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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Preliminary report details Trump shooting
Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana released a preliminary report Thursday detailing the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the initial response by authorities in the area. CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane joins to discuss what's in the report.
JD Vance speaks to police union in Wisconsin
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, campaigned Friday in Wisconsin, where he spoke to police union members. His stop there comes on the heels of former President Donald Trump's press conference where he blamed Vice President Kamala Harris for inflation and other economic issues. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has details.
Harris lays out proposal for economic relief
Vice President Kamala Harris laid out an economic agenda she seeks to implement in the first 100 days if elected president. Her proposal includes an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, helping first-time home buyers with their down payments and banning price gouging for groceries. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more.
Spain wins gold in men's soccer final
The men's Olympic soccer final came to an exciting close in Paris on Friday, with Spain taking down France 5-3 to claim the gold. It's the first time in 32 years a European team won the gold medal in men's soccer at the Summer Olympics. CBS News producer Elizabeth Campbell joins with a recap from Paris.
Movie theaters eye ways to boost attendance
Movie ticket sales for 2024 currently fall at roughly $4.8 billion, significantly less than what was made by this point last year. It leads analysts to believe that ticket sales this year will not rise to pre-pandemic levels. Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer for Variety, joins CBS News to examine the changing trends in the movie theater industry to try and improve attendance.
Tips on keeping safe amid listeria outbreak
As of Friday evening, three people have died in the U.S. due to the listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats. In July, Boar's Head recalled seven million pounds of deli meats after a liverwurst sample collected in Maryland tested positive for listeria. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook joins to discuss the risks, diagnosis and how to stay safe.
Man charged in plot to kill U.S. officials
This week, the Justice Department charged a Pakistani national with plotting to assassinate current and former U.S. officials. Suspect Asif Merchant has alleged ties to the Iranian government and is accused of planning a murder-for-hire scheme targeting multiple prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with a national security wrap-up.
Marking 10 years since Michael Brown's death
Ten years ago in Ferguson, Missouri, a White police officer shot and killed a young, unarmed Black teenager named Michael Brown. A grand jury decided not to indict the officer and to this day, no one has been charged. A new CBS primetime special is taking a look back at the shooting and its aftermath.
Debby remnants disrupt flights in Northeast
The remnants of Debby made their way north Friday, dumping heavy rain that's caused severe flash floods in the region. The severe rainfall has forced many flight delays in the Northeast. CBS News' Tom Hanson has more from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Trump campaigns in Montana, Harris in Arizona
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were on the campaign trail on Friday in Montana and Arizona, respectively. CBS News' Natalie Brand and Jake Rosen report.
Officials outline security threats to DNC
A new federal threat assessment from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security is warning about potential attacks at the Democratic National Convention later in August. The memo cites the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump as the reason for the heightened concern. CBS News homeland security and justice reporter Nicole Sganga has more.
More than 60 killed in Brazil plane crash
A passenger plane carrying more than 60 people crashed in southern Brazil on Friday. The airline says everyone aboard died. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has the details.
Tips for Americans attending Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics have drawn an estimated 15 million people to the City of Light. After living there for over six years, influencer Amanda Rollins has gained more than 1 million TikTok followers and 209,000 on Instagram through her "American Fille" blog. Rollins joins CBS News to share tips for Americans visiting Paris.
Air New Zealand abandons 2030 emissions goal
Air New Zealand has become the first major airline to cancel its goal to cut carbon emissions by 2030. John Gradek, coordinator of McGill University's Aviation Management Program, joins CBS News to discuss the decision and examine how it could affect the industry.
Election protests continue in Venezuela
The U.S. has recognized Venezuela's opposition candidate Edmundo González as the winner of last weekend's presidential election, despite President Nicolás Maduro claiming victory. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano examines what the acknowledgment means for Maduro and Venezuela.
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.
Who are the 3 federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden didn't commute?
President Biden left in place the capital punishment sentences of just three federal inmates: Robert Bowers, Dzhokar Tsarnaev and Dylann Roof.
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.
Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
NYC police charge man with murder of woman set on fire on subway
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder and arson after a woman sleeping on the New York City subway was set on fire and died, police say.
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.
Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion for Christmas Eve lottery drawing
A Mega Millions player may win a big jackpot on Christmas Eve. The lottery prize for the December drawing is at an estimated $944 million.
U.S.
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Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
Mega Millions jackpot nears $1 billion for Christmas Eve lottery drawing
A Mega Millions player may win a big jackpot on Christmas Eve. The lottery prize for the December drawing is at an estimated $970 million.
Dairy farmers struggle to cover expenses as American appetites change
The work never ends on a dairy farm. The job is "rewarding spiritually, not always financially," New York farmer Nate Chittenden says.
Ex-D.C. police officer convicted of lying about leaks to Proud Boys leader
A retired police officer in the nation's capital has been convicted of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group.
Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupts again. See the photos.
Kilauea began erupting around 2:30 a.m. Monday morning local time at the base of the Halemaumau Crater within the summit caldera after elevated seismic activity was detected overnight.
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Dairy farmers struggle to cover expenses as American appetites change
The work never ends on a dairy farm. The job is "rewarding spiritually, not always financially," New York farmer Nate Chittenden says.
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.
Politics
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Bill Clinton hospitalized for "testing and observation" after developing fever
Former President Bill Clinton remains in "good spirits," a spokesman said.
Ex-D.C. police officer convicted of lying about leaks to Proud Boys leader
A retired police officer in the nation's capital has been convicted of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group.
Who are the 3 federal death row inmates whose sentences Biden didn't commute?
President Biden left in place the capital punishment sentences of just three federal inmates: 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.
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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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Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
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.
Entertainment
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Burt, the famous croc from "Crocodile Dundee" movie, dies in Australia
Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile that appeared alongside Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in the hit movie, was believed to be more than 90 years old.
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."
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.
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Crime
Mangione lawyer concerned about fair trial
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson remains behind bars after pleading not guilty to murder and terrorism charges Monday morning in New York. Luigi Mangione's lawyer argues that the multiple state and federal investigations conflict with his right to a fair trial. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reports.
NYC police charge man with murder of woman set on fire on subway
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was charged with murder and arson after a woman sleeping on the New York City subway was set on fire and died, police say.
Mangione's lawyer on fair trial right
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Luigi Mangione's lawyer, protested New York City Mayor Eric Adam's statements about the suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder case. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi breaks down the legal argument on the right to a fair trial.
Luigi Mangione's latest court appearance
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty in a New York court to charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports. Also, CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case's latest turns.
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.
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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Holiday weather forecast for across the U.S.
Millions across the West Coast and Central Plains are expecting a warm holiday season while the East is bracing for another round of cold weather. CBS News Philadelphia meteorologist Andrew Kozak has the latest forecast.
Previewing college football quarterfinals
Just eight teams remain in the first "expanded" college football playoff. Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas and Penn State were all able to take care of business on their home fields during the weekend's first-round action. CBS Sports HQ football analyst Emory Hunt joins with more on the playoff.
Poll: U.S. more hopeful for 2025 than 2024
A new CBS News poll finds Americans are more hopeful about 2025 than 2024. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto unpacks the numbers.
Trump denies Musk is "taking the presidency"
On Sunday, President-elect Donald Trump appeared in Arizona to speak at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center. Trump responded to a new attack from Democrats, saying that billionaire Elon Musk, who helped obstruct a spending bill to avert a government shutdown, is the one calling the shots. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has more from West Palm Beach, Florida.
Mangione lawyer concerned about fair trial
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson remains behind bars after pleading not guilty to murder and terrorism charges Monday morning in New York. Luigi Mangione's lawyer argues that the multiple state and federal investigations conflict with his right to a fair trial. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano reports.