12/17: CBS Evening News
Largest wildfire in California history rages on; new warning for voice-activated digital assistants.
Google Home
Popular tech buys
Digital voice assistants like the Amazon Echo or Google Home were some of this holiday's top-sellers. The Nintendo Switch video game console sold more than 10 million units after this year's launch. CNET's Dan Ackerman joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss popular tech buys and what to expect in 2018.
Are digital assistants spying?
An organization called Consumer Watchdog says in the future, you may want to watch what you say around voice-activated assistants sold by Google and Amazon. The group says patent applications reveal the smart devices may one day record your conversations, to sell you things. Jamie Yuccas reports.
Smart home assistants listening
Digital assistants by Amazon and Google are listening – possibly even when you think they aren't. A consumer watchdog organization studied patent filings for both companies and found Alexa and her high-tech counterpart Google Home could start recording more information than you realize. Jamie Yuccas reports.
Smart home gifts
Smart home devices have become some of the most popular tech products on the market this year. Lindsey Turrentine, editor-in-chief of CNET.com, joins CBSN to discuss the top products that can change your living experience.
Smart home devices
People have fallen in love with smart home speakers like Amazon's Echo and Google Home, but this technology can also raise privacy and security concerns that could expose personal data. CNET reporter Alfred Ng joins CBSN to discuss what people should consider before purchasing one of these devices.
Privacy concerns smart toys
Some of the hottest buys these days are internet-connected devices, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home. They use voice recognition technology to answer users' questions. But how much of what you ask is stored or shared by tech companies? A consumer protection group is also asking major toy stores to discontinue sales of My Friend Cayla, an internet-connected doll, alleging the doll poses a threat to children. CNET senior editor Scott Stein joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the privacy concerns.
Google Home virtual assistant
"CBS This Morning" has a first look at the new voice-activated speaker, Google Home. The worldwide market for smart home speakers is expected to top $2 billion by 2020, which is nearly a 500 percent increase from 2015. Google is jumping into that market with its product. CNET News editor-in-chief Connie Guglielmo joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how it compares to the Amazon's Echo.
From Amazon Echo to Google Home, the biggest technology companies are betting big on virtual assistants powered by artificial intelligence
From Amazon Echo to Google Home, the biggest technology companies are betting big on virtual assistants powered by artificial intelligence. Google CEO Sundar Pichai predicts "we will move from mobile-first to an AI-first world." NewYorker.com editor and CBS News contributor Nicholas Thompson joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the emerging technology.
Google Assistant's human workers listen to customer recordings
Contractors at Google regularly listen and review some recordings of what people say to their Google Assistant
Macaulay Culkin is "Home Alone" again in new ad
"You have the house to yourself," Google Assistant tells a grown-up Kevin McCallister, 28 years after he was first left home alone
Amazon, Google patent applications hint at devices listening more
Information obtained could be used to identify a person's desires or interests
Roku to launch voice-controlled digital assistant
Streaming video company faces tough competition in segment dominated by Amazon, Apple and Google
Are smart home assistants listening more than you realize?
A consumer watchdog organization reveals what patent filings for both companies show
Possibly lifesaving 911 call sparks mystery for police
Authorities can't explain how call credited with alerting police to domestic violence situation went through
How secure are your "smart home" speakers?
Here’s what the Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo and Google Home offer in terms of privacy
Burger King makes a whopper of a mess with Google Home ad
The ad urged people to ask Google for the Whopper's Wikipedia entry, but wags added unflattering entries
Siri and Alexa's future: Health and emotional support?
Ahead of CES 2017, experts weigh the potential of giving voice assistants more health awareness
How "smart devices" could compromise your privacy
CNET senior editor Scott Stein explains how internet-connected devices like Amazon's Echo, Google Home – and even a child's doll – could be spying on you
Russia targets Kyiv with deadly strikes ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Explosions boomed across Kyiv for hours as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city in an attack that began early in the morning.
Winter storm snarls thousands of flights. Maps show the latest forecast
Millions of Americans live in areas under winter storm alerts stretching from northern Minnesota to the Eastern Seaboard.
African regional bodies reject Israel's recognition of Somaliland
President Trump said he won't quickly follow Mideast ally Israel in recognizing Somaliland, saying he needed to "study" it.
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire deal after weeks of fighting
Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting along their border.
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
Ski patrol strike shuts down Colorado's popular Telluride resort indefinitely
The Telluride Ski Resort in Mountain Village, Colorado, was shuttered Saturday, with no date set for reopening, due to a labor dispute with the ski patrol union over wages.
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Michigan hires former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines
The university fired ex-coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 for having an "inappropriate relationship" with a female staffer.
Rescuers search for soccer coach, children after boat sinks in Indonesia
The Spanish soccer club Valencia said that a coach for its women's reserve team, Fernando Martín, and three of his children were among the victims.
U.S.
More U.S.
Man charged with fatal shooting of woman during backyard target practice
The victim was sitting with her family under a covered porch several blocks away when she was hit by a bullet, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Mormon church, dies at 85
Jeffrey R. Holland was next in line to lead the Mormon church under a long-established succession plan.
Boy with autism, 6, rescued from pond 15 months after similar incident
The boy, identified by police as Coco, was found in chest-deep waters but was not injured.
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
3 wounded in shooting at rural Idaho sheriff's office, officials say; suspect killed
The suspected gunman was shot and killed by law enforcement, authorities said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Planning to return unwanted Christmas gifts? You may be charged fees.
Several major retailers are now charging customers to return items even if they are unopened and in perfect condition.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Politics
More Politics
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
U.S. launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
World
More World
Rescuers search for soccer coach, children after boat sinks in Indonesia
The Spanish soccer club Valencia said that a coach for its women's reserve team, Fernando Martín, and three of his children were among the victims.
African regional bodies reject Israel's recognition of Somaliland
President Trump said he won't quickly follow Mideast ally Israel in recognizing Somaliland, saying he needed to "study" it.
Russia targets Kyiv with deadly strikes ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Explosions boomed across Kyiv for hours as ballistic missiles and drones hit the city in an attack that began early in the morning.
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire deal after weeks of fighting
Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday after weeks of deadly fighting along their border.
Israeli police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How one photographer takes refuge in Paris
Peter Turnley, an American and French photographer known for documenting the human condition, finds comfort in Paris. His new book "PARIS Je t'aime" showcases 50 years of photographs from his favorite city.
Samara Joy performs "Now And Then (In Remembrance Of...)"
Samara Joy burst onto the jazz scene in 2021, earning major praise as a "classic jazz singer from a new generation," and gaining popularity on TikTok. The young artist has already won five Grammy Awards, and her album "Portrait" is now up for Best Jazz Vocal Album of the Year. Here's Samara Joy performing "Now And Then (In Remembrance Of...)."
Samara Joy performs "Three Little Words"
Samara Joy burst onto the jazz scene in 2021, earning major praise as a "classic jazz singer from a new generation," and gaining popularity on TikTok. The young artist has already won five Grammy Awards, and her album "Portrait" is now up for Best Jazz Vocal Album of the Year. Here's Samara Joy performing "Three Little Words."
Second actor accuses Tyler Perry of sexual assault in new lawsuit
It marks the second lawsuit in recent months accusing the filmmaker and studio mogul of leveraging his power in Hollywood to make sexual advances.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
More Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Man charged with fatal shooting of woman during backyard target practice
The victim was sitting with her family under a covered porch several blocks away when she was hit by a bullet, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Dad uses cell phone data to rescue missing daughter, police say
After a teen didn't return from walking her dog, her dad used cell phone data to find her in a secluded area two miles away.
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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?
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Perry Bamonte, member of The Cure, dies at 65
Perry Bamonte, a guitarist and keyboardist for the alternative rock band The Cure, died at his home in England following a "short illness," the band announced Friday. He was 65.
U.S. could turn to South Korea for a vital mineral
Nestled deep in the mountains of South Korea, in a remote part of the country's east, is one of the world's largest deposits of tungsten, a critical mineral the U.S. desperately needs for its defense. As Anna Coren shows, a newly reopened mine in South Korea could soon fill that need.
Trump establishing a hard line on foreign policy
During his first year back in power, President Trump has used American military might to send messages to adversaries abroad. On Christmas Day, Mr. Trump ordered a strike on ISIS militants in Nigeria, which came about one week after the U.S. also struck ISIS targets in Syria. Willie James Inman reports from Mar-a-Lago.
What happens to your returned holiday gifts?
The National Retail Federation estimates that 17% of holiday purchases will be sent back. Andres Gutierrez reports on what happens to unwanted gifts after they're returned to retailers.
"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 27, 2025
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with Jericka Duncan.