RNC breaks another record, builds on fundraising advantage

The Republican National Committee raised $14.2 million in July — the most it has ever raised in that month in a non-presidential year — bringing its total haul for the cycle to $227.2 million. Despite historic odds and voter enthusiasm favoring Democrats, the RNC is finding record-setting support among its donors, according to numbers shared first with CBS News. The…

Glenn Close’s personal battle to destigmatize mental illness

When it comes to CHANGING MINDS about mental illness, and ending its stigma, few people are more motivated than actress Glenn Close. She’s been talking to Tracy Smith (This story was originally broadcast on March 18, 2018):  Glenn Close’s character in “Fatal Attraction” is one of her most memorable roles — and is considered one of the great villains of…

Remembering the genius of Stephen Hawking

Professor of mathematics at Cambridge University Stephen W. Hawking discusses theories on the origin of the universe in a talk in Berkeley, California, March 13, 2007. Kimberly White/REUTERS If anyone of our own time deserved the title of genius, it was Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist who died this past March at the age of 76. Hawking transformed our notion…

Brush with madness

The paintings and life story of Vincent Van Gogh would appear to make the case that there’s a connection between great art and madness. But does that apparent link have any real basis in science? Rita Braver takes a closer look (This story was originally broadcast on March 18, 2018):  In the midst of his fierce and ultimately losing battle…

Meet the YouTuber who became chief curiosity correspondent at a Chicago museum

Emily Graslie comes alive talking about dead things. As the star of her own YouTube channel, “The Brain Scoop,” the 29-year-old is part comedian and part science tutor. Her warm and witty delivery turns the most unappealing topics into entertaining science lessons, and her channel as almost half-a-million subscribers.  She also holds one of the coolest job titles: chief curiosity…

TN General Assembly Releases Women’s Suffrage Video

Nashville, TN (WDEF) – In honor of the 98th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) has authorized the release of an educational video, “The History of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Tennessee and The Ratification of the 19th Amendment.” The video features a presentation…

Former Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson running for U.S. Senate

Former Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson began his campaign Tuesday to unseat New Mexico’s junior Democratic senator, seeking political opportunity in the space between Democrats and voters loyal to President Donald Trump. Johnson, a former two-term governor of New Mexico, was added to the state’s list of Senate candidates as final paperwork was being filed with election officials. His campaign manager said…

Al Franken’s Senate seat up for grabs in wake of #MeToo, and what else to watch in politics this week

After Al Franken’s Senate seat was vacated amid #MeToo allegations, how will Minneapolis women vote? Two former GOP presidential candidates seek their third terms as governor Non-white turnout in Milwaukee Vermont’s Democratic gubernatorial ballot features a transgender woman hoping to make history & a 14-year-old hoping to change minds GOP corruption charges send party leaders scrambling A Senate seat in…

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn wins GOP Senate nomination in Tenn.

Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (L), U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R) Getty U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn has won the Republican nomination in Tennessee’s open U.S. Senate race. Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has won the Democratic nomination for an open U.S. Senate that Democrats see as critical to their hopes of taking control of the Senate. Blackburn easily advanced past…

Sonos IPO: “Smart” speaker maker climbs 17% in public debut

Last Updated Aug 2, 2018 11:51 AM EDT Sonos’ life as a public company got off to a sound start Thursday on Nasdaq, with its shares rising double digits as the smart speaker shook off a decision to undercut its initial share price. The maker of smart speakers for homes priced its initial public offering at $15 a share, beneath…

Sonos IPO: “Smart” speaker maker set for public debut

Sonos is set Thursday to start life as a public company on Nasdaq. The maker of smart speakers for homes priced its initial public offering at $15 a share, beneath the anticipated $17-to-$19 range, suggesting weaker-than-expected investor demand for the stock. The offer price values Sonos at just under $1.5 billion.  Possibly weighing against Sonos were disappointing earnings this week…

French parliament approves fines for sex harassment on streets, outlaws “upskirting”

People sit at the terrasse of a cafe during a summer night in Paris on June 27, 2018. Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images PARIS — French lawmakers gave final passage Wednesday to a bill that expands the criminal definition of child rape and outlaws sex harassment on the street — measures the government described as a signal of deep social change.  The legislation…

Trump stumps for Ron DeSantis in Florida — live updates

President Trump is in Tampa, Florida, Tuesday night to stump for GOP Rep. Ron DeSantis, who is running for governor. DeSantis has been a vocal advocate of Mr. Trump and his policies, as well as a vocal critic of the Justice Department and intelligence agencies. Florida’s primary is Aug. 28. It remains to be seen how much Mr. Trump will…

Trump rallies Florida supporters for Ron DeSantis as governor

FILE – In this May 24, 2016 file photo, House Judiciary Committee member Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla. testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington.  Andrew Harnik / AP President Donald Trump is diving deep into Florida’s Republican politics, joining his preferred candidate for governor in a competitive primary. Mr. Trump is holding a rally in Tampa on Tuesday in a show…

“Bigfoot erotica” becoming issue in pivotal congressional race

Image from tweet from Virginia Democratic congressional candidate Leslie Cockburn showing image from Instagram account of her GOP foe, Denver Riggleman @LeslieCockburn / Twitter RICHMOND, Va. — Here’s a political attack you don’t hear every day – or ever: A Virginia congressional candidate says her opponent is unfit for office because he is a “devotee of Bigfoot erotica.” Democrat Leslie…

The story of the My Pillow king

Who better to share some pillow talk with than a pillow tycoon? Martha Teichner does the honors (This story was originally aired on April 15, 2018): Mike Lindell spends $1.5 million a week on commercials to make sure that you know about his pillow. He’s sold more than 41 million of them. Against some pretty stiff odds, Mike Lindell, the…

Seth Rogen to be the new voice of Vancouver public transit

Never underestimate the power of a social media campaign. TransLink BC, the public transportation system in Vancouver, British Columbia, announced Thursday that actor Seth Rogen will lend his voice to announcements — an initiative born from a social media request. The campaign to get Rogen involved began in May, days before plans to have Morgan Freeman become the voice of…

Auto tariffs coming despite opposition, trade pros say

A growing chorus of trade experts say the Trump administration seems likely to impose billions of dollars worth of tariffs on imported autos and automobile parts in the next year despite widespread opposition from both domestic and overseas manufacturers, dealers throughout the U.S. and even local and state government officials. U.S. Commerce Department public hearings held last week on the proposed tariffs…