Good evening. This weekend brought deadly violence, severe winter weather and widespread travel disruption.
Australia attack
Police say two men opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. Authorities identified the suspects as a father and son. Video from the scene showed gunmen firing for several minutes; a bystander tackled one attacker before police engaged. Australian officers later exchanged gunfire with the suspects; the father was killed and the son critically wounded. Investigators also discovered undetonated explosives in a vehicle. Australia’s prime minister called the assault “pure evil,” and officials characterized the incident as an anti‑Semitic terrorist strike. Victims ranged in age from children to the elderly.
Providence, Rhode Island — Brown University shooting
A campus shooting at Brown University erupted inside an engineering classroom during finals. Two people were killed and nine others were hospitalized. Surveillance footage released by police showed a masked person on campus shortly after the shooting. A 24‑year‑old person of interest, Benjamin Erickson, was taken into custody at a hotel about 20 miles away after FBI cellphone data helped track him. Law enforcement sources say Erickson is not a Brown student. The campus and local community held vigils as first responders and investigators continued their work; some survivors said prior active‑shooter training helped them respond during the attack.
White House and national response
President Trump addressed both attacks during a White House reception, calling the Sydney shooting “purely anti‑Semitic” and offering condolences to the Brown University victims. Near the White House, thousands gathered for the national menorah lighting amid heightened concerns about anti‑Semitic violence worldwide.
Politics — health care subsidies
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers face pressure to act on Affordable Care Act premium subsidies that help many Americans afford insurance. A GOP House plan expected to come up for a vote would let small businesses band together to buy employee coverage but would not extend the ACA premium subsidies, which are set to lapse at year’s end unless Congress acts. Without an extension, millions could face steep premium increases in January; experts warn some consumers could see premiums more than double.
Weather — snow, arctic plunge, travel impacts
An early arctic blast and snowstorm swept across the eastern United States, producing heavy snow, plunging temperatures and dangerous wind chills in some areas. Cold advisories and freeze watches stretched as far south as the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans. In the Pacific Northwest, an atmospheric river brought heavy rain and mountain snow, raising flood concerns. CBS meteorologists warned that dangerous cold would persist in parts of the East even as above‑average temperatures return in other regions later in the week.
Holiday economy and shopping
An Associated Press poll found many Americans feeling financially squeezed this holiday season. About half of respondents said holiday gifts were harder to afford than usual, 40% reported tapping savings, and 68% rated the national economy poorly. Shoppers said they relied more on coupons and buy‑now‑pay‑later options. Charities such as the Salvation Army reported lower donations even as demand for assistance rose.
Travel — airport delays and record holiday travel expected
AAA projects a heavy holiday travel season, with a record number of travelers expected for Christmas and New Year’s. Winter storms and the arctic system caused thousands of flight delays and cancellations, long lines at major airports, and higher average airfares in many markets. Travelers were urged to plan for delays, consider earlier flights and check airport reliability ratings.
Other news
– Powerball: Jackpot climbs to $1.1 billion; lump‑sum would exceed $500 million.
– NFL: The Indianapolis Colts started 44‑year‑old Philip Rivers, a grandfather and former starter who last played in 2020.
– WWE: John Cena formally concluded his two‑decade wrestling career with a televised retirement match in Washington, D.C.
– Travel tips: With holiday crowds, airports like LaGuardia and Newark saw delays; AAA recommends booking early and checking airport ratings.
– Local feature: A long‑running group of Yuletide carolers in New York continues seasonal visits to hotels, hospitals and nursing homes to bring cheer.
That is the CBS Weekend News for Sunday. Good night.