Billions of starfish died in a decade-long epidemic. Scientists now know why.
A sea star wasting disease sparked a mass die-off from Mexico to Alaska, devastating more than 20 species and continuing today.
Science
Lightning "megaflash" recognized as new world record
A lightning flash that extended 515 miles from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017 is recognized as being the longest horizontal distance.
Researchers say they've discovered the potato's origins
The origin of potatoes has puzzled scientists for years, but researchers now say they've found an unlikely ancestor: tomatoes.
Special cards await astronaut at ISS
SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled for liftoff Thursday, carrying a crew to the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Zena Cardman is the commander of the mission. She was supposed to launch last year, but issues with Boeing's Starliner changed those plans. Now set to blast off into space, Cardman has special notes from her father, sent before he died last August, waiting for her at the ISS.
Here's what experts say about tsunami warnings in Hawaii, Japan and Russia
"It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground," an oceanography professor says.
Exploring embryo DNA modification and ethics
Eight babies in the UK were born using DNA from three people through an IVF technique that isn't legal in the U.S. NYU professor Arthur Caplan joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to explain the science and ethical concerns.
Researchers concerned over rise in teens using AI for friendship
In a new survey, 31% of teens said their conversations with AI companions were "as satisfying or more satisfying" than talking with real friends.
Humans beat AI at annual math Olympiad, but the machines are catching up
Humans beat AI programs made by Google and OpenAI at an international mathematics competition, but the technology shows some "very exciting" progress.
Can laughter really improve your health
Dr. Jon LaPook joins comedy legend Alan Zweibel to explore how laughter can reduce stress and support heart health.
The science of redesigning your personality
Writer Olga Khazan, a lifelong introvert obsessed with work, was unhappy with who she was, and so vowed to redesign her personality by living outside her comfort zone – a journey she documented in her new book, "Me, But Better."
Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
What to know about the partial government shutdown as funding lapses for many agencies
Funding for many federal agencies expired on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown.
Massive release of Epstein files includes 3 million documents and photos
The Justice Department released more new documents Friday from the Jeffrey Epstein files, more than a month after the DOJ's original deadline to do so.
House Judiciary Committee members seek access to full Epstein case files
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee's inquiry said the panel has questions about why the Department of Justice released only half of the estimated pages of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Powerful storm threatens an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
About 240 million people were under cold weather advisories and winter storm warnings Saturday morning.
Catherine O'Hara, "Beetlejuice" and "Home Alone" star, dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
Partial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal
The Senate passed a deal on a package of spending bills late Friday, sending it to the House, though funding for dozens of government agencies has still lapsed.
Danish veterans protest outside U.S. Embassy over Greenland
Danish veterans are furious at the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
U.S.
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Sixers' Paul George suspended for drug policy violation, NBA says
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
Powerful storm threatens an East Coast still buried under last week's snow
About 240 million people were under cold weather advisories and winter storm warnings Saturday morning.
Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
"Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of sexual assault
A Nevada jury convicted "Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse of multiple charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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Federal judge denies Minnesota's request to temporarily halt Operation Metro Surge
Federal judge Kate Menendez denied Minnesota's motion for a temporary restraining order to halt "Operation Metro Surge" on Saturday. The court documents, filed on Saturday, state that Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have not met their burden of proof.
House Judiciary Committee members seek access to full Epstein case files
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee's inquiry said the panel has questions about why the Department of Justice released only half of the estimated pages of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
What to know about the partial government shutdown as funding lapses for many agencies
Funding for many federal agencies expired on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown.
Trump announces IndyCar race will come to D.C. streets for America's 250th
President Trump announced that an IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, will be held through the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of America's 250th birthday celebrations.
Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
HealthWatch
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Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
World
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Danish veterans protest outside U.S. Embassy over Greenland
Danish veterans are furious at the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Israel strikes in Gaza kill at least 30 Palestinians
Hamas called Saturday's strikes "a renewed flagrant violation" and urged the United States and other mediating countries to push Israel to stop the strikes.
Iranians are anxious, but some hope Trump will "fulfill his promise"
Many people in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried that Trump will make good on his threats to attack Iran again, but for some, it's fear laced with hope.
Son of Norway crown princess to stand trial for allegedly raping 4 women
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with a total of 38 counts.
Shark kills 13-year-old boy at popular beach in Brazil
Dozens of beaches along the turquoise coastlines of Pernambuco have been issued with shark warnings, authorities said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Pendulum Swing"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Pendulum Swing."
A new "Phantom of the Opera" takes the stage
It's been nearly three years since the curtain came down on Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera." Now, the record-breaking musical is back on stage in a brand-new form.
New exhibit explores Mustangs in the movies
For decades, the Ford Mustang has been one of the most recognizable cars on America's highways. The car is also a familiar sight on the big screen, even earning top billing in one movie. Now, the Mustang's movie ties are being explored in a new immersive experience.
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
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
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
DOJ releases new batch of Epstein files
The Justice Department is releasing more than 3 million pages related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports. Then, journalist Barry Levine, who has covered Epstein for years, joins with analysis.
Don Lemon's attorney reacts to his arrest
Independent journalist Don Lemon has been arrested in Los Angeles and faces two federal charges, a source tells CBS News. Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
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.
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Pendulum Swing"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Pendulum Swing."
The Dish: Jacob's Pickles
Jacob's Pickles is one of New York City's most popular brunch spots. Take a look inside the comfort food spot where more is more.
A new "Phantom of the Opera" takes the stage
It's been nearly three years since the curtain came down on Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera." Now, the record-breaking musical is back on stage in a brand-new form.