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
Latest Videos
Latest Videos
Significance of Obamas' endorsement of Harris
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination Friday. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.
WNBA All-Star Game takes over Phoenix
Two new faces at this weekend's WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix will be rookie sensations Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Both athletes have super-charged women's basketball. And as more people are tuning in to the WNBA, there is a new team on the horizon. Jess Smith, president of the Golden State Valkyries, which will debut as the WNBA's 13th basketball team in 2025, joins CBS News to discuss.
Best beach read recommendations for summer
If you're headed to the beach at all this summer, you'll need a few things: Sunscreen, a towel, maybe some snacks -- but definitely a good book. Sarah Gelman, editorial director of Amazon Books, joins CBS News with some recommendations for the best beach reads of the season.
Study: Climate change is making days longer
This summer millions of people have experienced the fact that climate change is making our days hotter, but new research shows it is also making them longer. CBS News' Lana Zak explains.
Marking 55 years since Apollo 11 moon landing
This weekend marks 55 years since the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins CBS News to look back on the small step for man and giant leap for mankind.
Security concerns after Trump rally shooting
Nearly a week after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, federal authorities still don't have a motive for the shooting. Earlier this week, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security released an updated security bulletin outlining threats they are monitoring ahead of the November election. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
More workers opting for "quiet vacations"
According to a new Wall Street Journal article, some workers are taking a mini vacation as they work remotely instead of using the vacation days they get each year. Sanvi Bangalore, author of the piece, joins CBS News to explore the phenomenon.
U.S. vows to push for Gershkovich's release
A Russian court sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison on espionage charges Friday. President Biden has vowed to "push hard" for his release. Washington Post Russia reporter Mary Ilyushina has the latest.
Officials investigating Tel Aviv drone strike
Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a drone strike in Tel Aviv that killed one person and wounded several others. The State Department said it is working with Israeli authorities to investigate the attack. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports.
Congress to hear from Secret Service director
Federal authorities are still investigating the events that led up to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The Secret Service is facing significant criticism for its failure to prevent the tragedy, with its director heading to Capitol Hill on Monday for questioning. CBS News senior coordinating producer for crime and public safety Anna Schecter has more.
First Trump-Vance rally; Biden recovers from COVID
Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, will hold their first joint campaign rally Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Meanwhile, President Biden says he will return to the campaign trail next week after testing positive for COVID-19. CBS News' Willie James Inman and Taurean Small have the latest.
What caused the CrowdStrike-Microsoft outage?
A global tech outage Friday grounded planes, sent offices offline and disrupted multiple industries. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike says it identified a critical problem in its software and is working to fix the issue. Justin Cappos, professor and cybersecurity expert at New York University's Tandon School of Engineering, joins CBS News to explain what caused the outage and when things could return to normal.
Biden trying to rally support in Detroit
President Biden campaigned in the key battleground state of Michigan to rally support Friday night as lawmaker confidence in his candidacy continues to unravel on Capitol Hill. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest.
Why judge dismissed Alec Baldwin "Rust" case
A judge dismissed Alec Baldwin's involuntary manslaughter case after a motion from the actor's defense team Friday. Baldwin faced charges for the 2021 accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins while on the set of his film "Rust." Entertainment attorney Tre Lovell joins with analysis.
SpongeBob to host Kids' Choice Awards
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star are hosting the 2024 Kids' Choice Awards on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ this Saturday. Taylor Swift is the most nominated artist in the jam-packed awards, which feature a whopping 33 categories that span music, film, TV, sports, animation, social media and video games. Paul Medford, executive producer of the show, joins CBS News with a preview.
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Pope welcomes Christmas at newly restored St. Peter's Basilica
New renovations and AI-powered digital tours offer visitors a chance to see the historic site ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden vetoes 66 new federal judgeships, blames "hurried" House action
President Biden vetoed an effort to add 66 federal judgeships, saying "hurried action" by the House left important questions unanswered.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Suspect who allegedly set woman on fire in subway fanned flames, prosecutors say
Authorities are revealing more details surrounding the killing of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on the New York City subway.
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1 billion for Christmas Eve drawing
A Mega Millions player may win a big jackpot on Christmas Eve. The lottery prize for the December drawing is at an $1 billion.
At least 2 journalists killed in shooting during hospital reopening in Haiti
The suspected gang attack occurred when journalists were covering the reopening of Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital on Christmas Eve.
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room blast
The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria following an explosion in the engine room, officials said.
U.S.
More U.S.
Hanukkah this year starts on Christmas Day in rare occurrence
The eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah starts on Christmas Day in 2024, an occurrence that happens very infrequently.
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Starbucks strike shuts down hundreds of locations
More than 5,000 workers were expected to take part in walkout that ends later on Christmas Eve, their union says.
MoneyWatch
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Starbucks strike shuts down hundreds of locations
More than 5,000 workers were expected to take part in walkout that ends later on Christmas Eve, their union says.
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2024? Stores you can visit today.
Here's which food stores, restaurants and other chains are open and closed today, Christmas Eve 2024.
Panel fails to reach consensus on national security risk of U.S. Steel sale
A government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel to purchase U.S. Steel.
CTA may require business owners to register with FinCEN before Jan. 13
The Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA, requires some businesses to register with FINCEN next month, or face fines. Here's what to know.
Politics
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Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
Among the new laws signed by President Biden are Paris Hilton's bill to protect institutionalized teenagers and a bill to address hazing on college campuses.
Bill Clinton discharged from hospital after being treated for flu
Former President Bill Clinton was released from a hospital in Washington. D.C., on Christmas Eve, following an overnight stay for treatment of a fever and flu.
Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids
President Biden has signed the annual defense authorization bill into law.
Key parts of Arkansas law allowing criminal charges vs. librarians struck down
A federal judge struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing "harmful" materials to minors.
Biden vetoes 66 new federal judgeships, blames "hurried action" by House
President Biden vetoed an effort to add 66 federal district judgeships, saying "hurried action" by the House left important questions unanswered.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Expert tips to support your immune system
With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
World
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At least 2 journalists killed in shooting during hospital reopening in Haiti
The suspected gang attack occurred when journalists were covering the reopening of Port-au-Prince's biggest public hospital on Christmas Eve.
Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room blast
The ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria following an explosion in the engine room, officials said.
2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
Swiss Olympic snowboarder dies in avalanche at 26 years old
Sophie Hediger, a member of Switzerland's snowboard cross team, competed at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Pope welcomes Christmas at newly restored St. Peter's Basilica
New renovations and AI-powered digital tours offer visitors a chance to see the historic site ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Angel Blue on Met role debut in "Aida" and Opera journey
Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music's "Vocalist of the Year," is set to perform the title role in "Aida" at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins "CBS Mornings Plus."
Netflix carrying 2 NFL games on Christmas Day. It's a big step.
Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
Denzel Washington gets minister's license at Harlem church
Just shy of his 70th birthday, Denzel Washington has a new line to add to an already impressive résumé.
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.
Technology
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Technology
AI features dominating tech heading into 2025
New artificial intelligence features appeared across the tech landscape this year, from the latest iPhone to chatbots like Google's Gemini. Adam Auriemma, the editor-in-chief at CNET, joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Researchers develop robot to help people walk
A robotic exosuit may seem like science fiction, but a team of South Korean researchers is turning the concept into reality. CBS News' Leah Mishkin explains how the new tech is helping people with disabilities walk on their own.
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.
Holiday shoppers on the lookout for big TVs
TVs are some of the most popular items to fly off store shelves during the holidays. But this year, experts say shoppers are going bigger than ever. CBS News' Jeff Wagner explains.
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.
Science
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2,600-year-old shipwreck is raised from waters off Spain
An ancient shipwreck that dates back to the 7th century B.C.E. has been removed from waters off Spain, two decades after its discovery in 1994.
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.
Crime
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Suspect who allegedly set woman on fire in subway fanned flames, prosecutors say
Authorities are revealing more details surrounding the killing of a woman who was set on fire while sleeping on the New York City subway.
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court in New York City and pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges. His lawyer criticized what he called the case's political nature as Mangione was led into the hearing with his hands shackled.
Prosecutor drops appeal, ending case against Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting
The appeal had asked the court to reinstate charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against Alec Baldwin.
CEO murder suspect pleads not guilty in state case
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York state court Monday. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the back and leg in Manhattan earlier this month. Lilia Luciano has more.
Legendary drug lord released from U.S. prison, deported to Colombia, freed
Fabio Ochoa arrived at Bogota's El Dorado airport on a deportation flight on Monday, wearing a grey sweatshirt and carrying his personal belongings in a plastic bag.
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.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts
After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.
Pope Francis kicks off Jubilee year
Pope Francis ushered in the start of a Jubilee year at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. The Vatican has spent years prepping for the once every quarter-century event. Chris Livesay has the story.
Mega Millions jackpot hits $1 billion
The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an estimated $1 billion for the drawing on Christmas Eve. It's only the seventh time in the game's history the jackpot has hit that mark. Dave Malkoff has more.
Former President Clinton discharged from hospital
Former President Bill Clinton was discharged from a Washington, D.C., hospital on Tuesday after being treated for the flu.
Dangerous surf on the Pacific Coast
A wharf in Santa Cruz, California, partially collapsed Monday, sending three workers inspecting the wharf into the ocean. At least one person was killed in a separate incident and two others are missing as a result of dangerous surf along the West Coast. Elise Preston has more.