default, and that the Federal Reserve could begin ending stimulus measures it enacted during the pandemic.
Third Child Tax Credit payment hits bank accounts today
More than 400 economists say that making the expanded federal benefit permanent would benefit families.
Some U.S. states are issuing their own stimulus checks
More than 25 million Americans are in line to receive state-issued payments via tax rebates and stimulus aid.
Pandemic relief programs to expire
Several federal pandemic relief programs are set to expire soon, including the nationwide ban on evictions, which will end July 31. Joe Minarik, is the director of research for the Committee for Economic Development, joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
IRS sending millions more additional stimulus checks
Another 2.2 million payments are landing in bank accounts and mailboxes, with some people getting "plus-up" payments.
Child Tax Credit: Here's when payments will hit accounts
IRS sending payments of up to $300 per child as part of the government's efforts to "supersize" stimulus aid.
Stimulus aid roundup: Here are benefits you might have missed
Some people may qualify for more stimulus cash than they realize, while other programs can offer surprise benefits.
Tax refund delay: IRS backlog of returns grows to 35 million
The tax agency faced a "challenging" year, leading to a growing backlog of tax returns, the taxpayer advocate says.
Child Tax Credit: Here's who will get up to $1,800 per child in cash
The expanded tax credit isn't available to all parents, and some recipients may be asked to repay the IRS next year.
9 more states will end pandemic unemployment aid on Saturday
The GOP-led states say the benefits aren't needed. But some out-of-work people say they are still struggling.
Millions of families could soon get Child Tax Credit payments
The IRS has started sending letters to households who may qualify for monthly payments of up to $300 per child.
"Three-martini lunch" tax break should be axed, lawmakers say
Revoking a controversial business tax break would free up $5 billion for child care, according to the bipartisan effort.
Here's how to track your third stimulus check
IRS said it delivered some 165 million payments worth about $388B, with an additional 1 million arriving this week.
Paycheck Protection Program runs dry for most loan applicants
Just $8 billion remains in the program, earmarked for companies headed by women or minorities.
Yellen: Federal spending could drive a rise in interest rates
The Treasury secretary's remarks come as the president is pushing two proposals totaling $4 trillion.
Live
Iran war grinds on amid conflicting messages from Trump and Tehran
Trump's optimism about talks to end the Iran war has been tempered by denials from Tehran, and violence that continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz gridlocked.
TSA wait times up to 6 hours as ICE, other agents deployed to 14 airports
Nearly 12% of all TSA officers who were scheduled to work on Sunday called out – the most since the start of the partial government shutdown.
Exclusive
Group claiming antisemitic attacks threatens U.S., Israeli interests worldwide
A shadowy group claiming antisemitic attacks in Europe amid the Iran war tells CBS News it will target "U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
Rubio testifying in trial of ex-Rep. accused of illegal lobbying for Venezuela
Former Rep. David Rivera of Florida is accused of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government during the first Trump administration.
Senate closes in on deal to end DHS shutdown
The Senate is closing in on a deal to fund the bulk of the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown that has stretched for six weeks.
Trump voted by mail in Florida despite calling mail-in voting "cheating"
President Trump has long railed against mail-in voting, but used the method this month in a Florida election, public records indicate.
Taliban releases detained U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle
The foreign ministry said in a statement it agreed after a letter from his family that Dennis Coyle "would be pardoned and released" for Eid.
2 pilots killed as plane and fire-rescue truck collide at LaGuardia Airport
Two pilots were killed and dozens of people injured at New York's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night when an arriving Air Canada Express plane and fire and rescue vehicle collided, authorities said.
What it's like to stand in TSA line during DHS funding fight
Overhead announcements at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport periodically advised those in line with departures within four hours to consider rebooking now.
U.S.
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What it's like to stand in TSA line during DHS funding fight
Overhead announcements at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport periodically advised those in line with departures within four hours to consider rebooking now.
Trump voted by mail in Florida despite calling mail-in voting "cheating"
President Trump has long railed against mail-in voting, but used the method this month in a Florida election, public records indicate.
Oklahoma governor taps energy executive to fill Mullin's Senate seat
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong on Tuesday to replace newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Senate.
Senate closes in on potential deal to end DHS shutdown
The Senate is closing in on a deal to fund the bulk of the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown that has stretched for six weeks.
Ford recalls more than 254,000 vehicles due to software issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the issue can reduce the driver's ability to detect hazards and increase the risk of a crash.
MoneyWatch
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Ford recalls more than 254,000 vehicles due to software issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the issue can reduce the driver's ability to detect hazards and increase the risk of a crash.
Polymarket buckles down on insider trading after suspiciously timed bets
Polymarket tightened its rules after questions surfaced over whether some prediction market customers engaged in insider trading.
Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant
Elon Musk unveiled plans for a massive chip manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that he said will power his "galactic" aspirations.
As airport delays continue, can enrolling in TSA PreCheck save you time?
"TSA PreCheck will likely help you, even now with the long lines we're seeing at checkpoints," said one travel expert.
How to cut down on pet expenses as costs rise
Pet ownership costs over the past year have increased by up to 10%, according to Rover.
Politics
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What it's like to stand in TSA line during DHS funding fight
Overhead announcements at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport periodically advised those in line with departures within four hours to consider rebooking now.
Trump voted by mail in Florida despite calling mail-in voting "cheating"
President Trump has long railed against mail-in voting, but used the method this month in a Florida election, public records indicate.
Oklahoma governor taps energy executive to fill Mullin's Senate seat
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed energy executive Alan Armstrong on Tuesday to replace newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Senate.
Senate closes in on potential deal to end DHS shutdown
The Senate is closing in on a deal to fund the bulk of the Department of Homeland Security and end the partial government shutdown that has stretched for six weeks.
Rubio testifying in trial of ex-Rep. accused of illegal lobbying for Venezuela
Former Rep. David Rivera of Florida is accused of secretly lobbying for the Venezuelan government during the first Trump administration.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
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Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
Exclusive
Group claiming antisemitic attacks threatens U.S., Israeli interests worldwide
A shadowy group claiming antisemitic attacks in Europe amid the Iran war tells CBS News it will target "U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
Taliban releases detained U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle
The foreign ministry said in a statement it agreed after a letter from his family that Dennis Coyle "would be pardoned and released" for Eid.
Notorious apartheid police commander "Prime Evil" testifies on killings
Eugene de Kock testified that one of the police officers implicated in the killings had asked him to help assist with a cover-up.
Live
Iran war grinds on amid conflicting messages from Trump and Tehran
Trump's optimism about talks to end the Iran war has been tempered by denials from Tehran, and violence that continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz gridlocked.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Patrick Ball on medical drama "The Pitt"
"The Pitt" star Patrick Ball tells "CBS Mornings" he had been auditioning since 2013 and didn't think his acting dreams were "ever going to happen" when he was cast in the medical drama. He also opens up about how the series is personal for him.
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Technology
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Technology
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Polymarket buckles down on insider trading after suspiciously timed bets
Polymarket tightened its rules after questions surfaced over whether some prediction market customers engaged in insider trading.
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.
Musk says he'll manufacture chips in Texas
Elon Musk says he will make chips in the U.S. for use in Teslas and robots. Reuters global aerospace editor Joe Brock joins to discuss.
Here are Elon Musk's "most epic" goals for his vast Terafab chip plant
Elon Musk unveiled plans for a massive chip manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, that he said will power his "galactic" aspirations.
Science
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Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Crime
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Crime
Latest news on antisemitic arson attacks
Several Jewish community ambulances were torched in London in a suspected antisemitic arson attack. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman reports.
Top cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a quadruple amputee known as one of the top professional cornhole players in the U.S., is facing a series of charges including first-degree murder. Shanelle Kaul reports on the case against Webber.
Notorious apartheid police commander "Prime Evil" testifies on killings
Eugene de Kock testified that one of the police officers implicated in the killings had asked him to help assist with a cover-up.
U.S. Park Police officer ambushed, shot by 2 men in Washington, officials say
A U.S. Park Police officer was seriously wounded in an ambush shooting in Washington, law enforcement officials said. The officer was targeted, they said.
Suspect in Loyola Chicago death misses first court date
Prosecutors say the man charged in the murder of Loyola University Chicago student Sheridan Gorman missed his first court appearance Monday as he receives treatment for tuberculosis. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
Space
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Space
Artemis II back on launch pad for moon mission
NASA's Artemis II rocket is back on the launch pad after repairs inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Early next month, NASA will try, for a second time, to send a crew of four on a flyby of the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 liftoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
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
Latest on apparent Iran-U.S. talks
An Iranian official told CBS News that Tehran received "points from the U.S. through mediators" after initially denying President Trump's claims that the U.S. and Iran were in talks. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Chris Livesay have more.
Latest news on antisemitic arson attacks
Several Jewish community ambulances were torched in London in a suspected antisemitic arson attack. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman reports.
CBS News tracks TSA wait times at airports
CBS News correspondents Skyler Henry and Nicole Sganga stood in line with flyers at TSA checkpoints in Atlanta and Houston airports to track how long it takes to go through security as the partial shutdown drags on.
TSA lines getting worse, Congress seeks deal
TSA lines continue to grow longer at airports across the country, and lawmakers are facing anger from travellers who want the partial government shutdown to end. CBS News' Skyler Henry and Taurean Small report.
Trump says the U.S. is in talks with Iran
President Trump wants to find a diplomatic end to the war against Iran, but strikes from Tehran continue to affect Israel and the Gulf states. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Holly Williams report.