April Fools' Day in the news
From "spaghetti trees" to robot anchors, April Fools pranks once lit up newsrooms. Historian Kenneth C. Davis joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to reflect on how the tradition changed with rising concerns over misinformation.
April Fools' Day
How did April Fools' Day start and what are some famous pranks?
The annual day of jokes, pranks and tricks falls on April 1 each year, but no one is quite sure how the tradition started.
Hidden Valley and Burt's Bees launch ranch-flavored lip balm
The limited edition collaboration between Burt's Bees and Hidden Valley Ranch started off as an April Fools' Day prank.
Plenty of companies are out have fun with their customers, so you may need to watch your back if you don't want to get pranked
Plenty of companies are out have fun with their customers, so you may need to watch your back if you don't want to get pranked. CBSN's DeMarco Morgan has more on the best jokes and biggest flops this April Fools' Day.
YouTubers defend puppy-related prank on 6-year-old daughter
YouTube stars Cole and Sav LaBrant are apologizing after what they say was an April Fools prank gone wrong, insisting they're "not bad parents"
NYPD officer steps in to help deliver baby on April Fool's Day
Parents said their baby girl Claire is healthy and Officer Stephen Koustoubardis said he "feels fantastic" after helping the family
Cop pranks driver with "drug-sniffing cat" in stop
An April Fool's Day traffic stop prank by a Utah officer and his "feline partner Officer Froo Froo" has gone viral
Tech companies play April Fool's Day pranks
This April Fool's Day, tech companies are getting in on the action with some funny viral pranks
Google's April Fools' Day prank backfires
Gmail's Mic Drop feature is dropped after complaints that silly animation lost email users their jobs; "It looks like we pranked ourselves this year"
No joking? China propagandists take aim at April Fool's Day
"So-called Western April Fool's Day does not conform to Chinese cultural traditions or socialist core values," state news agency warns
Jessica Lowndes admits Jon Lovitz dating rumor is a hoax
The Internet works pretty fast, especially when it comes to celebrity couple rumors
Sean Lowe explains wife's April Fools' Day joke
Sean Lowe and his wife, Catherine, are backtracking on a April Fools' Day joke gone wrong
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Judge orders unsealing of grand jury transcripts from Epstein case in Florida
A federal judge granted a Justice Department request to unseal grand jury transcripts from a federal investigation in Florida into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Here's were minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Suspect in D.C. pipe bomb case ordered detained in first court appearance
The man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in 2021 was ordered detained in his first appearance in federal court.
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
U.S.
More U.S.
When a Lowe's store cat disappeared, staff pulled out all the stops to find her
When Francine the cat went missing from her Richmond, Virginia, store, employees determined she must have wandered onto a freight truck bound for a distribution center 85 miles away in North Carolina.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
2 Louisiana inmates on the run after escape through damaged jail wall
Officials in Louisiana say two inmates accused of violent crimes are on the run after escaping from jail by removing pieces of a wall and using sheets to scale a wall.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's were minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's were minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
More Politics
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
World
More World
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Treasure trove found in Egyptian tomb solves ancient mystery
The royal symbol on the newly discovered figurines solves a long-standing mystery by identifying who was buried in the sarcophagus.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Mystery drones seen over Ireland during Zelenskyy's visit
After a number of drone sightings near European airports and military bases, mysterious aircraft were seen over Ireland as Ukraine's Zelenskyy visited.
White House claims Europe facing "civilizational erasure" in 2 decades
The Trump administration says societal threats mean some European nations may not be "strong enough to remain reliable allies."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Frank Gehry, renowned architect, dies at age 96
Frank Gehry was known for designing the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
2026 Golden Globes nominees to be revealed on "CBS Mornings"
Eleven exclusive 2026 Golden Globes categories will be revealed Monday at 8:30 a.m. ET, only on "CBS Mornings."
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Amy Allen on songwriting, Grammy nods
Amy Allen, who is up for four Grammys, including songwriter of the year, sits down with Anthony Mason to talk about how she went from a nursing student to writing Grammy-nominated hits for Sabrina Carpenter and other pop stars.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
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.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Science
More Science
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Questions remain after D.C. pipe bomb arrest
The man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is facing two federal charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
D.C. pipe bomb case: What we still don't know
A judge ordered that the man accused of planting pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in 2021 remain behind bars. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
New video in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting
Prosecutors have released new surveillance footage showing the lead-up to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the immediate aftermath. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Michael Jordan expected to testify in court
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is expected to testify in an antitrust case against NASCAR. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearings postponed
Luigi Mangione, the man who faces a New York state trial over the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, did not attend his pretrial hearing because he's sick, the court announced Friday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Space
More Space
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
Grijalva says she was pepper sprayed by ICE
Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona said Friday she was pepper-sprayed by ICE during a raid at a Tucson restaurant. A Homeland Security spokesperson denied Grijalva's account.
New details on Sept. 2 boat strike footage
Video seen by lawmakers shows Sept. 2 boat strike survivors waving overhead before a second attack, sources say. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
Colts aim to break losing streak
For the first time in NFL history, there are five divisions being led by just one game or less. Charlotte Carroll, staff writer at The Athletic, joins CBS News to unpack Week 14 of the football season.
Netflix-Warner Bros. deal could face hurdles
Netflix says it is buying studio giant Warner Bros. in a deal valued at more than $82 billion. Fortune business editor Nick Lichtenberg joins CBS News to break down the hurdles facing the merger.
Lowe's staff band together to find missing cat
For nearly a decade, Francine the cat was a constant presence in the garden department at a Lowe's in Richmond, Virginia. Then one day, a few months ago, she vanished. Steve Hartman tells the story of how staff members banded together to help find her and bring her home.