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.
Investigators in Guthrie search get over 4,000 calls to tip line in 24 hours
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
Bondi had list of a Democratic lawmaker's Epstein files "search history"
A high-profile House Democrat is accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi of "spying" on her search history while she pored through Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
House approves the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push
The SAVE America Act would implement strict new requirements for registering to vote and casting ballots.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
After Marimar Martinez shooting, CBP agent texted jokes, was praised by Bovino
As the Chicago woman shot five times by a Border Patrol agent last fall fights for all evidence in her case to be released, new documents show the agent texted jokes to fellow officers and was praised by then-commander Gregory Bovino.
Airspace closure followed FAA, Pentagon spat over drone-related tests, sources say
Pentagon officials had undertaken planning to use military technology near Fort Bliss, in El Paso, to practice downing drones.
U.S.
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One dead, dozens hurt when bus carrying community college baseball team crashes in Iowa
A community college bus carrying the school's baseball team crashed and overturned in a ditch in rural Iowa.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
MoneyWatch
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Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
Dispute over Cardi B's Super Bowl cameo roils prediction markets
Cardi B appeared during Bad Bunny's halftime show at the Super Bowl, but one prediction market says it's unclear whether she sang.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Data center building boom stirs pushback in state and local politics
The Trump administration is trying to supercharge the race to dominate artificial intelligence by fast-tracking federal permits for data centers, but some local homeowners are raising concerns.
Politics
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Bondi had list of a Democratic lawmaker's Epstein files "search history"
A high-profile House Democrat is accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi of "spying" on her search history while she pored through Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
Trump says governors from both parties are invited to White House, except 2 Democrats
President Trump says nearly all governors are welcome at the White House for a formal meeting and dinner next week, though the Democratic governors of Maryland and Colorado are still being excluded.
HealthWatch
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Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
World
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House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say
The aim of the "deceptively simple but thrilling strategy game" was to hunt and trap the opponent's pieces in as few moves as possible, scientists said.
Lindsey Vonn shares update after 3rd surgery: "I'm making progress"
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
Russia says again it will abide by lapsed weapons treaty if U.S. does
Moscow reiterates willingness to adhere to expired nuclear weapons treaty, "as long as the United States does not exceed the aforementioned limits."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Looking back at James Van Der Beek's life
James Van Der Beek, the star of teen classics like "Varsity Blues" and "Dawson's Creek," has died at the age of 48. His wife posted about his death on Instagram on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
New York Fashion Week designer on his runway
Christian Cowan is one of the many designers featured in this season's New York Fashion Week. The 31-year-old is the creative director of his fashion label, which he founded in 2017. He joins "The Daily Report" to discuss his upcoming runway.
Fashion week kicks off in NYC
Fashion Week officially began on Wednesday in New York City. The top designers and brands are getting ready to showcase their fall and winter collections. CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman has more.
Actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek," "Varsity Blues" and more, has died at the age of 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media.
Technology
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How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
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.
Americans turn to AI for mental health advice
Millions of Americans are turning to AI for emotional therapy. A report in JAMA found about 13% of young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice. Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, explains what to know about safety, privacy and ethical standard concerns.
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
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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Crime
Latest details on Day 11 of Guthrie search
FBI agents are combing through the rugged desert terrain of Arizona, searching for new clues in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports. Then, former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins with analysis.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
Over 4,000 calls in 24 hours to Guthrie tip line
The FBI conducted searches along several Tucson roadways on Wednesday in its search for Nancy Guthrie. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
New details in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Police say a shooter killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others in shootings at a high school and a home in British Columbia, Canada. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Bitcoin's possible role in Nancy Guthrie case
A purported ransom note for Nancy Guthrie demanded payment in bitcoin. Ben Weiss, a crypto reporter for Fortune, joins with analysis.
Space
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New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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
Extended interview: Breezy Johnson
CBS News' Seth Doane speaks with U.S. Olympic skier Breezy Johnson about her plans for her broken and repaired gold medal, her parents, her teammates Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn and more.
Investigators search near Nancy Guthrie's home
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is intensifying, with FBI agents conducting an extensive search along roads in the area near her home in Tucson, Arizona. It comes after authorities detained a man overnight for questioning, before releasing him hours later. Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Pasta frenzy inside the Olympic village in Milan
In Italy's Olympic village, even if you win or lose -- there's always dinner. CBS News took an informal poll.
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Latest details on Day 11 of Guthrie search
FBI agents are combing through the rugged desert terrain of Arizona, searching for new clues in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports. Then, former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins with analysis.