12/21: Red and Blue
Congress set to vote on stimulus relief bill; Statue of Robert E. Lee removed from Capitol
Unemployment
Congress reaches $900 billion deal on pandemic relief package
Americans making less than $75,000 a year will receive a $600 check as part of a federal economic relief bill. For many struggling Americans, it's a little too late. Nancy Cordes reports.
Details on $900 billion COVID stimulus bill
Congress has agreed on a $900 billion coronavirus relief package which includes a new round of stimulus checks and restored supplemental unemployment benefits. CBS News political reporter Grace Segers joins CBSN AM to break down what's in the bill and what it means for the incoming Biden administration.
Jobless claims rise as COVID surge worsens
The Labor Department has released the latest figures showing an increase in the number of Americans filing for unemployment for the second straight week. Lori Bettinger, the president of BancAlliance and former director of the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the Obama administration, joined CBSN to discuss what the latest jobs numbers mean for the current state of the U.S. economy.
Jobless claims rise as Congress debates stimulus aid
Some 885,000 people applied for jobless aid last week, while nearly half a million filed for self-employment benefits.
Jobless claims increase for 2nd straight week
Unemployment is on the rise as coronavirus cases surge nationwide. According to the latest figures released by the Department of Labor, 885,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment the second week in December. Frances Stacy, director of portfolio strategy at Optimal Capital, joined CBSN to discuss what these latest numbers mean for the U.S. economy.
Stimulus checks expected in COVID relief bill
Congressional leaders are negotiating a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill that is expected to include stimulus checks of about $600 per person. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes and the Washington Post's Eugene Scott join CBSN's "Red & Blue" to break down the latest on the talks and when relief could be in the hands of Americans.
Families battle food insecurity, eviction fears during pandemic
As the coronavirus pandemic is pushing more people out of work, millions of families continue to question where their next meal will come from and whether they will be able to stay in their homes.
More jobless claims filed as pandemic worsens
Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick joins CBSN to discuss the latest unemployment report and the industries that are extremely vulnerable as the pandemic drags on.
Jobless aid applications surged the week after Thanksgiving
Number of Americans seeking unemployment aid at highest level in three months, with 853,000 applying last week.
853,000 Americans filed new jobless claims
The economy continues to suffer amid the coronavirus outbreak. Frances Stacy, director of portfolio strategy at Optimal Capital, joins CBSN to discuss the latest jobless claims report.
Time running out to pass more COVID relief
With just nine days to go until the Senate adjourns until 2021, time is running out for more pandemic aid to be passed before key unemployment programs and eviction protections lapse at the end of December. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes, and Politico White House reporter and associate editor Anita Kumar spoke to "Red and Blue" host Elaine Quijano about where negotiations stand, plus the breaking news on a tax investigation into Hunter Biden.
Sen. Manchin on bipartisan COVID relief plan
Millions of Americans are set to lose their unemployment insurance benefits this month, as federal stimulus programs passed early in the pandemic are scheduled to expire. Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers trying to broker a new stimulus plan. He joined "CBS This Morning" to discuss the proposal.
Las Vegas tourism declines as COVID-19 surges
Businesses across the country are facing new restrictions as COVID-19 cases surge. Las Vegas' economy has been hit hard. David Begnaud reports.
She owes $581,000 in student loans — the bill is coming due
A government moratorium on federally backed college debt expires on December 31. Student loan borrowers are worried.
What another stimulus deal could mean for jobless benefits
Two bills would offer markedly different levels of support for the 12 million jobless workers about to lose benefits.
Biden says economy is stalling
President-elect Joe Biden will inherit a fragile economy brought on by the pandemic when he takes office in January. In response to the latest jobs report Friday, Mr. Biden said the U.S. is in the midst of "one of the worst economic and job crises in modern history." Daniel Zhao, a senior economist at Glassdoor, joined Omar Villafranca to discuss jobs and the economy.
Trump to rally for Georgia Senate candidates
President Trump will travel to Georgia for a rally on Saturday. He's throwing his support behind the two Republican candidates in the state's Senate runoff elections, races that will ultimately decide whether Democrats or Republicans control the Senate. "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan joined CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss that and more.
Another lifeline ending as Trump's $300 in jobless aid winds down
As the job market slows. unemployment benefits could soon dry up for millions of jobless Americans.
Job growth slowed sharply in November as COVID-19 flared
Employers added 245,000 jobs last month, the slowest pace of job-creation since April.
712,000 Americans file unemployment claims
The Labor Department has released the latest jobs numbers, showing a slight decrease in the number of Americans filing for unemployment the last week in November. Lori Bettinger, president of BancAlliance and former director of the Troubled Asset Relief Program during the Obama administration, joined CBSN to discuss what the latest jobs numbers mean for the U.S. economy.
Biden urges Congress to act on stimulus bill
President-elect Joe Biden hosted a virtual roundtable discussion yesterday where he urged Congress to act fast on passing a stimulus bill. Current aid programs are set to expire by the end of the year, impacting millions of Americans. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes joined CBSN with more.
Fewer Americans applied for jobless aid last week
Although the number of workers filing for unemployment declined, claims remain at historically high levels.
Coronavirus relief plan proposed as millions struggle
A bipartisan group of lawmakers have announced a $908 billion relief plan with more funding for small businesses, state and local governments, plus unemployment benefits. Nancy Cordes has details.
Lawmakers resume coronavirus aid talks
Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill from their Thanksgiving break and renewed efforts to pass a coronavirus stimulus bill after months of stalled talks. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes and Washington Post economics correspondent Heather Long join CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss the narrow path to a deal before key programs expire at the end of December.
Judge dismisses charges against Trump in D.C. election case after Smith request
Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal judge to toss out the charges against President-elect Donald Trump in the case stemming from the 2020 election.
Trump transition aide Boris Epshteyn sparking internal strife over appointments
Republicans vying for jobs allege Trump transition aide Boris Epshteyn has been mixing private consulting with his transition role.
White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years for fatally shooting Black neighbor
Susan Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Ajike Owens, her Black neighbor, through her front door last year.
Trump threatens to impose new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs.
Illegal border crossings on track to reach new Biden-era low
President-elect Donald Trump, who ran on mass deportation and harsher immigration policies, could inherit a border that is relatively quiet.
White House Christmas tree came from Helene-devastated tree farm
A tree that survived Hurricane Helene in North Carolina was unveiled as the 2024 White House Christmas tree.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
Biden will attend Trump's inauguration in January, White House says
President-elect Donald Trump skipped President Biden's inauguration following Trump's supporters' Capitol assault.
West Virginia ends promising subsidy program for weight loss drugs
In 2020, West Virginia launched a pilot program to subsidize GLP-1 drugs for public employees, but the program was shuttered in March.
U.S.
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Trump threatens to impose new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office
President-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs.
West Virginia ends promising subsidy program for GLP-1 weight loss drugs
In 2020, West Virginia launched a pilot program to subsidize GLP-1 drugs for public employees, but the program was shuttered in March.
Biden will attend Trump's inauguration in January, White House says
President-elect Donald Trump skipped President Biden's inauguration following Trump's supporters' Capitol assault.
Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
White House Christmas tree came from Helene-devastated tree farm
A tree that survived Hurricane Helene in North Carolina was unveiled as the 2024 White House Christmas tree.
MoneyWatch
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Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
Is AI better at planning and booking a vacation than you are?
Two CBS News correspondents conducted an experiment to see which was better at planning a trip — AI or a person. Here's what they found.
Amazon workers in more than 20 countries plan Black Friday strikes
Workers at Amazon warehouses around the world plan to strike between Black Friday and Cyber Monday this week.
Macy's says an employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses
Macy's delays its quarterly earnings report after discovering that an accounting unit employee concealed delivery expenses.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
Politics
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Biden will attend Trump's inauguration in January, White House says
President-elect Donald Trump skipped President Biden's inauguration following Trump's supporters' Capitol assault.
White House Christmas tree came from Helene-devastated tree farm
A tree that survived Hurricane Helene in North Carolina was unveiled as the 2024 White House Christmas tree.
Trump transition aide Boris Epshteyn sparking internal strife over appointments
Republicans vying for jobs allege Trump transition aide Boris Epshteyn has been mixing private consulting with his transition role.
Special counsel seeks to end bid to revive documents case against Trump
Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal appeals court to dismiss his appeal in the documents case against President-elect Donald Trump.
Judge dismisses charges against Trump in D.C. election case after Smith request
Special counsel Jack Smith asked a federal judge to toss out the charges against President-elect Donald Trump in the case stemming from the 2020 election.
HealthWatch
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West Virginia ends promising subsidy program for GLP-1 weight loss drugs
In 2020, West Virginia launched a pilot program to subsidize GLP-1 drugs for public employees, but the program was shuttered in March.
As many as 1 in 5 people won't lose weight with GLP-1 drugs, experts say
About 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to several obesity experts.
A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
World
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Lawmakers brawl over deadly train station roof collapse in Serbia
Scuffles and fistfights broke out weeks after a deadly rail station roof collapse that ignited tensions in the Balkan state.
Mystery of serial shoe robber solved when camera catches culprit
Police thought a shoe thief was on the loose at a kindergarten, until a security camera caught the furry culprit in action.
Chinese trans woman awarded thousands over forced electroshock therapy
Trans performance artist Ling'er says she was forced to undergo electroshock treatments at a hospital in China that left her with a heart condition.
Best-selling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies at 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford was one of the world's most popular and wealthiest writers, her net worth estimated at more than $200 million.
16 missing after Egyptian tour boat sinks on Red Sea diving trip
Authorities in Egypt say a luxury yacht that set off with 45 people from the Red Sea port of Ghalib for a week-long diving trip sank, with 28 rescued and 16 still missing.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Glicked" sweeps box office
"Wicked" led the box office with $114 million, while "Gladiator II" earned $55 million in a record-setting pre-Thanksgiving weekend. The combined success marks the biggest pre-Thanksgiving weekend opening since the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebecca Rubin, a senior film and media reporter with Variety, has more.
"Wicked," "Gladiator II" soar at box office
While "Gladiator II" earned $55 million at the box office domestically, "Wicked" soared with $114 million. It was the biggest pre-Thanksgiving weekend opening since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the two movies earning the nickname "Glicked."
Best-selling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies at 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford was one of the world's most popular and wealthiest writers, her net worth estimated at more than $200 million.
"Oregon Trail" computer game is now being developed as a movie
One of the most successful computer games of all time is currently being developed by Apple as a forthcoming movie.
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
Technology
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Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
How AI can help to plan your next vacation
More than one third of travelers says they've incorporated artificial intelligence into their travel planning, according to a recent survey. CBS News compared how efficient booking a trip with the help of AI is compared to doing the research yourself.
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.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
Science
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Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Crime
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Crime
Menendez brothers resentencing delayed
A California judge on Monday delayed his decision on whether to resentence the Menendez brothers until January. In October, the outgoing Los Angeles district attorney requested a judge reconsider Lyle and Erik's sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents after new evidence was introduced. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston reports.
NFL, NBA warn players about burglaries
The NFL and the NBA have issued warnings to players about transnational gangs that may be targeting them for burglaries. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more on the criminals behind the schemes.
Paths for Menendez brothers' freedom
There are three legal paths for the Menendez brothers to potentially leave prison after serving several decades for the 1989 killings of their parents. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the latest in their legal battle.
White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years for fatally shooting Black neighbor
Susan Lorincz was sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Ajike Owens, her Black neighbor, through her front door last year.
Arrest made after woman, baby shot dead in car in Connecticut
A suspect in the fatal shooting of a woman and her 4-month-old son inside a car in Hartford, Connecticut, was arrested in Puerto Rico, officials said.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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What does financial success look like?
According to a new survey from financial service company Empower, Gen Z Americans believe it takes a salary of $588,000 to be considered financially successful. That's more than double the figure from other generations. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady joins to unpack the findings.
Arguments heard over pending Infowars sale
A federal judge in Texas plans to hold another hearing to decide whether satirical news outlet "The Onion" can move forward with the purchase of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' company, Infowars. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian has the latest from Houston.
Thanksgiving week 2024 weather forecast
Multiple weather systems are forecast to drop rain and snow across the U.S. during the week of Thanksgiving. CBS News national weather correspondent Rob Marciano has more on what conditions to expect.
Security high ahead of Thanksgiving events
Federal and local authorities are reportedly warning the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City could be a target for would-be terrorists. Law enforcement officials will also need to be on high alert for what could be the busiest and most crowded holiday travel season yet. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
Illegal crossings on track for Biden-era low
For the first time under the Biden administration, illegal crossings at the southern border are on track to dip below 50,000 for November. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.