Led by songwriter Julia Steiner, the Ratboys are indie rockers from Chicago that just wrapped up back-to-back tours across the United States and Europe. Next month, the group will head to Japan for another tour. Their newest album, “The Window,” has also thrilled fans and won the praise of critics. Now in their national television debut, here’s Ratboys with “It’s Alive.” Source

Led by songwriter Julia Steiner, the Ratboys are indie rockers from Chicago that just wrapped up back-to-back tours across the United States and Europe. Next month, the group will head to Japan for another tour. Their newest album, “The Window,” has also thrilled fans and won the praise of critics. Now in their national television debut, here’s Ratboys with “The Window.” Source

Northern California experiences destructive rain and wind. Also, many are still without power in North Dakota after an ice storm on Christmas Day. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener. Source

Eurostar services to and from London have been canceled after a tunnel under the River Thames became flooded, disrupting festive travel plans for scores of people. Source

Since passage of the Endangered Species Act 50 years ago, more than 1,700 plants, mammals, fish, insects and other species in the U.S. have been listed as threatened or endangered with extinction. Source

In 2003, scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. helped publish what’s believed to be the first novel ever written by an African American woman. That book, drawn from a manuscript dating back to the mid-1800s’, was a bestseller, but mystery surrounded the author until professor Gregg Hecimovich decided to go on a two-decade journey of discovery, culminating his new non-fiction book, “The Life and Times of Hannah Crafts.” Michelle Miller has more. Source

The Biden administration is bypassing Congress a second time and approving an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister said troops are forging ahead and reaching Hamas’ command centers. Ian Lee has more. Source

Millions of Americans ringing in the New Year with a raise as a near-record number of states increase their minimum wage. California is leading the way after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to boost pay for fast food and health care workers. CBS News’ Carter Evans has more. Source

Times Square in New York is ready to play host to one of the world’s largest parties on New Year’s Eve. But law enforcement warns of “heightened threat of violence.” CBS News’ Michael George has more on what’s being done ahead of the celebrations. Source

Copyright protections on many well-known books, films and musical compositions are set to expire in 2024. Disney’s Mickey Mouse is getting a lot of attention as one famous iteration of the classic mouse is set to enter the public domain. CBS News’ Jo Ling Kent has the story. Source