Tracing family trees to catch killers
Steve Kroft reports on how a new tool that uses a mixture of DNA analysis and family genealogy has been helping law enforcement crack cold cases.
Genealogy
Cracking the code: Using genetic genealogy to unmask serial criminals
Barbara Rae-Venter never anticipated that her genealogy hobby would lead to the capture of one of California's most notorious criminals, the Golden State Killer. Her pioneering use of genetic genealogy has since helped solve numerous cold cases.
Could your DNA help solve a cold case?
Genetic genealogy, a new frontier in criminology, uses DNA to crack cold cases. Would you have a problem if yours were used?
How Parabon NanoLabs got into genetic genealogy
Paula Armentrout, vice president of Parabon NanoLabs, talks about leading a project at the company which turned out to be her entry to the world of genetic genealogy and CeCe Moore.
Deciding if a DNA sample is viable
Paula and Steve Armentrout explain how Parabon determines the viability of forensic DNA from the crime labs and how they turn that biology into bits.
Honoring a Civil War veteran who was lost to history
Researching her family history, Cheryl Wills found she was related to a former slave who served in the Civil War with the United States Colored Troops, which led her to a distant relative, a former plantation, and ultimately to Private Sandy Wills' remains.
Genealogist remembered for work uncovering Black Americans' family histories
Frazine Taylor spent decades as an archivist, helping to piece together families histories often shattered by systemic racism.
Genealogist traced thousands of family trees
Genealogist Frazine Taylor of Montgomery, Alabama, made it her life's work to help African American families piece together their history, sifting through records where humans are identified only by numbers, names are misspelled and racially segregated records leave holes in family trees. James Brown pays tribute to her extraordinary accomplishments.
A Dream Delivered
In this documentary, we follow the incredible story of an African American family who embarks on a journey of discovery after a lost letter from a formerly enslaved ancestor is unearthed. THIS DOCUMENTARY IS PAID FOR BY ANCESTRY.
African-American family's lineage traced to 1789
The Blackwell's Kinfolk Family Tree is the largest in the collections of the Library of Congress, and counts tennis great Arthur Ashe among its descendants. The Virginia family traces its genealogical history all the way back to its first African ancestor in 1789. Nikole Killion has more.
A Killer in the Family Tree
When a woman uploads her DNA to a genealogy website, authorities show up at her door. Is there a double murderer in her family tree? "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Sneak peek: A Killer in the Family Tree
When a woman uploads her DNA to a genealogy website, authorities show up at her door. Is there a double murderer in her family tree? "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports Saturday, Jan. 21 at 9/8c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
California man convicted of 1980s rape-murders of two women
Investigators used genealogy websites to help them solve the cases. Prosecutors called Horace Van Vaultz Jr. a sexually motivated serial killer.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
Luigi Mangione returns to court for pretrial hearings in NYC
Luigi Mangione, the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO, is in court for hearings on which evidence will be allowed at trial.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
U.S.
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Endangered jaguar spotted at watering hole in Arizona
Officials have said that jaguar breeding in the U.S. has not been documented in more than a century.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
MoneyWatch
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Politics
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Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
HealthWatch
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Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel postpones vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
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Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
U.K. and Norway sign pact to "hunt Russian submarines" in North Atlantic
The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a pact to create a naval alliance in the North Atlantic, aimed at protecting undersea cables and hunting Russian submarines.
Entertainment
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Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
Technology
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Technology
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with more.
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.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Listen to 911 call from Luigi Mangione arrest
Newly unsealed evidence sheds light on Luigi Mangione's arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
New details in Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued on Thursday, one year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect arrested in D.C. pipe bomb case
A suspect is in custody nearly five years after two pipe bombs were planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. was arrested in Virginia on Thursday morning. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
What we know about 2021 D.C. pipe bomb suspect
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect in the case of two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters the night before the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs has the details.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
Luigi Mangione arrest video played in court
On the one-year mark of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk, a hearing was held to determine what evidence is admissible in the trial of his accused killer, Luigi Mangione. Alice Gainer reports.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case
A northern Virginia man was arrested and accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Arctic blast grips U.S. as temperatures plummet
An early season Arctic blast sent shivers through the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures tumbled far below normal. Lana Zak reports and Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
$1.6 million raised for elderly man still working
For most of his life, Ed Bambas worked toward his American dream. But in 2019, at 82, he found himself doing what most retirees never imagine: going back to work. That was, until a stranger approached him with a question. Tom Hanson has the story.
White House Christmases of past, present
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the national Christmas tree on Thursday. Melania's White House Christmas theme this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is." White House expert Jennifer Pickens joins CBS News to discuss.