Trump Backs Hegseth for Defense Chief amid Biden's Pardon Considerations and Manhunt for Healthcare CEO Killer

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In today's Eye Opener, President-elect Donald Trump doubles down on his support for Pete Hegseth as his pick for secretary of defense. Meanwhile, President Biden contemplates preemptive pardons to protect Trump's opponents from his potential revenge. In other news, a manhunt continues for the suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, and a 7.0 magnitude earthquake triggers a tsunami warning off the coast of California. Stay informed with the latest developments from CBS News.

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Jimmy Carter's Journey to the U.S. Capitol: A touching tribute to a beloved former president

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Jimmy Carter's Journey to the U.S. Capitol
Former President Jimmy Carter's casket arrived at the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, following a military funeral procession that mirrored his inaugural parade.
The nation's capital is preparing to honor Carter, with a horse and carriage carrying his casket.
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, Nikole Killion, Robert Costa, and Douglas Brinkley reported on the event.*

Syria's Damascus Airport Reopens for International Flights: A New Era of Travel

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After 13 years, Qatar Airways landed at Damascus airport, marking the first commercial flight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The airport is under assessment for full reopening, and Jordan's flagship carrier, Royal Jordanian, also confirmed a test flight. The reopening is a symbol of a new era of travel and a sign of normalizing ties in Syria.

Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked

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Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked
A federal judge has temporarily blocked special counsel Jack Smith from releasing his report on Trump's alleged 2020 election interference and improper retention of classified records.
The order comes after Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed an emergency motion to block the report's release.
The order remains in effect until three days after a resolution is announced from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
This is a developing story, with more details to come.

Tragic Tesla Explosion Outside Trump Hotel: A Soldier's Desperate Cry for Help

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A soldier's desperate plea for help turned tragic on New Year's Day when he blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.** Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a decorated Army veteran suffering from PTSD, left notes explaining his actions were a 'wake-up call' for the country's ills. In letters, he expressed political grievances, societal problems, and international issues, including the war in Ukraine. Livelsberger died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the blast, which injured seven bystanders. Authorities believe he acted alone, and it appears to be a tragic case of suicide.

U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel Sue Biden Administration Over Blocked Deal

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U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel Sue Biden Administration
U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over the decision to block Nippon Steel's proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. The companies argue that the decision was made for political reasons, violating their due process. Biden halted the acquisition after federal regulators deadlocked, citing national security concerns.

Biden blocked the deal for strategic reasons
Companies allege political motivations
U.S. Steel needs urgent capital investment
Nippon Steel paid a premium for the purchase

Indian Journalist Found Dead in Septic Tank: A Heartbreaking Incident

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In a tragic incident, the body of Indian investigative journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, 32, was found in a septic tank in Chhattisgarh state. Chandrakar, a freelance journalist in Chhattisgarh state, reported on alleged corruption in the construction industry on his YouTube channel, Bastar Junction. His death is said to be linked to a recent investigation into a road construction project in the Bastar region, which led to a government investigation. Four people have been arrested, including three of his relatives. Chandrakar's death has sparked protests and calls for strict action against the alleged perpetrators. India ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, with three or four Indian journalists killed in connection with their work on average each year.

Trump Wants One Big Bill for His Priorities via Budget Reconciliation

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President-elect Donald Trump wants Congress to pass one sweeping bill full of his priorities through the budget reconciliation process, according to newly reelected Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump's plan includes tax cuts, border security, and energy, and he wants to pass 'one big, beautiful bill.' But the House Freedom Caucus has endorsed a two-step plan, which could stand in the way of Trump's desires. Legislation passed via budget reconciliation would need consensus among House Republicans, and the razor-thin GOP majority in the House means a reconciliation package will also be a major challenge to pass. Trump's plan would put the GOP caucus to the test, as they can only have one GOP defection if all members of the House are present.

Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Final Salute to the 39th President

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Jimmy Carter's state funeral began with a procession in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and will continue in Atlanta. The former president passed away at 100 and was honored with a National Park Service salute and a farm bell ringing 39 times. Carter spent most of his life in Plains with his wife, Rosalynn.

The Dramatic Win of House Speaker Mike Johnson: An Inside Look

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Mike Johnson Wins House Speaker Race
Louisiana's Mike Johnson secured a win for House Speaker with the help of Reps. Keith Self and Ralph Norman. In a surprising turn of events, Self and Norman switched their votes at the last minute, giving Johnson the majority he needed to win.

Norman's Role in Johnson's Victory
South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, one of the lawmakers who switched votes, spoke to President-elect Donald Trump about his priorities. Norman's decision to switch his vote played a crucial role in Johnson's victory.

A Dramatic Turn of Events
The race for House Speaker was filled with drama and uncertainty. But in the end, Mike Johnson emerged as the winner, thanks to the last-minute support of two key lawmakers.

Can Trump Be the Key to Ending the Ukraine War?

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President-elect Donald Trump could be crucial in ending the war and stopping Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy praised Trump's strength and unpredictability, and expressed his hope that Trump would use these qualities to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, the specifics of Trump's policy towards Ukraine are still unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he will follow through on Zelenskyy's hopes. In the meantime, Ukraine continues to fight for its future, and the world waits to see what role Trump will play in the conflict.

Sara Sharif's Killer Dad Slashed in Prison Attack

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Sara Sharif's Killer Dad Slashed in Prison Attack
Urfan Sharif, the father of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, was ambushed in prison and had his neck slashed with a makeshift weapon on New Year’s Day. He is now reportedly 'fighting for his life'.

  • Sharif is serving a 40-year sentence for killing Sara at their home in Surrey
  • The assault happened at Belmarsh prison, a category A jail that houses some of Britain's most dangerous criminals
  • Sara was found dead in a bunkbed with 71 external injuries, including burns, bruises, and human bite marks
  • The police are investigating the attack and Sharif's condition is unknown

House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy

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House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy
House Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a tough re-election battle against Republican holdouts, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, but Roy has yet to make a decision on who to support. The Freedom Caucus has been vocal in their demands for concessions from the speaker, causing tension within the party. The House will vote for a speaker on Friday, and Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote.

  • *Trump and advisers working to strike a deal with Roy
  • *Johnson confident in re-election, but faces opposition from hardliners
  • *House cannot conduct business until a speaker is elected

President Biden Honors Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal

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In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored 20 Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Biden praised Cheney and Thompson for their 'steadfast commitment to truth' and 'exemplary deeds of service for their country.' The medal is the country's second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

New Year's Day Truck Attack in New Orleans Leaves 10 Dead, 35 Injured

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New Year's Day Truck Attack in New Orleans:** At least 10 people have been killed and 35 injured after a truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street early on New Year's Day. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of possible terrorism. President Biden has spoken about the incident, and the response from President-elect Trump has also been noted. Stay informed with updates from CBS News on the New Orleans truck attack.

Gunman Kills 10, Including 2 Children, in Montenegro Shooting Rampage

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In a shocking incident, a gunman in Montenegro went on a shooting rampage, killing at least 10 people, including two children, and wounding several others.** The gunman, who remains at large, opened fire at a restaurant and later at the home of the restaurant owner, killing members of his own family as well. The incident has been labeled as a consequence of disturbed interpersonal relations, and police are still searching for the perpetrator. The government has declared three days of national mourning. (AFP)

Tragic Story of Noah Smedley: An 18-Year-Old Stabbed to Death in Ilkeston, Derbyshire

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Noah Smedley**, an 18-year-old man, was tragically stabbed to death in Ilkeston, Derbyshire on December 28th. The incident occurred on Rose Avenue at around 8.20 pm, where Noah was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals. Despite the best efforts of medical staff at the scene, he was pronounced dead just before 9 pm.

Secret Deployments and Older Doctors: Key Revelations in Australian Cabinet Records

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Secret Deployments:** Cabinet records from 2003 and 2004 reveal that the Howard government sent military forces to the Middle East months before officially authorizing Australia's involvement in the Iraq war. The national security committee met to ensure the advance deployment was not disclosed, even as the government remained convinced of the presence and potential of weapons.

Older Doctors' Health Checks:** Almost 10% of Australia's GPs are aged over 70, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has expressed concerns about a proposal by the national regulator to introduce health checks for doctors aged 70 and older, fearing it may worsen workforce shortages.

Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker Despite GOP Frustrations

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Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker**: Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for re-election, just days before the House will vote for a new leader. Johnson's speakership is in jeopardy after some Republicans expressed frustration with his decision to reach a government funding agreement that had overwhelming Democratic support. But with Trump's endorsement and a slim GOP majority, Johnson's chances of re-election look good. However, the majority is set to become even smaller as several Republican members of Congress are set to be nominated for positions in the Trump administration.

Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

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The world is mourning the loss of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States who passed away at the age of 100. Carter was known for his tireless advocacy for global health and human rights, and his legacy will live on as a testament to the power of service, decency, and compassion. President Biden has declared a national day of mourning for January 9th, and world leaders including King Charles and President Emmanuel Macron have paid tribute to Carter's life and legacy. In this summary, we take a look at the key events surrounding Carter's passing, and the impact he had on the world.

Farewell, Jimmy Carter: The 39th President's Lifelong Sports Fandom & Legacy Remembered

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at 100.
Sports world honors Carter's lifelong fandom:

  • Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank: "He was a great American, a proud Georgian, and an inspirational global humanitarian."
  • Atlanta Braves: "He served both his country and home state with honor his entire life."
  • Atlanta Hawks: "President Jimmy Carter represented all the best of Georgia."

Carter's sports legacy:

  • First president to invite Super Bowl champs to the White House
  • Sports fan: Georgia native, supporter of Atlanta's pro teams

World leaders' tributes: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Royals