GoFundMe fundraisers to pay for basic living expenses surged in 2025
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe crowdfunding spike for essentials
Crowdfunding website GoFundMe released its 2025 "Year In Help" report Tuesday. It showed a spike in people asking for donations to buy essentials like food. CBS News investigative correspondent Tom Hanson has more.
GoFundMe: Crowdsourcing charity
In the old days people might have turned to the government or to charities such as churches for help; today the first place many people seem to turn to is GoFundMe, a crowdsourcing website, where anyone can appeal to the public to contribute money for pretty much anything – medical bills, disaster relief, funeral expenses, acts of kindness. "Sunday Morning" Contributor David Pogue examines the good will, and occasional fraud, on crowdsourcing sites, and looks at the economics of online charity.
GoFundMe CEO rolling out new tool
GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan is announcing the launch of a new tool called GoFundMe Pro to help non-profits increase charitable donations. He joins CBS Mornings News to discuss the feature and celebrates the $40 billion the online fundraiser has helped raise globally.
Here are the main reasons people turned to GoFundMe this year
Donations on the crowdfunding platform this year reveal a range of urgent financial needs, GoFundMe data shows.
For some with student loans, making payments means turning to GoFundMe
The number of people seeking help on the platform to pay student loans has exploded over the last year, the crowdfunding site says.
WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham on life support
Doctors want to take the WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, who has been suffering medical issues for months, off life support, Graham's wife wrote on Facebook. She refused, calling him "a fighter."
GoFundMe blocked George Santos after alleged theft of money raised for dying service dog
The veteran who owned the dog says Santos pocketed $3,000 from a GoFundMe page that was set up to help pay for surgery.
Woman gets 3 years in bogus online fundraiser for homeless veteran
Prosecutors said the campaign at the time was the largest fraud perpetrated through the crowdfunding platform.
Damar Hamlin's fundraiser donations surge after cardiac arrest
Donations poured in within hours after Damar Hamlin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle, with some donating thousands.
Funds raised for teen who must pay restitution for killing alleged rapist
A former math teacher of Pieper Lewis' at Des Moines Lincoln High School organized the fundraiser.
Man who conspired to launch viral GoFundMe scam sentenced to 27 months
The trio made up a story in late 2017 that sparked $400,000 in GoFundMe donations.
Mila Kunis vows to match $3M in donations for Ukrainian refugees
"I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian," said Kunis, who immigrated to the U.S. from the country in 1991.
Instacart donates $50K to help pay for funeral of slain worker
CEO says grocery delivery service "heartbroken" by fatal shooting at Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington.
GoFundMe investigated for blocking donations to truckers
Attorneys general in Texas, Florida, Missouri and West Virginia are probing the company for shutting down a fundraiser.
Thousands of COVID crowdfunds didn't make much
Thousands of people turned to crowdfunding during the pandemic, but research shows most did not raise much money. CBS Moneywatch Reporter Irina Ivanova joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero with more on this.
Thousands tried crowdfunding during pandemic. It flopped.
Most successful crowdfunding drives were in U.S. counties with higher income — not the ones with the most need.
GoFundMe page raises money after shooting
Hours after the school shooting massacre in Parkland, Florida, strangers started donating to a GoFundMe page to help the families of the victims. The next day, it was only a few thousand dollars from its goal.
Homeless man buys house
Homeless man who used his last $20 to fill up the gas tank of a stranded motorist in Philadelphia has bought a home with some of the nearly $400,000 raised for him online by the woman he saved.
Officer takes vendor's money
A video showing a University of California, Berkeley police officer ticketing a hot dog vendor, rifling through his wallet and confiscating his money has caused an outcry across social media. The incident happened on Saturday outside of a university football game. KPIX's Christin Ayers reports.
3/4: Evening News
President Trump claims he recently learned President Obama ordered what Mr. Trump describes as a Watergate-style wiretap on Trump Tower in New York; In South Los Angeles, a woman turned her community's "food desert" into an oasis. Michelle Miller reports.
Storm traps monks
Northern California's storm damage has left a dozen monks trapped in Big Sur. At the New Camaldoli Hermitage, the monks have had to cancel all reservations through March and even turned to a GoFundMe page, but their spirits remain intact. Carter Evans reports.
Extraordinary employee
A photo of a teen in a neck brace at work has gone viral with many people online praising the young man's work ethic. Alex McAdams from our Indianapolis affiliate WTTV has more on the dedicated employee.
Popsicle man donations
One Chicago ice cream man has received thousands of donations from strangers through a GoFundMe campaign. CBSN's Tony Dokoupil has more on his story.
The popular crowdfunding site GoFundMe has raised over $3 million for the Orlando massacre victims and their families
The popular crowdfunding site GoFundMe has raised over $3 million for the Orlando massacre victims and their families.
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
Exclusive
Less than 14% of those ICE arrested had violent criminal records, data show
The official DHS statistics, which had not been previously reported, provide the most detailed look yet into who ICE has arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown.
Savannah Guthrie pleads for public's help in search for missing mom Nancy
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help on Monday at what she called "an hour of desperation" in the search for her mother, Nancy.
U.S. military strikes another alleged drug vessel; search on for 1 survivor
The U.S. military struck its 39th alleged drug-carrying boat on Monday, killing two people and leaving one survivor who is now the focus of a search-and-rescue effort.
DOJ asks for dismissal of Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
U.S.
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Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
ICE chief, immigration officials set to testify to House panel today
The leaders of ICE, CBP and USCIS are set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
President Trump said Monday he would block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Canada "until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
Starbucks adds menu items as it looks to energize growth
New items, such as a strawberry matcha loaf, represent the chain's latest effort to boost sales as part of its "Back to Starbucks" campaign.
How much gold is in an Olympic gold medal, and how much is it worth?
Olympic medals have what's known as a "melt value." But they're worth far more financially than their mineral contents, an auction expert notes.
Politics
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ICE chief, immigration officials set to testify to House panel today
The leaders of ICE, CBP and USCIS are set to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.
U.S. military strikes another alleged drug vessel; search on for 1 survivor
The U.S. military struck its 39th alleged drug-carrying boat on Monday, killing two people and leaving one survivor who is now the focus of a search-and-rescue effort.
Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge
President Trump said Monday he would block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Canada "until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them."
Judge blocks California law banning federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks
A federal judge has blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
HealthWatch
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Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
World
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U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games
Here is a look at where the medal count stands for Team USA and other nations as the competition heats up at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
U.S. makes final in Olympic curling mixed doubles, facing Sweden for gold
Team USA's mixed doubles curling gold medal match against Sweden is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Meet the American girl skiing into Philippines Winter Olympics history
Skier Tallulah Proulx, 17, was raised in the U.S., but she's making Olympic history as the Philippines' first female, and youngest athlete in any Winter Games.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Bad Bunny and the politics of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is a football game, an entertainment spectacle, a global billboard and a crucible of American political discord. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Cultural impact of Bad Bunny's performance
Ingrid Fajaro, a staff writer at Billboard, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the cultural impact of Bad Bunny's halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Technology
More Technology
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trial over social media addiction in kids begins
Opening statements began Monday in Los Angeles in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction in children. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
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.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Second ransom deadline for Guthrie passes
A second ransom deadline passed Monday for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports on the search and former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins to discuss the situation.
Search for Nancy Guthrie in Day 9
The children of Nancy Guthrie, including "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, are praying for signs of life more than a week after their mother disappeared. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more from Tucson, Arizona.
Savannah Guthrie: "An hour of desperation"
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Monday, pleading for the public's help in finding her mother, Nancy. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Savannah Guthrie asks for public help for mom
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie posted a new video Monday pleading for the public's help in the search for her missing mother, Nancy. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has more.
Cops: 1 in custody after Maryland school shooting
Police say one person is in custody after at least one person was shot at a Maryland high school on Monday. CBS affiliate WUSA reports.
Space
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New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Savannah Guthrie pleads for help in mom's search
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help at what she called "an hour of desperation." As Jonathan Vigliotti reports, the search for her missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, has entered its second week with few new leads and no new suspects.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Player's mom didn't know Super Bowl was a big deal
Nick Emmanwori just won it all in his rookie season as a safety with the Seattle Seahawks, and his mom was somewhere in that cheering crowd of 70,000. But Justina Emmanwori is not your typical football mom. Tony Dokoupil has more on her viral interview.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth in House deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who herself was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.