On the Road for the holidays with Steve Hartman
CBS News is highlighting some of the most memorable holiday stories from "On the Road."
Christmas
Banksy displays "modified Nativity" scene in Bethlehem
The artwork, named "Scar of Bethlehem," depicts the birth of Jesus under Israel's West Bank separation barrier with a bullet hole shaped like a star.
Americans estimated to have spent $34 billion this weekend
The National Retail Federation predicts the average American will spend $1,047 dollars this holiday season — the most money since they started keeping track.
Prince Harry, Meghan and Archie are spending "private time" in Canada
The couple is taking a break from royal duties.
How Dickens made Christmas what it is today
Dickens description of Christmas established how we celebrate the holiday over 100 years later.
Record 115 million Americans expected to travel for holidays
The American Automobile Associate (AAA) says more than 115 million will travel by road, rail or air between now and January 1.
Vermont speed signs tell drivers if they're "naughty" or "nice"
He sees you when you're sleeping — and apparently while you're driving, too.
Man who plays Santa gets life-changing cochlear implant
Mark Woodmansee loved playing Santa for more than 40 years – then it became difficult to hear what kids wanted for Christmas.
80-year-old vet makes toys for kids in need
Jim Annis has been keeping up this tradition of giving for 50 years.
Boy in domestic violence shelter asks Santa for a "very good dad"
Children have been writing letters to Santa Claus for generations, but this 7-year-old boy's note is different.
"All I Want for Christmas is You" hits Billboard's top spot
It's the first time the song has reached this level in its 25-year history and the first holiday-themed hit to top the Hot 100 chart since "The Chipmunk Song" in 1958.
9-year-old brings Christmas spirit when thieves steal decorations
A home in Downey, California, is usually decked out with elaborate decorations this time of year, but the tradition almost ended when thieves stole some of the display.
Photo trend has parents hoping their kids will cry with Santa
Turns out, crying kids make hilarious holiday photos.
Photos: White House Christmas decorations
The White House says this year's theme, "The Spirit of America," is "a tribute to the traditions, customs, and history that make our Nation great."
Deli owner responds to hundreds of letters to Santa
Last year he received 400 letters to Santa. This year, he's expecting to get even more.
N.C. towns cancel Christmas parades over Confederate protests
After several towns refused to remove Confederate groups from parade lineups, they canceled them altogether
Melania Trump unveils White House Christmas decorations
The first lady released photos and a video of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue decorated for Christmas with the theme "The Spirit of America."
When are the best video game deals? It might surprise you
Shopping experts say two days after Christmas is the best way to score savings on consumer electronics
Here's what to avoid buying on Black Friday
Shoppers beware: Despite all the deals this week, there are some items you're better off waiting to purchase.
Why America is crazy for Christmas movies
Between Hallmark and Lifetime, there will be 70 new holiday movies out by New Year's Day
60 Minutes visits mysterious holy site Lalibela
The story of 11 Ethiopian churches, each carved from a single block of stone, with no brick, no mortar, nor wood, is a creation story you'll need to see to believe. 60 Minutes reports, Sunday
Meghan and Harry to skip Christmas with royal family
The young family won't be spending the most wonderful time of the year with the rest of the royal family this Christmas
New Hampshire woman enlists candidates to send cards to troops
The Military Holiday Card Challenge collects tens of thousands of well-wishes for service members around the world
Scott Walker wades into "holiday tree" fight with menorah tweet
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has gone back to calling the evergreen on display at the state Capitol a holiday tree
A new use for fruitcakes
It's been jokingly said that a fruitcake, that classic hockey puck of a dessert with the Christmas ornament-looking fruit on top, makes a great doorstop. But there's more to the festive treat than meets the eye. Nancy Giles talks with a nutritionist who explains why long-distance runners and hikers are turning to fruitcakes as the perfect energy food.
Trump touts American "golden age", attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in California hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old female is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are juveniles between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Live
Massive funeral for slain supreme leader enters second day
The dayslong funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by U.S.-Israeli strikes, has been marked by chants for revenge.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall briefly evacuated
Americans celebrated 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather put a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
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.
Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo is women's champion
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
U.S.
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8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old female is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are juveniles between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Heat and severe storms damper July 4th celebrations, leave thousands without power
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
Serena Williams withdraws from Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
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
More Politics
Trump touts American "golden age", attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with 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 America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a 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.
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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Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Egypt uncovers lost Byzantine-era city in the western desert
The fourth-century residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.
Prince Harry to travel solo to London amid security flap
Meghan and his children may eventually join him on the rest of the trip outside London, the source said.
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Punch Brothers' "Song of the Water Kelpie (unsung)"
Bluegrass band Punch Brothers was formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006. Their upcoming all-instrumental album, "The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers," will be released on July 24. Here's Punch Brothers performing "Song of the Water Kelpie (unsung)."
Taylor and Travis say yes at MSG
The vows have been exchanged, the party is over, and slowly, details are emerging about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Lilia Luciano reports.
Are drones the new fireworks?
While many in the U.S. light fireworks on the Fourth of July, some towns are turning to drones as a cleaner, quieter alternative. Mark Strassmann gets a preview in Texas.
Punch Brothers play "This Land Is Your Land"
Bluegrass band Punch Brothers was formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006. In celebration of the Fourth of July, here's Punch Brothers performing their cover of Woody Guthrie's classic song, "This Land Is Your Land."
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday. Comedian Adam Sandler officiated the ceremony, a representative for Swift confirmed. Jo Ling Kent has more details.
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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Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
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.
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
More Latest Galleries
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
Trump speaks at Freedom 250 event
President Trump spoke in Washington, D.C., at the "Salute to America" Freedom 250 event on the Fourth of July. He highlighted veterans, the Artemis II crew, an early version of the American flag and more in his speech.
Punch Brothers' "Song of the Water Kelpie (unsung)"
Bluegrass band Punch Brothers was formed by mandolinist Chris Thile in 2006. Their upcoming all-instrumental album, "The Unsung Adventures of Punch Brothers," will be released on July 24. Here's Punch Brothers performing "Song of the Water Kelpie (unsung)."
Relay for America runs flag across U.S.
Relay for America ran the American flag from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., this week to commemorate America's 250th birthday. They did it nonstop for 20 days and nights for more than 3,000 miles on a mission of unity heading to the Fourth of July. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Taylor and Travis say yes at MSG
The vows have been exchanged, the party is over, and slowly, details are emerging about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Lilia Luciano reports.
Are drones the new fireworks?
While many in the U.S. light fireworks on the Fourth of July, some towns are turning to drones as a cleaner, quieter alternative. Mark Strassmann gets a preview in Texas.