Crime Without Punishment | CBS Reports
In this CBS Reports documentary, Jim Axelrod peels back the curtain on a sobering reality of a justice system in crisis: For roughly half of the people murdered in America, no one is arrested for the crime.
Crime Without Punishment
A look at unsolved murders in America
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, we examine a crime often going without punishment in our country. CBS2's Ali Bauman takes a closer look at racial disparities in homicide closure rates at the NYPD.
Oakland, San Francisco see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Oakland and San Francisco are seeing a large difference on solved cases, as Wilson Walker reports.
She lost two sons to gun violence; five years later, still no arrests
Barely half of murder cases in the U.S. get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. In the mid-1960s, more than 90% of murders were solved, generally resulting in the arrests. By 1990, that percentage fell into the 60s. Then, by 2020, as homicides surged, the national clearance rate dropped to about 50% for the first time ever.
A "coin flip": Nearly half of U.S. murders go unsolved as cases rise
Murders are going unsolved at a historic pace, and police are far less likely to solve cases when the victim is Black or Hispanic, a CBS News investigation has found.
Behind the story: How CBS News analyzed homicide solve rates across U.S.
The investigative team at CBS News wanted to understand how police were addressing this nearly unprecedented spike in murders – and why many were going unsolved.
Baltimore task force trying to solve the crisis of unsolved murder
Officials from more than 20 agencies are working together in a nondescript warehouse, investigating Baltimore's most brazen drug syndicates.
Unsolved murders and the mothers of Jackson, Mississippi
Mothers being asked to investigate the murders of their sons has become a reality in Jackson.
Philly police say "crushing volume" of killings outruns their ability to close cases
CBS News analyzed decades of unsolved murders across the country, and found stark racial disparities in the clearance rates — the share of cases each year that are solved.
Former Dallas police chief hopes police and communities can bridge gaps
Renee Hall, former chief of the Dallas Police Department, is the daughter of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
According to data analyzed by CBS News, the national homicide clearance rate has been improving for cases involving white victims, but falling for Black and Hispanic victims.
Detroit homicide clearance rates rise as national rates fall
According to the FBI and the Detroit Police Department, homicide clearance rates in the city have risen as the national average has fallen.
Unsolved murders on the rise, especially for Black, Hispanic victims
An analysis of FBI crime data by CBS 2 has found that LAPD's homicide clearance rate has ebbed over the years in a way that is concerning.
Five years after her brother's murder, one Chicago woman learns justice will never come
Chicago Police have low arrest rates, but higher rates for cleared or closed cases. We dig into what's behind those numbers.
Black and Hispanic murders are less likely to be solved. The reasons why are complicated.
New research by the CBS News Innovation Lab shows the likelihood of a murder being solved in the US is significantly lower when the victims are Black or Hispanic.
How Sacramento County is bucking the national trend of murder cases going unsolved
In a collaboration with CBS News, CBS Sacramento is examining why crime is often going without punishment in our country. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Barely half of the murder cases in the United States get solved.
Miami police working to increase murder clearance rate
In Miami-Dade, the clearance rate for homicides in 2020 was 43%
The problem behind Boston's unsolved murders
Unsolved murders are a growing concern nationwide.
Homicide clearance rates are dropping in Philadelphia as murder rates skyrocket
The murder rate in Philadelphia was 499 in 2020. That's a 40% increase from 2019.
Homicide clearance rates are declining across the U.S. Baltimore's is down to 42%.
A CBS News analysis of FBI homicide data shows Baltimore City's average clearance rate from 2015 to 2019 was just 38.7%, hitting a low of 29.7% in 2015, the tumultuous year when Freddie Gray was killed in police custody and arrests plummeted.
More murders going unsolved nationally, but Dallas-Fort Worth may be getting less credit than they deserve
Murder, according to the FBI, is the most likely crime to be solved in the US, but nationally the rate of success has been in decline for years.
Pittsburgh homicide clearance rates falling as national rate hits all-time low
In a collaboration with CBS News, KDKA Investigates examines crime often going without punishment in our country.
U.S. unsolved homicide rates soar, and Minneapolis is pacing worse than nat'l average
The day after Terrell Mayes, Jr. celebrated Christmas with his family, the 3-year-old and his siblings heard gunshots. A stray bullet struck Terrell as he ran up the stairs inside his north Minneapolis home. For more than a decade, WCCO has followed his grieving mother's push to find her son's killer.
Denver police's approach to solving homicides has caught national attention
Denver police has made many changes in the decades since the shocking murder of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, including building a $28 million state-of-the-art crime lab.
Oakland, SF see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, KPIX 5 is examining a crime often going without punishment in our country. Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved.
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How did a wealthy widow wind up dead below a staircase in her mansion?
Beverly Hills detectives responding to the death of 67-year-old Violet Yacobi — who was found on the marble floor below a staircase in her mansion — suspected foul play and her dentist son, and wondered if the family fortune was a motive for murder.
Watch our full interview with Spencer Pratt
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt opened up about his run for mayor of Los Angeles in an exclusive interview with CBS News.
Bobby Cox, longtime Braves manager, dies at 84
Cox managed the Braves for 25 seasons, winning the World Series in 1995.
Audio captures moment Frontier plane fatally struck pedestrian
The plane was evacuated because of smoke in the aircraft after the collision, according to the flight crew.
Pedestrian fatally struck by Frontier plane departing Denver for LA
A pedestrian was hit by a Frontier airplane departing Denver for LA late Friday night, the airport and airline confirmed.
MoneyWatch
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Fed unlikely to cut interest rates until 2027, Bank of America says
A "hawkish" turn at the Fed and stubbornly high inflation could delay interest rate cuts, according to Bank of America economists.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
ABC accuses the FCC of violating free speech rights over "The View"
ABC filed a petition with the FCC claiming that the agency's scrutiny of "The View" threatens to "chill critical protected speech."
Employers added 115,000 jobs in April, blowing past forecasts
Hiring once again exceeded forecasts, with employers adding far more than the projected gains of 65,000.
U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
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Watch our full interview with Spencer Pratt
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt opened up about his run for mayor of Los Angeles in an exclusive interview with CBS News.
Pentagon says 1 survivor after latest strike on alleged drug boat kills 2
The U.S. military's latest strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed two men Friday while leaving one survivor.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new House primary as state pushes to redistrict
Alabama lawmakers have approved a plan for new House primaries if courts allow the state to use different congressional districts in this year's elections.
What the Trump administration's latest tariff blow means for businesses
A trade court's ruling this week against a 10% U.S. tariff is narrow in scope, offering limited relief to importers. Here's what to know.
Trump announces prisoner swap in 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
President Trump said the agreement will swap 1,000 prisoners from each country after Russia and Ukraine announced separate short-term ceasefire plans.
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Passengers start to disembark cruise ship stricken by hantavirus
A Dutch-flagged cruise ship that was hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak reached Spain's Canary Islands early Sunday morning.
Hantavirus cruise passengers to be evacuated
In just hours, the cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands. All the passengers will then be evacuated to their home countries, including 17 Americans. Ramy Inocencio reports and Dr. Jon LaPook has more on the virus.
WHO director arrives in Canary Islands to oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
More than 100 people from a cruise ship dealing with an outbreak of the rare and deadly hantavirus are set to be disembarked.
A deadly diagnosis almost derailed a mom's dream. Her husband gave her hope.
Maralee Lellio always dreamed of having a large family. A Stage IV cancer diagnosis almost caused her to lose hope.
Man who survived hantavirus 24 years ago, but lost mom and sister, recounts experience
In 2002, Zermeño found out he contracted hantavirus after cleaning the family house following the death of his mother and sister. He had been exposed to rodent droppings and became infected.
World
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Passengers start to disembark cruise ship stricken by hantavirus
A Dutch-flagged cruise ship that was hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak reached Spain's Canary Islands early Sunday morning.
Putin says Ukrainian conflict nearing end amid Victory Day celebrations
The Victory Day celebrations didn't include a show of heavy weapons for the first time in nearly two decades.
Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's rule
Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party defeated Orbán's nationalist-populist Fidesz in a stunning blow last month.
WHO director arrives in Canary Islands to oversee hantavirus cruise evacuation
More than 100 people from a cruise ship dealing with an outbreak of the rare and deadly hantavirus are set to be disembarked.
U.K.'s Starmer faces calls to resign after disastrous local elections
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Saturday to revive the Labour Party after a disastrous set of local and regional elections.
Entertainment
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Martha Stewart: How to make an omelet
In her latest book, "The Martha Way," Martha Stewart shares her classic methods for cooking – the building blocks essential to every home chef.
Behind the scenes of Met Gala glam
Adriana Diaz goes behind the scenes with her prep ahead of this year's Met Gala.
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Who You Gonna Run To?"
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "Last Orders"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "Last Orders."
Hiss Golden Messenger performs "In the Middle of It"
Hiss Golden Messenger is a project led by North Carolina singer-songwriter MC Taylor. The Grammy-nominated group blends multiple genres with earnest and reflective lyrics to create a unique sound. Here's Hiss Golden Messenger performing "In the Middle of It."
Technology
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Technology
Online learning platform Canvas hacked
The online learning platform Canvas, which is used by 30 million students around the world, was hacked Thursday in a massive cyberattack. The platform is used by thousands of schools, including major universities. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Canvas back online after cyberattack hit learning platform for U.S. schools
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
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.
Here's how AI can help with retirement planning, and where it struggles
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
Google unveils screenless Fitbit
Fitness trackers started as devices for measuring workouts, but now they are designed for 24/7 monitoring and the passive collection of health data. Fitbit announced its latest device, called the Fitbit Air, to compete with other screenless trackers like the Whoop. Tech journalist Lexi Savvides joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Science
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Crime
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Crime
Beverly Hills 911
Beverly Hills detectives try to figure out how a widow ended up dead below a staircase in her mansion. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
How did a wealthy widow wind up dead below a staircase in her mansion?
Beverly Hills detectives responding to the death of 67-year-old Violet Yacobi — who was found on the marble floor below a staircase in her mansion — suspected foul play and her dentist son, and wondered if the family fortune was a motive for murder.
Mother of missing woman in Bahamas speaks out
The search for Michigan mother Lynette Hooker headed into a fifth week as Coast Guard investigators seek to question the owners of a sailboat that was moored near the Hooker's vessel when she went missing. Cristian Benavides reports.
CBS News finds security gaps at Hilton Hotel
CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga returned to the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., to better understand the security surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner. What she found was a 13-minute gap in security camera coverage in the moments leading up to the shooting.
DOJ yet to authenticate possible Epstein note
A federal judge has made public an apparent suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
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UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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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.
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From the archives: Edward R. Murrow's World War II broadcasts
During World War II, CBS News Radio broadcaster Edward R. Murrow brought news of the war - with immediacy and empathy - into the homes of Americans. In this "Sunday Morning" report originally aired on May 7, 1995, Charles Osgood looked back at the journalist whose words helped listeners an ocean away see what he saw, from the London Blitz and the Allies' invasion of Europe, to the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp.
Beverly Hills 911
Beverly Hills detectives try to figure out how a widow ended up dead below a staircase in her mansion. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Chicago 5th graders carry out Pope's mission
This week, Pope Leo XIV marked one year since his historic election, from a low-profile priest from Chicago to one of the most recognizable people on the planet. Noel Brennan visited some of his biggest supporters.
Jellyfish-like fish washing up on beaches
Scientists have been stunned this week by hundreds of thousands of sea creatures washing up along the West Coast. Carter Evans reports.
Bobby Cox dies at 84
Hall of Fame baseball manager Bobby Cox has died at 84 years old. His teams won five National League pennants and the World Series in 1995.