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.
Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
First on CBS
At FBI, history of hiring prostitutes may not be employment barrier
In June, the FBI quietly lowered some of the standards it uses when it conducts background checks on would-be federal agents and other personnel.
Nepal flash flood deaths surpass 600, with around 3,000 still missing
A Nepali Army spokesperson said early Saturday that helicopter operations were on hold until weather conditions improved.
Milo Yiannopoulos is in ICE custody facing a final removal order, sources say
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Milo Yiannopoulos "chose to overstay his welcome."
Live
Iran vows to resist U.S. sanctions as war passes 6-month mark
As the war passes the six-month mark, neither side showed any sign of backing down.
Judge throws out confession by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
How long will the Lindsay Clancy trial jury take to reach a verdict?
The Lindsay Clancy trial jury continued their deliberations Friday and it could be days before they reach a verdict, a legal expert says.
Ex-White House teleprompter operator ordered to pay $172,000 for insider bets on Kalshi
He was placed on unpaid leave from his job at the White House after it was determined he used his position to make bets on what President Trump would say in speeches.
Nashville airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton under new proposal
The international airport in Nashville, Tennessee, would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal by Tennessee's governor.
U.S.
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Judge throws out confession by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
Ex-White House teleprompter operator ordered to pay $172,000 for insider bets on Kalshi
He was placed on unpaid leave from his job at the White House after it was determined he used his position to make bets on what President Trump would say in speeches.
How a chance encounter gave a struggling ex-football star a new lease on life
On a path in Austin, Texas, a chance meeting changed the lives of two men with one thing in common.
Trump says he'll visit Pentagon, not NYC, to mark 25 years since 9/11
The White House said President Trump will "pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line."
Nashville airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton under new proposal
The international airport in Nashville, Tennessee, would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal by Tennessee's governor.
MoneyWatch
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Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
Court hands states a win in fight over who regulates prediction markets
Trading of sports event contracts on Kalshi constitutes gambling, appeals court rules in siding with Nevada officials.
See which jobs could grow fastest — and slowest — over the next decade
New federal labor figures forecast the fastest-growing U.S. job sectors over the next decade.
David Booth pioneered index investing. Here's his advice for investors.
David Booth, the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, says the key to investing — and life — is to stay calm in the face of uncertainty.
Politics
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Judge throws out confession by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
Ex-White House teleprompter operator ordered to pay $172,000 for insider bets on Kalshi
He was placed on unpaid leave from his job at the White House after it was determined he used his position to make bets on what President Trump would say in speeches.
Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
Judge again rejects Trump's bid to erase his New York hush money conviction
A federal judge has again blocked President Trump's bid to erase his hush money conviction in New York.
Trump says he'll visit Pentagon, not NYC, to mark 25 years since 9/11
The White House said President Trump will "pay tribute to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line."
HealthWatch
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Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
2 airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane in Germany
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
Cyclospora outbreak tied to 3 more states, FDA says
U.S. officials have confirmed cases of a parasitic illness tied to lettuce in three more states: Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
FDA approves new pancreatic cancer drug that could extend patients' lives
Patients taking the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients, studies showed.
Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Dr. Laura Cox, an assistant professor at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, explains how our dietary patterns play a significant role in our gut and long-term brain health.
World
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Nepal flash flood deaths surpass 600, with around 3,000 still missing
A Nepali Army spokesperson said early Saturday that helicopter operations were on hold until weather conditions improved.
Couple recounts surviving deadly Nepal flood: "I knew I was going to die"
A California couple were in a Nepali village when an avalanche of powerful waters ripped down from the high Himalayas toward them.
Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
ICE deports Venezuelan father from Texas to West Africa
Carlos Tellez Sanchez had worked at a car dealership in Dallas during the day and drove for Uber Eats at night to support his family.
Family says Virginia man missing in Nepal floods was "in his happy place"
Anil Goel sent his family in the U.S. a photo of his tour group at the Nepal-Tibet border just before the area was hit by a wall of mud and water.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dolly Parton might get airport named for her
In the days since her death, Dolly Parton has become the most-streamed artist in the world and might be getting an airport named after her. Nicole Valdes has more.
Nashville airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton under new proposal
The international airport in Nashville, Tennessee, would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal by Tennessee's governor.
Rapper E-40 remembers collaborator Tupac
Closing arguments in the trial of a man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur's murder are expected on Monday. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with one of Shakur's former collaborators, rapper E-40, about the late artist.
Zac Brown shares memories of Dolly Parton
Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band joins "CBS Mornings" to reflect on his friendship with Dolly Parton and her enduring legacy.
Dolly Parton's sister praises generous nature
Tributes pour in for country music icon and humanitarian Dolly Parton. Thousands of fans signed a petition asking officials to name Nashville's airport after her. Plus, her family is sharing more information.
Technology
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Younger workers are more scared of AI than older employees, survey finds
Employee attitudes toward AI are closely tied to their age and generational concerns, according to Glassdoor.
OpenAI, Anthropic warn AI cyberattacks could surge in coming months
Hospitals, technology firms and other companies could soon be at risk from AI-enabled cyberattacks, according to a new open letter from more than 100 signatories.
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.
Bill Gates' dire warning about AI
Microsoft founder and computer pioneer Bill Gates changed the world forever with his technological innovation. Now, Gates is warning that the development of artificial intelligence without strong oversight and regulation could threaten society as we know it. MIT professor Max Tegmark shares his concerns.
Meta settles social media addiction suit
A series of lawsuits accused tech giant Meta of purposefully designing social media apps to entice users and cause social media addiction. Meta will pay out $17 billion in a landmark settlement. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Science
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Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
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Crime
Closing arguments expected Monday in Tupac trial
Attorneys finalized jury instructions with the judge Friday after witness testimony wrapped Thursday in the trial of Duane Davis, also known as "Keefe D," who's accused of orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis has denied the allegations. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Clancy jury still undecided after 9 hours
The jury in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the woman accused of murdering her three young children, is still deliberating on whether to accept her postpartum psychosis defense. Shanelle Kaul reports and Caroline Polisi provides legal analysis.
Milo Yiannopoulos placed in ICE custody
British right-wing political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, who supported President Trump's agenda, is being held by ICE for allegedly overstaying his visa. Nancy Cordes has the details.
Protesters and supporters at Clancy trial
Jurors went home for the weekend Friday with deliberations set to resume Monday morning in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children, but is arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Clancy jury asks to see pill bottles, knife
The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial went home Friday after asking questions about Clancy's medication and the knife used in her suicide attempt. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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
8/28: CBS Evening News
Milo Yiannopoulos placed in ICE custody; Clancy jury still undecided after 9 hours.
Confession tossed in Khalid Sheikh Mohammed trial
Coming up on 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the effort to bring to justice the alleged mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, has hit a major obstacle. CBS News has learned a military judge ruled this week that his confessions made to FBI agents at Guantanamo Bay were not voluntary and cannot be used at his trial, now set for June of 2028. Those FBI agents are featured in an upcoming CBS documentary, "Daughters of 9/11," which airs Friday, September 11, on CBS and Paramount Plus.
Duo team aims to inspire through racing
Amy and Jamie Shinneman plan to run their fifth marathon together in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 30 as part of their mission to race all eight Abbott World Marathon Majors. But what sets them apart from other individual runners is that they compete together as a team. Amy has Bethlem myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy, so Jamie pushes her in a racing wheelchair. They hope their story can inspire others with disabilities to chase big dreams, too.
Tennis stars prepare for 2026 U.S. Open
Dan Wolken, senior writer for Yahoo Sports, joins CBS News to preview the upcoming U.S. Open tennis tournament.
Thousands march in D.C. to Defend the Vote
Sixty-three years after the March on Washington, thousands gathered Friday in the nation's capitol for a Defend the Vote rally and warned that voting rights are under attack again. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making it harder for people to challenge voting maps they argued were racially discriminatory. Tylik McMillan, national director of youth and college for the NAACP and one of the speakers at Friday's march, joins CBS News to talk about the day.