How do you play white elephant? The gift exchange rules, explained
White Elephant gift exchanges are common during the holidays. Here's what to know about the rules of the exchange and how to play.
U.S.
McConnell warns RFK Jr. against effort to undermine polio vaccines
Aaron Siri, an attorney to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., petitioned the FDA to "withdraw or suspend" its approval of a polio vaccine.
Secret Santa gives thousands of dollars to North Carolina victims of Helene
Every year, this anonymous, wealthy businessman travels the country during the holidays, giving away about $100,000 in $100 bills.
Possible bird strike forces jet to make emergency landing at JFK Airport
Back in 2009, the "Miracle on the Hudson" involved a bird strike and a plane taking the same route as Thursday's American Airlines jet.
Trump ordered to sit for deposition in defamation suit against ABC News
Trump's lawsuit alleges anchor George Stephanopoulos made defamatory comments when discussing the E. Jean Carroll case.
Georgia judge denies former Trump lawyer's motion to overturn guilty plea
Former Trump campaign campaign lawyer Kenneth Chesebro tried to have his guilty plea in the Fulton County election interference case invalidated.
What is Red 40 and why hasn't the FDA banned the dye?
The FDA's top food official says the safety of the dye called Red 40 hasn't been assessed in over a decade, despite concerns over its potential behavioral health effects.
Trump says Republicans will try to end daylight saving time
President-elect Donald Trump said Republicans will try to end the decades-long ritual of changing the clocks twice a year.
Trump attorneys criticize prosecutors' "novel" alternative in New York case
Prosecutors and President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers continue to argue over how a judge should move forward in a case in which Trump has been convicted, but not sentenced.
Texas sues New York doctor for telehealth abortion pill prescription
Texas has sued a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a Dallas-area woman via telemedicine.
Meta, Amazon, tech CEOs sending $1 million each for Trump's inauguration
Tech companies are sending big bucks to President-elect Donald Trump's nonprofit inaugural committee.
Oklahoma moves toward final U.S. execution of 2024
Kevin Ray Underwood is scheduled to receive a lethal injection on Thursday, his 45th birthday.
Supreme Court takes up case over California vehicle emissions standards
The Supreme Court said it will wade into a case over whether California can set its own vehicle emissions standards under a scheme laid out in the Clean Air Act.
American Travis Timmerman flown out of Syria after release from prison
A U.S. defense official told CBS News that Travis Timmerman was flown out of Syria and into Jordan by the U.S. military and handed over to the State Department.
Macy's says it will close 65 stores this year
Macy's is accelerating store closures, with plans to shutter more than 50 locations.
Trump pardons 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.
Swift-Kelce wedding day arrives with MSG under tight security
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to welcome around 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden to celebrate their wedding, sources say.
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.
"Vanishingly rare" copy of Declaration of Independence found in U.K.
A volunteer at the National Archives in London found the document among other papers seized from an American ship in 1776.
Live
Peace talks paused as Iran gears up for dayslong funeral for slain supreme leader
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran Friday with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
3 dead after boat capsizes in Wisconsin during severe storm
Three people died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday. Several others were rescued.
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.
U.S.
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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.
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.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
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.
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
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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.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
First on CBS
Sources: Trump likely to pardon pollution violators; weighing clemency for Diddy
President Trump hasn't committed to a firm number of people who will receive clemency — he's scheduled to have a meeting on pardons Friday afternoon, sources said.
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.
HealthWatch
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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.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
World
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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.
Venice mayor proposes new dynamic pricing tourist fee
The mayor of Venice says the city is seeking government approval to introduce a form of dynamic pricing to deal with tourism costs.
Ukrainian woman named suspect in Monaco bombing
The suspect was initially identified as a heavily built person appearing to be male, but Interpol now says it is looking for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman.
40 killed when speeding, overcrowded bus tumbles into Pakistan ravine, officials say
A speeding bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight others in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years, officials said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
World awaits news on Taylor Swift's wedding
Taylor Swift fans are awaiting news on her highly anticipated wedding to football player Travis Kelce. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from New York City.
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.
What's expected for Swift-Kelce wedding
Bryan West, the Taylor Swift reporter for USA Today, talks about expectations for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding and what it may look like inside Madison Square Garden. For the past week, clues have piled up and the iconic arena has been on lockdown for the couple's potential nuptials.
Latest on Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are having a wedding celebration on Friday at Madison Square Garden, law enforcement sources told CBS News. On Thursday, the couple hosted a rehearsal dinner with a star-studded guest list. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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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Crime
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.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Daredevil couple facing charges
The two daredevils who climbed the spire of the Empire State Building in New York on Wednesday are facing a litany of criminal charges. According to prosecutors, the man told police he just wanted to "do something special" for his engagement. But now, Angela Nikolau says police have taken her ring as evidence. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
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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
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Argentina to face Cape Verde in Round of 32
Three World Cup matches are scheduled for Friday, and many eyes will be on Lionel Messi and Argentina facing Cape Verde in the Round of 32 knockout stage. Chris Branch, a senior writer for The Athletic, joins CBS News to discuss.
Potential July 4th travel headaches
Fliers may face issues this holiday weekend due to extreme weather and Fourth of July festivities. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will shut down for nearly 15 hours on Friday and Saturday for holiday flyovers. Travel expert Katy Nastro joins CBS News to discuss.
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
NASA launches mission to save falling telescope
NASA on Friday launched a historic rescue mission to save an aging telescope from falling toward Earth. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has the details.