Texas man becomes first person executed in U.S. in 2026
A Texas man became the first person executed in the U.S. this year. The man killed his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. At one point, he escaped prison for three days.
Capital Punishment
Tennessee executes man for 1988 rape and murder of college student
"To the people I harmed, I'm sorry," Harold Wayne Nichols said in his final statement.
Florida serial killer set to die as state sets record pace for executions
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant this week for Frank Athen Walls, whose execution is now scheduled for Dec. 18.
Death row inmate granted clemency right before his scheduled execution
Tremane Wood was scheduled to be executed in Oklahoma on Thursday. Gov. Kevin Sitt commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole.
What's driving the rise in U.S. death row executions in 2025?
This year is expected to see capital punishment carried out more often than any other year since 2009. Experts weigh in on the increase.
Tennessee death row inmate declines to choose execution method
Harold Wayne Nichols declined to choose between the electric chair and lethal injection for his Dec. 11 execution.
Oklahoma board recommends clemency for inmate set to be executed
Members of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board decided in a 3-2 vote on Wednesday to recommend that the governor grant clemency to death row inmate Tremane Wood.
Alabama death row inmate maintains innocence as execution date nears
A man on Alabama's death row has maintained his innocence for three decades and chaired an inmate-founded advocacy group to abolish the death penalty.
Tennessee set to execute only woman on state's death row. Here's what to know.
Christa Gail Pike, 49, will become the first woman put to death in Tennessee in more than 200 years if her execution proceeds next September.
Firing squad execution of prisoner with dementia blocked by Utah court
The Utah Supreme Court blocked a death row inmate's upcoming execution, after the inmate's attorneys argued his dementia has significantly worsened.
Trump says U.S. will seek the death penalty for murders committed in D.C.
"If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., we're going to be seeking the death penalty," President Trump said.
Prosecutors seek death penalty in fatal shooting of Border Patrol agent
Teresa Youngblut is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of David Maland during a traffic stop in northern Vermont.
In a first, Tennessee executes man with implanted heart device
Byron Black's execution marked the first time a man has been put to death with a working defibrillator in his chest, experts say.
17 people executed in Saudi Arabia, mostly for drug crimes
It is the quickest pace of capital punishment since March 2022, when 81 people were executed in a single day for terrorism-related offenses.
Tennessee contests turning off inmate's heart device before execution
Byron Black, who has an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on Aug. 5.
Inmate's heart device must be turned off at execution, judge rules
A judge has ruled that a death row inmate's heart device must be deactivated when he receives a lethal injection in Tennessee Aug. 5.
Utah man with dementia faces firing squad execution in September
Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, is set to be executed Sept. 5 for abducting and killing Utah mother of three Maurine Hunsaker in 1986.
Examining Trump's push for death penalty
President Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term stating, "capital punishment is an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who would commit the most heinous crimes." Justin Mazzola, researcher for Amnesty International, joins "The Takeout" to discuss the future of capital punishment in the U.S.
Indiana man put to death for murder of police officer in 2000
An Indiana man convicted in the 2000 fatal shooting of a police officer is set to receive a lethal injection this week in the state's second execution in 15 years.
Alabama inmate wants his execution to go forward: "I am guilty"
James Osgood was condemned to die for the 2010 killing of Tracy Lynn Brown. He is one of only a small number of inmates on U.S. death rows to abandon their legal challenges.
Oklahoma executes man who killed woman in 2005 home invasion
Wendell Grissom received a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and was pronounced dead at 10:13 a.m.
Louisiana puts man to death in state's first nitrogen gas execution
Jessie Hoffman Jr., 46, was put to death Tuesday evening in Louisiana's first execution in 15 years.
Woman on Texas death row for 27 years has conviction tossed
A federal appeals court tossed Brittany Holberg's death sentence after it found that prosecutors failed to reveal that their primary trial witness was a paid informant.
How South Carolina's first firing squad execution will unfold
Not much is known about the people who will fire the rifles. Prison officials said they have "completed all required training."
Oklahoma executes man who killed girl during cannibalistic fantasy
Kevin Underwood, who killed 10-year-old Jamie Rose Rolin in 2006, died by lethal injection in Oklahoma. It was the 25th and final U.S. execution this year.
Funding fight turns to the House as lawmakers look to avoid lengthy shutdown
The House is considering a revised funding package to end the partial government shutdown.
Exclusive
Savannah Guthrie's missing mom may have been abducted while she slept, sheriff says
Authorities in the Tucson, Arizona, area are searching for the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
The notable names in the Epstein files
A slew of notable individuals appear in the latest Justice Department release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
Trump says he's not planning to rip down Kennedy Center
As President Trump prepares to shut down the Kennedy Center for renovations, sources told CBS News there has been no discussion of demolishing or gutting the building.
Immigration officers in Minneapolis will start wearing body cameras, Noem says
All federal immigration agents in Minneapolis will begin wearing body cameras, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday, a policy that could be rolled out nationwide.
Clintons agree to testify to House Oversight ahead of expected contempt vote
The Clintons made a last-ditch effort to avoid a contempt vote.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
Dr. Peter Attia apologizes for "indefensible" emails to Jeffrey Epstein
Peter Attia, a doctor and author well known for his research on longevity, is apologizing for what he calls "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible" emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein.
U.S.
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Hennepin County, Minnesota sheriff says she feels "scapegoated" by feds
The Hennepin County sheriff is considering whether to notify ICE before releasing people accused of the "worst of the worst" crimes — murder, rape and violent felonies.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Want to see Super Bowl 2026 commercials early? These ads are already live.
Many Super Bowl 60 ads are already online, along with teasers for commercials that will be unveiled during the NFL championship on Feb. 8.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
Teammates pool money to bring Clemson player's mom for surprise visit
Rusne Augustinaite is from Lithuania, and her mom had never been to the U.S. to see her play a college game in person.
MoneyWatch
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Want to see Super Bowl 2026 commercials early? These ads are already live.
Many Super Bowl 60 ads are already online, along with teasers for commercials that will be unveiled during the NFL championship on Feb. 8.
United is upgrading its computers. Here's how that could impact travelers.
Starting early Wednesday, United customers won't be able to book flights and access other services as the airline upgrades its reservation system.
Target faces pressures to take a stand against ICE's actions in Minneapolis
The American Federation of Teachers called on Target CEO Michael Fiddelke to "clearly state" that the company wants ICE agents to leave Minnesota.
This week's jobs report will be delayed by government shutdown
The latest partial government shutdown is disrupting the release of closely watched economic data.
Gold and silver prices are slumping after their meteoric rise. Here's why.
Several factors are weighing on the value of gold and silver after the precious metals ascended to record highs last week.
Politics
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Hennepin County, Minnesota sheriff says she feels "scapegoated" by feds
The Hennepin County sheriff is considering whether to notify ICE before releasing people accused of the "worst of the worst" crimes — murder, rape and violent felonies.
Sens. Shaheen, Collins urge Pentagon not to sideline Havana Syndrome research
Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Susan Collins of Maine sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a letter warning against any changes that could affect victims' care.
Don Lemon says he offered to turn himself in but agents were sent for him
Don Lemon says he offered to turn himself in to face charges over his coverage of a protest at a church but federal agents were sent for him anyway.
Judge blocks DHS from ending deportation protections for 350,000 Haitians
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from revoking Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, granting a last-minute reprieve to 350,000 immigrants who were set to lose protections on Tuesday.
Clintons agree to testify to House Oversight ahead of expected contempt vote
The Clintons made a last-ditch effort to avoid a contempt vote.
HealthWatch
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5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
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.
World
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Boy swims 2.5 miles to save family swept out to sea: "Superhuman"
"The waves are massive and I have no life jacket on. … I just kept thinking 'just keep swimming, just keep swimming,'" Austin Appelbee said.
X office in Paris searched as prosecutor summons Musk for questioning
French officials search X's office in Paris, ask Elon Musk to answer questions about the platform amid probe into its algorithms and AI functions.
Trump lowers tariffs on India, saying Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil
President Trump announced that he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to a trade deal that will lower tariffs and halt India's purchase of Russian oil.
Elephant kills tourist in Thailand, 3rd fatality linked to same animal
The victim's wife managed to escape after park rangers scared the animal away, officials said.
Norwegian princess' son accused of assault ahead of trial on rape charges
Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit's son hit with new criminal charges as she apologizes for "poor judgment" over Epstein ties.
Entertainment
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Trump says he's not planning to rip down Kennedy Center
As President Trump prepares to shut down the Kennedy Center for renovations, sources told CBS News there has been no discussion of demolishing or gutting the building.
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.
Behind-the-scenes on the Grammys red carpet
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke to Grammy nominees, winners and other stars on the award show red carpet.
Highlights from the Grammy Awards
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King breaks down the big winners and special moments from Sunday's Grammy Awards.
Stars remember and honor Catherine O'Hara
Tributes have poured in for actor Catherine O'Hara, who died Friday at the age of 71. Macaulay Culkin, who starred in "Home Alone" as O'Hara's son, wrote, "Mama, I thought we had time. I wanted more, but I had so much more to say - I love you." Vlad Duthiers reports.
Technology
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Technology
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Alarming report on Amazon AI training
A new report from Bloomberg says Amazon found hundreds of thousands of cases of suspected child sex abuse material in its AI training data. Bloomberg tech reporter Riley Griffin joined 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.
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
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.
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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X office in Paris searched as prosecutor summons Musk for questioning
French officials search X's office in Paris, ask Elon Musk to answer questions about the platform amid probe into its algorithms and AI functions.
Latest on Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he believes Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Sheriff thinks Guthrie's mother was abducted
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News Monday that he believes Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home while she slept. Jarred Hill reports.
Man who had affair with au pair found guilty of murdering wife, another man
Brendan Banfield, who was having an affair with the family's Brazilian au pair, was found guilty on Monday of murdering his wife and another man.
Latest details on Savannah Guthrie's mom
Authorities said Monday they are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, as a crime. CBS News senior coordinating producer Anna Schecter has the latest.
Space
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NASA crewed moon launch off until March at earliest due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed craft on a flight around the moon and back due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the huge Artemis II rocket that would lift the craft into space.
Inside NASA's Artemis II mission
Artemis II echoes the Apollo-era missions that paved the way for the first moon landing — and sets the stage for what comes next.
After more than 50 years, NASA astronauts are going back to the moon
More than 50 years after NASA's last human mission to the moon, four astronauts, three Americans and a Canadian, are set for the 10-day Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon.
Moon rocket fueling test on tap to clear way for launch
If the countdown and fueling test go well, four astronauts will set their sights on a Super Bowl Sunday launch to the moon.
NASA's Artemis II slated to be a series of firsts
Extreme cold has forced NASA to reschedule its next moon mission. On Saturday, the massive Artemis II rocket stands on launch pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Like Apollo 8 in 1968, it won't land on the lunar surface. Mark Strassmann has more on why the latest mission is considered groundbreaking.
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.
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
Super Bowl week begins
Super Bowl LX is less than a week away with the Seattle Seahawks set to face the New England Patriots. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has more.
Mass government exit of Ph.D. science experts
More than 10,000 experts with doctorate degrees in science and related fields left their government jobs last year, according to the White House Office of Personnel Management. Jeffrey Mervis, senior correspondent for Science Magazine, joins CBS News to discuss.
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Survivors blast DOJ over Epstein file redactions
After another trove of Epstein files was released, some survivors, like Dani Bensky, are blasting the Justice Department for withholding potentially millions of additional pages from the files while also mistakenly releasing images and identities of survivors. Scott MacFarlane has more.
Man who had affair found guilty in double murder
A Virginia man having an affair with the family's au pair was found guilty Monday of murdering his wife and another man. Elaine Quijano has details.