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
U.S., Iran trade attacks again after Trump threat
The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire again on Thursday after President Trump pledged Tehran would "pay the price" for not accepting a deal.
Is China's Xi worried that North Korea wants "to confront the U.S."?
A veteran North Korea analyst says Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea was about keeping tabs on an emboldened Kim Jong Un who wants "to confront the U.S."
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Shakira at 1st of 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
House to take up last-minute extension of FISA spy power in likely-doomed vote
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act lapses Friday.
Bill Gates tells Congress that meeting Epstein was "a grave error in judgment"
Bill Gates told members of Congress on Wednesday that Jeffrey Epstein put his philanthropic work at risk, and that meeting him represented "a grave error in judgment."
Vance says Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong"
The vice president said President Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest" as the relationship with Israel is tested over the Iran war.
Accused killer of top Minnesota lawmaker, husband expected to change plea to guilty
Vance Boelter, the man accused of a deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges Thursday morning.
Judge declines to halt "anti-weaponization fund" but warns DOJ not to "play possum"
A judge denied a request to block the DOJ's "anti-weaponization fund," noting Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had already vowed not to move forward. But the judge warned: "Don't play possum with this court."
Florida man blames wrongful arrest on "error-prone" AI facial recognition
The wrongful arrest is just one of over a dozen in recent years linked to facial recognition technology.
U.S.
More U.S.
How FIFA World Cup rules on extra time and tiebreakers work for 2026
Games are likely to be tied at the end of regulation at the 2026 World Cup, especially in the late stages of the tournament with a highly competitive field.
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Shakira at 1st of 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule and how to watch
FOX and NBCUniversal have the broadcasting rights for the 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
When the U.S. men's soccer team is playing in the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. men's national soccer team, which last appeared at the 2022 World Cup, will face Paraguay to kick off its 2026 World Cup.
Far-right influencer arrested in Texas on charge of making terroristic threats
Jake Lang, a far-right influencer who was charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, was arrested in Dallas on a state charge of making terroristic threats.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
In a tough economy, many U.S. teachers forced to work second jobs
According to a recent survey, 71% of U.S. public school teachers said they work at least one second job.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
Will SpaceX's blockbuster IPO soar or sputter? Past IPOs offer clues.
Splashy initial public offerings often skyrocket early on, only to return to earth with a thud, Wall Street analysts say.
Trump says "I love the inflation" because U.S. is "taking out" Iranian oil
President Trump said the U.S. has taken out "millions" of barrels of Iranian oil in the dead of night, and said inflation will come down when the war ends.
Honda recalls 880,000 vehicles over possible rear suspension issue
The recall affects certain Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Passport, and Acura MDX vehicles sold in 23 states and the District of Columbia.
Politics
More Politics
House to take up last-minute extension of FISA spy power in likely-doomed vote
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act lapses Friday.
Here's who will face off in California's new House districts as Dems seek edge
California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom spearheaded a redistricting initiative that was intended to make up to five more districts more friendly to Democrats. Voters may have different ideas.
Judge declines to halt "anti-weaponization fund" but warns DOJ not to "play possum"
A judge denied a request to block the DOJ's "anti-weaponization fund," noting Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had already vowed not to move forward. But the judge warned: "Don't play possum with this court."
U.S. launches more strikes on Iranian targets after Trump promises to hit Iran "hard"
The U.S. military launched an additional round of strikes on targets within Iran early Thursday morning local time, hours after President Trump vowed to hit Iran "hard."
Vance says Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong"
The vice president said President Trump "has been very clear about what is in our best interest" as the relationship with Israel is tested over the Iran war.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
FDA approves new sunscreen ingredient
The FDA approved a new ingredient for sunscreen that's been in use in Europe for years. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
New sunscreen option wins FDA approval after years of delay
A sunscreen ingredient that's been available in Europe, Japan and South Korea for years has finally been approved by the FDA for sale in the U.S.
Safety concerns over weight loss drug
There's a new safety concern about doctors prescribing one experimental weight loss treatment, retatrutide, that hasn't even been FDA approved yet. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
World
More World
5 police officers shot dead in Mexico as World Cup kicks off
Five Mexican police officers were killed and five others wounded on the eve of the World Cup opener in Mexico City, authorities said.
How FIFA World Cup rules on extra time and tiebreakers work for 2026
Games are likely to be tied at the end of regulation at the 2026 World Cup, especially in the late stages of the tournament with a highly competitive field.
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Shakira at 1st of 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule and how to watch
FOX and NBCUniversal have the broadcasting rights for the 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Is China's Xi worried that North Korea wants "to confront the U.S."?
A veteran North Korea analyst says Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea was about keeping tabs on an emboldened Kim Jong Un who wants "to confront the U.S."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Shakira at 1st of 3 opening ceremonies
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
G Flip on song becoming a hit in "Off Campus"
Musician G Flip first rose to fame in Australia but has become a global star since their song "Bed of Fire" appeared in the series "Off Campus." They speak to "CBS Mornings" about how the song's popularity has impacted their music, family support and advice for young artists.
Amazon's best books of the year so far
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman joins "CBS Mornings" to reveal Amazon's best books of the year so far and why they made the list.
Pope Leo met with Bad Bunny in Spain
Pope Leo XIV met with music superstar Bad Bunny in Spain as the pontiff continues his multi-city tour. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Taylor Swift wedding fuels prediction markets
Bettors have wagered millions of dollars on platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi as rumors swirl surrounding the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Technology
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Technology
Diving into smart glasses' pros and cons
Major tech players are racing to put AI on your face, literally, with smart glasses. Ziad Asghar, senior vice president and general manager of XR, Wearables and Personal AI for Qualcomm, joins CBS News to discuss.
America's birth rate has plunged. Are smartphones to blame?
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the same year the U.S. birth rate started to slide. The issues could be linked, a new analysis finds.
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 announces plan to go public
Last week, Anthropic, valued at almost a trillion dollars, filed to go public. Yesterday, its chief rival OpenAI confidentially filed for an initial public offering. Later this week, SpaceX is set to go public in what could be the largest IPO ever. Jon Krohn, the co-founder and CEO of Y Carrot, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta launches program to train workers for data center jobs
Meta pledged to invest $115 million to train electricians, plumbers and other workers needed to operate data centers.
Science
More Science
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Crime
More Crime
5 police officers shot dead in Mexico as World Cup kicks off
Five Mexican police officers were killed and five others wounded on the eve of the World Cup opener in Mexico City, authorities said.
Florida man blames wrongful arrest on "error-prone" AI facial recognition
The wrongful arrest is just one of over a dozen in recent years linked to facial recognition technology.
Vance Boelter expected to plead guilty to federal charges
Vance Boelter, the man accused of a deadly attack on Minnesota lawmakers, is expected to plead guilty to federal charges Thursday morning.
Gates speaks out before Epstein testimony
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill Wednesday before testifying for members of the House Oversight Committee about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.
Inside the White House Epstein files reaction
The release of the Epstein files triggered a "freakout" inside the White House for President Trump's top advisers, a new report from The New York Times shows. CBS News' Nancy Cordes has more.
Space
More Space
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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?
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
New survey results on U.S. financial stress
A new poll from Edward Jones and Gallup of more than 5,000 adults found only 16% felt financially "fulfilled." More than half said they feel financially "conflicted," experiencing both stability and uncertainty. 32% were financially stressed. Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary joins "The Daily Report" to discuss her article about the poll.
Constitutional questions around SNAP rules
A federal judge has halted an effort by the Trump administration to force states to comply with conditions tied to SNAP food benefits. Twenty Democratic states sued over requirements surrounding gender ideology, immigration and fair opportunities in sports for women and girls. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson answers constitutional questions about the case.
FDA approves sunscreen ingredient
The Food and Drug Administration approved the chemical compound bemotrizinol in sunscreens sold in the U.S. It's the first time in over 25 years that the FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
Ret. Maj. Lyons on new U.S. strikes against Iran
The U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Wednesday night following the downing of an Apache helicopter earlier in the week. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has the latest. Then, Ret. Army Maj. Mike Lyons joins with analysis.
More details on U.S. strikes in Iran
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. launched a new round of what it called self-defense strikes against Iran on Wednesday. Two U.S. officials familiar with the strikes told CBS News the targets include amminuition depots, command and control centers and warehouses. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata and Courtney Kealy have more.