Iran hangs another man as executions increase during war
Since the start of the war, Iran has ramped up executions, particularly in cases involving alleged espionage or security-related charges.
Death Penalty
Iran hangs grad student accused of spying for the CIA
Erfan Shakourzadeh, 29, was hanged after being convicted for allegedly collaborating with the CIA and Israel's Mossad intelligence service, Iran's judiciary said.
Tanner Horner sentenced to death in murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand
A Tarrant County jury sentenced Tanner Horner to death for the 2022 kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand.
Iran hangs 3 people over involvement in anti-government protests
Arrests and executions in Iran have been on the rise since the start of the regional war triggered by a U.S.-Israeli attack on Feb. 28.
DOJ reinstates firing squads, pentobarbital for federal executions
The Justice Department announced Friday it would readopt the death penalty protocols for lethal injection and firing squads.
Florida executes man who set neighbor on fire during home burglary
Chadwick Scott Willacy, 58, received a three-drug injection and was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. at Florida State Prison near Starke for the 1990 killing of Marlys Sather.
Woman among 4 more Iranians sentenced to death over protests
Bita Hemmati is believed to be the first woman to be sentenced to death over the protests.
Acting AG Todd Blanche gives go-ahead to pursue death penalty in MS-13 murder case
Blanche said the top federal prosecutor in California can seek the death penalty for three alleged MS-13 members charged with killing a victim who was cooperating with authorities, according to a memo.
Alabama man on death row for 36 years may get new trial
Michael Sockwell, one of Alabama's longest-serving death row inmates, could soon receive a new trial.
Oklahoma executes man for 2006 killings: "I apologize for murdering your sons"
Oklahoma has carried out its first execution of the year on a man convicted of killing two men in a drive-by shooting.
Alabama man faces execution despite not pulling trigger in 1991 killing
Charles "Sonny" Burton faces execution in Alabama for his role in a 1991 robbery in which a man was fatally shot, even though Burton did not fire the gun or witness the killing.
Judge on Luigi Mangione facing death penalty
A federal judge has ruled on evidence that can be used in Luigi Mangione's case and determined he will not face the death penalty if convicted. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Latest news on death penalty for Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges, a judge ruled on Friday. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi has more.
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.
Dallas set to exonerate man wrongfully executed for murder 70 years ago
Wednesday is expected to be one of the most significant moments in the history of the Dallas County Commissioners Court.
Iran officials deny detained shopkeeper Erfan Soltani facing execution
Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani is among thousands of people who were feared to be facing death sentences, but after a warning from President Trump, officials claim he never was.
Mangione's lawyers fight to block death penalty
Luigi Mangione was back in court on Friday, where his lawyers worked to block the Justice Department from seeking the death penalty in his federal trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty in April 2025.
Serial killer gets death sentence for string of murders in Phoenix
Cleophus Cooksey Jr., 43, was found guilty in late September of murder in eight killings.
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.
South Carolina man who wrote message in victim's blood is executed by firing squad
Stephen Bryant, 44, was executed for killing a man in his home and writing "catch me if u can" on the wall with the victim's blood.
Factors fueling the rise in U.S. executions
Executions in the U.S. are rising, with 42 taking place in 2025 so far, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Executive director Robin Maher joins CBS News to discuss what could explain the increase.
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.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
Exclusive
DHS chief on ICE's role at World Cup: "We're not there to go round up" people
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin told CBS News that ICE arrests at the FIFA World Cup are not off the table, but the agency will not be at the global sporting event for the purpose of immigration arrests.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.
South Carolina governor expected to call special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Kouri Richins sentenced in husband's fentanyl-laced cocktail murder
Utah mom Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on Wednesday, after a jury convicted her of murder and other charges in her husband's 2022 death.
U.S.
More U.S.
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
South Carolina governor expected to call special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Exclusive
Hero pilot recounts crash landing in Atlantic Ocean
Ian Nixon, a veteran pilot from the Bahamas, put the plane he was flying down in the ocean without anyone suffering serious injuries.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record $17.3 million at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
Politics
More Politics
FBI sought to interview top election official in Wisconsin's Milwaukee County
The FBI attempted to interview the director of elections in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the county clerk's office said in a statement.
South Carolina governor expected to call special session on redistricting
As Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. House, leaders of both parties nationwide have sought to redraw their congressional maps to net more seats for their parties.
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
China's Xi warns Trump about "conflicts" if Taiwan isn't "handled properly"
President Trump is in Beijing meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders aiming to stabilize their trading relationship after last year's trade war.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
World
More World
U.K. health secretary resigns in scathing letter, setting up leadership fight
Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit embattled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Cabinet in what is expected to be a precursor to challenging his leadership.
Sailors from doomed 1845 polar expedition identified through DNA
The identification of the remains also resolved a decades-long debate about the worst disaster in the history of British polar exploration.
Jury awards $49.5 million to Boeing 737 MAX crash victim's family
A jury in Chicago awarded $49.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a 24-year-old American who perished in a 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash.
Rare blue-green diamond sells for record $17.3 million at auction
The 5.5-carat "Ocean Dream" was found in Central Africa in the 1990s.
Live
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz "must remain open"
President Trump and China's Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, while Israel and Lebanon are set to resume peace talks in Washington.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Technology
More Technology
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
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.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Science
More Science
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.
Feds arrest tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered seal's head
The tourist sparked outrage after a witness recorded him chucking a coconut-sized rock at "Lani," a beloved Hawaiian monk seal off a Maui beach.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/16: The Uplift
David Begnaud meets a man who has attended the Kentucky Derby for 79 years in a row – and his dying wish to make it there one last time.
Ukrainians buried under rubble
Rescue efforts continue in Kyiv, Ukraine, after two days of deadly Russian strikes. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.
Tense Taiwan warnings at Trump-Xi meeting
Chinese state media summaries are highlighting apparent comments about Taiwan during the Trump-Xi meeting. CBS News' Anna Coren and Ramy Inocencio report.
"Survivor" contestants on double elimination
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" reveals the castaways voted off during Wednesday's episode of "Survivor 50" in another double elimination. They discuss being part of the franchise and their legacies in the game.
Huge twist in Alex Murdaugh case
Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murder, will get a new trial and have his convictions overturned, the state's Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. CBS News' Eva Pilgrim reports.