Fairy garden sparks a friendship between strangers
Two strangers discovered magic in a fairy garden. Steve Hartman reports for "On The Road."
Holidays 2020
Fairy garden sparks a lasting friendship between strangers
"I want people to believe that they don't have to be a fairy to give a little bit of magic to someone else."
Santas around U.S. work to make kids happy
In any other year, children would be lining up to see Santa Claus this time of year -- but this is a holiday season unlike any other, so Santa is getting creative. He's finding out what kids want for Christmas through virtual visits or socially distanced appearances. Barry Petersen speaks to Denver photographer Ron Cooper, whose new book "We Are Santa: Portraits and Profiles" showcases 50 American Santas, who each want to bring holiday cheer.
Former restaurateur helps his community
After his own restaurant closed, Heleo Leyva created the East Hollywood Community Cookout to help feed the hungry during the pandemic. Jamie Yuccas shares his story in our series "Season of Giving."
Seattle's Space Needle provides out of this world NYE experience
With the ongoing surge in coronavirus cases, the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington decided to host a virtual New Year's Eve celebration — and it was bigger, trippier and more dazzling than ever before.
Connecticut family has happy homecoming amid pandemic
George Aiello, 77, reunited with his family just in time for Christmas after months battling the coronavirus. Jim Axelrod has more on the happy homecoming.
Wisconsin nursing home residents get weekly doses of puppy love
A nursing home in Madison, Wisconsin, has been getting weekly visits from a five-month-old puppy named Sayde.
Queen Elizabeth delivers reassuring Christmas message
"Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer," the queen said.
Bishop T.D. Jakes on keeping Christmas traditions alive amid pandemic
"We have learned to not take our loved ones and our friends for granted... I think that we have gotten back to what really matters," says Pastor T.D. Jakes.
Pope shares Christmas message for this year of pandemic
This year his remarks were delivered via livestream from inside the Vatican instead of at the balcony to a crowd of thousands of followers.
Notre Dame choir back for first time since fire for Christmas Eve
Members wore hard hats and protective suits. The medieval Paris landmark suffered a devastating blaze in April 2019.
Grinch caught green-handed apparently stealing Christmas again
Colorado State Police trooper nabbed him in the act.
Some California churches set to hold indoor services
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles released guidelines noting that choirs aren't allowed and congregations are "strongly discouraged from singing."
Students in some NYC shelters lack reliable Wi-Fi for remote learning
Many students living in the city's family shelters still have weak or no Wi-Fi, putting virtual education out of reach.
Photographer keeps holiday tradition going, despite the pandemic
Alicia Johnson got creative to keep her tradition of Santa photography sessions alive during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis celebrates socially-distanced Christmas Eve Mass
Subdued scenes were repeated across the world as the festive family gatherings and packed prayers that typically mark the holiday were scaled back or canceled.
More than one million packages will not reach their destination this Christmas
Retailers like Amazon are still offering overnight deliveries on thousands of items for Christmas Day.
Tips to keep your animal companion safe this holiday
Make sure any treats left out for Santa are covered or in a place your pet cannot get to them.
Florida business owner pays families' overdue utility bills
Mike Esmond has paid off more than 100 delinquent accounts.
New Orleans holiday lights throwback
The pandemic has forced families all over the country to modify their holiday plans, but some traditions will go on. Contributing correspondent Jamie Wax reports on a holiday lights display in New Orleans that's taking a page from the past.
José Andrés is on a mission to feed the hungry
The celebrity chef's nonprofit pays restaurants to prepare hot meals for the hungry.
How to celebrate the holidays remotely
Yale University Professor Laurie Santos joins "CBS This Morning" with tips on battling Zoom fatigue and how to make the most of remote holiday celebrations.
Kindness becomes contagious among these strangers
Hundreds of people paid for ice cream orders of the people behind them at a Minnesota Dairy Queen. Jamie Yuccas has the story for our series "Season of Giving."
The Book Report: Gift ideas for book lovers
Washington Post book reviewer Ron Charles offers suggestions for the bibliophiles on your holiday list.
2 planets to meet in rare "great conjunction"
On Monday evening, the two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, will appear to merge into a single source of light. It's the first visible conjunction of the giants in more than 800 years. Correspondent Mark Strassmann explains why we may not have another chance to see such an astronomical sight in your lifetime.
U.S.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
Lutnick testified he knew little about Epstein, his next-door neighbor
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he was unaware for years that Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender, according to a transcript of testimony released Wednesday.
Exclusive
DHS Secretary Mullin says ICE won't "round up" people at World Cup
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Exclusive
House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims
Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are launching a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirm to CBS News.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite new GOP defection
The Senate rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran, but one new Republican senator voted in favor of advancing the measure.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
Justice Department investigating oil market trading, sources say
The Justice Department is probing suspicious trading timed to market swings, two sources say.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial
Alex Murdaugh was convicted of his killing his wife and his son at the family's home in 2021.
Trump arrives in Beijing to meet with Xi Jinping
President Trump said before he left that he and President Xi Jinping "have a lot of things to discuss."
U.S. students' "reading recession" continuing but some places bucking the trend
Researchers say the U.S. is experiencing a "reading recession" that predates the pandemic. But some places are bucking the trend, chalking up higher test scores.
Exclusive
Few migrants held at Guantanamo, despite Trump's pledge
A CBS News review of internal government documents and information provided to Congress shows immigration detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay are nearly empty.
Convicted Utah author's son reveals new details about night his dad died
Prosecutors said Kouri Richins laced her husband's cocktail with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022.
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47 from brain cancer
Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died, his family announced Tuesday.
Will Trump seek investment to join China in a "dark factory" future?
A Chinese manufacturing giant tells CBS News how its sprawling factory runs with a fraction of the human workforce previously required.
Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" could close in June, sources say
The closure comes amid escalating operating costs for the facility, which are now estimated to total nearly $1 billion.
Trump on "the only thing that matters" in dealing with Iran
President Trump said Americans' financial situation isn't motivating him to make a deal, "Not even a little bit," and that he is only focused on preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Businesses starting to receive their IEEPA tariff refunds
"I'd been checking the status feverishly to see if anything was in my bank account," one small business owner said.
Searing U.S. energy prices are driving the hottest inflation in years
CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.
U.S.
More U.S.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
Lutnick testified he knew little about Epstein, his next-door neighbor
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he was unaware for years that Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender, according to a transcript of testimony released Wednesday.
Exclusive
DHS Secretary Mullin says ICE won't "round up" people at World Cup
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Will Trump seek investment to join China in a "dark factory" future?
A Chinese manufacturing giant tells CBS News how its sprawling factory runs with a fraction of the human workforce previously required.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
DHS chief Mullin says agency has no plan to shut down "Alligator Alcatraz"
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department has no plan to shut down Alligator Alcatraz, following reports that companies hired by Florida to operate the detention center were told it would close.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
Lutnick testified he knew little about Epstein, his next-door neighbor
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said he was unaware for years that Jeffrey Epstein was a registered sex offender, according to a transcript of testimony released Wednesday.
Exclusive
DHS Secretary Mullin says ICE won't "round up" people at World Cup
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Three people in Kansas who came into contact with an infected passenger from the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak are being monitored. Ian Lee has more.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
Sponsored
How diet and nutrition may help boost your brain health
Alzheimer's Association CEO and president Joanne Pike shares some recommendations on which foods to eat, and which foods to limit, for better brain health. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Sponsored
How can movement boost your brain health?
A recent survey by the Alzheimer's Association found most adults think maintaining brain health is very important, but they don't know what steps to take. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
World
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Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite new GOP defection
The Senate rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran, but one new Republican senator voted in favor of advancing the measure.
Bear kills worker at uranium mining facility in Canada
A black bear killed a man working for a Canadian uranium exploration and acquisition company in Saskatchewan.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
Dua Lipa alleges Samsung uses copyrighted image of her to sell TVs
Pop singer accuses electronics manufacturer Samsung of using a copyrighted image of her face to sell TVs.
Technology
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Technology
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has 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.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Tips to boost your phone's battery life
As smartphones become more advanced, are batteries keeping up? CNET senior mobile expert Abrar Al-Heeti joins to explain how you can improve your phone's battery life.
Science
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Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Crime
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Crime
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News Katrina Kaufman reports.
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.
Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote a book about grief, to life without parole for the murder of her husband. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
Space
More Space
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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
Extended interview: DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks with CBS News' Nicole Sganga in this exclusive interview about a number of topics, including ICE's role at the World Cup, "Alligator Alcatraz," the U.S. response to hantavirus and more.
Is a powerful new China a true narrative?
As President Trump and China's Xi Jinping prepare to meet, Americans will hear a lot about American decline and the rise of a powerful new China. The Chinese certainly believe it - but is it true? Tony Dokoupil has more.
New video shows dramatic Air Force rescue
The U.S. military rescued a small plane that crashed off Florida's East Coast on Tuesday. The passengers were stranded at sea for hours. Cristian Benavides reports.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Three people in Kansas who came into contact with an infected passenger from the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak are being monitored. Ian Lee has more.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.