How to spend your Amazon gift card: 12 great ideas
From wool dryer balls to weighted blankets, here's what to buy with the Amazon gift card you got for the holidays.
Christmas
Tree rentals make Christmas eco-friendly
There are now three options when Christmas tree shopping: real, fake and rental. Renting a tree allows for its replanting and reuse after the holiday season. Roxana Saberi has the details.
Holiday shoppers rush to meet shipping deadlines
With just days to go before Christmas, Americans are hitting the stores in search of those last-minute gifts — and hoping to meet shipping deadlines. Janet Shamlian reports.
Tree rentals provide eco-friendly alternative to holiday tradition
An eco-friendly version of the Christmas tree holiday tradition is taking root in England.
Omicron's quick spread raises concerns
One week ahead of Christmas, federal health officials are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases primarily fueled by the Delta variant — with fears that holiday gatherings and the highly infectious Omicron variant will create yet another surge. The latest outbreak is triggering a nationwide push for Americans to get booster shots. Elise Preston reports.
World leaders weigh tougher COVID restrictions
The director-general of the World Health Organization is urging people to cancel or postpone their holiday gatherings as the Omicron variant spreads globally. He warned the celebrations could overwhelm hospital systems and lead to more infections and deaths. This comes as leaders in the U.K. and other European nations consider tightening restrictions ahead of Christmas. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams joined Anne-Marie Green on CBSN to discuss the COVID surge.
Great last minute Christmas gifts for mom you can shop now
We've found the perfect gifts for mom, including the KitchenAid Pro stand mixer, NuFace Trinity and Apple AirPods
Children's hospital brings holiday joy to patients
For kids in hospitals, the holidays can be tough. At Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., kids still get to experience some Christmas joy. Jan Crawford has the story.
COVID-19 cases spike ahead of Christmas
Hospitals across the nation are bracing for a new wave of COVID-19 patients as infections rise ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve. About 90% of all Americans are now in "high" or "substantial" risk areas. Marci Gonzalez reports.
Protecting a forest by cutting down Christmas trees
The Aspen Canyon Ranch in Colorado allows visitors to pick their own Christmas tree and help thin out the forest, allowing other trees to have room to grow. The price of a tree is a donation to a shelter for women experiencing homelessness. Barry Petersen has the story.
Concerns grow over 5G impact on planes
Airlines are warning that a dispute over 5G technology could cause delays for passengers in the new year. CBS News' congressional correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports.
Staff picks: The 14 best Christmas gifts we're giving this year
The CBS Essentials staff knows shopping, and this is what we're giving him, her and the kids this year for Christmas
Christmas shopping deadlines: When to buy gifts to avoid shipping delays
Get the details on the USPS, FedEx and UPS shipping deadlines, in-store pickup at your favorite retailers and more
Collins says those with vaccine and booster "very well protected" from Omicron
Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, urged Americans to get the vaccine and booster shots ahead of the holidays.
What goes into a box of See's Candies?
At the See's Candies factory, in Culver City, Calif., candymakers are busy cranking out holiday cheer, which is sold online and in more than 200 stores across the U.S. Correspondent Luke Burbank tests his candy-making skills, and also finds out how a Christmas tradition, stalled during last year's pandemic, is now back.
Jim Gaffigan on celebrating Jesus' birthday
The comedian ponders the evolution of the holiday season, which started with one man's birth, and now involves indoor trees and door-to-door singers.
Dr. Jon LaPook on COVID and safer holiday gatherings
With the increase in coronavirus caseloads due to the spreading Delta and Omicron variants, CBS News' chief medical correspondent discusses the precautions to be taken at end-of-year get-togethers, to better ensure a safe holiday season.
The return of Secret Santa
Far from the North Pole, at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Secret Santa is about to do some of his best work ever, on the San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands. Correspondent Steve Hartman reports on the anonymous wealthy businessman who is making his annual holiday season trek, giving away $30,000 in hundred-dollar bills to random strangers.
COVID disrupts Christmas festivities again
As COVID-19 continues to surge across the U.S., people are flocking to testing sites. Meanwhile, local business' holiday traditions are beig canceled due to the rise in cases. Elise Preston updates.
How product trackers help consumers score popular gifts
Trying to find the most popular electronics, toys and gifts is proving to be a challenge for some this holiday season. As a result, many people are turning to so-called product trackers that alert people when items are back in stock at retailers. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Irina Ivanova joins CBSN's Lana Zak to explain.
Military family surprised with holiday decor
The holidays can be a tough time for military families who may have a parent away or are dealing with the wounds of war. But one company is bringing cheer to those lives this time of year. As part of the "CBS Mornings" series A More Perfect Union, Janet Shamlian joins Christmas Decor for a surprise mission in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Kraft will pay for your holiday desserts, cheesecake not included
The supply chain crisis may impact cheesecake availability for the holidays. So Kraft wants to pay for you to enjoy another dessert for the holidays.
Santa Claus Girls continue tradition bringing cheer to children in need
The pandemic interrupted the Santa Claus Girls' yearly gift giving tradition, but now they are back bringing cheer to children in need.
10 super great gifts for Marvel fans
From stocking stuffers like a Thor bottle opener to an Avengers version of Monopoly, we've assembled the best gifts for Marvel fans.
Holiday shipping deadlines begin this week
The deadline for shipping your holiday gifts is fast approaching if you want them to arrive before Christmas. Meg Oliver has the details.
Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Live
Mourners chant for revenge as dayslong funeral of Iran's slain leader begins
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Trump pardons pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
3 children dead after boat capsizes on Wisconsin lake during severe storm
Three children died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday, Lake Geneva police said.
U.S.
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Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
After 10 years, one man's mission to preserve WWII veterans' legacy continues
Rishi Sharma started his journey 10 years ago by driving around his Southern California neighborhood to record interviews with veterans and later expanded his outreach.
MoneyWatch
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More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
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6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
HealthWatch
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1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
World
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Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Venice mayor proposes new dynamic pricing tourist fee
The mayor of Venice says the city is seeking government approval to introduce a form of dynamic pricing to deal with tourism costs.
Ukrainian woman named suspect in Monaco bombing
The suspect was initially identified as a heavily built person appearing to be male, but Interpol now says it is looking for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman.
40 killed when speeding, overcrowded bus tumbles into Pakistan ravine, officials say
A speeding bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight others in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years, officials said.
Entertainment
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Empire State Building lights up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married, according to Swift's publicist. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
World awaits news on Taylor Swift's wedding
Taylor Swift fans are awaiting news on her highly anticipated wedding to football player Travis Kelce. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from New York City.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
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Crime
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Space
More Space
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Influential presidential speeches
These excerpts capture some of the most impactful speeches by U.S. presidents from the 20th and 21st centuries.
A look at America 250 security efforts
Saturday's Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall is the first tagged as a "national special security event," meaning a law enforcement presence akin to a Super Bowl or an inauguration. Nicole Sganga has more.
Young man aims to preserve WWII stories
Every Fourth of July marks the loss of more veterans of World War II. Steve Hartman met a young man who is racing against time to preserve their stories.
Attempting the largest fireworks display ever
A company called Pyrotecnico will attempt the biggest fireworks show in history in Washington, D.C., on the Fourth of July. Tony Dokoupil gets the exclusive on how.