CBS Weekend News, December 26, 2020
Person of interest in Nashville bombing identified by authorities; Hospitals nationwide worry about post-Christmas COVID-19 surge
Gavin Newsom
Hospitals face post-Christmas COVID-19 surge
Hospitals nationwide are bracing for an all too familiar situation-- a surge of coronavirus infections after holiday gatherings. The U.S. is the global leader in coronavirus infections with nearly 19 million confirmed cases and more than 331,000 fatalities. Lilia Luciano reports.
California surpasses 2 million COVID-19 cases
California is the epicenter of the COVID-19 surge this Christmas Eve. The Golden State has now recorded nearly as many cases as all of Great Britain. Lilia Luciano has more.
Alex Padilla to become California's first Latino senator, replacing Harris
Padilla will be the first Latino to represent California, which has the largest Latino population in the U.S., in the Senate.
Alex Padilla to fill Harris' Senate seat
Governor Gavin Newsom tapped California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the U.S. Senate seat that's soon to be vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Padilla will become the first Latino to represent California in the Senate. Sacramento Bee political reporter Sophia Bollag joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with more on the pressure Newsom faced in making his decision.
Alex Padilla to be California's 1st Latino senator
California Governor Gavin Newsom will name Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate. Padilla will be the first Latino senator to represent California, the nation's most populous state, which also has the largest Latino population in the country. CBS Los Angeles has more.
California distributes 5,000 body bags as COVID deaths mounts
Hospitals are filling up so fast in the state that officials are rolling out mobile field facilities and scrambling to hire more doctors and nurses.
Regional stay-at-home order looms for Southern California
The order will remain in effect until at least December 28, and will result in the closure of personal care services such as nail and hair salons and barbershops, as well as the closure of bars and wineries.
Newsom's stay-at-home order set to be triggered in Southern California
The Southern California region's ICU capacity has dropped to 13.1% because of the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
California to impose regional stay-at-home orders amid virus surge
"We are pulling that emergency brake," California's governor said Thursday.
California's regional stay-at-home orders
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that the state will impose regional stay-at-home orders based on local ICU capacity. The decision comes as coronavirus cases are surging both in California and across the nation. Watch Newsom's remarks here.
California warns of "drastic actions" amid pandemic
California Governor Gavin Newsom is warning of "drastic actions" to curb a growing surge surge in new coronavirus infections. Hospitalizations have increased by 89% in two weeks. Jeremy B. White, co-writer of Politico's California Playbook, joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with the latest on local efforts to combat the spread.
Widespread fraud in California prison system
California's system for paying unemployment benefits is so dysfunctional that the state approved tens of thousands of claims for well-known convicted inmates, costing the state at least $140 million. CBS Los Angeles' Jasmine Viel reports.
California governor issues curfew as coronavirus cases rise
The order, which goes into effect Saturday, stops gatherings and non-essential work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in areas where transmission of the virus is widespread.
Inmate who fought California wildfires now faces deportation
When Bounchan Keola finished his duties, locals applauded him. "For the first time in my life, I felt good about myself," he said.
California hits "emergency brake" as COVID cases surge
Dozens of counties are now restricting capacity at businesses, closing fitness centers and forces restaurants to limited outdoor-only service.
California's COVID cases double in 10 days
California Governor Gavin Newsom saiys the state is hitting an "emergency brake" on economic activity in light of an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases statewide. Several counties are now facing restrictive measure to help curb the spread of the virus. Watch some of Newsom's press conference here.
COVID positivity rate trending "modestly" up, California governor says
Governor Gavin Newsom said the state is seeing a 5.9% increase in new ICU admissions and a 4.7% increase in new hospitalizations amid a fall surge of COVID-19.
California governor on reopening theme parks
California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the unique challenges of reopening dozen of theme parks in the state and cited an "increased risk" of people gathering and spreading the coronavirus. Watch his remarks here.
California's reopening rules for theme parks
Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood will have to wait until their counties reach the least restrictive "yellow" tier, according to the state's new guidelines released this week. CBS Los Angeles has the details.
In reversal, Trump approves California's request for wildfire relief
More than 9,000 firefighters are still actively fighting 12 major and eight minor fires across the state.
California says diners should wear masks "between bites"
Many questioned the guidance, wondering if they should take it to the next level and wash their hands before and after touching their mask between bites.
California's Glass Fire is 50% contained, but fires still rage across state
California is still battling major fires, as firefighter push to contain blazes across the state
California law for transgender inmates
California has passed legislation allowing transgender inmates in the state's correctional facilities to be assigned housing based on their gender identity. State Senator Scott Wiener, the author of Senate Bill 132, joined CBSN to discuss the new law and what it means for transgender inmates in the state.
Kobe Bryant crash scene photo scandal leads to new law
Law makes it a crime for first responders to take unauthorized photos of deceased people at the scene of an accident or crime.
Exclusive
Trump pardon recipients face congressional probe over "pay-to-play" questions
Democrats are investigating clemency recipients who may have obtained favorable treatment from Trump or his advisers.
Live
Trump says war to end quickly as Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz
As President Trump again voices optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declares itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.
Passengers who left cruise early monitored for hantavirus in U.S., worldwide
American passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship in April are being monitored for hantavirus in at least three states, health officials said.
Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Blanche: Immigrants who committed fraud to become U.S. citizens should worry
The acting attorney general is touting the administration's stepped-up denaturalization efforts.
14 tornadoes reported in Mississippi as storms ravage homes, knock out power
The storms collapsed hundreds of homes, downed trees and knocked out power lines in multiple counties, officials said.
Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Snack mixes recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
U.S.
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Karoline Leavitt announces birth of her baby girl
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her baby girl, Viviana, or "Vivi" for short.
Snack mixes recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
14 tornadoes reported in Mississippi as storms ravage homes, knock out power
The storms collapsed hundreds of homes, downed trees and knocked out power lines in multiple counties, officials said.
Woman dies while competing in 250-mile Arizona ultramarathon
A woman in her 40s was participating in the grueling race and collapsed at a trailhead, officials said.
Agents can kill bears from the air to protect Alaska caribou, judge says
The Mulchatna caribou herd is expected to begin calving soon, and the babies are particularly susceptible to being eaten by bears or wolves.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Snack mixes recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
The new TrumpRx program relies partly on connecting consumers with discount coupons offered by drugmakers. For insured patients, though, using a coupon can prove dicey.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Hottest U.S. gas prices in years leave drivers feeling burned
Americans on tight budgets are getting hit especially hard by surging fuel costs, forcing some to make hard choices.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Politics
More Politics
Karoline Leavitt announces birth of her baby girl
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her baby girl, Viviana, or "Vivi" for short.
Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Blanche: Immigrants who committed fraud to become U.S. citizens should worry
The acting attorney general is touting the administration's stepped-up denaturalization efforts.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Exclusive
Trump pardon recipients face congressional probe over "pay-to-play" questions
Congressional Democrats are investigating clemency recipients who may have obtained favorable treatment from Trump or his advisers "through intermediaries, financial contributions, or other forms of influence."
HealthWatch
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Passengers who left cruise early monitored for hantavirus in U.S., worldwide
American passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship in April are being monitored for hantavirus in at least three states, health officials said.
That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
The new TrumpRx program relies partly on connecting consumers with discount coupons offered by drugmakers. For insured patients, though, using a coupon can prove dicey.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
What's the hantavirus risk to the public?
A deadly strain of hantavirus broke out aboard a cruise ship for the first time, with more than 150 people on board. With three deaths among eight confirmed cases so far, Dr. Céline Gounder discusses the wider risks.
What's next for those aboard cruise ship?
Investigators are racing to control a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, the first ever recorded on a cruise ship. More than 140 people are still on board, including 17 Americans. Tom Hanson reports.
World
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Passengers who left cruise early monitored for hantavirus in U.S., worldwide
American passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship in April are being monitored for hantavirus in at least three states, health officials said.
Dozens of cocaine packages seized in Pacific, 11 rescued from shipwreck
The Mexican navy helped rescue shipwrecked sailors and retrieve bales of illicit drugs that had been dumped into the ocean.
Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Live
Trump says war to end quickly as Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz
As President Trump again voices optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declares itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Surprising "Survivor" tribal council ceremony
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) "CBS Mornings" reveals details of the latest "Survivor 50" episode and elimination ceremony, which had another surprise for the castaways.
Exclusive preview of "I Will Find You"
"CBS Mornings" has an exclusive preview of the new Netflix series "I Will Find You," which is based on Harlan Coben's 2023 novel. Coben, who is also an executive producer on the series, talks about what inspired the story and how closely he worked on the Netflix adaptation.
Documentary explores maternal healthcare
Christy Turlington Burns, the founder and president of the nonprofit "Every Mother Counts," speaks about her new documentary, which explores the state of maternal healthcare following the end of Roe v. Wade. She discusses the different risks for women and why this is personal for her.
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
How Ted Turner changed TV
Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, joins with more.
Technology
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Technology
What to know about Apple settlement
If you bought an iPhone recently you may be able to get some of your money back. Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a lawsuit over false advertising. Kelly O'Grady explains who is eligible.
Autonomous cars to be ticketed in California
Autonomous cars in California will no longer be immune to traffic tickets once a new law takes effect in July. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other top technology stories of the day.
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.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Employers are demanding AI skills. What's the best way to learn them?
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
Science
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Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
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Crime
Investigation of correspondents' dinner attack
A CBS News visual investigation reveals new details in an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Dozens of cocaine packages seized in Pacific, 11 rescued from shipwreck
The Mexican navy helped rescue shipwrecked sailors and retrieve bales of illicit drugs that had been dumped into the ocean.
Blanche on U.S. citizenships being revoked
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke to CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez about the fears among naturalized U.S. citizens and the accusations of retribution by the Justice Department on behalf of President Trump.
Mother of 4 released by ICE speaks out
Meenu Batra, a certified court interpreter for more than 20 years, is speaking out after spending more than six weeks in ICE custody. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Note apparently written by Epstein emerges
A note apparently written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his death has been made public. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Investigation of correspondents' dinner attack
A CBS News visual investigation reveals new details in an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Probe on some Trump pardon recipients
Senate and House Democrats launched a probe into the process for some of President Trump's pardons and commutations. CBS News' Gabe Kaminsky reports.
8 infected with hantavirus from ship outbreak
At least two Americans on board the MV Hondius, the cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, are being monitored in the U.S. for potential symptoms. CBS News' Tom Hanson has the latest.
Trump claims Iran won't have nuclear weapons
President Trump is claiming that Iran is close to reaching a peace deal with the U.S. This comes as Israel resumed strikes in Lebanon following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Holly Williams report, and Jason Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, joins with more insight.
Blanche on U.S. citizenships being revoked
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke to CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez about the fears among naturalized U.S. citizens and the accusations of retribution by the Justice Department on behalf of President Trump.