Federal death row inmate tests positive for coronavirus
The attorneys for Dustin John Higgs said they were notified of the positive COVID-19 test on Thursday.
Inside The U.S. Justice System
Louisiana man serving life sentence for $20 marijuana charge released
Fate Winslow is now with his family, and ready "to enjoy his life."
Miss USA is helping inmates write letters to their families
Branch's program, Love Letters, donates stationery and stamps to inmates so they can write to their families.
Federal prisons to prioritize staffers for COVID-19 vaccine
Throughout the pandemic, many of the nation's prisons have emerged as hotspots for the virus.
Transgender inmate sues Georgia prison officials over alleged assaults
Ashley Diamon is suing the Georgia Department of Corrections for failing to protect her from sexual assault.
Report: Prison didn't isolate inmates who tested positive for COVID-19
The watchdog said Oakdale officials did not isolate nearly 100 asymptomatic inmates who tested positive for the virus, permitting them to continue using showers, telephones and other common areas on a staggered schedule.
Miss USA wants to use her crown to fight for prison reform
"Just like no two people are the same, no two crimes are the same and they shouldn't be treated as such," Asya Branch told CBS News.
Hundreds of inmates test positive as COVID rips through New York prison
Nearly 40% of inmates housed at the Elmira Correctional Facility have tested positive for coronavirus.
Coronavirus sickens over 1,000 Wisconsin inmates
As of Tuesday, facilities across the state had at least 1,055 active cases, with 1,993 inmates in quarantine.
Why are jail phone calls so expensive?
Advocates say the price of using telephones behind bars could mean cutting off communication with loved ones who serve as support systems and aid with rehabilitation.
California bans chokeholds, shortens probation sentences
"Americans across the country took to the streets this summer rightfully demanding more and better of our criminal justice system – and of ourselves," Newsom said in a statement.
Compassionate release offers some federal inmates hope
Petitions for compassionate release were rarely approved prior to the passing of the First Step Act in December 2018, which made it easier for offenders to bring the request to the court.
Federal prisons will resume visitations in October
The bureau, which is home to over 127,000 federal offenders, took precautions in March to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Health care provider severs ties with Mississippi prisons
Violence, understaffing, and a deteriorating infrastructure have plagued the prison system.
100 federal inmates have died from coronavirus
Among the dead are fathers and mothers, daughters and sons and brothers and sisters — none of whom were sentenced to death.
DOJ says Alabama inmates are subjected to excessive force
After a multi-year investigation, the department discovered the use of excessive force by correctional officers at 12 of the 13 facilities evaluated.
Inmates are 5 times more likely to get virus than others, study says
"Prisoners have a right to adequate protection of their health while incarcerated," said the lead author of the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Execution blocked after victims' family raises virus concerns
Daniel Lewis Lee, a former white supremacist who robbed and murdered a family of three, including their 8-year-old daughter, was scheduled to be executed on Monday.
California to release another 8,000 inmates to slow virus
As of Friday, 2,315 inmates have been sickened by the virus, and 31 have died, according to state officials.
Michael Cohen back in custody after refusing terms of home confinement
Cohen had been furloughed in May over concerns about the coronavirus pandemic within the federal prison system.
17 Rikers Island officers face discipline in transgender woman's death
Layleen Polanco, 27, died of an epileptic seizure while in solitary confinement on June 7 of last year.
Hip-hop producer helps inmates hone voices behind bars
The group of incarcerated artists is releasing a new project on Friday, May 29, titled "The San Quentin Mixtape, Vol. 1."
Michael Cohen returns home after early prison release
Cohen is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence on home confinement, a source familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Inmates on life inside prison during the pandemic
"We want to come home to our families healthy and not have to worry each day whether it's going to be our last."
Jay-Z and Meek Mill sending 10 million masks to U.S. prisons
With a $10 million boost from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, Jay-Z and Meek Mill's criminal justice organization is sending 10 million surgical masks and other personal protective equipment to correctional facilities across the country.
U.S.
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Sotomayor slams "unprecedented rush" in federal executions
"The Federal Government will have executed more than three times as many people in the last six months than it had in the previous six decades," Sotomayor dissented. "...This is not justice."
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Pepperoni Hot Pockets recalled, may contain pieces of glass and plastic
The frozen stuffed sandwiches are being recalled because they "may be contaminated with extraneous materials," the USDA said.
Massive Mega Millions jackpot grows after no winner
Mega Millions estimated its next top prize would be $850 million, which would be the third-largest of all time.
Biden introduces key members of his science team
The president-elect is elevating the post of science adviser to Cabinet level — a White House first.
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
How the U.S.-Canada border closure impacts small towns and businesses
The hardships of the border closure due to COVID-19 span the entire 5,500-mile border.
Dustin Higgs executed, Trump administration's 13th execution
His death came two days after Corey Johnson was executed at the same facility in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Armed capitol rallies "will continue" as planned, Boogaloo group member says
An administrator for the website that originally announced the armed protests said the group intends to carry on as planned
Facebook blocks new events near White House and Capitol
Facebook made the announcement hours after CBS News learned that the Department of Homeland Security said that domestic extremists pose the highest threat to Joe Biden's inauguration next week.
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
Biden pay push could lift over 1 million workers out of poverty
Federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 for more than a decade, the longest period without a raise since 1938.
World
More World
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
How the U.S.-Canada border closure impacts small towns and businesses
The hardships of the border closure due to COVID-19 span the entire 5,500-mile border.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
Coronavirus death toll tops 2 million worldwide
The United States, with about 4% of the world's population, has reported about one-fifth of all reported deaths globally.
Entire Dutch government resigns over child welfare scandal
Investigations into child welfare payments wrongly labeled thousands of parents as fraudsters.
U.S.
More U.S.
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Sotomayor slams "unprecedented rush" in federal executions
"The Federal Government will have executed more than three times as many people in the last six months than it had in the previous six decades," Sotomayor dissented. "...This is not justice."
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Politics
More Politics
Washington, D.C., locks down as inauguration events kick off
Vehicles checked. Roads blocked. The National Mall shut down.
State Capitols boarded up, fenced off and patrolled by troops
Governors have declared states of emergency, closed capitols to the public and called up troops ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Biden introduces key members of his science team
The president-elect is elevating the post of science adviser to Cabinet level — a White House first.
Armed capitol rallies "will continue" as planned, Boogaloo group member says
An administrator for the website that originally announced the armed protests said the group intends to carry on as planned
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
"Helps the soul": Chorus finds a way to perform from cars
Using their car radios and some tech savvy, the Luminous Voices chamber choir in Calgary found a way to sing together from a distance.
Canadian choir sings together in separate cars
The Luminous Voices Chamber Choir in Calgary, Canada, improvised a way to sing together while social distancing in their cars, thanks to the help of technology. The choir even pulled off a concert this way in December. Adriana Diaz has more.
Tim Minchin performs "Apart Together"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Apart Together."
Tim Minchin performs "Airport Piano"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "Airport Piano."
Tim Minchin performs "The Absence of You"
Musical satirist Tim Minchin ("Matilda: The Musical") joined "Saturday Sessions" to share music from his new studio album, "Apart Together." From Sydney, Australia, Minchin performs the song "The Absence of You."
Technology
More Technology
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
How manufacturers make it impossible to repair your gadgets
Americans are throwing away $40 billion a year unwillingly upgrading items we can't fix, a consumer group claims.
It could be years until full benefits of 5G are unlocked
5G has been front and center at the annual CES, held virtually this year.
Grubhub to deliver Girl Scout cookies during pandemic
Fear not, you can still get your Tagalongs and Thin Mints in a pandemic-safe way this year — through Grubhub.
Science
More Science
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 before symptoms show
Your smartwatch may know you have the coronavirus before you do, according to a growing body of research.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Past COVID infection provides at least 5 months of immunity, study shows
Researchers noted that someone who's been infected may still be able to carry the virus and pass it on to others.
2020 is "effectively tied" for warmest year on record
New data from NASA, NOAA and Berkeley Earth show Earth's fever continues to escalate
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Health
More Health
COVID-19 variant first found in U.K. could be dominant in U.S. by March
Research shows it could experience "rapid growth" in the early part of this year.
U.S. races to catch up with other countries in COVID sequencing research
The U.S. is estimated to lag behind more than 30 nations in its sequencing effort.
How much do people around the world trust the COVID vaccines?
CBS News foreign journalists give a glimpse of trust, and mistrust, in coronavirus vaccination plans in 9 countries, and what's behind them.
The hurdles of vaccinating the homeless community
Distrust in the medical system, a lack of primary care and a two-dose regimen for those without permanent housing are high hurdles.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
When might you get Biden's $1,400 stimulus check?
President-Elect Joe Biden's proposed $1.9 trillion relief bill could face some hurdles, analysts say.
Funeral home staff overwhelmed by waves of COVID-19 deaths
As the U.S. death toll nears 400,000, many funeral homes are straining to keep up with demand for their services.
Biden pay push could lift over 1 million workers out of poverty
Federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 for more than a decade, the longest period without a raise since 1938.
NRA files for bankruptcy
The NRA said it is moving to Texas from New York, where the state's attorney general has filed a lawsuit alleging financial crimes.
These states are doing best (and worst) at vaccinating people
West Virginia is leading the pack, while big states like California and Georgia are struggling, according to CDC data.
Crime
More Crime
He wanted me dead." Stalking victim on former relationship with killer
Did her stalker target a stranger to get revenge?
Capitol rioter known as "QAnon Shaman" will be jailed until trial
Prosecutors say rioter Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman," is a dangerous conspiracy leader who should be detained.
Texas cop shoots and kills Black man during mental health check
Patrick Warren Sr.'s family was expecting a mental health professional to respond when they called for help.
Was a woman targeted because she resembled her killer's ex?
Texas Ranger James Holland believes a young woman's stalker was a serial killer in the making
Restaurant manager uses concealed sign to help rescue abused boy
She noticed he was bruised and a man with him didn't let him order food. Then she sprang into action. One detective described the abuse the boy had suffered as torture.
Space
More Space
Moon rocket test firing aborted after engine shutdown
It was not immediately clear what went wrong or what will be needed to fix it.
Blue Origin launches New Shepard test flight
Blue Origin says "we're getting very, very close" to launching passengers to space.
NASA rover celebrates 3,000 days on Mars with epic panorama
The glorious new image captures the 96-mile-wide Gale Crater and part of Mount Sharp, its central mountain.
Astronomers observe death of a distant galaxy for the first time
Galaxy ID2299 is losing its ability to form new stars, causing it to die.
Astronomers discover oldest, most distant supermassive black hole
The supermassive black hole at the center of one of the universe's brightest objects is 1.6 billion times more massive than the sun.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
The evidence that convicted Charles Bryant
An inside look at the investigation into the murder of Jackie Vandagriff.
Newest dog breeds: From tiny toys to massive mastiffs
Have you heard of the Belgian Laekenois? The Cesky terrier? Sloughi? You have now.
How U.S. presidents aged in office
How it started and how its going in America's highest office.
Troubling clues fuel a family's quest for justice
Christian Andreacchio's death was declared a suicide by police but his parents disagree - saying it's more than parental intuition that leads them to believe their son was murdered.
The most anticipated TV shows of 2021 (and when they might be coming back)
Will "The Crown" return in 2021? Will "Survivor"? Here's how COVID-19 is affecting the production and return of your favorite streaming and TV shows.
Popular
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Popular
Hindsight is 2020: An Unprecedented Election
When a pandemic, a racial reckoning, and rampant misinformation converged, Americans were faced with an election unlike any other. This CBSN documentary follows voters around the country as they grapple with who they're voting for, how they're voting and the issues supercharging the stakes.
Pelosi speaks to "60 Minutes" about Capitol riot
Two days after her own office was ransacked by Trump supporters, the speaker of the House talks to Lesley Stahl about what she experienced that day and more.
Trump's phone call with Brad Raffensperger
Last weekend, President Trump called Georgia's secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, imploring him with veiled threats and lies to change the outcome of the November election. Raffensperger talks to Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes" about why he didn't give in.
Angus King: The "60 Minutes" interview
Jon Wertheim talks with Maine Senator Angus King, one of two independents in the Senate, about not being hitched to a party in a time of extreme polarization.
Canadian choir sings together in separate cars
The Luminous Voices Chamber Choir in Calgary, Canada, improvised a way to sing together while social distancing in their cars, thanks to the help of technology. The choir even pulled off a concert this way in December. Adriana Diaz has more.