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
Live
Senior Iranian officer says return to war with U.S. seems "inevitable"
Prospects for a U.S.-Iran deal seem to dim as the war between Israel and Hezbollah grinds on despite Trump saying they agreed to stop fighting.
6 states hold primaries today, including key races in California, Iowa
Six states are holding primary contests on Tuesday, including California and Iowa.
Russian missile, drone attack on Ukraine kills at least 13, officials say
Russian missile, drone strikes kill at least 13 people across Ukraine, authorities say, after President Zelenskyy warned Moscow was planning a "massive new strike."
DOJ says it will stop work on $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund"
The Justice Department said it will stop work on the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund following a district judge's decision temporarily blocking the program.
Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief
President Trump on Tuesday announced he's tapping housing official Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
American soldier and British soldier die in training accident in Iraq
The U.S. and British militaries say one American soldier and one British soldier died during a training exercise in Iraq.
Police in Iowa say they think man shot and killed 6 relatives, then himself
Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police.
Vanilla Ice says he'd perform for anybody, including Putin and Iran
"It's not anything to do with politics. I don't know why they're turning it into politics," Vanilla Ice said of the Freedom 250 concerts planned in Washington, D.C.
U.S.
More U.S.
Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief
President Trump on Tuesday announced he's tapping housing official Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard.
Police in Iowa say they think man shot and killed 6 relatives, then himself
Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police.
South Carolina store owner acquitted of murder in 2023 killing of Black teen
Chikei Rick Chow, 61, shot Cyrus Carmack-Belton in the back after chasing him from his convenience store in Columbia. He maintained he acted to defend his son.
Vanilla Ice says he'd perform for anybody, including Putin and Iran
"It's not anything to do with politics. I don't know why they're turning it into politics," Vanilla Ice said of the Freedom 250 concerts planned in Washington, D.C.
North Carolina officer fired over video of violent arrest turns himself in
Former Shelby County police officer Karson Hyder has been charged with one count of assault inflicting serious injury after video appeared to show him repeatedly punching a woman.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Northlake police warn of gas pump screw scam
The Northlake Police Department issued a warning about a new scam at gas stations that is low tech, but effective.
About 1 in 4 professionals is stuck in a mid-career stall, study finds
Workers who go at least five years without a promotion or meaningful raise can miss out on thousands of dollars in earnings, researchers found.
What to know about the major student loan changes coming July 1
The changes will affect how much students and their parents can borrow, as well as their repayment options.
Anthropic files for IPO, setting up public-market test of AI boom
The filing sets up Anthropic, the maker of the Claude AI chatbot, to sell its shares to the public.
Barry Diller's People Inc. offers to buy MGM Resorts
Diller said that MGM's properties, such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, can't be easily replaced by AI.
Politics
More Politics
Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief
President Trump on Tuesday announced he's tapping housing official Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard.
6 states hold primaries today, including key races in California, Iowa
Six states are holding primary contests on Tuesday, including California and Iowa.
Late California ballots could reshape primary results in closely watched governor's race
California's governor's race is tightening as many Democratic voters appear to be waiting until the final hours to cast their ballots.
Vanilla Ice says he'd perform for anybody, including Putin and Iran
"It's not anything to do with politics. I don't know why they're turning it into politics," Vanilla Ice said of the Freedom 250 concerts planned in Washington, D.C.
DOJ says it will stop work on $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund"
The Justice Department said it will stop work on the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund following a district judge's decision temporarily blocking the program.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
Details on promising pancreatic cancer drug
A new drug was shown in trials to keep pancreatic cancer patients alive for twice as long as chemotherapy alone. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
A nurse stole fentanyl and AI missed it, state records say
Sentri7, drug diversion software powered by artificial intelligence and used at hundreds of U.S. hospitals, did not catch a monthslong string of fentanyl thefts in Tennessee in 2025, according to a state document.
New drug nearly doubles survival rates in some pancreatic cancer patients, study says
New research shows a medication called daraxonrasib is helping people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer.
Woman diagnosed with cancer after minor symptoms: "Couldn't believe it"
Candace Tucker thought her symptoms were benign. A colonoscopy led to an alarming diagnosis.
World
More World
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
American soldier and British soldier die in training accident in Iraq
The U.S. and British militaries say one American soldier and one British soldier died during a training exercise in Iraq.
Bear goes on rampage in Japan, injuring 4 people
A record 13 people were killed by bears in Japan last year, and there has been a jump in sightings as the animals emerge hungry from hibernation.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
Live
Senior Iranian officer says return to war with U.S. seems "inevitable"
Prospects for a U.S.-Iran deal seem to dim as the war between Israel and Hezbollah grinds on despite Trump saying they agreed to stop fighting.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Marilyn Monroe's friends honor the icon (1962)
Monday marks 100 years since the birth of the iconic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. On Aug. 10, 1962, six days after her death at the age of 36, CBS News aired a retrospective special about the legend's life, featuring interviews with friends, mentors and colleagues.
Vanilla Ice says he'd perform for anybody, including Putin and Iran
"It's not anything to do with politics. I don't know why they're turning it into politics," Vanilla Ice said of the Freedom 250 concerts planned in Washington, D.C.
Vanilla Ice on Freedom 250 concert series
A number of artists have recently said they will not perform at the upcoming multi-day Great American State Fair at Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. It's being put on by the group Freedom 250, which the BBC says was launched by the Trump administration, with the president appointing its CEO. Rapper Vanilla Ice joins to discuss why he believes the show must go on.
Horror films by YouTubers win big at box office
A pair of small-budget horror films made by YouTube creators, "Backrooms" and "Obsession," had a big weekend at the box office. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
Anna Faris on the new "Scary Movie"
Anna Faris, who stars in the new "Scary Movie," joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss reviving the role she played in the original film, which debuted in 2000.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Florida sues OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman
Florida has filed a civil suit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, accusing them of deceiving users. Jo Ling Kent explains.
Early details on Anthropic's IPO filing
Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company behind the chatbot Claude, has filed to go public, setting up one of the biggest initial public offerings in history. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the details.
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.
Florida sues OpenAI over alleged harms caused by ChatGPT
Florida has become the first state to sue OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman.
Anthropic confidentially files for IPO
Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company that created the Claude chatbot, said Monday it has confidentially filed for an initial public offering.
Science
More Science
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
New species of blue octopus discovered 5,900 feet underwater
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, has a blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature.
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
DOJ on "anti-weaponization" fund news
The Department of Justice slammed a court's decision blocking the "anti-weaponization" fund that critics called a slush fund to aid allies of the Trump administration. CBS News' Kathryn Watson reports after news emerged that the work on the fund would stop.
Police in Iowa say they think man shot and killed 6 relatives, then himself
Authorities in Iowa are investigating the fatal shootings of six people they believe were killed by a relative who took his own life when confronted by police.
South Carolina store owner acquitted of murder in 2023 killing of Black teen
Chikei Rick Chow, 61, shot Cyrus Carmack-Belton in the back after chasing him from his convenience store in Columbia. He maintained he acted to defend his son.
Fired N.C. cop arrested on assault charge
A North Carolina police officer, seen in doorbell video repeatedly punching a woman, has been fired for the conduct and charged with assault. Jericka Duncan reports.
Judge keeps hearing public in Kirk murder case
A preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will be open to the media and the public, a judge ruled Monday. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
More Space
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Blue Origin assesses impact of New Glenn explosion
Blue Origin assess the impact of Thursday's New Glenn explosion, prompting concern about NASA moon program delays.
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
NASA's moon base plans include landers, buggies and drones for 2028 mission
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Astrolab, Lunar Outpost and Firefly Aerospace are awarded with hundreds of millions of dollars in NASA contracts for the first phase of its moon base plans.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
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.
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
Behind the decline of summer jobs for teens
A new report finds summer hiring for teens is expected to fall to its lowest level in nearly 80 years. Harvard economist and CBS News contributor Roland Fryer explains what's driving the decline.
Israel and Lebanon continue clashing
Israel and Lebanon clashed overnight despite President Trump claiming that both sides would pause fighting. CBS News' Courtney Kealy reports.
New study on weight loss drugs, breast cancer
Researchers from Penn Medicine found women taking GLP-1 drugs are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Celine Gounder breaks down the study's findings and if the drugs caused the difference.
Latest on major Russian attack on Ukraine
Dozens of missiles and drones hit Kyiv and other major cities in Ukraine on Tuesday. More than a dozen people were killed and 100 injured in the attacks. Russia says it was in response to what it called "terrorist acts." Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
New details on spread of Ebola outbreak
The International Rescue Committee says the current Ebola outbreak in central Africa may have been spreading undetected as early as January. Meanwhile, there are protests over U.S. plans to treat affected Americans in Kenya. Ramy Inocencio reports.