Mysterious objects found orbiting supermassive black hole: study
Are they just gas, or are they stars? Astronomers now believe the unusual objects may be a hybrid of both.
Space
Second all-female spacewalk devoted to space station battery replacements
NASA resumes battery replacement work aboard the International Space Station with the second all-female spacewalk.
Ex-Navy SEAL is NASA's first Korean-American astronaut
Kim is a first-generation Korean-American whose parents came to the U.S. in the 1980s to provide a better life for their children.
Teen discovers rare new planet 3 days into NASA internship
NASA's planet hunter satellite TESS has discovered an exoplanet orbiting two stars instead of one — and it was identified by a high school intern.
SpaceX's latest launch seeks to address astronomers' concerns
The launch boosts the number of Starlink internet relay satellites to 180 as SpaceX builds a vast constellation.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch sets a new record in space
Christina Koch passes Peggy Whitson's 288-day mark on Saturday to set a new record for longest single space flight by a female astronaut.
Final solar eclipse of the decade will create a "ring of fire"
The annular solar eclipse will be a Christmas spectacular.
Boeing Starliner won't dock with space station after glitch
The Starliner will attempt an automated landing Sunday at White Sands, New Mexico.
Boeing Starliner makes first launch, but hits snag
The unpiloted test flight could lay the groundwork for Boeing to launch a crew to the space station in 2020.
NASA's Mars 2020 rover completes its first test drive
"The next time the Mars 2020 rover drives, it will be rolling over Martian soil," NASA said.
Boeing Starliner ready for historic test flight
NASA hopes to end reliance on Russian Soyuz ferry ships and transport astronauts on U.S. crew capsules.
SpaceX launches Falcon 9 with communications satellite
The new satellite will provide high-speed commercial and government communications across the Asia-Pacific region.
Giant cyclone the size of Texas discovered on Jupiter
"These cyclones are new weather phenomena that have not been seen or predicted before," said Cheng Li, a Juno scientist.
Boeing cleared for Starliner test flight to space station
The unpiloted test flight will help clear the way for astronaut launches from U.S. soil in 2020.
NASA picks site near "Mount Doom" to collect asteroid sample
The winning site offers the best balance between risk and science reward, researchers say.
Live
U.S., Iran trade more strikes after Trump says ceasefire is "over"
The U.S. began a second night of strikes Wednesday and Iran responded in kind after President Trump declared earlier in the day that the ceasefire was "over."
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
How Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner
Maine Democrats are facing a ticking clock to find a new candidate to go up against GOP Sen. Susan Collins this fall, after Graham Platner dropped out of the race following a sexual assault allegation.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Nolan Wells' family seeks answers after missing Mississippi teen found dead
The family of Nolan Wells, who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Trump hails "unity" at NATO summit, despite recent tensions
President Trump concluded the NATO summit with a press conference touting the "tremendous love" exhibited by the allies.
Latest Videos
Latest Videos
Peggy Whitson on her record-breaking career
Peggy Whitson, America's most experienced astronaut, sat down with Norah O'Donnell to discuss her inspirations and her extraordinary career in an upcoming episode of "Person to Person" on CBS News Streaming. Here is a preview.
One year of images from James Webb Telescope
NASA is celebrating one year of images from the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA administrator Bill Nelson joined CBS News to talk about some of the images the telescope has captured, including one released Wednesday of a stellar nursery.
NASA shares new image from James Webb
NASA has published a stunning new image from the James Webb Telescope to mark one year since it started sending images from deep space. It shows a small star-forming region in a complex of interstellar clouds about 390 lightyears from Earth. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Professor discusses possible alien technology
A team of Harvard researchers is investigating fragments of what they believe could be alien technology. The pieces were from a meteor that landed in the ocean near Papua New Guinea back in 2014. Professor Avi Loeb, who leads the research team, joins CBS News to explain the findings.
What happens to Earth during a solar maximum
By the time the Earth reaches its closest point to the sun next January, scientists believe the star could be experiencing what's known as a solar maximum. Although the sun will still be some 91 million miles away, the peak in solar activity could affect us here on Earth. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, joins CBS News to break down what happens to the sun and Earth during a solar maximum and how we can prepare.
U.S.
More U.S.
Second Memphis fatal shooting in 4 days by federal task force, officials say
A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a man there on Wednesday, the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Sons of man killed by ICE officer in Houston demand independent probe
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo worked for 35 years to send all three of his American citizen sons to college, his son said. He was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Tuesday.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
MoneyWatch
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Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Stocks slide, oil surges after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
Oil prices jumped 6% while U.S. stocks fell as renewed Middle East conflict threatens crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Politics
More Politics
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
World
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June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globally
A new report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service also found that June temperatures in Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The War and Treaty performs "Litty"
The War and Treaty performs "Litty" from their new album "The Story of Michael and Tanya" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Goo Goo Dolls perform "Slide"
The Goo Goo Dolls perform their hit song "Slide" as America rings in its 250th birthday
2026 Emmy nominations are announced: See the full list
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Cristo Fernández on kid's book, loving soccer
"Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández shares the inspiration behind his new children's book "Fútbol is Life!" The bilingual book draws on Fernández's childhood experiences growing up in Guadalajara and is "a love letter to the game" of soccer.
Restaurants rebound with "Kitchen Undercover"
Chef Antonia Lofaso helps struggling restaurants get back on track with her new show, "Kitchen Undercover." Lofaso joins "CBS Mornings" to explain how.
Technology
More Technology
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
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.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Lawyers battle over evidence in Kirk case
In Utah, a judge is weighing whether 23-year-old Tyler Robinson should face trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and whether a recorded interview with Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner should be made public. Carter Evans reports.
Person of interest in custody after stray bullet hits 5-year-old in Detroit
Kaizer, 5, is expected to make a full recovery after a stray bullet struck him while he rode his bicycle near his west side Detroit home Tuesday evening, his family said.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk death back in court
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder, is due back in court today as he faces Day 3 of preliminary hearings. This comes after prosecutors unveiled footage of him on the Utah college campus where Kirk was killed. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Ex-Wisconsin judge fined $5,000, spared prison in ICE obstruction case
A former Wisconsin judge will soon learn her sentence for felony obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal officers.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
Rahm Emanuel delivers tough love on Israel
Former Chicago mayor and former U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel spoke at Tel Aviv University on Wednesday. The potential Democratic presidential candidate called to end unconditional U.S. support for Israel as part of a larger political shift among Democrats.
Analysis of Trump revoking Iran's oil waver
The rise in oil prices comes after the Trump administration on Tuesday revoked a waiver that allowed Iran to sell oil. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Middle East expert on U.S. strikes on Iran
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. military is conducting a new wave of strikes on Iran at the direction of the president. The second night of strikes came after President Trump said the fragile ceasefire between the two countries was over as far as he was concerned. Will Todman, senior fellow for the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has more.
Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. He has denied all claims. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Details: Graham Platner suspends his campaign
Maine Democrat Graham Platner has dropped out of his race for Senate following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Jessi Mitchell anchors this special report.