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.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
Meet the horses running in the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes will feature its biggest field in 15 years with 14 horses in the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
American passenger from hantavirus-hit cruise ship on life in quarantine
The number of people being monitored for hantavirus in the United States has grown to 41, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
A Chinese community in New York City reacts to the Trump-Xi Beijing summit
There has been palpable excitement about President Trump's state visit to China in the Queens neighborhood of Flushing, home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S.
Supreme Court upholds mail access to abortion pill mifepristone for now
The Supreme Court has maintained mail access to the abortion pill mifepristone, setting aside for now a lower court order that blocked abortion providers from prescribing the widely used drug through telehealth and shipping it to patients.
Trucking broker can face lawsuit over fatal crash, Supreme Court rules
A CBS News investigation showed the broker had worked with dangerous "chameleon carriers," thousands of which evade federal safety enforcement by reincarnating under new names.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain
Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines.
U.S. Border Patrol chief resigns in latest immigration shakeup
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, who was appointed to the role last year, told staff on Thursday that he is stepping down.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Senate adopts resolution to withhold senators' pay during shutdowns
The Senate unanimously agreed to adopt a resolution on Thursday that will withhold senators' pay during a lapse in funding for any federal agency.
Oklahoma executes inmate convicted of killing ex-girlfriend and her baby
Oklahoma executed a death row inmate Thursday morning. He had been convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend and her 7-month-old baby in 2007.
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
South Carolina governor calls special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
Meet the horses running in the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes will feature its biggest field in 15 years with 14 horses in the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Trump touts "fantastic trade deals" with Xi as Beijing summit ends
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their summit in Beijing on Friday with both countries looking to claim the visit as a win.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Why are so many U.S. CEOs in China with Trump, and what do they want?
More than a dozen American CEOs are accompanying President Trump on his trip to China. That's not unusual.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
2 senators call on FAA to study impact of reduced flight attendant staffing
Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin say their concern is there may be more emergency exit doors than flight attendants in the event of an evacuation.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
How will Jerome Powell be remembered as he exits as Fed chair?
As Powell steps down after more than eight years leading the Federal Reserve, economists say he helped steer the U.S. through historic shocks but misread inflation.
Exclusive
ICE releases wife of U.S. Army soldier after monthlong detention
ICE has released the wife of an active-duty U.S. soldier after a month in detention, her husband told CBS News.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Ebola outbreak in Congo kills dozens, Africa's CDC says
A new Ebola outbreak in a remote Congo province has recorded 65 deaths so far and has 246 suspected cases, Africa CDC says.
RFK Jr. says he won't run for president in 2028
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is trying to address the interests of his MAHA supporters, who view him as their hope for the future, while being a good soldier in the eyes of the Trump White House.
FDA blocked melanoma drug as confusion reigned under Makary
A third of patients in a clinical trial had tumors shrink while taking a genetically engineered treatment known as RP1.
Teens help save man having a heart attack
Three South Florida teenagers helped a 65-year-old having a heart attack. Matt Gutman has the story.
Cruise ship passenger on quarantine experience
Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer who was on the M/V Hondius as it suffered a hantavirus outbreak, is one of 16 Americans quarantining at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Rosmarin spoke with CBS News about how a five-week trip is now stretching into 12 weeks away from home.
World
More World
Coast Guard stops boats holding 3 tons of cocaine, opens fire on one
The crew of the Tahoma, a 270-foot Coast Guard cutter, made the interdictions about 90 miles off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Live
Iran says it "cannot trust" U.S. in negotiations as Trump says "we control" strait
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump also claimed to have "wiped out" Iran's armed forces.
5 tourists killed in cave diving accident; search underway for bodies
The University of Genoa said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
Cartel leader "The Gardener" hit with U.S. charges after dramatic capture
Jalisco cartel boss Audias Flores Silva was arrested in an operation by Mexican Navy special forces based on information provided by U.S. agencies.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Inside look at "Jack Ryan: Ghost War"
John Krasinski and Michael Kelly join "CBS Mornings" to discuss reuniting for the movie, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War," after starring in the TV series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" for four seasons. They discuss the movie, their friendship and how they balance it all with their busy family lives.
Previewing new season of "Couples Therapy"
Dr. Orna Guralnik speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the new season of the docuseries "Couples Therapy," which features Guralnik counseling four new couples on how to tackle issues in their relationships, including major political differences and infidelity.
Drake releases three new albums
In a surprise, Drake dropped three new albums Thursday night, including "Iceman." It's the Canadian rapper's first new music since his explosive public feud with Kendrick Lamar.
Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" premieres
Yellowstone actors Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reprising their roles as the fan-favorite onscreen couple Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the newest "Yellowstone" spinoff, "Dutton Ranch." CBS News' Julianne Ferreira has more.
From the archives: Outspoken film critic Rex Reed
Film critic Rex Reed, whose clever and barbed opinions about movies – and movie stars – made him a fixture for decades in print and on television, died on May 12, 2026 at age 87. In this Feb. 4, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, Reed talked with Mo Rocca about how he came to live the life of an A-Lister himself. He also dispensed his unvarnished opinions about that year's best picture Oscar-nominees.
Technology
More Technology
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
How the Trump-Xi summit could impact AI race
President Trump's visit to Beijing comes as the U.S. and China compete for artificial intelligence supremacy. Matt Sheehan, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, joins with analysis.
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.
Closing arguments held in OpenAI case
Lawyers presented closing arguments Thursday in the OpenAI trial pitting Elon Musk against its CEO, Sam Altman. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Trump Mobile says its T1 mobile phone to ship this week
Trump Mobile's $499 gold-toned phone has faced delays since it was unveiled in June 2025.
Science
More Science
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Coast Guard stops boats holding 3 tons of cocaine, opens fire on one
The crew of the Tahoma, a 270-foot Coast Guard cutter, made the interdictions about 90 miles off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia.
Cartel leader "The Gardener" hit with U.S. charges after dramatic capture
Jalisco cartel boss Audias Flores Silva was arrested in an operation by Mexican Navy special forces based on information provided by U.S. agencies.
Former death row inmate granted bond after nearly being executed 3 times
An Oklahoma judge granted bond to former death row inmate Richard Glossip on Thursday, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997.
Software CEO convicted for running $1 billion Medicare fraud scheme
Brett Blackman was convicted on charges including healthcare and Medicare fraud, and faces decades in prison.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
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.
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
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Inside look at "Jack Ryan: Ghost War"
John Krasinski and Michael Kelly join "CBS Mornings" to discuss reuniting for the movie, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War," after starring in the TV series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" for four seasons. They discuss the movie, their friendship and how they balance it all with their busy family lives.
Previewing new season of "Couples Therapy"
Dr. Orna Guralnik speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the new season of the docuseries "Couples Therapy," which features Guralnik counseling four new couples on how to tackle issues in their relationships, including major political differences and infidelity.
Latest on Cuba after CIA director's visit
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba as more details emerge about potential moves by the U.S. CBS News' Olivia Gazis report.
What did Trump accomplish in China?
President Trump is headed back to the U.S. after a summit with President Xi Jinping in China. CBS News' Anna Coren, Olivia Rinaldi and Aaron MacLean report.