A life (without parole) story: Part 2
How much punishment does an offender deserve? Part two in a three-part series taking a deep look at America's 'lifers' --- the neglected leftovers of mass incarceration
Alabama
A life (without parole) story: Part 1
How much punishment does an offender deserve? Part one in a three-part series taking a deep look at America's 'lifers' --- the neglected leftovers of mass incarceration
Alabama middle school "rape bait" case settled
Special needs teen at a middle school said she was raped after school worker tried to use her as bait to catch an alleged sexual predator
Widespread flooding drowns Louisiana, Mississippi
Floodwaters overwhelm parts of five Southern states, submerging roads and cars, washing out bridges and forcing residents to flee homes
Lawmaker introduces sex offender castration bill in Alabama
Bill would require sex offenders older than 21 to pay for their own surgical castration before being released from state custody
Contents of Harper Lee's will to remain a secret
Alabama judge has ordered the will of the late "To Kill a Mockingbird" author to be sealed from public view
Ex-trooper accused of on-duty rape gets jail time
Samuel McHenry II accused of threatening woman with arrest after car accident if she didn't have sex with him
Arrests after slain teen warned of murder attempt
A sixth person was arrested this week in the murder of an Alabama teen found slain and wrapped in sheets at a dump site
Alabama cop charged with murder in fatal shooting
Charges come days after white Montgomery police officer Aaron Smith shot and killed unarmed black man Greg Gunn outside neighbor's house
House, Senate GOP incumbents survive Tuesday primaries
Victories by Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby and Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, others, give hope that Trump won't entirely upset GOP order
At least 4 hurt in Alabama tornado
Powerful storm Tuesday evening near Birmingham leaves homes damaged, trees uprooted and power lines down
Donald Trump notches first Senate endorsement
Trump teased the endorsement amid KKK controversy fallout just before his Alabama rally began
Ala. city raises minimum wage, legislature strips it
Alabama governor and GOP lawmakers move quickly to remove local control of minimum wage after Birmingham raises it to $10.10 per hour
At least 3 dead as dangerous storms slam Deep South
As many as 10 million people in five states under tornado warnings as multiple twisters touch down
Passage: Harper Lee
An American treasure is being mourned: Harper Lee, who passed away Friday in Monroeville, Ala., at age 89
Author Harper Lee buried in Alabama hometown
Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of "To Kill a Mockingbird" laid to rest in a private ceremony, a reflection of how she had lived
Alabama woman convicted in girl's running death dies
Joyce Hardin Garrard was convicted of killing nine-year-old Savannah Hardin by making her run as punishment for a lie about eating candy
3-year-old accidentally shoots, kills sister, 9
Police said the children were playing together Saturday when the boy found the gun and pulled its trigger
Alabama trooper stops speeder, delivers baby
Danny Lowe, of Huntsville, was driving his wife, Shawna, and their unborn baby to the hospital Sunday morning when they were pulled over
Couple sought in crime spree suspected in gun theft
A few days before a Missouri couple began an alleged crime spree, they may have stolen a gun, according to police
Destructive tornadoes rip across Mississippi, Alabama
The outbreak damaged homes and knocked out power lines
Severe weather, tornadoes slam the South
Two days of storms unleashed tornadoes and flooding in Southern states; and dumped heavy snow in the Midwest
Police hunt for Missouri pair after Ala. abduction
The suspects dropped the allegedly abducted woman off at a hospital after a Sunday morning home invasion, according to police
Man executed in Alabama: "I hope this brings closure"
Christopher Brooks, convicted of 1992 rape and beating death of a woman, held the hand of a prison chaplain as first drug began flowing
Alabama beats Clemson to win college football national championship
No. 2 Alabama won its fourth national title in the last seven seasons outlasting No. 1 Clemson in a 45-40 victory
Live
U.S. might return to negotiations "at some point," Trump says
President Trump said Wednesday the U.S. might return to negotiations with Iran eventually, but said currently "the situation is so good."
5 Americans among 7 people killed in Kenya helicopter crash
NBCUniversal said its Florida-based journalist, José Alberto Suárez, was among those killed in the crash.
National debt tops $40 trillion after doubling in under 10 years
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer-turned-nemesis, says he'll interview former boss
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
Woman told House panel that Gomez sexually assaulted her, attorneys say
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Trump says he expects to meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un this year
President Trump wants to meet again with Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization, the Wall Street Journal reports, despite having nothing to show for 3 previous summits.
She's lived through unimaginable grief. Her advice: "Reach for the joy."
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
U.S.
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NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
2 members of Tennessee college cycling team killed in highway collision
Two members of the Milligan University cycling team were killed, and several more injured, in a collision with a vehicle on a rural highway in eastern Tennessee Wednesday morning.
National debt tops $40 trillion after doubling in under 10 years
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer-turned-nemesis, says he'll interview former boss
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
Women lag in high-paying AI jobs boom, LinkedIn study finds
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
MoneyWatch
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National debt tops $40 trillion after doubling in under 10 years
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
Women lag in high-paying AI jobs boom, LinkedIn study finds
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
Bond market sell-off threatens to drive up loan costs
The yield on the 30-year Treasury this week hit its highest level since 2007, a rise that could put upward pressure on borrowing costs.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Inflation is outpacing wages again. Many workers were already behind.
When inflation rises faster than workers' wages, it feels like they're getting a pay cut. Companies, meanwhile, benefit.
Politics
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Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer-turned-nemesis, says he'll interview former boss
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
Woman told House panel that Gomez sexually assaulted her, attorneys say
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
How progressive wins in Democratic primaries are shaping the midterms
Progressive momentum has been a prominent storyline as Democrats look to flip control of the House and Senate next year. But how far will it go?
Darline Graham says she's "not that informed on national security" at debate
The Republican nominee for the South Carolina Senate seat will be determined in the runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman on Aug. 25.
Trump nominates policy aide Dr. Heidi Overton as next FDA commissioner
President Trump announced he's nominating Dr. Heidi Overton, a deputy assistant to the president for domestic policy, to be the next head of the FDA.
HealthWatch
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Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
She's lived through unimaginable grief. Her advice: "Reach for the joy."
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
Moving Through Grief
August is National Grief Awareness Month, and Kate Doerge wants to reimagine how we deal with grief. After the experience of losing her 16-year-old daughter, Kate decided it was time to reframe the feeling of sadness. We've all heard of the five stages of grief, but Kate suggests there are five actions to help you learn how to carry your grief. Plus, Norah talks about how she wants to be remembered, and Kate tells us how to show up for people who are grieving.
Ebola Congo cases surpass 5,000 as record-setting pace of spread continues
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 5,000 cases, government data showed, an unprecedented rate of spread that's outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.
From 2024: Tommy John on Tommy John surgery, before and after
In this interview from 2024, former pitching ace Tommy John talked with correspondent Faith Salie about the injury to his pitching arm he suffered in 1974, and about the innovative procedure (which came to be known as "Tommy John surgery") that rescued his career – and would prolong the careers of many more professional and amateur athletes since. [John died on Aug. 15, 2026 at age 83.]
World
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5 Americans among 7 people killed in Kenya helicopter crash
NBCUniversal said its Florida-based journalist, José Alberto Suárez, was among those killed in the crash.
Israel orders criminal probe into killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza
Israel says military police will investigate the killing of Hind Rajab, a young girl in Gaza whose death at the hands of its forces drew an international outcry.
Trump says he expects to meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un this year
President Trump wants to meet again with Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization, the Wall Street Journal reports, despite having nothing to show for 3 previous summits.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test
Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine during a tournament in Mallorca.
Bodies of climbers who vanished 34 years ago found in Swiss Alps
The bodies of two climbers who disappeared in the Swiss Alps in 1992 have been found, freed from a melting glacier, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Recess Therapy" host on embracing kid behavior
Julian Shapiro-Barnum is known for his conversations with kids on his series "Recess Therapy." He tells "CBS Mornings" why he thinks adults need to act more childish and embrace some behaviors of children.
Isla Fisher talks "Spa Weekend"
Isla Fisher gives an inside look at the new film, "Spa Weekend," how it highlights the importance of female friendships and how the star-studded cast connected.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Technology
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Technology
AI companies buying up books: 404 Media
Some used and independent bookstores have reported unexpectedly large book orders and suspect that the books are being scanned to train AI models and then destroyed. As part of a new investigative report, 404 Media put a tracking device in a book to see where it'd end up. Emanuel Maiberg, a journalist and co-founder at 404 Media, joins CBS News to discuss.
Former Meta engineer testifies in fed trial
Wendy Sheehan Donnell, editor-in-chief of PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss the latest in the tech world as a former Meta engineer takes the stand in the company's landmark federal trial for allegedly causing children to become addicted to its products.
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.
Women lag in high-paying AI jobs boom, LinkedIn study finds
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
OpenAI launches updated ChatGPT for teens
OpenAI is launching a newer version of its teen-friendly ChatGPT platform. Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter for TechCrunch, joins with more details on its tools.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Moving pillowcase leads to discovery of reptiles in car seized at border
Federal officers found a moving pillowcase in a car that was seized at the U.S.-Mexico border. A collection of stolen exotic reptiles was inside.
Details emerge on Tupac's murder
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is accused of orchestrating the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, is back in court for the third day of his trial as more details emerge on the potential motive behind the fatal shooting. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Man in Chucky-style mask chases people
Police are searching for a man accused of wearing a Chucky-style mask and chasing people in Philadelphia. Lilia Luciano spoke with a woman who said she fought back against him.
Prosecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk was shot over his politics
Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk's killing pointed to an engraved bullet, arguing that its inscription shows Kirk was targeted for how the defendant perceived his politics.
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Space
More Space
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
AI companies buying up books: 404 Media
Some used and independent bookstores have reported unexpectedly large book orders and suspect that the books are being scanned to train AI models and then destroyed. As part of a new investigative report, 404 Media put a tracking device in a book to see where it'd end up. Emanuel Maiberg, a journalist and co-founder at 404 Media, joins CBS News to discuss.
Trump on resuming peace talks with Iran
Iran issued a new warning on Wednesday to Gulf countries that may assist the U.S. military. This came after Iran's foreign minister said Tehran will not accept a ceasefire with the U.S., only a deal to fully end the war. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports on the diplomatic stalemate.
Former Meta engineer testifies in fed trial
Wendy Sheehan Donnell, editor-in-chief of PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss the latest in the tech world as a former Meta engineer takes the stand in the company's landmark federal trial for allegedly causing children to become addicted to its products.
Sneak peek: The Hit-and-Run Homicide of Davis McClendon
ENCORE: A romance is cut short when a man is found dead near his mangled car. His newfound love is convinced it was no accident. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports Saturday, August 22 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Biggest wins and losses in key primaries
CBS News political director Fin Gómez and congressional correspondent Nikole Killion break down the results of major primary races, from Florida to Alaska.