Black Santas pop up in Little Rock after family gets racist note
"Please remove your Christmas yard decoration," the letter said, signed by Santa.
Christmas
Family harassed over "Black Santa" decorations
An African American family in Little Rock, Arkansas, received an anonymous letter penned from Santa, asking the family to take down "Black Santa" decorations installed at their house. Adriana Diaz has more.
CBS Weekend News, December 12, 2020
Mass coronavirus vaccine distribution plan underway; Arkansas family harassed over "Black Santa" decorations
Santas around U.S. work to make kids happy
In any other year, children would be lining up to see Santa Claus this time of year -- but this is a holiday season unlike any other, so Santa is getting creative. He's finding out what kids want for Christmas through virtual visits or socially distanced appearances. Barry Petersen speaks to Denver photographer Ron Cooper, whose new book "We Are Santa: Portraits and Profiles" showcases 50 American Santas, who each want to bring holiday cheer.
Secret Santa surprises essential workers with Christmas cash
In the coming weeks, Secret Santa will give away about $100,000 total — to total strangers.
Online shopping strains retailers and shippers
As Americans shop online more than ever before, shippers are strained by the demand, leaving many wondering if their items will be delivered in time. New York Times business reporter Sapna Maheshwari joined CBSN to discuss the anticipated 3 billion packages headed through the nation's shipping infrastructure this holiday season.
Bocelli, daughter to star in online Christmas concert
Opera legend Andrea Bocelli and his 8-year-old daughter, Virginia, will be delighting fans with a Christmas concert livestreamed from Italy. Norah O’Donnell has more.
Andrea Bocelli, daughter to star in live-streamed Christmas concert
The concert will explore the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of opera legend Andrea Bocelli's 8-year-old daughter, Virginia.
CBS Evening News, December 10, 2020
FDA panel recommends approval of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use; Andrea Bocelli and daughter starring in online Christmas concert
Pope's Midnight Mass to start early to comply with COVID curfew
Francis canceled his weekly public general audiences after infections started to surge, including a cluster of a dozen cases among the Vatican's Swiss Guards.
Little girl's letter to Santa leads to emotional reunion
"Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like it to be a surprise. Please tell Nyla that I miss her," the little girl's letter reads. "Please tell her my address."
Girl asks Santa to see her friend again
7-year-old Annalisse Hocking's one Christmas wish to Santa Claus this year was to help her find her friend, Nyla. In February, Nyla's family moved away and the two girls lost contact with each other. Nikki Battiste shows how Santa was able to pull off a surprise reunion with the help of some "elves."
Fauci on coronavirus vaccine and immunity
"CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell spoke with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, about the coronavirus vaccine and what we can expect over the next few weeks ahead of the holidays.
Pandemic changes Christmas in Holy City
Christmas in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem will be like no other in recent memory this year. Typically thousands of people flock to the revered birthplace of Jesus during the holiday season but the pandemic has forced this year's events to be mostly virtual. Some say the change has pushed the community to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of being around loved ones during a difficult year. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Ho! Ho! Ho! COVID can't keep Santa Claus down
Not even a pandemic could prevent Jolly St. Nick from completing his Christmas rounds. Thanks to his technologically-challenged elves, Santa will do thousands of virtual visits this holiday season. Steve Hartman reports from the North Pole's Zoom chat room.
Alabama sheriff's office slammed for "thugshot" Christmas tree decor
The Mobile NAACP strongly condemned the tree, calling it "inappropriate, shameful, disrespectful, despicable, disgusting and embarrassing."
Pelosi, McConnell nearing deal on stimulus
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are closing in on the framework for a coronavirus stimulus deal, after months of back-and-forth. The bill, which would help millions of struggling Americans, could be passed before Christmas. Nancy Cordes reports on the latest from Capitol Hill.
Santa adjusts to new normal during COVID
Santa is doing thousands of virtual visits during the holiday season.
Santa adjusts to new normal during COVID
Santa Claus and his helpers are taking extraordinary steps during the COVID-19 pandemic to still be able to talk with children and learn more about their Christmas wishes. Steve Hartman reports for "On The Road."
CBS Evening News, December 4, 2020
CDC urges indoor mask use amid COVID-19 surge; Santa adjusts to new normal amid coronavirus pandemic
Koala wanders into family's home, climbs Christmas tree
It seems that everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit this year — even koalas.
Watch: National Christmas Tree lighting
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump presided over the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree outside the White House, with music from the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters and "The President's Own" United States Marine Band.
Melania Trump unveils White House Christmas decorations
The unveiling comes less than two months after secret recordings from June 2018 were aired by CNN, in which she complained about preparing for the holidays at the White House.
11/30: Red and Blue
Moderna applies for emergency use authorization; White House decorated for the 2020 holidays
Tough restrictions show positive results in Europe
CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports from London on the global toll of the coronavirus pandemic.
New Texas college, UATX, encourages civil discourse and free speech
The president of the University of Austin, Pano Kanelos, says the school looks for students who think deeply and challenge norms.
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Potential winter storms forecast across the U.S. on Thanksgiving week
Forecasters have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Former Israeli hostages mark 1 year since war's only release deal
The only truce in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 24, 2023 – fewer than two months after fighting began – led to the release of 80 Israelis held by militants in Gaza.
Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
A team of researchers has warned about "pink cocaine" for over a year
The death of music star Liam Payne has thrust "pink cocaine," sometimes also called Tusi, into the national spotlight. The National Drug Early Warning System predicted its rise back in 2023.
Israel says, rabbi killed in the UAE in "heinous antisemitic terror incident"
Zvi Kogan, 28, an ultra-Orthodox rabbi who went missing on Thursday, ran a Kosher grocery store in the futuristic city of Dubai.
U.S.
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A team of researchers has warned about "pink cocaine" for over a year
The death of music star Liam Payne has thrust "pink cocaine," sometimes also called Tusi, into the national spotlight. The National Drug Early Warning System predicted its rise back in 2023.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
MoneyWatch
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Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says
A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.
Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.
Politics
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Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Transcript: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat of Delaware, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
HealthWatch
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A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak
Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.
E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2
More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.
World
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Former Israeli hostages mark 1 year since war's only release deal
The only truce in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 24, 2023 – fewer than two months after fighting began – led to the release of 80 Israelis held by militants in Gaza.
Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5
The shooting took place in the coastal province of Tabasco, which is struggling with a recent increase in violence.
Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier as Hezbollah fires 185 rockets at Israel
Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines.
Gazan chefs cook up hope and humanity for online audience
Ten-year-old Chef Renad (who's gained a following on Instagram) and Hamada Shaqoura (who relies on humanitarian aid and crude cooking arrangements) educate while preparing meals in war-torn Gaza.
U.S Air Force says drones spotted near 3 bases in England last week
The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
Entertainment
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Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
What makes a martini a martini?
There are very few American inventions more American than the martini – a classic cocktail of gin and vermouth, garnished with lemon. But today, a martini's ingredients may be up for debate.
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
Last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed the Fleetwood Mac founder's club, Fleetwood's on Front Street. Today, Mick Fleetwood is determined to rebuild, saying, "There has to be music."
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
As a young man, Fleetwood Mac founder Mick Fleetwood dreamed of a place – a club – where he could get his friends together. Twelve years ago, he made it happen in the west Maui city of Lahaina: Fleetwood's on Front Street. But last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed his treasured club. Today, Fleetwood says he's determined to rebuild. Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
"Sandwiches of History": Resurrecting sandwich recipes that time forgot
Every week on his blog, "Sandwiches of History," Barry Enderwick rescues sandwich recipes from the dustbin of history. He's now collected some of the unlikeliest (and even amazing) historical recipes in a cookbook.
Technology
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Technology
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?
Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.
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.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
Science
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Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Crime
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Crime
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor
When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.
$20 million settlement reached in death of woman fatally shot by officer
Teresa Gomez, 45, was fatally shot in 2023 after a Las Cruces police officer on a bicycle approached her while she sat in a parked car with another person, authorities said.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
11/24: The Takeout: Sen. Joe Manchin
Sen. Joe Manchin joins "The Takeout" to discuss his political career and the state of American politics in 2024. Manchin provides insight on his disagreements with Democrats during Biden's presidency, why he left the party and how it can move forward after falling short this past election.
60 Minutes returns to Notre Dame
Next Sunday, 60 Minutes returns to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, bringing viewers a unique first look at the rebirth of one of the world’s great treasures.
Texas pie shop sees huge lines for Thanksgiving
Houston's Flying Saucer Pie Company has a devoted following, with people camping out overnight and lines up to half a mile long to get dessert for Thanksgiving. Janet Shamlian takes a look at what makes this shop so special.
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Recall affects roughly 240,000 electric vehicles
Some 240,000 electric vehicles are being recalled because of the risk they could lose power while being driven. Some of the affected models include Kia vehicles and the Hyundai Genesis.