12/19/19: CBSN Evening News
2020 Democrats face off in Los Angeles; Baby fever heats up Alabama fire department
Los Angeles
Preview - Priced out: L.A.'s hidden homeless
CBSN Originals’ Adam Yamaguchi heads to Los Angeles, a city where rent hikes and an affordable housing crisis have driven thousands into homelessness.
Robert Durst sentenced to life in prison for killing best friend
Durst, 78, was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court last month of first-degree murder.
L.A. County sheriff won't enforce vaccine mandate among employees
"I don't want to be in a position to lose 5%, 10% of my workforce overnight on a vaccine mandate," he said.
Pfizer asks for shot approval for children
Pfizer is asking the FDA to give emergency authorization to distribute its shot to children ages 5 to 11. Dr. Bob Lahita, director of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic health at St. Joseph's Health, joins CBSN to discuss this and the latest on the coronavirus.
Los Angeles to require COVID vaccine to enter restaurants, shopping centers
Mayor Eric Garcetti has indicated that he will sign the ordinance.
Los Angeles approves COVID vaccine mandate
The Los Angeles City Council approved one of the strictest vaccination requirements in the U.S., requiring proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter restaurants, bars, shopping centers and more. Omar Villafranca reports.
Drive-thru food drive feeds hundreds in Los Angeles
The economic fallout from the coronavirus could leave more than 54 million Americans without enough food according to one estimate. For the "CBS This Morning" series A More Perfect Union, Jonathan Vigliotti reports on a Los Angeles group teaming up with young volunteers to make sure their community is fed by connecting excess food from farms and supermarkets with people in need.
Britney Spears' father suspended as conservator
After 13 years, Britney Spears' father, Jamie Spears, was suspended as conservator of her $60 million estate Wednesday. A Los Angeles judge said the decision was in the best interest of the singer, saying the arrangement "reflects a toxic environment." CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has the details from outside the courtroom. Then, Carolyn Reinach Wolf, an executive partner and director of mental health law at the firm Abrams Fensterman, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with her legal analysis.
Judge weighs Britney Spears' conservatorship
A Los Angeles judge will hear arguments Wednesday about whether to remove Britney Spears' father as her conservator or if the conservatorship should end altogether. Morgan Whitlatch, legal director at the Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, spoke with CBSN's Tanya Rivero about the possible outcomes.
What makes someone fall victim to fraud?
New research shows that individuals are more likely to lose money to financial fraud if they believe the world is organized in a way that rewards good people. CBS News' Anthony Pura reports from Los Angeles.
At-risk youth find their voices through performance art
Students said singing and improv classes helped them express their emotions and face uncertainties.
The New Season: Art premieres for Fall 2021
On September 30 the long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opens in Los Angeles. It's just one of the highlights of the new exhibition season. Correspondent Serena Altschul looks at some of what museums and galleries across the country will have to offer this fall.
This week the first full-scale test of Hyperloop One - an ultra-high-speed transportation system - was conducted in the Nevada desert
This week the first full-scale test of Hyperloop One - an ultra-high-speed transportation system - was conducted in the Nevada desert. Supporters say it could one day get you from Los Angeles to San Francisco in just 30 minutes. Hyperloop is not the only company vying to perfect an ambitious design which has led to a competition that some are calling the "Hyperloop Wars." Tim Fernholz, a reporter for the business news site Quartz, joins "CBS This Morning: Saturday" to discuss futuristic transport.
Thick smoke threatens California air quality
The death toll has risen to at least 71 in Northern California's Camp Fire. About 1,000 people are reported missing. That blaze is now 50 percent contained after consuming more than 145,000 acres. Just outside of Los Angeles, the Woolsey Fire 78 percent contained after burning 98,000 acres. Now, dense smoke from those fires is smothering parts of the state with what has been described as "the dirtiest air in the world." Meg Oliver reports.
SoCal wildfire latest
The massive wildfire burning 60 miles east of Los Angeles is now about half contained. Evacuation orders for thousands of people in the area have been lifted. The wildfire began on Tuesday, burning 37,000 acres and destroying more than 300 homes and buildings. Carter Evans reports from Phelan, a city where residents were forced to flee.
The NBA wants Clippers half-owner Donald Sterling out, but he refuses to sell and is suing the league for at least $1 billion
The NBA wants Clippers half-owner Donald Sterling out, but he refuses to sell and is suing the league for at least $1 billion. Time Magazine’s sports writer Sean Gregory joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” with the latest on the possible sale of the team.
Sean Gregory, a senior writer for Time Magazine, joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” to discuss the NBA’s decision to replace Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling with a business executive known as “Mr. fix it"
Sean Gregory, a senior writer for Time Magazine, joins “CBS This Morning: Saturday” to discuss the NBA’s decision to replace Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling with a business executive known as “Mr. fix it.”
As Brandon Scott reports from Los Angeles, fixing the problem is not easy or cheap
A large part of America's infrastructure is crumbling -- and so is the countries network of water pipes. As Brandon Scott reports from Los Angeles, fixing the problem is not easy or cheap.
Police say a passenger took an unloaded gun out of his checked bag in the baggage claim area at LAX and showed it to a limo driver, who alerted TSA officials
Police say a passenger took an unloaded gun out of his checked bag in the baggage claim area at LAX and showed it to a limo driver, who alerted TSA officials. Anthony Mason reports.
How The Milk Carton Kids found their voice
The folk duo known as The Milk Carton Kids have been together since 2011, but they had both pursued solo careers before they connected in Los Angeles. Anthony Mason sits down with the pair to discuss their big break and that first time they sang together.
Shelly Sterling, co-owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and estranged wife of Donald Sterling, says she has a $2 billion deal to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Shelly Sterling, co-owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and estranged wife of Donald Sterling, says she has a $2 billion deal to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Ben Tracy reports.
T.I. and Tiny sexual assault case dismissed in Los Angeles
In May, an anonymous woman filed a police report accusing the rapper and his wife of abusing, drugging and assaulting her 16 years ago.
COVID hospitalizations and deaths remain high
More than 280,000 COVID hospitalizations could have been prevented by vaccinations in recent months, according to a new study, which also found that hospitalizations among the unvaccinated cost more than $5 billion. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
COVID cases, hospitalizations slowly decline
The U.S. is experiencing a slight decline in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations after reporting a large number of deaths on Thursday — the most since February.
Live
Federal agents fatally shoot another Minneapolis resident, officials say
Federal agents in Minneapolis shot and killed a 37-year-old man in south Minneapolis Saturday morning.
Latest forecast maps show fresh predictions for winter storm
As millions of Americans hunker down for the winter storm, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.
Man killed by federal officer in Minnesota worked as ICU nurse, his parents say
The 37-year-old man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis is identified by his family as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was "very upset with what was happening," AP reported.
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
What we know about latest shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis
A man is dead after a shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday involving federal immigration agents from Customs and Border Protection. Here's what we know so far.
Flights canceled, states of emergency declared as winter storm bears down
More than 200 million people are under winter storm threats as officials brace for power outages and travel difficulties.
Peace talks end constructively, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says, with more possible
The talks are the first known instance that officials from the Trump administration have sat down with Russia and Ukraine.
How much snow are you getting this weekend? See the forecast.
A winter storm is forecast to dump up to 24 inches of snow in some places this weekend, and many are wondering: How much snow are we actually getting?
U.S.
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Minneapolis business owners react to deadly shooting: "A neighbor was murdered"
Minneapolis business owners and community members were among the crowd of protesters in sub-zero temperatures following the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Man killed by federal officer in Minnesota worked as ICU nurse, his parents say
The 37-year-old man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis is identified by his family as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was "very upset with what was happening," AP reported.
What we know about latest shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis
A man is dead after a shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday involving federal immigration agents from Customs and Border Protection. Here's what we know so far.
Flights canceled, states of emergency declared as winter storm bears down
More than 200 million people are under winter storm threats as officials brace for power outages and travel difficulties.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what it takes to achieve an 800 credit score
Only one in four Americans has a credit score above 800, which is considered exceptional, according to industry data.
Bank of America may introduce credit card with 10% APR
Facing pressure from President Trump, credit card issuers are exploring ways to ease borrowing costs.
How to heat your home safely as fierce winter storm grips the U.S.
Federal safety regulators warn that home heating equipment can spark fires or emit carbon monoxide. Here's what to know.
What to know about EVs as the winter storm brings bone-chilling temps
Cold weather can reduce the efficiency of electric vehicles, shortening their driving range. These tips can help.
Tesla Cybertruck sales plunged 48% in in 2025
Other Tesla vehicles also struggled to attract buyers, with sales of its X, S and Y models all sinking from the previous year.
Politics
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Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns U.S. as warships head toward Middle East
Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison accuses White House of "politics and retribution"
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he has seen "no evidence" of a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month.
Epstein's inner circle subpoenaed to testify before House Oversight Committee
Jeffrey Epstein's lawyer, accountant and billionaire benefactor were issued subpoenas to testify before the committee in February and March.
HealthWatch
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Heart failure threatened her pregnancy. A first-of-its-kind procedure saved it.
Cassandra King was thrilled to be pregnant after years of fertility struggles and multiple miscarriages. Then a sudden cardiac event threatened everything.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
World
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Peace talks end constructively, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says, with more possible
The talks are the first known instance that officials from the Trump administration have sat down with Russia and Ukraine.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns U.S. as warships head toward Middle East
Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
Australian boy dies days after being bitten by shark in Sydney Harbor
The Sydney shark attack that killed Nico Antic was one of four recorded in the span of two days.
U.S. carries out 35th strike on alleged drug boat, first since Maduro capture
It's the 35th strike on alleged drug-smuggling boats since early September 2025, and the first since the U.S captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Lily Fitts performs "Beat Me To It"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Beat Me To It."
Lily Fitts performs "Brown Eyed Baby"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Brown Eyed Baby."
Lily Fitts performs "Lose You Now"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Lose You Now."
Madison Beer opens up about music journey
Madison Beer says music has always been her escape since she started writing songs at just 6 years old. But the 26-year-old has had to navigate ups and downs in her journey to stardom. Anthony Mason reports.
"Sinners" breaks Oscar nominations record
"Sinners" set an all-time record for the most Oscar nominations with 16, including for best picture. Not far behind is "One Battle After Another" with 13 nominations. Meanwhile, "Wicked: For Good" received zero nominations, even in categories where the first "Wicked" movie won just last year.
Technology
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Microsoft says outage affecting several services has been resolved
Microsoft services were down for thousands of users, according to tracking service Downdetector.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
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.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos
YouTube says it wants to get rid of fake AI videos flooding social media feeds on its platform. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what's driving the change.
Science
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Science
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Crime
Official: Feds blocked shooting scene access
Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Prevention, spoke after federal agents killed a Minneapolis man on Saturday. Evans said federal investigators blocked his agency's access to the shooting scene.
Officials on 5-year-old boy detained by ICE
Trump administration officials are denying accounts from witnesses who say they saw what occurred during a Minnesota ICE raid where a 5-year-old boy and his father were detained.
Jury selection date set in Mangione trial
At a pretrial hearing on Friday, a judge set the date for jury selection in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman was in the courtroom and has the details.
New video shows Ryan Wedding in FBI custody
CBS News has obtained video of the moment FBI agents escorted former Olympic snowboarder and accused drug kingpin Ryan Wedding off a plane in California. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
5-year-old Liam Ramos detained by ICE
Five-year-old Liam Ramos is now being held at an ICE detention facility in Texas, CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports. Here's what we know about the case.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Trump shocks allies with comments about veterans
President Trump shocked NATO partners in an interview with Fox News this week about U.K. veterans and fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. He walked back the comments on Truth Social. Haley Ott has more details.
President Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada
President Trump insults the Canadian prime minister, calling him "Governor Mark Carney," as he threatens new tariffs against the country. Willie James Inman has the details.
Travel cancellations pile up amid winter storm
The winter storm's impact on travel grew by the hour on Saturday. Airlines have already canceled more than 10,000 flights this weekend and counting. Ali Bauman reports from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Extreme cold, freezing rain begins in some states
The slow-moving monster storm hit the southern plains on Saturday, and in Oklahoma City, it arrived with extreme cold. Jason Allen has more on the storm.
Man shot, killed by federal agents in Minneapolis
Warning: Video might be disturbing. For the second time this month, a federal agent has shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis. The moment was caught on video again, and the city's police chief is urging outraged citizens to keep the peace. Lana Zak reports.