FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
Battery storage key to renewable energy's success
Battery storage is what allows renewable energy to provide power even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. It's key to making the electrical grid reliable as we transition away from coal and gas. Ben Tracy examines how battery technology is improving.
Why don't lithium-ion batteries work well in the cold? A battery researcher explains.
Cold isn't kind to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: They can be harder to charge and at greater risk of catching fire.
How lithium could change one region's prospects
In Southern California's Imperial Valley, unemployment is high, wages are low and agriculture is the dominant industry. But the move to electric vehicles may turn the region into "Lithium Valley." John Blackstone explains.
Lithium-ion battery caused deadly Harlem apartment fire, FDNY says
One person was killed, 17 were injured and dozens of people were displaced.
Fatal fires serve as cautionary tale of dangers of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries were responsible for at least 220 fires in New York City last year.
Used tires could help expand market for electric vehicle batteries
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
FDNY: Sunday's Crown Heights fatal fire caused by lithium-ion battery
Commissioner Laura Kavanagh issued strong words for retailers who continue to sell uncertified batteries, and food delivery companies whose workers use scooters and e-bikes.
California's shrinking toxic Salton Sea raising health alarms
Without the replenishment of Colorado River water, the Salton Sea is rapidly receding, exposing a dry and toxic lakebed to the wind.
Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise. Are firefighters ready?
Experts say lithium-ion battery fires pose unique risks requiring specialized training, but CBS News has found gaps in fire safety training, research and regulation.
Automaker takes fire training on the road
GM's safety engineer Joe McLaine speaks with CBS News' Ash-har Quraishi about training and the automaker's recommendations for electric and hybrid vehicle fire safety.
U.S. Fire Administrator on lithium-ion risks
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the head of the U.S. Fire Administration, discusses lithium-ion battery safety training and research.
Firefighter creates EV Rescue app
Some firefighters use a third-party app to reference vehicles' Emergency Response Guides, or ERGs. Developed by a New York firefighter and an auto industry veteran, the EV Rescue app aggregates hundreds of guides, making it easy for firefighters to access them.
Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise
Lithium-Ion battery fires pose unique challenges to firefighters. CBS News' Ash-har Quraishi reports few firefighters know how to effectively extinguish these fires.
Can the U.S. meet growing demand for lithium?
The hottest metal on the market right now is not gold or iron -- it's lithium. The metal is a necessary ingredient for producing electric vehicle batteries, making it more valuable than ever. Ivan Penn, energy reporter for The New York Times, joined CBS News to discuss the importance of lithium and its environmental impact.
Lithium industry develops in one of the poorest sections of California
As demand for electric vehicles grows, companies are racing to develop what's being called Lithium Valley in California, with plans to extract the metal to power batteries.
Lithium extraction coming to CA as auto industry goes electric
As the U.S. auto industry goes green, companies are developing lithium extraction for batteries in California's Imperial Valley. Bill Whitaker reports.
Biden signs government funding bill, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure will fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people - including a 9-year-old - and injuring 200 others.
House Ethics Committee expected to release Matt Gaetz report on Monday
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JC Penny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
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Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
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.
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.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
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At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
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Entertainment
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Entertainment
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
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How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
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The man behind method acting
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Technology
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Technology
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.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
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FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
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
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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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Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
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Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
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Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
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Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
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?
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NASA delayes return date for astronauts
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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
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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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"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 21, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with David Wade.
Boy's own newspaper brings neighborhood together
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Chicago elf brings joy to children in hospitals
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Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Trump takes aim at Canada, Trudeau
President-elect Donald Trump this week once again issued several taunts directed at America's largest trading partner, Canada, and Justin Trudeau, its prime minister. Christian Benavides has the latest.