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.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein case have been found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
More severe holiday weather in store for a soaked California
More severe holiday weather is forecast for an already soaked California bracing for possible additional mudslides and debris flows.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second biggest winning jackpot in U.S. lottery history.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
DOJ releases huge set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
U.S.
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More severe holiday weather in store for a soaked California
More severe holiday weather is forecast for an already soaked California bracing for possible additional mudslides and debris flows.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Powerball $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot won by one ticket, in Arkansas
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Blast at Nigeria mosque kills 5, injures 35 in apparent suicide attack
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Nigeria, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack.
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
Photos of ways Christmas is celebrated all around the world
Billions worldwide mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth with various traditions.
Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Entertainment
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
"The Polar Express" children's book turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, "The Polar Express." He tells CBS News' Bradley Blackburn about how he came up with the classic Christmas tale at just 34 years old.
Winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas
The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion, the second-largest ever, was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas.
Leo XIV celebrates first Christmas as pope
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas since he became pontiff. At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Leo urged people to care for the poor and for migrants.
Powerful storm slams California
A powerful storm brought heavy rain to parts of California on Wednesday, flooding roads and prompting evacuations in some areas. The deluge of rain is causing dangerous travel conditions on Christmas Day.
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.