CBS Evening News, December 21, 2020
Nations ban travel with Britain over more infectious COVID strain; "Season of Giving": Kindness becomes contagious among Minnesota strangers
Range Rover
From a Range Rover with a disappearing hood, to a Ford packed with a 52-inch display
From a Range Rover with a disappearing hood, to a Ford packed with a 52-inch display, CNET's Tim Stevens takes a look at some of the luxury cars on display at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.
Questions about safety of car's gear shifters
A CBS News exclusive shows dramatic video of a deadly accident, which is raising new questions about the safety of some gear shifters linked to allegations of what's known as "unintended rollaway." The victim's family is suing and says this deadly accident was due to the SUV's dial gear shift appearing to be in park when it was not, but the automaker denies those claims and blames operator error. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Video shows deadly rollaway accident involving a Range Rover
CBS News has obtained video of a deadly rollaway accident involving a Range Rover. The victim's family claims that the gear shift can appear to be in "park" when it's not. Kris Van Cleave reports. (Warning: Some may find the video footage disturbing)
"CBS Evening News" headlines for December 21, 2020
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Suit blames Range Rover gear shifter for deadly rollaway
The Range Rover gear shifter uses a dial instead of a stick to change gears.
Man recalls freeing Prince Phillip from crashed SUV, baby from 2nd car
Witness says he was driving home from work when the accident involving Philip's Land Rover and a compact car unfolded in front of him
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
U.S.
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Endangered jaguar spotted at watering hole in Arizona
Officials have said that jaguar breeding in the U.S. has not been documented in more than a century.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
MoneyWatch
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Politics
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Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
HealthWatch
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Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
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Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
U.K. and Norway sign pact to "hunt Russian submarines" in North Atlantic
The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a pact to create a naval alliance in the North Atlantic, aimed at protecting undersea cables and hunting Russian submarines.
Entertainment
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
Technology
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Technology
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News 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.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Crime
Pentagon announces new boat strike
The Pentagon announced another strike against an alleged drug-carrying boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This comes as lawmakers react to a classified briefing on the controversial Sept. 2 strikes targeting a vessel near Venezuela. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Listen to 911 call from Luigi Mangione arrest
Newly unsealed evidence sheds light on Luigi Mangione's arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
New details in Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued on Thursday, one year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect arrested in D.C. pipe bomb case
A suspect is in custody nearly five years after two pipe bombs were planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. was arrested in Virginia on Thursday morning. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
More Space
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
Supreme Court allows Texas to use new map
The Supreme Court is allowing the state of Texas to use its redrawn congressional map that could favor Republicans, for now. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Pentagon announces new boat strike
The Pentagon announced another strike against an alleged drug-carrying boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This comes as lawmakers react to a classified briefing on the controversial Sept. 2 strikes targeting a vessel near Venezuela. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Luigi Mangione arrest video played in court
On the one-year mark of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk, a hearing was held to determine what evidence is admissible in the trial of his accused killer, Luigi Mangione. Alice Gainer reports.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case
A northern Virginia man was arrested and accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Arctic blast grips U.S. as temperatures plummet
An early season Arctic blast sent shivers through the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures tumbled far below normal. Lana Zak reports and Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.