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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Savannah Guthrie renews plea for clues in mother's disappearance
"Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie is renewing pleas to residents of Tucson, Arizona, to jog their memories in the hopes of sparking new leads in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.
Officials scramble to carry out Trump's directive on ICE agents at airports
President Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist TSA agents at airports as delays and security staffing shortages continue to worsen.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte join Margaret Brennan.
Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said last week that an attack on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute a war crime.
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Police found that five Barbie packages containing fentanyl were sold. They have all been recovered.
MoneyWatch
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Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen recalled across the U.S.
A pharmaceutical company issued the recall after receiving complaints of "gel-like mass and black particles" in the product, the FDA said.
Politics
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Officials scramble to carry out Trump's directive on ICE agents at airports
President Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist TSA agents at airports as delays and security staffing shortages continue to worsen.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte join Margaret Brennan.
Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said last week that an attack on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute a war crime.
Senate advances Markwayne Mullin's nomination for DHS secretary
In a 54 to 37 vote, two Democrats voted with all Republicans in attendance to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination. A final confirmation vote is expected in the coming days.
Transcript: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
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Cuba begins to restore electricity after nationwide power grid collapse
Cuba has begun restarting its power grid after another nationwide blackout left millions without electricity.
Transcript: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Jason Crow on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Transcript: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Entertainment
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Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Chef Ruthie Rogers on the comforts of food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner, acclaimed chef and podcaster Ruthie Rogers, whose new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," celebrates conversations and comfort food.
Chef Ruthie Rogers: Food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner and acclaimed chef Ruthie Rogers. Seth Doane talks with the American-born Rogers about her fabled Italian restaurant, her new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," and her podcast, all of which celebrate the connections brought about by conversations and comfort food.
Technology
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How iNaturalist app users have fun while aiding science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss - and, as Martha Stewart discovers, it's fun!
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
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.
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
White House unveils AI framework for Congress
The White House unveiled a national framework for how it wants Congress to address concerns about artificial intelligence. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss the outline and AI concerns.
Science
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Science
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
Crime
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Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Police found that five Barbie packages containing fentanyl were sold. They have all been recovered.
Couple on unusual activity at neighbor's home: "I think they finally killed him"
When Gary Herbst, described by his Minnesota neighbors as confrontational, disappeared on July 8, 2013, it appeared he walked out on his wife and teenage son. Years later, a startling discovery would confirm what neighbors thought they might have witnessed.
Wife of Joseph Duggar charged with child endangerment after his arrest
Kendra Duggar was charged with multiple misdemeanors a day after husband Joseph Duggar's arrest.
5 more defendants plead guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Five people who were charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future scheme pleaded guilty to wire fraud this week.
See police bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest on Long Island
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island was released to the media Friday.
Space
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Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 blastoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
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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
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Crow on Iran war funding
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, an Afghan war veteran, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he would not support an Iran war supplemental before Congress, but pushed back against the suggestion that he does not support the troops. "What I'm not going to do is just throw money at the Iran war," Crow added.
Face the Nation: Crow, Grossi, Salvanto
Missed the second half of the show? Rep. Jason Crow, Rafael Grossi and Anthony Salvanto join. Plus, two Iranian-American detainees join a panel discussion.
Ex-detainees on Americans imprisoned in Iran
With at least four Americans believed to be detained in Iranian prisons, former detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi, who were held in Iran's notorious Evin prison, CBS News contributor and formerly the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and Shargi's sister Neda Sharghi joined "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to discuss the situation.
CBS News poll on Iran war, economy
Americans voice a range of goals for the U.S. in Iran, including that it is important to stop Iran's nuclear program, make sure the Iranian people are safe and free -- but also, for most, to end the conflict as quickly as possible, CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto says.
IAEA director on destroying Iran's nuclear
Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency director, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he doesn't think "any war" would destroy Iran's nuclear ambitions "unless it was nuclear war, and you go for destruction in an unfathomable way, which we hope, of course, will never be the case."