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.
House to vote today on must-pass defense policy bill
The House is poised to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as both chambers race to pass it before the end of the year.
Trump says he's "crushing" inflation as GOP faces affordability concerns
President Trump is speaking about affordability and his economic agenda in the Poconos, in northeastern Pennsylvania, Tuesday night.
Ukraine launches attacks on Russia's shadow fleet in foreign waters
At least three oil tankers have been hit by explosions in what appears to be a stepped up unilateral effort by Ukraine to sink Russia's sanctions-dodging oil sales.
Sperm donor with cancer-causing gene fathers nearly 200 children
A genetic mutation that carries a 90% cancer risk has been passed on by an unwitting sperm donor to dozens of children, a Europe-wide investigation has revealed.
Democrats' path to power may come through hundreds of races far from Washington
In a new strategy memo, the leader of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee makes a case that the party has a "once in a generation" chance to flip over 650 state legislative seats.
Thune says Senate GOP will bring up alternative health care bill for a vote
Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate will vote on a Republican-led measure alongside a Democratic bill to extend expiring tax credits.
Venezuela's María Machado to miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, in hiding for almost a year, will miss the ceremony to collect her the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
Border Patrol agent indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting, robbing women
A Chicago Border Patrol agent is facing federal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting four women at Chicago area hotels while on the job in 2022.
1 killed in shooting at Kentucky State University, officials say
One person is dead and another was critically wounded in a shooting at Kentucky State University, officials said Tuesday.
U.S.
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House to vote today on must-pass defense policy bill
The House is poised to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as both chambers race to pass it before the end of the year.
$30 million settlement approved for family of teen killed by San Diego police
The settlement approved for Konoa Wilson's family exceeds the $27 million the city of Minneapolis agreed to pay the family of George Floyd.
Rod Paige, architect of No Child Left Behind policy, dies at 92
Under Rod Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became former President George W. Bush's signature education law.
Elon Musk suggests he wouldn't do DOGE over again
Six months after stepping down from leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire Elon Musk suggested in an interview he likely would not repeat his time helming the cost-cutting mission.
Army gynecologist charged with taking secret videos of 44 patients
Army Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood in Texas, was charged Tuesday with 54 specifications for indecent visual recording.
MoneyWatch
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GoFundMe fundraisers to pay for basic living expenses surged in 2025
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
MacKenzie Scott announces she donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025
The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years.
Why fighting inflation may not be the best way to make life more affordable
Beating back inflation is only half the battle in lowering the cost of living — you also have to think about people's pay, economists argue.
Trump says he's "crushing" inflation as GOP faces affordability concerns
President Trump spoke about affordability and his economic agenda in the Poconos, in northeastern Pennsylvania, Tuesday night.
Instacart's AI-enabled pricing may be bumping up your grocery bill
Shoppers may be unaware they're paying as much as 23% more than others for the same grocery items on Instacart, a new analysis says.
Politics
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House to vote today on must-pass defense policy bill
The House is poised to vote Wednesday on a $900 billion defense policy bill as both chambers race to pass it before the end of the year.
Democrats' path to power may come through hundreds of races far from Washington
In a new strategy memo, the leader of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee makes a case that the party has a "once in a generation" chance to flip over 650 state legislative seats.
Rod Paige, architect of No Child Left Behind policy, dies at 92
Under Rod Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became former President George W. Bush's signature education law.
Elon Musk suggests he wouldn't do DOGE over again
Six months after stepping down from leading the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, billionaire Elon Musk suggested in an interview he likely would not repeat his time helming the cost-cutting mission.
Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayoral runoff, breaking 30-year Democratic drought
Higgins defeated former city manager Emilio Gonzalez with 59% of the vote, pledging to tackle housing affordability, climate resilience, and restore trust at City Hall.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
Nursing home chain avoids settlement payouts after bankruptcy filing
Genesis HealthCare's bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
Details on CDC Hepatitis B vaccine decision
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory panel on Friday voted to not recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for everyone at birth, alarming many in the medical community. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains what to know about the decision and its potential impact.
Controversial appointee rocks FDA like "an atom bomb," scientists there say
The Trump administration's elevation of Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg to lead a high-profile office within the Food and Drug Administration is raising alarm among multiple senior FDA officials.
World
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Sperm donor with cancer-causing gene fathers nearly 200 children across Europe
A genetic mutation that carries a 90% cancer risk has been passed on by an unwitting sperm donor to dozens of children, a Europe-wide investigation has revealed.
Possible evidence of 2,100-year-old ceasefire uncovered in Israel
Archaeologists finished excavating foundations of the ancient wall that surrounded Jerusalem when the story of Hanukkah took place.
Trump says he'll "make a phone call" to stop Cambodia-Thailand clashes
President Trump helped end a simmering conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in the summer, but the ceasefire didn't last long.
Venezuela's María Machado to miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will miss the ceremony, but says she'll arrive later "to embrace all my family and my children that I've have not seen for two years."
Sneaky dogs let horse and steer run amok in Aussie lawmaker's living room
Australian lawmaker Andrew Mackay says his pets are safe, but "now the outside animals know what aircon feels like," and someone drank from the fish tank.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Lucas Bravo on new "Emily in Paris" season
Lucas Bravo, who stars as Gabriel in "Emily in Paris," talks about the new season of the show, what he loves about his character and working with Lily Collins. Plus, he discusses playing a villain role in the series, "The Seduction."
Golden Globe nomination surprises and snubs
Hollywood's awards season is underway with Golden Globe nominations announced on Monday. "One Battle After Another" was a financial flop at the box office, but it earned the most nominations. There were also a handful of first-time nominees and some surprising snubs.
Mark Hamill, Tom Kenny on SpongeBob movie
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, and Mark Hamill, the voice of the Flying Dutchman, speak with "CBS Mornings" about their new film, "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" and marking 26 years since the first episode aired.
Details on Paramount bid for Warner Bros.
Paramount Skydance has announced a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix reached a deal last week to buy part of the company. The Paramount Skydance offer to purchase the entire company was presented directly to Warner Bros. shareholders. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
Paramount Skydance makes $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount Skydance's $30 per share offer comes just days after Netflix agreed to buy parts of Warner Bros. in a deal valued at nearly $83 billion.
Technology
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Technology
At least 6 families sue Character.AI
At least six American families are suing Character.AI, its co-founders and Google over the role its chatbot allegedly played in encouraging their children to take their own lives. Ian Krietzberg, AI correspondent for Puck News, joined CBS News to discuss.
Waymo fallout amid school bus safety issues
Waymo, the ride-hailing service, says it is planning a voluntary software recall to fix a glitch after reports its self-driving cars don't stop for school buses. The company has already tried to fix the issue, but police in Texas said it didn't work. Kris Van Cleave reports.
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.
2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus
Who dresses as St. Nick and speaks an odd brogue? Why, it's Techno Claus, a.k.a. David Pogue! He offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his valuable tips for the gadget lovers on your gift-giving list.
There's a new face in Hollywood, generated by AI
Tilly Norwood is unlike any other aspiring TV or movie star: Tilly is entirely generated by artificial intelligence. What might that mean for the media industry?
Science
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Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Army gynecologist charged with taking secret videos of 44 patients
Army Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood in Texas, was charged Tuesday with 54 specifications for indecent visual recording.
Watch: Body cam video of Mangione's arrest
For the first time, the public is seeing body camera footage from Luigi Mangione's arrest. It was released on Tuesday during the pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Shooting at Kentucky State University: police
Police say one person was killed and another was injured at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
FBI releases new photo of Ryan Wedding
The public is getting a new look at the man the FBI director called a "modern day iteration of Pablo Escobar," former skier and snowboarder Ryan Wedding. CBS News' Tom Hanson has the latest on the search.
Officer details searching Mangione's backpack
Luigi Mangione appeared at a court hearing on Tuesday, one year to the day since he was arrested on suspicion of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
Space
More Space
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayoral race
Eileen Higgens won Miami's mayoral runoff election Tuesday. She is the first Democrat to be elected mayor of the city in more than 30 years. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides reports.
Ricki Lake reunited with family photos after fire
Nearly a year after her home burned down in the Palisades wildfire, Ricki Lake is celebrating a surprise discovery. An artist recently found some of the former talk show host's precious family photos at a flea market. Carter Evans has the story.
Australia's social media ban takes effect for kids
In Australia, millions of kids' social media profiles are going dark, as the country's new social media ban takes effect for anyone under 16. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Teen caring for sister after mom arrested by ICE
What began as a normal Monday morning for 18-year-old Jonathan Escalante quickly changed when his mother, Vilma Cruz, called to tell him that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had pulled up behind her car in Kenner, Louisiana. Omar Villafranca reports.
Trump says tariffs are making farmers rich
President Trump delivered remarks on the economy in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Tuesday night. The address comes as CBS News polling finds only 32% of Americans think the economy is good. CBS News' Erica Brown reports.