12/26: CBS Evening News
Severe weather hits Texas, Pacific Northwest with flash flooding, power outages; Virginia toy library offers an eco-friendly solution to a common problem
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Virginia toy library takes on the toy waste issue
The Toy Nest in Falls Church, Virginia, is a toy library that works on a membership program. The moms who buy-in say it allows them to cut down on toy waste, while saving money and adding variety. Natalie Brand explains how the novel idea works.
The negative repercussions of multitasking
Research suggests the human brain is not wired to multitask on complicated tasks, and experts say it can cause more damage to our wellbeing than we realize. Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
Trump's "border czar" on migrant detention plans
Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming "border czar," told the Washington Post in an interview this week that Trump's new administration plans to revive the controversial practice of detaining migrant families and giving undocumented parents the choice of leaving their U.S.-born children behind or having the children deported with them. Lilia Luciano reports.
How shippers handle the holiday gift return rush
At a FedEx shipping hub in Anchorage, Alaska, employees can sort up to 80,000 packages a day during the holidays. And as they're dealing with a last wave of Christmas gifts getting ready to ship out this week, they're also dealing with a new wave of gifts that are being returned. Kris Van Cleave takes an inside look at the process.
"CBS Evening News" headlines for Dec. 26, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News" with Jericka Duncan.
New questions about cause of Kazakhstan jet crash
There are new details about what may have caused a passenger jet that was headed from Azerbaijan to Russia to crash in Kazakhstan. A U.S. official told CBS News that there are preliminary indications that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have hit the plane, which was carrying 67 people. Several dozen people died in the crash, but dozens also survived. Chris Livesay has the latest.
Severe weather hits Texas, Pacific Northwest
Powerful thunderstorms forced ground stops that delayed dozens of flights at Dallas airports Thursday, while stormy weather downed trees and knocked out power to thousands of customers in Oregon and Washington. Kati Weis reports from Houston.
Academy teaches students the art of playing Santa
Twice a year, between 100 and 150 student Santas and Mrs. Clauses from as far away as Europe enroll at the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Atlanta for a three-day boot camp where they will learn to become professional Christmas entertainers. Skyler Henry has details.
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Questions mount about cause of Kazakhstan plane crash
After an Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed in Kazakhstan, speculation mounted about why the plane went down and whether possible Russian air defense action may have played a role.
Is multitasking a myth? Here's what research shows.
Busy lives have many of us juggling multiple tasks at once, but is that really multitasking? Here's what expert Linda Stone has learned about the myth of multitasking.
Storms, dense fog threaten holiday travel in parts of U.S.
Rain and high winds were expected roll through parts of Oregon and Washington, while fog settled over an area from Kansas City to Chicago.
The toy industry is bracing for the impact of Trump's promised tariffs
Toy stores and the toy industry are warning that Trump's pledge to add tariffs to Chinese imports could harm their businesses.
Plane crash in Kazakhstan killed dozens but some on board survived, officials say
Mobile phone footage circulating online appeared to show the Azerbaijani Airlines plane making a steep descent before slamming into the ground in a fireball in western Kazakhstan.
Pope shares Christmas message, marking start of church's Holy Year
Pilgrims lined up to walk through the great Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as Christmas marks the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration.
Body discovered in wheel well of plane at Maui airport
A body was found in the wheel well of United Airlines Flight 202, which left Chicago for Hawaii on Dec. 24, the airline said.
Will it snow on Christmas? Maps show holiday weather forecast
New York City woke up to its first white Christmas in 15 years. But only a few areas of the U.S. are likely to see snow in the weather forecast for Christmas 2024.
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.
Eye On America
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Eye On America
The negative repercussions of multitasking
Research suggests the human brain is not wired to multitask on complicated tasks, and experts say it can cause more damage to our wellbeing than we realize. Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
In show of unity, 4 pastors swap congregations
In Midland, Texas, four pastors from different denominations decided to exchange pulpits for one day in order to deliver a message about tolerance and acceptance to their congregations and the community. Jason Allen has more.
How a Georgia official took on a ransomware ring
2024 could go down as the worst year yet for ransomware attacks, in which hackers gain access to a computer server, lock up all the files and then demand payment to get the victims back online. For "Eye on America," Ash-har Quraishi has the inside story of how a public official in Atlanta stared down some of the world's most destructive cybercriminals.
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.
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
12/26: CBS Evening News
Severe weather hits Texas, Pacific Northwest with flash flooding, power outages; Virginia toy library offers an eco-friendly solution to a common problem
12/24: CBS Evening News
Who will see snow on Christmas day?; Mall Santas provide special service for kids with sensory issues
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
Norah O'Donnell - Author Bio Component
U.S.
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FDA wants new testing to detect asbestos in products with talc
The proposed rule is required under a law passed by Congress last year, and is intended to ensure the safety of makeup and baby powder.
Utah man accidentally causes avalanche, rescues trapped brother
The unidentified pair of brothers and their father were snowmobiling on Christmas Eve when the avalanche swept through.
NASA spacecraft safe after historic closest-ever approach to sun
NASA's Parker Solar Probe hurtled through the sizzling solar atmosphere and passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface.
Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
FDA wants new testing to detect asbestos in products with talc
The proposed rule is required under a law passed by Congress last year, and is intended to ensure the safety of makeup and baby powder.
What to know about returning unwanted holiday gifts
The National Retail Federation expects about 17% of sales to be returned this year.
Systane eye drops recalled due to potential fungal contamination
Fungal contamination of an eye product is known to potentially cause eye infections, which may be vision- or life-threatening, according to the FDA.
Former Suzuki Motors CEO Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Japanese mini-vehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp., has died.
Richard Parsons, executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at age 76
Richard Parsons was known as a skilled negotiator, a diplomat and a crisis manager.
Politics
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Marc Fogel designated as "wrongfully detained" in Russia
Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania man imprisoned in Russia, has been designated as "wrongfully detained," according to the U.S. Department of State.
Trump picks Miami-Dade commissioner as ambassador to Panama
Cabrera is county commissioner of District 6, which represents parts of Coral Gables, Hialeah and the City of Miami.
Biden heads to St. Croix for final holiday as president
President Biden's final holiday in office will take place largely out of the public eye.
What to know about the Panama Canal's history amid Trump comments
Here's what to know about the United States' involvement with building and operating the Panama Canal.
Marianne Williamson launches bid for DNC chair
Marianne Williamson sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and 2024.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
FDA wants new testing to detect asbestos in products with talc
The proposed rule is required under a law passed by Congress last year, and is intended to ensure the safety of makeup and baby powder.
Systane eye drops recalled due to potential fungal contamination
Fungal contamination of an eye product is known to potentially cause eye infections, which may be vision- or life-threatening, according to the FDA.
Is multitasking a myth? Here's what research shows.
Busy lives have many of us juggling multiple tasks at once, but is that really multitasking? Here's what expert Linda Stone has learned about the myth of multitasking.
Why some children are turning to GLP-1 drugs
A growing number of young people are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Janet Shamlian examines why.
Pet food brand issues recall over bird flu contamination
A voluntary recall was issued for a line of raw and frozen pet food after a cat died of bird flu.
World
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Marc Fogel designated as "wrongfully detained" in Russia
Marc Fogel, a Pennsylvania man imprisoned in Russia, has been designated as "wrongfully detained," according to the U.S. Department of State.
Italian government says journalist detained in Iran
Italy's Foreign Ministry says it's trying to "clarify the legal situation of Cecilia Sala" more than a week after she was detained while reporting in Iran.
Former Suzuki Motors CEO Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, the charismatic former boss of Japanese mini-vehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp., has died.
Scientists say people hit with 41 extra days of dangerous heat this year
Researchers say human-caused climate change dealt people an average of nearly six weeks of extra extreme heat in 2024, while also fueling more destructive storms.
Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border
Authorities have found 12 skeletons buried in clandestine graves in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state near the U.S. border, officials say.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Cheyenne Grace topping the charts
Cheyenne Grace, a rising star from North Texas who is a high school student, is topping the iTunes charts with her debut holiday album, "Home for Christmas."
NFL doubleheader on Christmas Day sets streaming viewership records
Baltimore's victory over Houston averaged 24.3 million viewers, while Kansas City's win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 million, according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen.
Judge rules that accuser in rape suit against Jay-Z, Diddy can remain anonymous
A judge ruled that a woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs when she was 13 can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.
"Baby Driver" actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies after falling from a moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor known for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," died Dec. 21 in Alabama, authorities said.
Beyoncé's halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate
Beyoncé surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform "Sweet Honey Buckiin," and Post Malone joined her for "Levii's Jeans."
Technology
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ChatGPT recovers after being hit by outages, OpenAI says
The OpenAI issue was caused by an "upstream provider," according to the artificial intelligence organization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
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These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
Orca who carried her dead calf for 17 days has a new baby
Tahlequah has a newborn girl, years after she made headlines for carrying her dead calf for 17 days.
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.
Crime
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Dozen skeletons found in hidden graves in Mexico near U.S. border
Authorities have found 12 skeletons buried in clandestine graves in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state near the U.S. border, officials say.
Man accused of burning woman on subway indicted on murder, arson charges
A grand jury has indicted the man accused of setting a woman on fire aboard a Brooklyn subway train, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez announced Friday.
Japan's "Black Widow" death row inmate dies at 78
Japanese death-row inmate Chisako Kakehi, dubbed the "Black Widow" after she used cyanide to kill her elderly lovers, has died in a detention center at age 78, officials say,
Florida pizza delivery worker allegedly stabs pregnant customer after $2 tip
A pizza delivery worker, upset over a tip, allegedly repeatedly stabbed a pregnant woman at a Florida motel, a sheriff's office says.
Trump assassination attempt news
Ryan Routh, the man accused of trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump near his Florida golf course, could have his trial delayed as his lawyer mounts a legal defense. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the latest developments.
Space
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NASA spacecraft safe after historic closest-ever approach to sun
NASA's Parker Solar Probe hurtled through the sizzling solar atmosphere and passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface.
These space missions will take off in 2025
Space agencies worldwide are gearing up missions in 2025 to expand humanity's horizons, from the moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond.
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.
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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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Rising trend of financial literacy courses
Only 10 states require students to take a personal finance course to graduate from high school, but by 2031, it's expected to jump to 26. Studies show requiring financial education improves credit scores, lowers loan delinquency rates and reduces the likelihood of falling behind on credit card payments.
"This Dish": Inside Maple Tree Inn
In this week's "The Dish," Nancy Chen visits Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn in Western New York, a family-owned gem open just nine weeks a year. Known for its renowned buckwheat pancakes and made-on-site maple syrup, the restaurant attracts diners from all over the world despite its remote location.
Lawmakers' health issues stir debate
As President Biden and former President Trump break age records, more people are asking how old is too old to serve in government. Health issues with lawmakers such as Texas Rep. Kay Granger, who hasn't voted due to health problems, are fueling the debate about age and term limits in politics.
Reviewing 2024's car trends
2024 saw a rise in U.S. sales of hybrid and electric cars, but more Americans are still buying gas-powered vehicles. Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence for CarGurus, joined CBS News to discuss the year's trends in cars.
Biden to decide on U.S. Steel deal
President Biden has just over a week to decide how he wants to move forward on Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more on that and some of the other big news coming out of the Biden administration.