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.
Death Penalty
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.
Man who wrote message in victim's blood chooses execution by firing squad
Stephen Bryant, 44, will be the third man this year to die by South Carolina's newest execution method.
Inmate asks to meet with governor hours before nitrogen execution
A jury convicted Anthony Boyd of capital murder for the 1993 burning death of Gregory Huguley in Talladega County.
British grandmother on death row in Indonesia gets reprieve
Lindsay Sandiford, now in her late 60s, was sentenced to death on the island of Bali in 2013 after she was convicted of trafficking cocaine.
Execution set for man who taunted police with message written in victim's blood
Stephen Bryant will have until Oct. 31 to choose if he wants to die by lethal injection, firing squad or in the electric chair.
Missouri man executed for killing state trooper 20 years ago
Missouri executed a death row inmate for fatally shooting a state trooper in 2005. The inmate, Lance Shockley, says he did not commit the crime.
Robert Roberson granted stay of execution
One week before a scheduled execution, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stepped in.
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.
Texas man executed for fatally beating 13-month-old girl during "exorcism"
A Texas man was executed Thursday for killing his girlfriend's 13-month-old daughter in a torturous ordeal the couple said was part of an "exorcism" to expel a demon from the child's body.
DOJ charges North Carolina stabbing suspect
The Justice Department on Tuesday filed a federal criminal charge against the man accused of killing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
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 wants death penalty for murders in D.C.
President Trump said Tuesday that the death penalty will be sought for murders that take place in Washington, D.C., as the administration's crime crackdown in the city continues. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
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.
Inmate set to die by nitrogen gas asks for firing squad, hanging instead
An Alabama death row inmate who is scheduled to be executed using nitrogen gas later this year is challenging the controversial method in an ongoing lawsuit.
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.
ICE officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis, investigation underway
An ICE officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. seizes oil tankers; Rubio says U.S. will control money from oil sales
The U.S. carried out operations Wednesday to seize two Venezuela-linked tankers, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. has "tremendous leverage" over the country.
Minneapolis mayor rips ICE after fatal shooting: "Get the f*** out"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's attempt to frame the shooting that killed a 37-year-old woman as an act of self defense by ICE.
Border czar says "I have not seen ICE act out outside of policy"
Border czar Tom Homan said he hasn't seen ICE act in a way that's outside of policy, despite videos showing protesters being tackled and tear-gassed.
Trump speaks with Colombian president Petro amid rising tensions
President Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, after months of tensions between the two leaders boiled over in recent days.
Nick Reiner arraignment postponed again as attorney withdraws
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home in December. Their son Nick Reiner is facing murder charges.
Trump's Greenland remarks are "pissing people off," Danish lawmaker says
Denmark and Greenland requested a meeting with Marco Rubio, which one Danish lawmaker hopes will halt talk "about wanting to acquire Greenland."
2 killed, several wounded in shooting outside Salt Lake City church, officials say
No arrests have been made in the shooting, Salt Lake City police said.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
U.S.
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2 killed, several wounded in shooting outside Salt Lake City church, officials say
The shooting occurred outside a church building while a funeral service was being held inside, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement.
Texas ICE official on tension and turmoil in cities across U.S.
Robert Cerna, the acting director of the ICE Field Office in Dallas, Texas, spoke Wednesday on the tension surrounding immigration enforcement action in cities across the U.S.
U.S. to withdraw from 66 international organizations, White House says
Many of the targets are United Nations-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels that focus on climate, labor, migration and other issues.
Nick Reiner's attorney withdraws, insists client is "not guilty of murder"
Alan Jackson, who famously won an acquittal in the murder trial of Karen Read and represented disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, did not explain his decision to withdraw.
Trump's border czar on Minneapolis ICE shooting: "Let the investigation play out"
Tom Homan told CBS News "it'd be unprofessional" to comment on the incident amid an investigation.
MoneyWatch
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Trump says he'll ban large investors from buying single-family homes
President Trump said "people live in homes, not corporations," in announcing plans to bar big investors from home purchases.
Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount Skydance's latest hostile bid
Warner Bros. Discovery's board again urged shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance's offer, calling it inferior to Netflix's bid
Pilot who landed jet after panel blew out says Boeing unfairly blamed him
Captain Brandon Fisher was commended for helping ensure none of the 177 people aboard flight 1282 were killed when the blowout happened in January 2024.
Fliers left stranded after Venezuela strikes. Can travel insurance help?
Travel insurance won't help most people whose flights were disrupted by the turmoil in Venezuela. Here's what such policies do cover.
New study urges flyers to avoid tap water, coffee and tea on aircraft
New research recommends against drinking coffee or tea served by airlines, urging travelers to stick to bottled water.
Politics
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Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, a longtime House Democratic leader, to retire
Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland will not seek reelection, CBS News has confirmed — ending a congressional career that stretches back to the early 1980s.
Trump speaks with Colombian president Petro amid rising tensions
President Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, after months of tensions between the two leaders boiled over in recent days.
Border czar says "I have not seen ICE act out outside of policy"
Border czar Tom Homan said he hasn't seen ICE act in a way that's outside of policy, despite videos showing protesters being tackled and tear-gassed.
Trump's border czar on Minneapolis ICE shooting: "Let the investigation play out"
Tom Homan told CBS News "it'd be unprofessional" to comment on the incident amid an investigation.
What we know about the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis
Video from the scene, along with statements from witnesses and local officials, disputes the accounts of federal officials regarding the circumstances that led up to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
Concerns with drinking water on some airlines
A new study found potential health concerns with the drinking water on some airlines where you might order coffee or tea. The review was of airplane drinking water stored in onboard tanks, not bottled products. Of the 10 major airlines, Delta scored best, while JetBlue and American were the bottom two carriers.
The CDC just sidelined these childhood vaccines. Here's what they prevent.
Six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases are no longer being recommended for all children by the CDC.
Flu cases surge across U.S.
There have been at least 11 million cases of the flu so far this season. As cases climb, doctor visits for the flu have hit their highest level in almost three decades, the CDC says. Skyler Henry reports.
World
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Trump speaks with Colombian president Petro amid rising tensions
President Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, after months of tensions between the two leaders boiled over in recent days.
CBS News poll finds actions in Venezuela divide Americans
Most don't want the U.S. to control Venezuela. Maduro's removal from power draws big backing from MAGA, Republicans.
Trump's Greenland remarks are "pissing people off," Danish lawmaker says
Denmark and Greenland requested a meeting with Marco Rubio, which one Danish lawmaker hopes will halt talk "about wanting to acquire Greenland."
Rand Paul says military action in Greenland "won't happen under my watch"
Sen. Rand Paul says he opposes military action in Greenland as the White House says it is exploring all options for the territory, including military action.
Iran leans into anti-Western bluster as it grapples with deadly protests
Iran says it has hanged a man who spied for Israel and is ready for a new military confrontation as it struggles to tamp down domestic unrest.
Entertainment
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Nick Reiner's attorney withdraws, insists client is "not guilty of murder"
Alan Jackson, who famously won an acquittal in the murder trial of Karen Read and represented disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, did not explain his decision to withdraw.
Sophie Turner talks new thriller "Steal"
"Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner is starring in a new thriller series called "Steal." She plays Zara, who works at a London pension fund investment company when thieves force her to help them steal billions of dollars. She talks to CBS Mornings about the series, how she prepared for the role and rising to fame in "Game of Thrones."
Brigitte Bardot's funeral draws hundreds to pay respects in Saint-Tropez
The funeral for Brigitte Bardot was private, but hundreds poured into the streets of Saint-Tropez to pay their respects to an icon of the 1960s silver screen.
Nikki Glaser returning to host Golden Globes with "different approach"
Nikki Glaser is hosting the Golden Globes for a second time and told CBS Mornings about the challenges of picking the perfect jokes.
From the archives: Pioneering dancer Carmen de Lavallade
Dancer, choreographer, actress and teacher Carmen de Lavallade, one of the pioneers of American modern dance, and the first prima ballerina of Creole descent to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera, died on Dec. 29, 2025 at age 94. In this Dec. 3, 2017 "Sunday Morning" report, de Lavallade talked with Rita Braver about her artistic journey (including her collaborations with Alvin Ailey and future husband Geoffrey Holder), and her decision to boycott a 2017 Kennedy Center Honorees reception following President Trump's remarks about White nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Va.
Technology
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AI company, Google settle lawsuit over Florida teen's suicide linked to chatbot
The terms of the settlement, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida, were not disclosed.
AI renewing some Utah prescriptions: Politico
In Utah, artificial intelligence can now renew some prescriptions. A Politico exclusive says the pilot program will "test how far patients and regulators are willing to trust AI in medicine." Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her reporting.
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.
Laundry-folding robot debuts at CES 2026
Technology leaders are gathering in Las Vegas for CES, one of the industry's biggest conferences of the year. CNET editor at large Bridget Carey joins CBS News with a firsthand look at the new gadgets on display.
Nvidia announces "Vera Rubin" AI platform
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced the new "Vera Rubin" AI platform at CES on Monday. CNET reporter David Katzmaier joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Science
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Crime
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2 killed, several wounded in shooting outside Salt Lake City church, officials say
The shooting occurred outside a church building while a funeral service was being held inside, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement.
Nick Reiner's attorney withdraws, insists client is "not guilty of murder"
Alan Jackson, who famously won an acquittal in the murder trial of Karen Read and represented disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, did not explain his decision to withdraw.
Extended interview: Harlan Coben
In this extended interview, bestselling mystery author Harlan Coben sits down with Major Garrett to unravel his new CBS true crime show, "Final Twist."
Judge denies mistrial for former Uvalde cop
The trial of the former Uvalde, Texas, police officer accused of failing to protect children during the 2022 school shooting there will resume Thursday after a judge denied a motion for a mistrial. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has the details.
Harlan Coben on his new show "Final Twist"
Harlan Coben is known for the shocking twists and turns in his bestselling mystery novels, but now the author is turning his hand to the world of true crime with a new show. Coben joins "The Takeout" to preview "Final Twist."
Space
More Space
Astronomers discover never-before-seen celestial object: "Cloud 9"
The hydrogen cloud is a remnant of the universe's early formation, NASA said in a news release.
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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
Dallas ICE director on Minneapolis shooting
Robert Cerna, acting director of the Dallas ICE field office, joins "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil to discuss the fatal ICE shooting of a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Extended interview: Border czar Tom Homan
Trump border czar Tom Homan speaks with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil about the deadly Minneapolis ICE shooting, the Trump administration's immigration operations and more.
Extended interview: Harlan Coben
In this extended interview, bestselling mystery author Harlan Coben sits down with Major Garrett to unravel his new CBS true crime show, "Final Twist."
Latest on deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis
Warning: video may be disturbing to some viewers. An ICE agent shot and killed a woman, now identified as 37-year-old Renee Good, Wednesday morning in Minneapolis. CBS News' Nicole Sganga and Anna Schecter report.
Judge denies mistrial for former Uvalde cop
The trial of the former Uvalde, Texas, police officer accused of failing to protect children during the 2022 school shooting there will resume Thursday after a judge denied a motion for a mistrial. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has the details.