What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
Gold Mining
Gold rush could bring open pit mines to Black Hills in South Dakota
Miners want to return to the treasured landscape, promising an economic boost while raising fears of how modern gold extraction could forever change the region.
What lies 2 miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes 2 miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals. Bill Whitaker reports.
What lies two miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes two miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals. Bill Whitaker reports.
What lies 2 miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes two miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals.
New process for mining electronic waste could be a gold mine
Easier and cheaper extraction of gold from old tech could boost the financial incentive to safely recycle, and keep toxic metals out of landfills.
New method mines gold from electronic waste
A United Nations report found that in 2022, the world generated more than 60 million tons of electronic waste, like outdated cellphones and laptops. That's an 82% increase from just a decade before. Bradley Blackburn reports that the value hidden inside these gadgets could help solve the problem.
South Africa is trying to starve 4,000 miners out of an illegal mine
South Africa's government says it will let thousands of illegal miners starve until they accept their fate and emerge from an abandoned shaft to face arrest.
23 rescued from old Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 23 people were rescued after an elevator malfunction at an old gold mine. Eleven visitors were first brought out of the mine while the remaining 12 trapped 1,000 feet underground were rescued six hours later. One person was killed and four others were injured while visiting the attraction.
2nd largest diamond ever pulled from a mine, Botswana officials say
Botswana's government says a 2,492-carat diamond pulled from the Karowe Mine is the biggest ever found in the country.
U.K. Royal Mint mining gold from e-waste
The U.K.'s official coinmaker is aiming to reduce its reliance on traditional mining and encourage more sustainable practices by extracting gold from electronic waste. Kamal Afzali reports.
Researchers unearth "pot of gold" of Persian coins in Turkey
The team of archaeologists found the stash of Persian coins, alongside other artifacts, in a small pot buried under a large house in the center of the ancient Greek city of Notion.
Afghan diplomat accused of smuggling gold into India resigns
Zakia Wardak, Afghanistan's top diplomat in India, announced her resignation after reportedly being stopped at an airport with the gold cache.
Apple threatened with legal action over use of alleged "blood minerals"
The Democratic Republic of Congo has given Apple weeks to answer questions about how it ensures key components in its tech are ethically and legally sourced.
Why are gold prices suddenly rising?
The buying price of gold futures has hit multiple record highs this year, rising more than 14% in value since Jan. 2. Campbell Harvey, professor of finance at Duke University, joins CBS News to explain what's motivating buyers.
13 workers in collapsed gold mine declared dead in Russia
About 200 rescuers used powerful pumps to try to take out water that flooded the mine, posing a challenge to the salvage operation.
Dozens of people reportedly buried by pit mine collapse in Venezuela
A local journalist in Venezuela says an apparent wall collapse in pit gold mine has left more than 100 people buried.
Why U.S. is reinstating Venezuela sanctions
Venezuela's top court is blocking opposition leader María Corina Machado from holding public office, which has led the U.S. to reinstate sanctions against its state-owned gold-mining company and the country's oil and gas sector. Eric Martin, a Bloomberg Business international economics reporter, joins CBS News with a look at the sanctions.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
U.S. military hits 30 ISIS targets in Syria
The strikes were part of Operation Hawkeye Strike, which was launched in retaliation for an ISIS ambush that killed two American soldiers and an interpreter.
Alexei Navalny was likely fatally poisoned in prison, European leaders say
European leaders said they are confident Navalny was poisoned with a toxin found in South American poison dart frogs.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
U.S.
More U.S.
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
After struggling early, U.S. men's hockey team dispatches Denmark 6-3
The U.S. kept pace with also-unbeaten Canada for the top seed in the Olympic men's hockey tournament.
Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Tour bus driver indicted on homicide charges in deadly crash that killed 5
Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, according to court documents.
Breezy Johnson on her Olympic love story: "Who are we to fight the alchemy?"
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Breezy Johnson and her fiancé talks about the lead up to their engagement at 2026 Milano Cortina and a congratulations from Taylor Swift.
MoneyWatch
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Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
Politics
More Politics
Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"
President Obama spoke about the "unprecedented nature" of what he said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did in Minnesota.
Exclusive
Trump insider Tom Barrack kept in contact with Epstein for years, files show
Tom Barrack, a top U.S. diplomat and longtime friend of President Trump, networked and socialized with Epstein for years, CBS News found.
Rubio calls for U.S. and Europe to "revitalize an old friendship"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear the Trump administration would stick to its guns on policy, but offered a tone seen as softer and more reassuring.
DHS shutdown begins as funding expires without a deal in Congress
It's the second time in as many weeks that government funding has lapsed as Democrats and the White House remain at an impasse over immigration enforcement policies.
Why is the U.S. government exploring using high-energy lasers near the border?
The FAA imposed a surprise flight ban over El Paso earlier this week amid disagreements within the U.S. government over the use of a high-energy laser against drones at the border.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
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Lindsey Vonn says "ride was worth the fall" after fourth surgery, set to return to U.S.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Olympic veteran from Colorado, also reflected on her Olympic crash, saying, "I don't have regrets."
Olympic organizers promise Valentine's weekend restock after condoms run out
Olympic organizers promise that the villages where athletes live won't run out of free condoms again during the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Winter Olympics
It is Jordan Stolz's second gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games, breaking a world record.
Olympic curling committee issues warning after cheating accusations
The committee said during Saturday's afternoon session two officials will move to observing deliveries across the four matches.
Brazilian skier wins South America's first-ever Winter Olympics medal
Another Brazilian athlete, Nicole Rocha Silveira, could earn another medal on Saturday when she races in the women's skeleton event.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.
Tyler Ballgame performs "For the First Time, Again"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "For the First Time, Again."
Tyler Ballgame performs "Matter of Taste"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "Matter of Taste."
Tyler Ballgame performs "I Believe in Love"
New England native Tyler Ballgame grew up with a music teacher mom who encouraged him to sing as much as possible. While his voice has been compared to greats like Elvis Presley and John Lennon, his debut album, "For the First Time, Again," puts the singer's own spin on a retro sound. Here's Tyler Ballgame performing "I Believe in Love."
"Sinners" cinematographer could make history
"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw says she doesn't want the audience to notice her work because "you wanna make it so good it feels like a dream." The Oscar nominee is the first woman of color nominated in the cinematography category and only the fourth woman ever. It's the only Oscars craft category never won by a woman. She talks about her career journey to this historic moment.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Overnight activity at Nancy Guthrie's home
The search for Nancy Guthrie is in its 13th day after authorities issued another plea for her return and were seen overnight at her Tuscon home.
Latest in the search for Nancy Guthrie
Law enforcement appeared to be at Nancy Guthrie's home overnight as the search for "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom enters its 13th day.
Nancy Guthrie investigators "working a lead" at scene near her home, sheriff says
The FBI and sheriff's department have been investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, for nearly two weeks.
Latest on Guthrie search
The FBI is now calling the "subject" in the surveillance video of Nancy Guthrie's front porch a suspect. The agency has also released its first description of the 84-year-old's alleged kidnapper. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the details.
Arizona sheriff in Nancy Guthrie search defends sending DNA to Florida lab
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the results that investigators have received from DNA testing in the Nancy Guthrie case so far haven't led to a suspect.
Space
More Space
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Team USA experiences Olympic triumph, heartache
Halfway through the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, athletes and fans are fully immersed in the Olympic spirit. Kelly O'Grady reports from Milan with the latest on all the action.
Rubio delivers charm offensive at Munich conference
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday spoke to European leaders attending the annual Munich Security Conference. Rubio sought to calm some fears that months of sharp U.S. rhetoric and policy disputes had opened a lasting breach between Washington and its European allies. Olivia Gazis has more.
"Heated Rivalry" creating a boon for hockey
As hockey takes center stage at the Winter Olympics, a Canadian series about the sport called "Heated Rivalry" has become a worldwide phenomenon and melted barriers on the ice and beyond. Itay Hod explains.
Inflation's role on Valentine's Day
The price of flowers and jewelry are up about 26% over the last five years, according to a CBS News analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The price of chocolate is up over 75% over that time as well, mostly driven up by cocoa bean costs. As Allie Bauman reports, while romance still rules this Valentine's Day, it is coming at a cost.
DHS shutdown begins with no deal in sight
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security has ground to a halt in a dispute in Congress over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The partial shutdown was impacting the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard and FEMA, among other agencies. Willie James Inman reports.