Congress passes massive COVID relief and government funding bill
The $900 billion aid package was added to a $1.4 trillion spending bill that funds the government through September.
United States Congress
Lawmakers reach agreement on COVID economic relief package
Overall government funding was also extended another day to avoid a shutdown and provide time to add the virus package to the funding bill.
COVID relief talks drag into weekend as shutdown looms
Talks over a relief bill dragged into the weekend after Congress passed a stopgap funding measure to avert a shutdown.
Congress passes temporary stopgap to negotiate government funding
Congress has until the end of the weekend to agree on a deal to fund the government. On Friday, lawmakers on Capitol Hill passed a two-day extension for funding, preventing a government shutdown. The added time buys Congress additional time to negotiate terms on a coronavirus relief package. Washington Post political reporter and anchor of the Power Up newsletter, Jacqueline Alemany, joins CBSN with the latest.
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.
Congressional leaders near deal on COVID bill with stimulus checks
Congressional leaders are nearing a deal after meeting for several hours on Tuesday evening.
McConnell says "we're getting closer and closer" to COVID relief deal
Top congressional leaders met for hours Tuesday afternoon and evening to discuss government funding and a relief bill.
Pelosi says lawmakers are "close" to reaching deal on COVID relief proposal
Pelosi's comments come as a bipartisan group of lawmakers has started circulating a framework for a deal.
The last long-shot chance for Trump allies to challenge election results
A joint session of Congress to ratify the election is also an opportunity for lawmakers to challenge results.
Mnuchin makes $916 billion offer to Pelosi for COVID relief bill
The Treasury secretary said he had spoken to the speaker about an offer as time runs out for Congress to pass a bill.
Republicans refuse to acknowledge preparations for Biden's inauguration
GOP members of the joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies refused to affirm they are preparing for Biden's inauguration.
McConnell sees "hopeful signs" for COVID relief but stands firm on position
McConnell has proposed a smaller package than the plan introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
Fed and Treasury urge Congress to act now on virus relief
Without immediate assistance, Americans will lose their homes and small businesses will fail, Fed chair warns.
Congress deadlocked on new aid package
Millions of Americans are in dire need of additional coronavirus relief this Thanksgiving. More than 778,000 people filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week, an increase of 30,000 from the previous week. An estimated 12 million Americans are expected to exhaust their benefits by the end of the year. CBS News political reporter Grace Segers has the latest on the next round of coronavirus relief.
Key COVID relief programs set to expire without deal on new bill
Programs intended to help people who have lost their jobs are set to expire unless Congress reaches a deal.
Republicans add record number of women to Congress
Thirty-two Republican women will join the next Congress, surpassing the record of 30 Republican women sent in 2006.
Congress' relationship with the president-elect
With Joe Biden now projected to be the winner of the presidential election, many questions remain about what his working relationship will look like with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Washington Post political reporter Jackie Alemany joined CBSN's Lana Zak with a look at the prospects for cooperation.
A record number of women will serve in Congress
The number of women expected to serve in the 117th Congress is up from the previous record of 127.
6 Native candidates elected to Congress
The group represents four states and is split evenly by party – three Democrats and three Republicans.
Key House races to watch on Election Day
There are several close elections in critical districts which could indicate which way the presidential race will swing.
Trump urges Congress to "go big or go home" on COVID stimulus bill
However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi accused the White House of being unserious in its negotiations.
House passes continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown
The continuing resolution passed 359-57-1 Tuesday night, with only Republicans and libertarian Representative Justin Amash opposing it.
Judges halt Trump plan to upend congressional apportionment
Since the first census was taken, the U.S. has counted non-citizens for the purposes of awarding seats in the House of Representatives.
Record number of women candidates "are the heart of the resistance"
More women running and winning is "not just about feeling good or some kind of symbolic tokenism. It matters."
Winners and losers in COVID economy
As the coronavirus swept across America, people who could work from home were able to spend money on high-end items and even second homes. Meanwhile, those who lost jobs are struggling to afford food. Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Eisen joins CBSN to talk about his newest article on the inequality of the coronavirus economy.
Trump tariffs could hike prices for many products, including these items
Tariffs on U.S. imports would raise prices for consumers on a range of goods, experts say. Here's what to know.
3 Americans held for years in China released, White House says
Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung have been released from detention, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes hold, fueling new push for Gaza truce
As Israel and Hezbollah cease fire after a year, President Biden says Palestinians in war-torn Gaza also "deserve an end of the fighting and displacement."
Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
Trump team says threats, swatting incidents against Cabinet picks being probed
President Biden has been briefed on the incidents and "unequivocally" condemns threats of political violence, the White House said.
Trump tariffs on Canada imports could bring sharply higher gas prices
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada could increase U.S. gas prices by up to 70 cents a gallon, energy experts say.
Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
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Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
New Jersey farmers struggle amid drought conditions
Before temperatures dip to single digits, the cranberry bogs at the Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm will have to be flooded to keep the fragile buds from drying out.
Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
Arizona executions to resume, attorney general says
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said that she will soon seek an execution warrant for Aaron Brian Gunches, who is on death row for killing his girlfriend's ex-husband.
New Orleans community mobilizes to find runaway dog
A scraggly white Terrier named Scrim has captivated the hearts of many in New Orleans hoping to help him back to a safer, easier life in the Big Easy.
MoneyWatch
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Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
How Trump's economic agenda could affect mortgage rates in 2025
Here's what a noted housing expert thinks will happen to mortgage rates next year as Donald Trump outlines his priorities.
Trump tariffs on Canada imports could bring sharply higher gas prices
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada could increase U.S. gas prices by up to 70 cents a gallon, energy experts say.
What's hot in kids toys this holiday season — and what to avoid
Consumers are expected to open their wallets this holiday season, with these children's toys high on the list.
A toddler got a nasal swab test. So why was the bill $445?
An Illinois mom got stuck with a big bill after taking her 3-year-old to the ER but never seeing a doctor. "It's mind-blowing," she said.
Politics
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Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez seeks new trial
Former Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was convicted of 16 felony counts in July.
Trump taps retired Gen. Keith Kellogg for Ukraine envoy
Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, served as national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump team says threats, swatting incidents against multiple Cabinet picks being investigated
President Biden has been briefed on the incidents and "unequivocally" condemns threats of political violence, the White House said.
Trump team signs some, but not all, critical transition documents
The Trump transition team has yet to sign key agreements with the Justice Department or General Services Administration, White House officials say.
Trump taps Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has faced restrictions on social media platforms because of his views, was a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
HealthWatch
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A toddler got a nasal swab test. So why was the bill $445?
An Illinois mom got stuck with a big bill after taking her 3-year-old to the ER but never seeing a doctor. "It's mind-blowing," she said.
Why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving, according to history
Why is Thanksgiving traditionally associated with turkey and other specific foods? We asked a history expert why we eat what we do on the holiday.
How to safely cook your turkey — and how long to keep leftovers
If you're looking forward to a delicious — and safe — Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones, here's how to cook your turkey and keep your leftovers safely.
Biden administration set to miss chance to lock in new food guidelines
A federal panel has been meeting for months to draft recommendations.
Trump taps Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has faced restrictions on social media platforms because of his views, was a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
World
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Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
Accused "Pink Panthers" member among 11 nabbed in cocaine bust
Police in the Balkans arrested 11 alleged members of a criminal syndicate responsible for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe, officials said.
NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Australian lawmakers advance bill to bar under-16s from social media
Australia's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes hold, fueling new push for Gaza truce
As Israel and Hezbollah cease fire after a year, President Biden says Palestinians in war-torn Gaza also "deserve an end of the fighting and displacement."
Entertainment
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Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Grateful Dead remembers band member Phil Lesh
Members of the iconic band, the Grateful Dead, reflected on the impact bandmate Phil Lesh had on their lives and said they had hoped to play together again.
Grateful Dead bandmates remember Phil Lesh
Iconic band The Grateful Dead, is remembering one of the band's original members, Phil Lesh, who died in October at 84 years old. The surviving original members of the band credit Lesh for the impact he made in each of their lives and revealed they were hoping to play together one more time.
Harvey Weinstein accuses Rikers Island of substandard medical treatment
Harvey Weinstein's lawyers filed a legal claim alleging that he is receiving substandard medical treatment in unhygienic conditions while in custody at Rikers Island.
The Script on loss, resilience in new album
Irish band The Script continues to inspire with hits like "Hall of Fame," while moving forward after the loss of guitarist Mark Sheehan. Danny O'Donoghue talks to Natalie Morales about the band's journey, and how boxing helps him cope.
Technology
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Australian lawmakers advance bill to bar under-16s from social media
Australia's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms.
AI grandma tool helps fend off phone scams
British phone company Virgin Media O2 has developed an AI-generated grandmother to talk to scammers all day and waste their time so you don't have to. CBS News Confirmed executive producer Melissa Mahtani has more on the "grandma" and how you can protect yourself from phone scams.
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.
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.
Science
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NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Divided U.N. negotiations for plastic treaty
Negotiators are far apart as the United Nations tries to work out the world's first treaty to curb plastic pollution. Issues creating roadblocks include limiting new manufacturing of plastic and the potential phasing out of some chemicals. For more on the talks, CBS News was joined by Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund in the U.S.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
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.
Crime
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Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Accused "Pink Panthers" member among 11 nabbed in cocaine bust
Police in the Balkans arrested 11 alleged members of a criminal syndicate responsible for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe, officials said.
Bombing suspect on most wanted list arrested
Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspect in in two 2003 northern California bombings, was arrested in the U.K. this week. San Diego, who had been one of the FBI's most wanted terror suspects, now faces extradition.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
Drug cartel reeling in huge profits with illegal fishing in Gulf of Mexico
The cartel allegedly uses fishing boats to smuggle drugs and migrants — and catch tons of red snapper, a commercially valuable but vulnerable species.
Space
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Webb telescope captures stunning new image of the "Sombrero galaxy"
The Sombrero galaxy, named for its resemblance to the Mexican hat, is about 30 million light-years from Earth.
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.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Beloved rescue dog on the loose in New Orleans
Scrim the rescue dog has become a familiar sight to some in New Orleans, as his face has been plastered on missing posters more than once. The well-known rescue dog has escaped once again, but recent sightings give people hope he'll be home again soon. Kati Weis has the story.
Threats made against Trump's picks
The FBI is investigating multiple threats made against some of President-elect Donald Trump's administration picks like Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick and others. CBS News political reporter Libby Cathey has more on the attacks and the Trump transition.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' latest bail request denied
Sean "Diddy" Combs will not get out of jail on bail after a federal judge denied his latest request Wednesday.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds
The fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah forced over a million people to leave their homes. Some began returning to Southern Lebanon on Wednesday. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons
Something is in the air in New York City --it's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons! CBS News New York reporter Alecia Reid has more on the characters to expect and what's behind the fun display.