How to spend your Amazon gift card: 12 great ideas
From wool dryer balls to weighted blankets, here's what to buy with the Amazon gift card you got for the holidays.
Christmas
Tree rentals make Christmas eco-friendly
There are now three options when Christmas tree shopping: real, fake and rental. Renting a tree allows for its replanting and reuse after the holiday season. Roxana Saberi has the details.
Holiday shoppers rush to meet shipping deadlines
With just days to go before Christmas, Americans are hitting the stores in search of those last-minute gifts — and hoping to meet shipping deadlines. Janet Shamlian reports.
Tree rentals provide eco-friendly alternative to holiday tradition
An eco-friendly version of the Christmas tree holiday tradition is taking root in England.
Omicron's quick spread raises concerns
One week ahead of Christmas, federal health officials are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases primarily fueled by the Delta variant — with fears that holiday gatherings and the highly infectious Omicron variant will create yet another surge. The latest outbreak is triggering a nationwide push for Americans to get booster shots. Elise Preston reports.
World leaders weigh tougher COVID restrictions
The director-general of the World Health Organization is urging people to cancel or postpone their holiday gatherings as the Omicron variant spreads globally. He warned the celebrations could overwhelm hospital systems and lead to more infections and deaths. This comes as leaders in the U.K. and other European nations consider tightening restrictions ahead of Christmas. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams joined Anne-Marie Green on CBSN to discuss the COVID surge.
Great last minute Christmas gifts for mom you can shop now
We've found the perfect gifts for mom, including the KitchenAid Pro stand mixer, NuFace Trinity and Apple AirPods
Children's hospital brings holiday joy to patients
For kids in hospitals, the holidays can be tough. At Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., kids still get to experience some Christmas joy. Jan Crawford has the story.
COVID-19 cases spike ahead of Christmas
Hospitals across the nation are bracing for a new wave of COVID-19 patients as infections rise ahead of Christmas and New Year's Eve. About 90% of all Americans are now in "high" or "substantial" risk areas. Marci Gonzalez reports.
Protecting a forest by cutting down Christmas trees
The Aspen Canyon Ranch in Colorado allows visitors to pick their own Christmas tree and help thin out the forest, allowing other trees to have room to grow. The price of a tree is a donation to a shelter for women experiencing homelessness. Barry Petersen has the story.
Concerns grow over 5G impact on planes
Airlines are warning that a dispute over 5G technology could cause delays for passengers in the new year. CBS News' congressional correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports.
Staff picks: The 14 best Christmas gifts we're giving this year
The CBS Essentials staff knows shopping, and this is what we're giving him, her and the kids this year for Christmas
Christmas shopping deadlines: When to buy gifts to avoid shipping delays
Get the details on the USPS, FedEx and UPS shipping deadlines, in-store pickup at your favorite retailers and more
Collins says those with vaccine and booster "very well protected" from Omicron
Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, urged Americans to get the vaccine and booster shots ahead of the holidays.
What goes into a box of See's Candies?
At the See's Candies factory, in Culver City, Calif., candymakers are busy cranking out holiday cheer, which is sold online and in more than 200 stores across the U.S. Correspondent Luke Burbank tests his candy-making skills, and also finds out how a Christmas tradition, stalled during last year's pandemic, is now back.
Jim Gaffigan on celebrating Jesus' birthday
The comedian ponders the evolution of the holiday season, which started with one man's birth, and now involves indoor trees and door-to-door singers.
Dr. Jon LaPook on COVID and safer holiday gatherings
With the increase in coronavirus caseloads due to the spreading Delta and Omicron variants, CBS News' chief medical correspondent discusses the precautions to be taken at end-of-year get-togethers, to better ensure a safe holiday season.
The return of Secret Santa
Far from the North Pole, at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Secret Santa is about to do some of his best work ever, on the San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands. Correspondent Steve Hartman reports on the anonymous wealthy businessman who is making his annual holiday season trek, giving away $30,000 in hundred-dollar bills to random strangers.
COVID disrupts Christmas festivities again
As COVID-19 continues to surge across the U.S., people are flocking to testing sites. Meanwhile, local business' holiday traditions are beig canceled due to the rise in cases. Elise Preston updates.
How product trackers help consumers score popular gifts
Trying to find the most popular electronics, toys and gifts is proving to be a challenge for some this holiday season. As a result, many people are turning to so-called product trackers that alert people when items are back in stock at retailers. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Irina Ivanova joins CBSN's Lana Zak to explain.
Military family surprised with holiday decor
The holidays can be a tough time for military families who may have a parent away or are dealing with the wounds of war. But one company is bringing cheer to those lives this time of year. As part of the "CBS Mornings" series A More Perfect Union, Janet Shamlian joins Christmas Decor for a surprise mission in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Kraft will pay for your holiday desserts, cheesecake not included
The supply chain crisis may impact cheesecake availability for the holidays. So Kraft wants to pay for you to enjoy another dessert for the holidays.
Santa Claus Girls continue tradition bringing cheer to children in need
The pandemic interrupted the Santa Claus Girls' yearly gift giving tradition, but now they are back bringing cheer to children in need.
10 super great gifts for Marvel fans
From stocking stuffers like a Thor bottle opener to an Avengers version of Monopoly, we've assembled the best gifts for Marvel fans.
Holiday shipping deadlines begin this week
The deadline for shipping your holiday gifts is fast approaching if you want them to arrive before Christmas. Meg Oliver has the details.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Authorities say they're "aware of a new message" in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Winter Olympics begin with spectacular opening ceremony
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
Exclusive
Trump called Sen. Tim Scott after lawmaker condemned image of Obamas
President Trump called GOP Sen. Tim Scott after the South Carolina Republican publicly urged the president to remove a reposted video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Republicans condemn Trump's racist video portraying the Obamas as apes
The criticism continued even after the White House removed the video after the initial backlash.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
U.S.
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Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
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Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
HealthWatch
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See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
World
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Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
How the Olympics' Parade of Nations country order works
Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.
See the best Olympic opening ceremony outfits of the 2026 Winter Games
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin, all eyes were on teams from around the globe proudly donning their countries' uniforms for the opening ceremony, including Team USA in outfits designed by Ralph Lauren.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Bad Bunny set for historic Super Bowl performance
Coming off a historic Grammy win, Bad Bunny is gearing up to make even more history at this weekend's Super Bowl. The musician is set to be the first Super Bowl headliner to perform completely in Spanish. Leila Cobo, co-chief content officer at Billboard, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Bad Bunny hints at halftime show surprises
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican singer born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, told fans to expect a special Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday. Nidia Cavazos reports on how the star is performing, and whether he'll have any surprise guests.
Bad Bunny set for historic halftime show
Bad Bunny will perform on the Super Bowl halftime stage on Sunday for an all-Spanish performance - a first at the big game. The six-time Grammy winner gave a preview ahead of his performance, saying, "they dont even have to learn Spanish. They just … it's better if they learn to dance."
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to keep drones at home with flights banned over big game
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities say they're "aware of a new message" in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect in 1994 murder of Colombian soccer star killed in Mexico
Andres Escobar was gunned down in Medellin days after scoring an own goal in a match against the U.S. at the 1994 World Cup.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Officials review new message in Guthrie case
Officials said they are "aware of a new message" in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance on Friday. Authorities have not given details on the contents of the message. Former FBI special agent FBI Doug Kouns joins CBS News to discuss.
Man spent decades making model of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost one million structures. Steve Hartman has the story.
Officials shut down man's free bus rides
After a licensed school bus driver finished his route, he decided to help after seeing lots of other children walking to school in the cold. As Tony Dokoupil reports, the offer was short-lived.
Olympics kick off with opening ceremony in Milan
The opening ceremony marked the official start of the 2026 Winter Olympics with celebrations at Milan's San Siro Stadium and at venues in Predazzo, Livigno and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Seth Doane reports.
What to know about high-stakes Super Bowl security
With less than 48 hours until kickoff for Super Bowl LX, security preparations are already in motion. Kris Van Cleave has a preview.