12/20: CBS News Weekender
Lana Zak reports on a deadly car crash at a Christmas market in Germany, the race from lawmakers to prevent a government shutdown, and gives us a look back on the year in sports.
CBS News Weekender
Friday 5 PM ET/PT on the CBS News app
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U.S. Open tennis kicks off next week
The U.S. Open, the last tennis grand slam of the year, gets underway in New York City next week with first round action starting Monday. Matthew Futterman, senior writer for the Athletic, joined CBS News with a preview of the tournament.
Turkish TV dramas see rise in popularity
Turkish TV dramas are gaining popularity around the globe, drawing millions of viewers and boosting tourism to the country. Ravale Mohydin, senior researcher at TRT World Research Centre, joined CBS News to discuss the trend.
Funeral for glaciers lost to climate change
This week there was a funeral for 15 glaciers that have disappeared or are in critical danger as the planet heats up. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
Iran's campaign hacking efforts: What we know
U.S. intelligence agencies said this week that Iran was responsible for hacking into former President Donald Trump's White House campaign. Iran denies the allegations, but in a joint statement, top intel agencies say Iran's efforts to interfere with the upcoming election go beyond just the Trump campaign. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more on that and some of the other top national security stories of the week.
Study links certain meats to type 2 diabetes
A new study published Friday in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal finds that for every 1.8 ounces of processed meat eaten daily, the risk of type two diabetes increased by 15%. and for every 3.5 ounces of unprocessed red meat eaten daily, the risk increased by 10%. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, joined CBS News to discuss the study.
Major charges tossed in Breonna Taylor death
A federal judge has dismissed felony charges against two former Louisville police officers accused of falsifying the search warrant in the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor's home. The Justice Department had accused the officers, who were not present during the raid, of putting false information into the warrant. The judge also ruled that Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker is the legal cause of her death because he fired the first shot. Walker has said he thought an intruder was entering the home.
What to know about RealPage antitrust lawsuit
The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against real estate software company RealPage Friday with federal regulators accusing the company of colluding with landlords to raise the rents on millions of Americans. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Will RFK Jr.'s supporters go to Trump?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Friday he's suspending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing Donald Trump, but is it a given Trump will get votes from RFK's supporters? CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Harris campaign reacts to RFK Jr. news
Kamala Harris' campaign is making a play for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s supporters after Kennedy announced he is suspending his independent presidential campaign. CBS News campaign reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
Breaking down case in Matthew Perry's death
Two of the five suspects charged in the death of actor Matthew Perry have pleaded not guilty. The other three defendants have either pleaded guilty or agreed to do so at a later date. The 54-year-old "Friends" star died last October in a hot tub at his Los Angeles-area home. An autopsy report found the amount of ketamine in Perry's blood at the time of his death was about the same used for general anesthesia during surgery. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has more from Los Angeles.
New rules set to shake up real estate market
New rules go into effect this weekend that will change the way homes are bought and sold across country. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent tells us what this means for potential home buyers.
What's behind the decline in border crossings
Illegal crossings are down at the southern border for the fifth straight month, according to the Department of Homeland Security. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with a national security wrap-up.
Humans have 2 bursts of aging, study finds
A new study finds that the average person experiences two rapid bursts of aging in their lifetime -- at ages 44 and 60. The research published in the journal "Nature Aging" examined age-related changes in the molecules of more than 100 adults. Stanford researcher Michael Snyder, co-author of the study, joins to discuss.
Bermuda braces for Hurricane Ernesto
Hurricane Ernesto is barreling towards Bermuda after pummeling Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Category 2 storm is expected to reach Bermuda by Saturday. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff reports from Hamilton, Bermuda.
Biden optimistic about Gaza cease-fire deal
The U.S., Egypt and Qatar say cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas will continue in Cairo next week. The three countries, acting as mediators, say they presented both parties with a proposal that "builds on areas of agreement over the past week, and bridges remaining gaps in the manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal." President Biden expressed optimism about a potential cease-fire, saying "we are closer than we've ever been" after talks in Doha. CBS News foreign correspondent Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Breaking
Gaetz ethics report says his drug use, sex with a minor violated state laws
A report by the House Ethics Committee found former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid multiple women, including a 17-year-old girl, for sex.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
Woman fatally set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway, police say
A woman died after she was set on fire aboard the New York City subway on an F train in Brooklyn, police say.
Starbucks strike expands to more cities just days before Christmas
Starbucks baristas and Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in handful of U.S. cities as they seek wage increases.
Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
U.S.
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Starbucks strike expands to more cities just days before Christmas
Starbucks baristas and Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in handful of U.S. cities as they seek wage increases.
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
MoneyWatch
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Starbucks strike expands to more cities just days before Christmas
Starbucks baristas and Amazon delivery drivers are on strike in handful of U.S. cities as they seek wage increases.
Nordstrom to go private in $6.25 billion deal with Nordstrom family
Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal.
Walmart accused of illegally opening costly accounts for drivers
Walmart and Branch Messenger, a payments platform, accused of deceiving workers about pay from retailer for two years.
The Container Store says it's filing for bankruptcy protection
The Container Store said it is filing for bankruptcy protection after years of losses and declining sales.
Honda and Nissan announce plans to merge
Honda and Nissan have announced plans to merge, forming world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels.
Politics
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Who are the three federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden did not commute
President Biden left in place the capital sentences of Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
Read the full Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee has released its long-awaited report on allegations of misconduct by former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Read the full report here.
6 key takeaways from the Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee released its highly anticipated report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use and obstruction. He denies wrongdoing.
Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Biden commutes sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates
President Biden is granting clemency to 37 of the 40 federal inmates facing death sentences. Their sentences will be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
How to stay healthy during holiday gatherings
Seasonal illnesses are increasing just days away from the holidays. The CDC reports positive flu tests are up 9% in the most recent week and cases of whooping cough are six times last year's rate. Dr. Susannah Hills, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how to stay safe.
Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Are you contagious? Here's when you're most likely to spread COVID, flu, RSV
How long are you contagious after getting COVID, flu, RSV, pneumonia and more? Here's what to know to keep others safe this holiday season.
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
World
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Greenland's leader says "we are not for sale" after Trump suggests U.S. takeover
President-elect Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the Panama Canal should belong to the United States.
Australia approves extradition of former U.S. Marine
Former U.S. Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese aviators.
Philippines says it will buy U.S. Typhon missile system, angering China
The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."
Over 1,000 North Korean casualties in Russia-Ukraine war, South Korea says
North Korea has sent thousands of troops to reinforce the Russian military in its war against Ukraine.
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
Entertainment
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Meet the man behind Bergdorf Goodman's iconic holiday windows
This year's holiday displays at Bergdorf Goodman honor Fifth Avenue's bicentennial and will be on display through Jan. 6.
Samara Joy on new album, family tour
Samara Joy, the 25-year-old jazz sensation and three-time Grammy winner, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about her new album "Portrait" and her holiday tour with family.
Boyd Holbrook on his role as Johnny Cash
In the highly anticipated film "A Complete Unknown," Boyd Holbrook portrays Johnny Cash and brings to life the music legend's early interactions with Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet. Holbrook joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about the role.
Blake Lively accuses costar of smear campaign
Actress and producer Blake Lively has accused Justin Baldoni, her costar and the director of "It Ends with Us," of repeated sexual harassment on set and of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni's attorney called the claims "categorically false."
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Technology
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Health care AI, intended to save money, requires expensive humans
Despite the hype over artificial intelligence in medicine, the systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and maintain.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
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.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
What to know about Mangione not-guilty plea
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing, entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment on New York state murder and terrorism charges Monday. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi have more.
Mangione attorney speaks at arraignment
During Luigi Mangione's arraignment on New York state charges Monday, his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, addressed the court about concerns she has about Mangione having a fair trial in the case. Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges stemming from the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Inside Mangione arraignment on state charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday morning to the New York state murder and terrorism charges he's facing for allegedly shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi have the latest.
CEO killing suspect to be arraigned
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to appear in a New York court Monday to face state charges, including first-degree murder as a crime of terrorism.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terrorism charges
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
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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.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
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.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
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.
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What to know about Mangione not-guilty plea
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing, entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment on New York state murder and terrorism charges Monday. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano and CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi have more.
Popular movies to see this holiday season
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" took down the competition at the box office over the weekend. Erik Davis, the managing editor of Fandango, discusses the movie and other hits to see this holiday season.
Trump says he hasn't ceded presidency to Musk
President-elect Donald Trump over the weekend dismissed concerns about Elon Musk's influence after the billionaire helped tank a congressional spending bill last week. Democratic strategist Joel Payne and Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez joined CBS News to discuss that and some of the other top political news of the week.
Tips for travel this holiday season
More than 119 million Americans will travel for the holiday season, according to AAA. Megan Spurrell, associate director of articles for Condé Nast Traveler, has tips on what to expect.
Ethics report: Gaetz paid for sex with minor
The House Ethics Committee report on Matt Gaetz says it found evidence the former congressman paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl and used illegal drugs, according to a final draft of the comprehensive investigative report obtained by CBS News. Gaetz has denied the allegations. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.