The science behind NASA's "smiling" sun
The sun appeared to be "smiling" down on Earth ahead of Halloween weekend. But what does it mean?
Space
NASA launches new UFO study
The team conducting the study includes former astronaut Scott Kelly along with 15 other scientists and experts.
Orionid meteor shower expected to peak Friday morning
The Orionids travel at 148,000 mph and, because of their speed, can sometimes become fireballs when they enter Earth's atmosphere, NASA said.
Webb takes Hubble's "Pillars of Creation" to new heights
The $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope takes one of Hubble's most famous images to new heights.
Astronaut James McDivitt, commander of Apollo 9, dies at age 93
Former NASA astronaut James A. McDivitt, who commanded the Apollo 9 mission, died on Thursday, NASA said.
SpaceX Crew Dragon astronauts wrap up 170-day space station visit
With the Crew Dragon's splashdown, NASA completed a complex sequence of flights to replace the station's seven-member crew.
New "early-warning system" makes it possible to see stars ripping apart
With the new system, researchers say people can "watch the surface of the star getting literally ripped apart in front of our eyes."
Pair of stars create "fingerprint" in photo taken by James Webb Space Telescope
The two intertwined stars, located 5,000 light years from Earth, create what looks like a "fingerprint" in space.
Climate change may have killed off life on Mars, study finds
A new study found that Mars may be a real-life warning of the deadly impact the greenhouse gas effect can have on a planet.
Dennis Tito, world's first space tourist, plans flight around moon with SpaceX
The retired 82-year-old financial analyst, who paid $20 million for a trip to the space station in 2001, is gearing up for a flight around the moon and back.
NASA probe changed asteroid's course in successful test
The test verifies a possible technique for nudging a threatening asteroid or comet off course before it could impact Earth.
Tom Cruise could become first civilian spacewalker in upcoming film shoot
Tom Cruise's next mission is looking all the more possible — a studio executive says he's going to be "taking the world to space" in his upcoming film.
Scientists find galactic graveyard in the Milky Way
Finding the remains of ancient stars "was like trying to find the mythical elephant's graveyard," scientists say.
SpaceX Falcon 9 puts on spectacular sky show boosting 2 satellites to orbit
SpaceX's 46th launch so far this year put two Intelsat Galaxy communications satellites in orbit.
SpaceX Crew Dragon successfully docks at International Space Station
The Crew Dragon brought four fresh crew members to the lab complex, including a Russian cosmonaut.
Live
U.S. says it thwarted Iranian missile attack on troops in Middle East
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East in what U.S. Central Command described as an "attempted surprise attack" on Tuesday.
First on CBS
How Trump drafted renovation plans for Dulles, a "terrible airport"
President Trump asked for 3D models of the renovation proposals as he personally tweaked ideas to overhaul Dulles International Airport that are scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday.
Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Trump's next intelligence chief
Clayton's confirmation as director of national intelligence could unlock gridlock over a key spy tool that lapsed last month.
Japan quake kills at least 13; more trapped in collapsed mall, factory
A major earthquake in Japan's southwest killed at least 13 people and left several injured or missing after a shopping center and a paper mill were heavily damaged.
Trump policy clears way for civil commitment of homeless in some states
In the year since President Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving homeless people off the streets, states have expanded involuntary treatment for the homeless.
U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Trump calls Graham "beloved friend" and "American original" in eulogy
President Trump delivered the eulogy for friend and ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly just a short time after visiting Ukraine earlier this month.
DOJ tests limits of never-before-used court to deport suspected terrorist
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Before now, it had never been used.
"60 Minutes" announces new correspondents and contributors
"60 Minutes" announced ahead of its 59th season that Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips will join the show.
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Americans on space race support
Sunday marks the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission -- the first to land humans on the moon. Now, NASA is in a multiyear effort to return astronauts to the moon starting in 2026, with an eye toward a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.
Piece of Mars sells at auction
NWA 16788, the largest piece of Mars on Earth, fetched $5.3 million at auction. Franklin Institute chief astronomer and planetarium director Derrick Pitts joins CBS News with more.
Mars rock could fetch millions at auction
A piece of Mars is going up for auction this week, and it could go for as much as $4 million.
Axiom space crew returns from historic trip
Astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary and the U.S. are returning from the International Space Station following the historic Axiom Mission 4 trip. CBS News' consultant Bill Harwood joins with more details.
Meteorite seen above Georgia, South Carolina
Dashcams in Georgia and South Carolina captured the moment a meteorite streaked across the sky Thursday.
U.S.
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American Airlines nationwide ground stop lifted after IT outage disrupts flights
According to the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, all airports and facilities were being impacted by the IT outage.
Florida executes 2 men in one day, including ex-cop who killed girl
Florida on Tuesday became the first state in nearly a decade to carry out two executions in a single day, putting to death an 80-year-old man who was the second-oldest inmate known to receive a lethal injection in modern U.S. history.
First on CBS
How Trump drafted renovation plans for Dulles, a "terrible airport"
President Trump asked for 3D models of the renovation proposals as he personally tweaked ideas to overhaul Dulles International Airport that are scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday.
Canadian tourism slumped in the U.S. last year amid heightened tensions
Millions of Canadians shunned travel to the U.S. in 2025, opting to vacation at home or travel to other countries.
DOJ tests limits of never-before-used court to deport suspected terrorist
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Before now, it had never been used.
MoneyWatch
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Canadian tourism slumped in the U.S. last year amid heightened tensions
Millions of Canadians shunned travel to the U.S. in 2025, opting to vacation at home or travel to other countries.
Americans face higher back-to-school costs. Here's what's pricier.
U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.
Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company says.
Taylor Farms CEO pressed by lawmaker over cyclospora outbreak
Rep. Robert Garcia is seeking information about whether Taylor Farms used White House ties to influence the federal response to the foodborne illness outbreak.
Amazon plans to deploy more than 5,000 satellites for new telecom service
Amazon Leo wants to launch a constellation of thousands of satellites to connect devices directly from space.
Politics
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U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Trump policy clears way for civil commitment of homeless in some states
In the year since President Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving homeless people off the streets, states have expanded involuntary treatment for the homeless.
Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Trump's next intelligence chief
Clayton's confirmation as director of national intelligence could unlock gridlock over a key spy tool that lapsed last month.
First on CBS
How Trump drafted renovation plans for Dulles, a "terrible airport"
President Trump asked for 3D models of the renovation proposals as he personally tweaked ideas to overhaul Dulles International Airport that are scheduled to be unveiled on Wednesday.
DOJ tests limits of never-before-used court to deport suspected terrorist
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court was created by Congress in 1996 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Before now, it had never been used.
HealthWatch
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What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis: "Learning how to live with it"
Carly Simon, the singer known for 1970s hits like "You're So Vain," announced she has Parkinson's disease and also was treated for basal cell carcinoma.
Cyclospora outbreak impact on eating habits
Amid the outbreak of cyclospora, a CBS News poll finds 40% of Americans say they are buying or eating less produce. Nearly half of those polled say they have little or no confidence in the FDA to deal with the outbreak. Carter Evans reports.
Cyclospora boosts fears that deadlier foodborne outbreaks are ahead
Food safety experts say cuts to the public health system hobbled the response — and that the next outbreak could be much worse.
World
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U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike "Iran-aligned terrorists" in Iraq
The U.S. and Saudi militaries announced airstrikes late Tuesday on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, after Iran and its proxies allegedly targeted American forces.
Kenya investigates deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli National Park
The Kenya Wildlife Service said 10 of the elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying within two days.
Trump meets with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu amid wars in Iran, Ukraine
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday.
Woman murdered in 1936 and buried under building is finally identified
Police have finally identified the remains of a woman murdered nearly a century ago and buried beneath a building in Toronto.
Widow of murdered mayor arrested in extortion case in Mexico
Valentin Lavin, who was allied with President Claudia Sheinbaum's leftist party, was shot and killed during a town hall.
Entertainment
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William Shatner and daughter Melanie recall fighting Stage 4 cancer together
Actor William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, recall how they helped each other as they fought Stage 4 cancer side by side.
William Shatner, daughter on cancer journeys
Legendary actor William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch are opening up about their battles with Stage 4 cancer nearly at the same time as each other. Both are now cancer-free and share how they helped each other through the challenging time.
Ariana Grande sues alleged hackers
In a new lawsuit, Ariana Grande alleges unidentified hackers caused "irreparable harm" to her career and stole her unreleased music, photos and videos. She's asking the court to force internet providers to identify them.
"The Odyssey" movie sparking interest in book
Moviegoers are turning out in droves for the IMAX spectacle "The Odyssey," but they're also flocking to something else: the 2,700-year-old source material. Matt Gutman has more.
Comedian Jeff Arcuri talks new special
Comedian Jeff Arcuri became a sensation on social media after more than a decade of performing at comedy clubs. He talks about his debut stand-up special, "Jeff Arcuri: Nice to Meet You," his comedy reaching new audiences and a time when crowd work didn't go as expected.
Technology
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Amazon plans to deploy more than 5,000 satellites for new telecom service
Amazon Leo wants to launch a constellation of thousands of satellites to connect devices directly from space.
Theaters score with themed popcorn buckets
Bradley Blackburn visits gets a taste of the custom popcorn buckets from movies like "The Odyssey" that are driving fans crazy.
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.
Brands cash in on AI influencers
A growing number of faces on your feeds are generated by artificial intelligence, and brands are buying in. Increasingly, these AI influencers are marketing products, often deceptively, to consumers. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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Science
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Crime
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Crime
Georgia teen sentenced for school shooting
Sixteen-year-old Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the 2024 shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School which killed four people.
Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Colt Gray to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gray pleaded guilty to killing four people in the deadly 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry has the latest.
Apalachee High School shooter sentenced to life without parole
Colt Gray, the teenager who admitted to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School, will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole.
Police seek third Seattle shooting suspect
Seattle police are hunting for a third suspect being linked to a deadly shooting at a food festival near the Space Needle. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
What is postpartum psychosis, the disorder at the center of Lindsay Clancy's trial?
A key question in the Massachusetts murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is whether postpartum psychosis drove her to kill her three children.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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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.
Photos show 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.
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.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Examining legality of Fauci diaries release
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has released some of Dr. Anthony Fauci's pandemic-era diary entries ahead of the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director's Senate hearing on Wednesday. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the subpoena power behind the release.
Analyzing Trump's Netanyahu, Zelenskyy meetings
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both met with President Trump separately at the White House on Tuesday. Former Clinton and Obama National Security Council member Charles Kupchan joins with analysis.
Tornado tears through central Wisconsin
Trees and power lines collapsed around cars as a tornado with winds of 140 miles per hour tore through central Wisconsin on Monday. The National Weather Service found a 12-mile-long swath of damage. Jason Allen reports.
Back-to-school shopping costs on the rise
New research from Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation shows that U.S. parents can expect to spend close to $4,000 more per child on school supplies this year. CBS News' Megan Cerullo has the story.
New report on weather threats to homeowners
Jeremy Porter, chief economist at First Street, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss new research from his firm showing that severe convective storms that bring tornadoes, hail, and wind pose a bigger risk to homeowners than hurricanes.