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.
OpenAI halts model release over safety concerns: "Didn't quite meet the bar"
OpenAI said it has chosen not to release its new GPT-6.1 Astra model due to concerns about safety, as industry leaders warn of the risks posed by ever-more-powerful AI technology.
Former "American Idol" singer's murder trial moves to closing arguments
A former Ohio music pastor who appeared on the singing competition "American Idol" is on trial over allegations that he killed his wife while having an affair.
Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match
No physical evidence linked him to the crime scene, but the jury convicted Douglas Stewart Carter, a Black man, based on a confession and two witnesses who later recanted.
Exclusive
New video of text chain from night of alleged Cornell gang rape
CBS News New York has exclusively obtained additional video of the fraternity's group Snapchat conversation from the night a former Cornell student says she was drugged and raped inside the Chi Phi fraternity house.
NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station
NASA says it is committed to helping Boeing get its Starliner back in space after multiple upgrades and improvements.
Election denier Kurt Olsen has resigned from DOJ, sources say
Olsen had been assigned to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, where he was working on the "grand conspiracy" investigation targeting Obama- and Biden-era officials
Peperoncini product recalled after "pest contaminant" found in jar
California food manufacturer said it is investigating after a consumer posted a video showing a rodent in a jar of the company's peperoncinis.
Holiday airfares soar to 10-year high. Here's how to save on flights.
Airfares for round-trip U.S. flights have jumped 31% compared to the same period last year, and tickets are likely to get pricier, according to a new analysis.
New York Times exec dies in California shooting; elderly in-laws accused of murder
An elderly couple in the San Francisco Bay Area is suspected of shooting and killing their son-in-law in the parking lot of a community park over the weekend.
Alito recuses himself from major case on climate change and fossil fuels
The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments in the major climate change lawsuit between two energy companies and the city and county of Boulder, Colorado.
Gas prices could soar if the U.S. bans diesel exports, economists say
President Trump said he is "very seriously" considering a ban on diesel exports. But such a move could drive U.S. gas prices sharply higher, analysts said.
Details emerge in case of former Cornell student alleging rape by frat members
A woman, identified only as Jane Doe, alleges she was gang-raped by seven fraternity members in 2024 and accuses Cornell University of failing to protect her.
Top FBI official Andrew Bailey resigns
Bailey was originally brought in to help ease tensions between former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
LSU athlete beats cancer, gets surprise that leads to a night she'll never forget
A woman facing a cancer diagnosis reached out to CBS News recently with an unusual request: help her give away a night she could no longer have.
Trump administration rolls back Biden-era fuel economy standards
Regulators estimate the new rule will result in an average of 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, down from an earlier projection of 50.4 mpg.
BASE jumper dies after falling from 700-foot Utah cliff
A 27-year-old BASE jumper died on Sunday, after falling about 700 feet from a cliff in Utah, authorities said.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow policy ending medical care for transgender inmates
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to revive for now a policy cutting off medical interventions and social accommodations for transgender inmates.
Could AI really take over the internet? Here's what experts say.
Multiple incidents of AI "agents" going rogue have conjured up fears that they could take down the internet. Should we be worried?
Trump announces plans for largest steel plant in U.S. history to be built in Iowa
President Trump on Monday announced that the company Mesabi Metallics will build a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa over the coming years.
Cornell fraternity rape investigation will be reopened, DA says
The investigation into an alleged rape at Cornell University in 2024 will be reopened, authorities said Monday.
SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
The Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 14th test flight, the first boosting the upper stage to orbit, marked a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
Nvidia announces security system to stop AI agents from going rogue
Nvidia said more than 100 organizations are using the platform, which it says could have stopped the Hugging Face hack by OpenAI agents.
Food safety becomes election issue as major outbreaks, recalls cause concern
Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness and high-profile recalls have made food safety a concern of voters.
2026 MTV VMAs highlights include Madonna, Taylor Swift
Madonna won Artist of the Year while Taylor Swift became the most awarded artist in Video Music Awards history.
Georgia park mass shooting wounds 11 teens at birthday party
The wounded victims were identified as four 18-year-old men, five 17-year-old boys and two 18-year-old women, according to the sheriff's office.
U.S.
More U.S.
OpenAI halts model release over safety concerns: "Didn't quite meet the bar"
OpenAI said it has chosen not to release its new GPT-6.1 Astra model due to concerns about safety, as industry leaders warn of the risks posed by ever-more-powerful AI technology.
Former "American Idol" singer's murder trial moves to closing arguments
A former Ohio music pastor who appeared on the singing competition "American Idol" is on trial over allegations that he killed his wife while having an affair.
Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match
No physical evidence linked him to the crime scene, but the jury convicted Douglas Stewart Carter, a Black man, based on a confession and two witnesses who later recanted.
Exclusive
New video of text chain from night of alleged Cornell gang rape
CBS News New York has exclusively obtained additional video of the fraternity's group Snapchat conversation from the night a former Cornell student says she was drugged and raped inside the Chi Phi fraternity house.
NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station
NASA says it is committed to helping Boeing get its Starliner back in space after multiple upgrades and improvements.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
OpenAI halts model release over safety concerns: "Didn't quite meet the bar"
OpenAI said it has chosen not to release its new GPT-6.1 Astra model due to concerns about safety, as industry leaders warn of the risks posed by ever-more-powerful AI technology.
Peperoncini product recalled after "pest contaminant" found in jar
California food manufacturer said it is investigating after a consumer posted a video showing a rodent in a jar of the company's peperoncinis.
Holiday airfares soar to 10-year high. Here's how to save on flights.
Airfares for round-trip U.S. flights have jumped 31% compared to the same period last year, and tickets are likely to get pricier, according to a new analysis.
Gas prices could soar if the U.S. bans diesel exports, economists say
President Trump said he is "very seriously" considering a ban on diesel exports. But such a move could drive U.S. gas prices sharply higher, analysts said.
Trump administration rolls back Biden-era fuel economy standards
Regulators estimate the new rule will result in an average of 34.9 miles per gallon by model year 2031, down from an earlier projection of 50.4 mpg.
Politics
More Politics
Senate approves sweeping bill to regulate college sports
The Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping college sports bill to establish a federal framework for college athletics aimed at protecting student athletes — despite some pushback from some Democrats who argue that it could do the opposite.
Trump, Johnson to meet with AI execs at White House amid debate over safety
The meeting comes as some industry leaders warn about the risks of rapid AI advancements.
Election denier Kurt Olsen has resigned from DOJ, sources say
Olsen had been assigned to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, where he was working on the "grand conspiracy" investigation targeting Obama- and Biden-era officials
Alito recuses himself from major case on climate change and fossil fuels
The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments in the major climate change lawsuit between two energy companies and the city and county of Boulder, Colorado.
Top FBI official Andrew Bailey resigns
Bailey was originally brought in to help ease tensions between former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Food safety becomes election issue as major outbreaks, recalls cause concern
Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness and high-profile recalls have made food safety a concern of voters.
Teen's headache reveals family health risk: "Saving people's lives"
Minutes into a run, Caroline McCaffrey was struck with a massive headache. The resulting medical journey would reveal a family risk for a dangerous condition.
Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
World
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Pope Leo draws massive crowds in France. Is Catholicism making a comeback?
Large crowds in Paris and other parts of France offered a striking welcome for Pope Leo in one of Europe's most secular countries.
Princess Diana's brother says Buckingham Palace "has to gaslight" him
Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, spoke to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about writing his new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister."
Wife, daughter of top drug lord held in U.S. are captured in Colombia
The women, who are wanted for money laundering, were arrested in an operation involving the FBI, President Abelardo de la Espriella said.
Russia hammers Ukraine's capital with major daytime drone strike
A wave of Russian strikes hit Ukraine Monday, killing at least 7 people, including a woman hit by a daytime strike on the National Academy of Sciences in Kyiv.
Benjamin Satterley, pro wrestler known as "Pac," dies at 40
Benjamin Satterley, an English-born wrestler known for high-flying moves that delighted fans worldwide, was known as "Pac."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Former "American Idol" singer's murder trial moves to closing arguments
A former Ohio music pastor who appeared on the singing competition "American Idol" is on trial over allegations that he killed his wife while having an affair.
Highlights from the VMA "teal" carpet
Stars stunned on the MTV Video Music Awards "teal" carpet Sunday night in Los Angeles, California. Vlad Duthiers breaks down some of the night's best moments.
Key highlights from the 2026 MTV VMAs
Madonna and Taylor Swift won big at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, where artists also honored Dolly Parton's legacy and celebrated new singers making their global debuts. CBS News' Vlad Duthiers reports.
VMA performance highlights
Vlad Duthiers and Denny Directo break down the most iconic performances from Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, which included performances by Madonna, Shaboozey, Raye and more.
2026 MTV VMAs highlights include Madonna, Taylor Swift
Madonna won Artist of the Year while Taylor Swift became the most awarded artist in Video Music Awards history.
Technology
More Technology
OpenAI halts model release over safety concerns: "Didn't quite meet the bar"
OpenAI said it has chosen not to release its new GPT-6.1 Astra model due to concerns about safety, as industry leaders warn of the risks posed by ever-more-powerful AI technology.
Nvidia launches new security tool
Technology company and chip maker Nvidia has created a new security platform aimed at preventing artificial intelligence agents from going rogue. Connor Leahy, executive director of ControlAI, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
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.
Trump, Johnson to meet with AI execs at White House amid debate over safety
The meeting comes as some industry leaders warn about the risks of rapid AI advancements.
AI companies probing rogue incidents: Axios
Axios reports that OpenAI, Anthropic and security researchers are investigating tens of thousands of cases where AI models showed troublesome behavior like bypassing guardrails, creating message boards and even hacking websites. New York Times technology correspondent Mike Isaac joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
More Crime
Former "American Idol" singer's murder trial moves to closing arguments
A former Ohio music pastor who appeared on the singing competition "American Idol" is on trial over allegations that he killed his wife while having an affair.
Man who spent decades on death row ordered released on bail after no DNA match
No physical evidence linked him to the crime scene, but the jury convicted Douglas Stewart Carter, a Black man, based on a confession and two witnesses who later recanted.
Cornell frat gang rape probe to be reopened
Nearly two years after a young woman first told authorities that she'd been raped inside a fraternity house at Cornell University, the local district attorney, who had initially declined to pursue criminal charges, says he is reopening the investigation. Lilia Luciano reports on what's changed.
Case reopened into alleged 2024 Cornell gang rape
Prosecutors say they are reopening an investigation into an alleged 2024 gang rape at Cornell University. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Exclusive
New video of text chain from night of alleged Cornell gang rape
CBS News New York has exclusively obtained additional video of the fraternity's group Snapchat conversation from the night a former Cornell student says she was drugged and raped inside the Chi Phi fraternity house.
Space
More Space
NASA plans Starliner test flight after astronauts got stuck at space station
NASA says it is committed to helping Boeing get its Starliner back in space after multiple upgrades and improvements.
SpaceX launches Starship on giant rocket's first flight to orbit
The Super Heavy-Starship rocket's 14th test flight, the first boosting the upper stage to orbit, marked a major milestone for both SpaceX and NASA.
NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Cornell frat gang rape probe to be reopened
Nearly two years after a young woman first told authorities that she'd been raped inside a fraternity house at Cornell University, the local district attorney, who had initially declined to pursue criminal charges, says he is reopening the investigation. Lilia Luciano reports on what's changed.
Trump announces Iowa steel plant project
President Trump has announced a multi-billion-dollar steel plant project in Iowa. What the president called the "largest steel plant in U.S. history" is expected to be up and running by 2030. CBS News correspondent Lana Zak has more details.
Previewing Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card series
Major League Baseball's grueling 162-game regular season ended on Sunday and postseason baseball is here. Four games kick off the wild-card round starting Tuesday. Levi Weaver, a staff writer for The Athletic, previews the MLB playoffs.
Russian drone hits cultural landmark in Kyiv
Russia struck a cultural landmark in Ukraine on Monday, the National Academy of Sciences, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens more. They also attacked apartment buildings, offices and data centers. CBS News international reporter Aidan Stretch was forced to take shelter shortly after creating this report. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean also has more on the war.