"CBS Evening News" headlines for December 17, 2020
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Stephen Colbert
Joe Biden downplays recent gaffes
Former Vice President Joe Biden addressed a series of recent gaffes during a Wednesday appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." CBS News 2020 campaign reporter Bo Erickson discusses how voters are responding to Biden's recent slip-ups.
Biden defends gaffes on Colbert, jokingly calls him Jimmy Kimmel
"Any gaffe that I have made — and I've made gaffes like every politician I know has — have been not about the substance of issue," Biden said
Jon Stewart fires back at Mitch McConnell over 9/11 victims fund
"I beg of you, meet with [first responders] tomorrow," Stewart said to McConnell "But you know what? If you're busy, I get it"
Howard Stern talks about "wild" Trump on Colbert
Stern said things would be different if Hillary Clinton had come on his show – and he explained why Bernie Sanders is his "hero"
Swalwell says he's running for president
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced he is joining the 2020 presidential race. In an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Monday, Swalwell said he intends to make gun violence a key focus of his campaign.
Gayle King reveals new video from R. Kelly interview
"I know older women ... I love women," Kelly says in the clip, deflecting a question about why he continues seeing young women
Meghan McCain: I won't forget Trump's comments about my father
"I really want it made very clear that the Trumps had beef with me then and in the words of Cardi B, they're going to have beef with me forever," Meghan McCain told Stephen Colbert
Gillibrand announces 2020 bid
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has joined a growing list of Democrats who said they intend to run for president. The announcement came during a taping of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."
Kirsten Gillibrand formally enters 2020 race with Colbert appearance
The New York senator said her first priority as president would be to "restore what's been lost" in America
Stephen Colbert and Hugh Jackman remember Stan Lee on "The Late Show"
"Today, the world lost a legend," Colbert said
Julia Louis-Dreyfus honored for career achievement in comedy
"Veep" actress and "Seinfeld" alum is 21st person to be honored with the award by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Behind the songs of Jon Batiste's new album
Jon Batiste, bandleader of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," is out with a new album called "Hollywood Africans." In an interview with "CBS This Morning" co-host John Dickerson, Batiste plays and talks through the songs, "Kenner Boogie," "St. James Infirmary," "What a Wonderful World," and "Don’t Stop."
Colbert claims he has Kavanaugh’s 1982 day planner
The "Late Show" host joked one entry supposedly reads, "Remember to save calendar as future evidence"
Tiffany Haddish tells Colbert she doesn’t need a man
Haddish got naughty on the "Late Show" set
N.C. law could increase damage from hurricanes like Florence
State lawmakers banned using recent climate science to plan for the consequences of rising sea levels
Colbert challenges bearded Alex Trebek to trivia face-off
Colbert says there cannot be two "Colbeards"
Stephen Colbert "not surprised" by Leslie Moonves’ exit
Colbert said, "It's never a good sign when you're the subject of a Ronan Farrow double-dip"
Issa Rae shares advice from Shonda Rhimes on "The Late Show”
Rae told Stephen Colbert that one of her biggest issues is trying not to upset people
Colbert calls for "accountability" from CBS CEO Les Moonves
"Late Show" host Stephen Colbert spoke up about the sexual misconduct allegations against his boss, CBS CEO Les Moonves
Ocasio-Cortez explains democratic socialism on the "Late Show"
The 28-year-old activist who defeated powerful Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley in Tuesday's primary appeared on the "Late Show"
How late-night's joint cold open came about
Both Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon's late-night shows ran the same cold open Tuesday night, a first time for both. The idea was Colbert's. He called Fallon Tuesday and the "Tonight Show" host quickly agreed. Jimmy Kimmel was on vacation and totally off the grid, but Conan O'Brien also agreed right away to join in.
Bill Clinton: "Today" interview "wasn't my finest hour"
Former president has been criticized about his comments, especially when he said his critics are "omitting facts" to lump him in with other men accused of sexual assault and harassment
Bill Clinton's interview with Colbert
Former President Clinton was offered a second chance to discuss the #MeToo movement and the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Despite the friendly overture, Mr. Clinton took the same tone as in earlier interviews. CBSN's primary night panel - CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe, CBSN contributor Caitlin Huey-Burns of RealClearPolitics, Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez, and Democratic strategist Hari Sevugan -- discusses Mr. Clinton's recent comments.
Deadpool crashes "Late Show," trash-talks Trump
Stephen Colbert had a surprise guest on the "Late Show" when foul-mouthed superhero Deadpool crashed his monologue
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro bears the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fires U.S.-made missiles into Russia, and Ukraine claims Moscow may have used an ICBM.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
How could U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
College basketball player collapses and dies after workout
Kaiden Francis was a freshman basketball player from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and had recently passed multiple health screenings.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs but Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
U.S.
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Woman in coma after trying to save star golfer's son from drowning
Former British Open champion Brian Harman said a close family friend remains in a coma after trying to save his 6-year-old son.
College basketball player collapses and dies after workout
Kaiden Francis was a freshman basketball player from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and had recently passed multiple health screenings.
Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
MoneyWatch
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
Sheetz is cutting gas prices by 40 cents a gallon before Thanksgiving
As millions of Americans get ready to hit the road ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sheetz is offering a deal on fuel.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
Has life in the U.S. become too political? You can buy a house in Italy for $1.
A village in Sardinia is trying to entice politics-weary Americans to buy cheap homes in Italy.
Politics
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Alabama set to carry out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker is slated Thursday to become the third person executed in the U.S., and Alabama, by nitrogen gas.
Police report details woman's allegations against Pete Hegseth
A woman told police she was sexually assaulted in 2017 by Pete Hegseth, according to a detailed, newly-released police report. He is now President-elect Trump's choice for defense secretary.
Analysis: Election conspiracies persist, even with different outcomes
Conspiracies persist, although it is effectively impossible to steal a major election in the United States.
How could the U.S. military be used for Trump's mass deportation plan?
Trump signaled this week that he would enlist the help of the U.S. military for his massive deportation operation.
House Ethics Committee will keep Matt Gaetz report under wraps
Rep. Susan Wild said there was "no consensus" on the issue and the committee agreed to reconvene on Dec. 5.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
Are food recalls and outbreaks on the rise?
The FDA says America's food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," despite some recent high-profile recalls and outbreaks.
McDonald's pulls espresso drinks from some U.S. menus
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
Florida Gov. DeSantis' Canadian drug import plan goes nowhere after FDA approval
Florida sued the FDA over what it said was a "reckless delay" in approving its drug importation plan. Now, nearly a year after the FDA gave the state the green light, the program has yet to begin.
As "walking pneumonia" spreads, ER visits surge for sick babies
CDC data shows rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have surged in babies.
World
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Ancient amulet showing biblical king spearing devil is unearthed
The amulet was found during an ongoing excavation project in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city near Karabük, Turkey.
U.N. court ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas leader
The leaders are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes over the war in Gaza and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia hits back after Ukraine's strike using U.S. long-range missiles
Dnipro bears the brunt of Moscow's first retaliatory strike after Ukraine fires U.S.-made missiles into Russia, and Ukraine claims Moscow may have used an ICBM.
American among 4 tourists dead after drinking tainted booze in Laos
The American died in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos, the State Department confirmed.
U.S. indicts Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in $265 million bribery scheme
Gautam Adani, one of the world's richest people, is accused of concealing that a solar energy project was being facilitated by an alleged $265 million bribery scheme.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Chris Stapleton wins 4 CMAs; Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year
Chris Stapleton took home four Country Music Association Awards and hardly left the stage on Wednesday night, while an absent Morgan Wallen won the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year.
Paul Mescal on what he learned from working with Denzel Washington
Paul Mescal discusses his experience working with Oscar winner Denzel Washington in "Gladiator II," and what it was like to work on intense scenes together.
Clay Aiken on his new holiday album
Award-winning singer Clay Aiken, who rose to fame on American Idol, joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about his new holiday album, "Christmas Bells Are Ringing," and his rendition of Bing Crosby's "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Technology
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Justice Department calls for breakup of Google and sale of Chrome
The proposed breakup calls for Google to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser and impose restrictions designed to prevent its Android smartphone software from favoring its search engine.
Reddit is down for many users, reports say. Here's what to know.
Reddit says it's investigating after users on Wednesday reported problems connecting to the online forum.
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.
Deepfakes of Elon Musk contribute to billions in fraud losses
A study found that Elon Musk is the most common celebrity used in deepfake scams.
SpaceX successfully tests Starship
SpaceX successfully launched its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas for its sixth test flight Tuesday with its CEO Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump looking on. CBS News correspondent Jason Allen has more on the launch.
Science
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How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Energy Secretary Granholm on Trump presidency
Former leaders and climate experts have issued a letter calling the U.N.'s annual climate meeting "no longer fit for purpose." Recently, CBS News spoke with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the summit and what the incoming Trump presidency means for clean energy and climate change. The conversation took place before the president-elect made his pick for energy secretary.
Crime
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Crime
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Capitol rioter with "kill list" convicted of plot to murder FBI agents
Edward Kelley distributed a "kill list" and videos containing images of FBI employees to another person as part of his "mission," prosecutors say.
Man convicted of murder in slaying of Laken Riley
A judge Wednesday found a Venezuelan migrant guilty on all counts in the murder earlier this year of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.
Bryan Kohberger can face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of first degree murder in the 2022 stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students.
Florida man arrested in alleged plot to bomb New York Stock Exchange
South Florida native Harun Abdul-Malik Yener was charged with attempted use of an explosive to damage or destroy a building used in interstate commerce.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
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.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Eye Opener: Bomb cyclone slams Northwest
A powerful bomb cyclone slams the Northwest with heavy snow and hurricane force winds. Also, new details about sexual misconduct allegations against two of President-elect Trump's Cabinet picks. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Bilt Rewards announces new program
One-third of Americans who rent may not realize their payments don't necessarily contribute to their credit score. Bilt Rewards offers renters the chance to report payments, earn rewards, and track mortgage progress. Founder and CEO Ankur Jain explains a new program that will give homebuyers rewards, too.
Amanda Serrano on her fight with Katie Taylor
Boxer Amanda Serrano joins "CBS Mornings Plus" after her highly anticipated fight against Katie Taylor for the undisputed lightweight title. Despite a controversial decision, the match broke records with 74 million viewers on Netflix.
Stapleton, Wallen big winners at CMAs
Chris Stapleton took home four awards at the Country Music Association Awards, including song of the year and male vocalist of the year, but Morgan Wallen grabbed the night's biggest prize, entertainer of the year. Marcus K. Dowling, Nashville country music reporter for the Tennessean, joined CBS News to recap the ceremony.
ICC warrant for Netanyahu, Hamas officials
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the conditions civilians in Gaza endured "from at least 8 October 2023 to 20 May 2024." A Hamas leader who Israel says it killed over the summer has also been charged with crimes against humanity.