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
U.S. launches strikes on Iran after commercial ship attacks in Strait of Hormuz
As many as three tankers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iran continued exchanging threats, with peace talks on hold.
Here's how Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee if Platner drops out
Democrats have a brief window of time to replace Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on the ballot if he drops out of the race amid a sexual assault allegation.
Unstable building in Midtown Manhattan forces evacuations, street closures
The unstable building is the former Pfizer headquarters in Midtown Manhattan that is being converted into apartments.
Fetterman tells those who backed Platner to "sit it out" on a possible replacement
Sen. John Fetterman condemned his colleagues who continued backing Graham Platner amid a string of scandals.
Senate GOP leaders say they've talked with McConnell by phone
The top Republicans in the Senate spoke with the Kentucky Republican by phone this week, according to their spokespeople.
Trump weighs allowing Turkey to have F-35s as NATO summit begins
Amid simmering tensions between the U.S. and some NATO allies over Iran and Greenland, President Trump is tightening bonds with Turkey.
Democrats Stevens and El-Sayed spar in tense Michigan Senate debate
The debate comes days after a third candidate, Mallory McMorrow, suspended her campaign.
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect changed clothes before shooting, agent says
An investigator testified that a video shows Tyler Robinson going over a railing onto a rooftop, crouching down and running to a site overlooking where Charlie Kirk was speaking.
U.S.
More U.S.
Fetterman tells those who backed Platner to "sit it out" on a possible replacement
Sen. John Fetterman condemned his colleagues who continued backing Graham Platner amid a string of scandals.
Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said he has directed that Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards be posthumously promoted to his selected rank of captain.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ford recalls 177,000 vehicles over faulty wiper, drivetrain and other issues
A slew of Ford recalls affects some new and used Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles, according to a federal safety watchdog.
Judge rejects DOJ's attempt to get names of 2020 election workers in Fulton County
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Justice cannot have access to personal information for every person who worked during the 2020 election in Georgia's Fulton County.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ford recalls 177,000 vehicles over faulty wiper, drivetrain and other issues
A slew of Ford recalls affects some new and used Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles, according to a federal safety watchdog.
USPS raising the price of a Forever stamp starting on Sunday
The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Walmart cuts prices on thousands of items, including beef and soda
President Trump praised Walmart and said the lower prices are the result of "my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday."
Toyota, in $3.6 billion move, shifting Tacoma production to Texas from Mexico
Toyota is shifting most production of its midsize Tacoma pickup truck from Mexico to the U.S. as part of a $3.6 billion investment in its Texas plant.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Fetterman tells those who backed Platner to "sit it out" on a possible replacement
Sen. John Fetterman condemned his colleagues who continued backing Graham Platner amid a string of scandals.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Judge rejects DOJ's attempt to get names of 2020 election workers in Fulton County
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Justice cannot have access to personal information for every person who worked during the 2020 election in Georgia's Fulton County.
Here's how Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee if Platner drops out
Democrats have a brief window of time to replace Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on the ballot if he drops out of the race amid a sexual assault allegation.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
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.
World
More World
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said he has directed that Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards be posthumously promoted to his selected rank of captain.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mexico probing possible U.S. violation in drug lord capture: "Someone lied"
Mexico said it is investigating whether its sovereignty was violated by the United States in the 2024 capture of drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
Rahm Emanuel expected to say Israel needs "significant changes" in speech
Rahm Emanuel is viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate and has been a longtime defender of Israel.
Entertainment
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Prince Harry loses long legal battle against U.K. tabloid publisher
Prince Harry has lost his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday tabloids, with the top U.K. court dismissing claims of illegal information gathering.
Common on starring in "Silo" series
Common speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the series "Silo," which is back for a third season. The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winner reveals what drew him to his character. He also discusses recent performances, including at the BET Awards and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
Sophie Chen Keller reads "Little Wonder"
Oprah Winfrey selected "Little Wonder" by acclaimed author Sophie Chen Keller as her latest book club pick. Keller reads an excerpt from her novel about an extraordinary journey of hope and love.
Details emerge of Swift-Kelce wedding
The highly anticipated wedding between pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Travis Kelce took place at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Page Six senior reporter Carlos Greer joins with the emerging details.
AI actor Tilly Norwood set to star in first feature film
AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is set to star in her first feature film, with her creator saying that "art will be imitating life."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
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.
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.
Science
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2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
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?
Crime
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Crime
New video of alleged Kirk murder suspect
Prosecutors revealed new video from the moments before and after the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Carter Evans reports from Utah with details on the pretrial hearing there on Tuesday.
Former Bucknell football coach charged
Two years after the death of an 18-year-old football player at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, the team's former strength and conditioning coach has been hit with felony charges, including aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter. Mark Strassmann reports.
Mexico probing possible U.S. violation in drug lord capture: "Someone lied"
Mexico said it is investigating whether its sovereignty was violated by the United States in the 2024 capture of drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect in court
Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, is back in a Utah court for a preliminary hearing. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more details.
Ex-college hoops star accused of posing as other people in $2.2M scam
Kerr Kriisa posed as other people and falsely claimed he and his family urgently needed money to deal with an emergency, the indictment says.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
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.
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
Former Make-A-Wish kid inspires others
Just a couple of weeks after Kai Rackley got his wings as a first officer for United Airlines, he got a chance to meet a group of kids a lot like he used to be. Tony Dokoupil has the story about the magic of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
New video of alleged Kirk murder suspect
Prosecutors revealed new video from the moments before and after the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Carter Evans reports from Utah with details on the pretrial hearing there on Tuesday.
What happens if a lawmaker takes a long absence?
Senate GOP leaders say they've spoken to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for more than three weeks. USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page joins to discuss.
Engineer on unstable Manhattan building
People were forced to evacuate several buildings in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning after bricks started falling from a construction site. CBS News national correspondent Lilia Luciano reports. Then, Anil Agrawal, chair and professor of structural engineering at the City College of New York, joins with analysis.
Timeline of latest U.S. strikes on Iran
U.S. Central Command said it launched strikes against Iran on Tuesday after tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has the details.