Hot-air balloonists face a day of reckoning -- and regulation
With Albuquerque's huge balloon festival soon to launch, the stakes couldn't be higher, for the industry and passengers
Federal Aviation Administration
Evening News Online, 07.28.11
Thursday: A half hour before its scheduled vote, Speaker Boehner's debt reduction bill is tabled in the House; Also, adjustable rate mortgage increases could spike if the U.S. defaults on its debts; Plus, a gun store clerk tips off police to an American-born Muslim who may have been planning an attack on Fort Hood soldiers; And, Los Angeles is ending its controversial red-light camera program.
How all 300 fliers escaped safely from burning jetliner
FAA rule requiring manufacturers to evacuate maximum number of passengers within 90 seconds is being largely credited for their survival
Virgin Galactic gets space tourism operating license
The spaceflight company successfully completed a safety review, bringing it a step closer to sending tourists to space
FAA was warned of potential high-fatality balloon accidents
Safety investigators recommended two years ago that the FAA impose greater oversight over commercial hot air balloon operators, but were ignored
3 killed in small plane crash in upstate New York
Officials say three people were killed when their small plane crashed in Esperance; fourth person survived
House passes bill to boost airport security, reduce lines
The Senate plans to vote on the bill, which preserves FAA programs for 14 months, later this week
What's on Congress' to-do list before its seven-week recess?
Lawmakers aren't likely to tackle every priority before they take off starting next Friday for the nominating conventions and August
Routine commercial use of small drones cleared for takeoff
FAA releases long-anticipated rules allowing drone operators to fly smaller vehicles without special permission
FAA rules out requiring psychological testing for airline pilots
Psychological tests are ineffective because they reveal a pilot's mental health for only a moment in time, the FAA has found
Supersonic plane sends shock waves rippling across the sun
Light-bending waves generated by the plane captured in stunning image; part of a NASA project to develop quieter jets
Senate refuses to stop airlines from shrinking seats
Economy-class airline seats have shrunk in recent years from an average width of 18 inches to 16.5 inches, with less space between rows
FAA gets recommendations for commercial drone flights
The guidelines create four categories, three of which set standards for flying drones over populated areas
FAA: Close call at LAX between passenger plane and drone
Drone comes within 200 feet of Lufthansa plane that was about to land at L.A. airport, FAA says
FAA says there are now more registered drone operators than licensed pilots
The agency says it passed the milestone last week when it topped 325,000 registered drone owners, surpassing the number of licensed pilots
50-agency security crackdown greets Super Bowl 2016
In advance of Sunday's game, precautions marshaled by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson included an FAA ban of consumer drones
Plan to spin off air traffic control generates turbulence
Congressman launching push to take away control of the air control system from the gov't and hand it to a nonprofit corporation
Calendar: Week from January 18
From National Popcorn Day to the Sundance Film Festival, "Sunday Morning" takes a look at some notable events of the week ahead
Got a drone? What to know before you fly
Rules, regulations and etiquette every drone pilot should heed before launching that shiny new toy
JetBlue program speeds path to cockpit for untested pilots
Controversial "Gateway 7" program to recruit young pilots comes as airlines struggle with an aging workforce
FAA lays out drone registration, vehicle marking rules
Millions of drone hobbyists and enthusiasts must sign in to federal registry starting Dec. 21 and get a unique registration number for tracking
Laser Christmas displays raise safety concerns for pilots
Laser displays are a growing trend this holiday season, but they can strike aircraft when not properly installed
Deadly small plane crash in San Bernardino County
Small jet went down "in a fireball" at Apple Valley Airport in California, officials say; FAA to launch probe
Thailand vows to fix aviation problems after U.S. downgrade
Country is one of the world's top tourist destinations, and that industry accounts for about 7 percent of the Thai economy
Passengers to FAA: Stop airlines from shrinking seats
Seats used by some carriers have been whittled down to as little as 16 inches wide
How Trump's messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they "agreed to everything"
Less than 48 hours after President Trump said Iran has "agreed to everything," he threatened the whole country would get "blown up" without a deal soon.
Live
Trump and Iran trade conflicting messages over prospect of talks
Iran balked at President Trump's demands for a peace deal amid a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, as fear the war could reignite hits oil and energy markets.
Exclusive
U.S. Army sergeant's wife detained by ICE in Texas after immigration appointment
The wife of a 27-year Army sergeant was detained by ICE at an immigration appointment in Texas. He says he doesn't understand why, and "ICE is out of control right now."
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer leaving Trump administration, in latest exit from Cabinet
She is taking a role in the private sector, according to the White House.
8 children killed in shooting in Louisiana as father targets his family
The gunman, who is also dead, shot 10 people in total, according to police. All eight who died were children from 3 to 11 years old, police said.
Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over story on alleged drinking
FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, saying a recent story about his alleged frequent drinking and absences included "false and obviously fabricated" claims.
Witnesses in criminal probe of ex-CIA Director Brennan subpoenaed, sources say
The subpoenas went out shortly after the Justice Department appointed conservative Trump ally Joe DiGenova to formally take over the criminal investigation into John Brennan.
D4vd charged with murder in connection with death of 14-year-old girl
D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14, and mutilating a body.
Tariff refund portal off to bumpy start as some businesses report glitches
Some U.S. importers reported problems filing tariff refund claims after Customs and Border Patrol launched its dedicated portal on Monday.
U.S.
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Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, with John Ternus tapped as successor
Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down in August and become executive chairman of Apple's board.
Kevin Warsh set to face lawmakers in Fed chair confirmation hearing
Senators are likely to press Warsh, President Trump's nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, on his views about inflation and interest rates.
How Trump's messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they "agreed to everything"
Less than 48 hours after President Trump said Iran has "agreed to everything," he threatened the whole country would get "blown up" without a deal soon.
Tariff refund portal off to bumpy start as some businesses report glitches
Some U.S. importers reported problems filing tariff refund claims after Customs and Border Patrol launched its dedicated portal on Monday.
Sen. Mark Warner's daughter dies at 36 after long diabetes battle
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia announced on Monday that his daughter Madison has died following a lengthy battle with juvenile diabetes and other health issues.
MoneyWatch
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Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, with John Ternus tapped as successor
Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down in August and become executive chairman of Apple's board.
Kevin Warsh set to face lawmakers in Fed chair confirmation hearing
Senators are likely to press Warsh, President Trump's nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, on his views about inflation and interest rates.
Tariff refund portal off to bumpy start as some businesses report glitches
Some U.S. importers reported problems filing tariff refund claims after Customs and Border Patrol launched its dedicated portal on Monday.
United merger with American Airlines would hurt consumers, senators say
Airlines could hike ticket prices and fees if United and American were to join forces, lawmakers warn.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
Politics
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Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer leaving Trump administration
Lori Chavez-DeRemer is taking a role in the private sector, according to the White House.
Kevin Warsh set to face lawmakers in Fed chair confirmation hearing
Senators are likely to press Warsh, President Trump's nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed chair, on his views about inflation and interest rates.
How Trump's messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they "agreed to everything"
Less than 48 hours after President Trump said Iran has "agreed to everything," he threatened the whole country would get "blown up" without a deal soon.
Sen. Mark Warner's daughter dies at 36 after long diabetes battle
Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia announced on Monday that his daughter Madison has died following a lengthy battle with juvenile diabetes and other health issues.
Witnesses in criminal probe of ex-CIA Director Brennan subpoenaed, sources say
The subpoenas went out shortly after the Justice Department appointed conservative Trump ally Joe DiGenova to formally take over the criminal investigation into John Brennan.
HealthWatch
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Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
World
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Canadian tourist killed in shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacán pyramids
According to Mexico's security officials, a gunman opened fired at the popular tourist spot, killing a Canadian woman and injuring at least four people.
How Trump's messaging on Iran has shifted since saying they "agreed to everything"
Less than 48 hours after President Trump said Iran has "agreed to everything," he threatened the whole country would get "blown up" without a deal soon.
For Jewish Iranians, war with Israel brings a flood of mixed emotions
Jewish Iranians tell CBS News the war with Israel has brought conflicting emotions, and they wish leaders in both countries would "let us live in peace."
Humanoid robot beats human half-marathon world record in Beijing
Some robots ran the Beijing half-marathon autonomously, while others were controlled remotely, all competing on a parallel course to avoid collisions with human athletes.
2 U.S. Embassy officials among 4 killed in car crash after drug lab raid
After six synthetic drug labs were raided, the victims' vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a ravine, officials said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details on charges against d4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer d4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
What to know on the "Matlock" season finale
"Matlock" stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter join CBS News with more clues ahead of the show's season finale.
Indigo Girls' member reveals incurable medical disorder affecting her voice
Emily Saliers, one-half of the Atlanta folk duo The Indigo Girls, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with two incurable movement disorders that will forever change the way that she sings.
D4vd expected to face murder charge
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is expected on Monday to charge singer-songwriter d4vd with murder, seven months after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas' body was found in a car that he owned. The 21-year-old musician was arrested last week. Matt Gutman reports.
4/19: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The purge of immigration judges; seeking accountability in trucking accidents; Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri on Broadway; portraitist Michael Shane Neal; the legacy of woodworker George Nakashima; an operatic car salesman; and Earth Day stories of advances in sustainability.
Technology
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Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO, with John Ternus tapped as successor
Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down in August and become executive chairman of Apple's board.
Humanoid robot beats human half-marathon world record in Beijing
Some robots ran the Beijing half-marathon autonomously, while others were controlled remotely, all competing on a parallel course to avoid collisions with human athletes.
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.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Science
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Science
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Crime
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Canadian tourist killed in shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacán pyramids
According to Mexico's security officials, a gunman opened fired at the popular tourist spot, killing a Canadian woman and injuring at least four people.
Details on charges against d4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer d4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
At least 2 killed in North Carolina shooting
Police in North Carolina say two teenagers were killed and several others were injured after a shooting on Monday morning near a middle school. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Singer d4vd charged with murder of teen
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced singer d4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in a Tesla registered to the musician last September.
D4vd charged with murder in connection with death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14 and mutilating a body.
Space
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Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
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
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned, the White House announced on Monday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more.
How to save money on summer travel amid Iran war
The Iran war's impact on jet fuel is making it difficult to plan summer travel, as airlines struggle with supply shortages and rising costs. Clint Henderson, managing editor at The Points Guy, joins CBS News with tips to get the best deal.
Details on charges against d4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer d4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
At least 2 killed in North Carolina shooting
Police in North Carolina say two teenagers were killed and several others were injured after a shooting on Monday morning near a middle school. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
House GOP's campaign arm raises $47 million
House Republicans' campaign arm brought in a record-breaking $47.1 million fundraising haul to start the 2026 midterm cycle, the committee chairman told CBS News in an interview. CBS News' Fin Gómez has more.