12/22: CBS Weekend News
Holiday travel rush peaks on Sunday; What it's like to live on California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
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A look at California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
Every year, the residents of one block in Alameda, California, pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Itay Hod shares the story of what's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."
How toy libraries cut down on waste of spending
With the holidays fast approaching, some are turning to toy libraries for their gifting needs. Toy libraries look much like toy stores, but the items are there to be borrowed instead of bought. Natalie Brand takes a closer look at how they work.
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Workers divided over sale of U.S. Steel
U.S. Steel workers are divided over the possible sale of the company to Japanese manufacturer Nippon Steel. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both voiced opposition to the deal, and Mr. Biden may signal an official stance on trying to block the deal as early as Monday. Erica Brown reports.
Some Syrians living abroad returning home
Many Syrians who have been living abroad, some for decades, are returning home after the fall of the Assad regime. But there remain mixed feelings of hope and trepidation for some. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Holiday travel rush peaks on Sunday
The Sunday before Christmas marked the busiest travel day of the holiday season, as millions of Americans packed airports, train stations and the roads. Elise Preston reports.
"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 22, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with Jericka Duncan.
Chicago elf brings joy to children in hospitals
The Chicago group Holiday Heroes seeks to bring joy and light to brave children at 18 different hospitals. Noel Brennan has more.
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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.
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.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
More than 119 million U.S. holiday travelers expected to hit roads, skies
More than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day, which would top the previous holiday-season high set in 2019, according to AAA.
Planned Starbucks strike in 3 cities could spread nationwide
Workers at Starbucks stores in three cities plan to go on a five-day strike that could spread nationwide.
Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, over 40 others convicted in rape, drugging trial
Gisèle Pelicot said she had no regrets, but hope for the future after a judge sentenced her ex-husband to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her for years.
Communities facing air pollution threats worry about EPA rollbacks under Trump
In the U.S., the biggest polluters are often concentrated in underserved, mostly minority communities.
Trump shakes up spending talks with call to eliminate debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump Trump said lawmakers should oppose any sweeping spending measure that includes "traps" and abolish the debt limit before he takes office next year.
Eye On America
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Eye On America
Eye on America: Inside human smuggling rings
In California, we speak to an anthropologist whose new book offers firsthand accounts from human smugglers helping people cross into the U.S. illegally. And in Nebraska, we hear from experts raising the alarm that road barricades aren’t strong enough against heavier electric vehicles. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
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.
Bill targets AI-generated "deepfake pornography"
A 15-year-old girl who fell victim to artificial intelligence-created deepfake pornography is pushing Congress to pass a bill that would require social media companies and websites to remove non-consensual, pornographic images created with AI. Jim Axelrod reports.
How one group is taking on male loneliness
The surgeon general says male loneliness should be considered a national epidemic. For "Eye on America," Mark Strassmann takes a look at how one group in Massachusetts is helping men open up and be more vulnerable with each other.
Tribal land around California park being returned
Some 125 acres bordering Redwood National and State Parks in California are being returned to the Yurok Tribe. Jonathan Vigliotti explores what this return, and others like it, could mean for the preservation of the landscape.
Person to Person with Norah O'Donnell
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Person to Person with Norah O'Donnell
Norah O'Donnell interviews Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
In this episode of "Person to Person," "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell conducted the first television interview with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson since she was confirmed to the high court.
Norah O'Donnell interviews CVS CEO Karen Lynch
In this episode of "Person to Person with Norah O'Donnell," O'Donnell speaks with CVS Health CEO and author Karen Lynch about her life and career.
Norah O'Donnell interviews Adam Grant
In this episode of Person to Person with Norah O’Donnell, O’Donnell speaks with author and professor Adam Grant about his newest book, as he discusses unlocking your hidden potential.
Norah O'Donnell interviews Arthur Brooks
In this episode of Person to Person with Norah O’Donnell, O’Donnell speaks with author and professor Arthur Brooks about his partnership with Oprah Winfrey and the key to living a happier life.
Norah O'Donnell interviews Mitt Romney
In this episode of Person to Person with Norah O’Donnell, O’Donnell speaks with Senator Mitt Romney about his place in the Republican party, his family’s influence and what’s next for him in politics.
On The Road
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Secret Santa gives thousands of dollars to North Carolina victims of Helene
Every year, this anonymous, wealthy businessman travels the country during the holidays, giving away about $100,000 in $100 bills.
Bills rookie Ray Davis reflects on the brotherly bond that changed his life
For the Bills' Sunday Night Football tilt against the 49ers, Ray Davis wore a picture on his cleats paying tribute to the day he first met Patrick Dowley about 17 years ago.
Ernie Johnson, wife found healing by "unlocking" their late son's key collection
Ernie and Cheryl Johnson had planned to hold onto their late son Michael's quirky key collection forever. But then they met 6-year-old Cooper Kivett.
Son gifts father a restored Camaro decades after he let one go to raise a family
Jared Guynes spent three years scouring the internet for parts and putting together a 1967 Chevy Camaro piece by piece, which he gifted his father on his 65th birthday.
Maine dogs go viral for their autumn joy
Jody Hartman of Freeport, Maine, went viral for giving his pets the OK to run and jump through the autumn leaf piles.
Full Episodes
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Full Episodes
12/22: CBS Weekend News
Holiday travel rush peaks on Sunday; What it's like to live on California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
12/21: CBS Weekend News
At least 5 dead, 200 injured in German Christmas market car attack; Chicago elf brings comfort and joy to children in hospitals
12/20: CBS Evening News
At least 2 dead, dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack; Kids inspired by Secret Santa give out total of $10,000 to strangers
12/19: CBS Evening News
Mangione appears in court on federal murder charges after being extradited to New York; EPA’s efforts to tackle pollution in disadvantaged communities could be under threat
12/18: CBS Evening News
Last-minute government funding bill in limbo after opposition from Trump, others; Lawmakers target AI-generated “deepfake pornography”
Norah O'Donnell - Author Bio Component
U.S.
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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.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Drones collide, fall into crowd at holiday show in Florida, FAA says
A holiday drone show just days before Christmas was interrupted when drones collided, officials said.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji dead at age 26
Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI who openly questioned the legality of its data-gathering practices, died by suicide, authorities said.
MoneyWatch
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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.
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."
Politics
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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.
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.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
HealthWatch
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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.
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.
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.
World
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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.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
U.S. Navy crew ejects 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
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"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."
Holiday music with Darren Criss: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Darren Criss, the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," helps "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of the Hugh Martin-Ralph Blane standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Music with Darren Criss: "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
Darren Criss (the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending") and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season."
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
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
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
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.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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12/22 : The Takeout: Rep. Jamie Raskin
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin joins "The Takeout" with lawmakers facing a government shutdown deadline. Raskin discusses Elon Musk's increasing influence in Washington, and President-elect Donald Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders around the world. He also looks at where Democrats went wrong in the 2024 election, and how they need to better communicate key issues to voters.
A look at California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
Every year, the residents of one block in Alameda, California, pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Itay Hod shares the story of what's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."
How toy libraries cut down on waste of spending
With the holidays fast approaching, some are turning to toy libraries for their gifting needs. Toy libraries look much like toy stores, but the items are there to be borrowed instead of bought. Natalie Brand takes a closer look at how they work.
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Workers divided over sale of U.S. Steel
U.S. Steel workers are divided over the possible sale of the company to Japanese manufacturer Nippon Steel. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both voiced opposition to the deal, and Mr. Biden may signal an official stance on trying to block the deal as early as Monday. Erica Brown reports.