What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
Gold Mining
Gold rush could bring open pit mines to Black Hills in South Dakota
Miners want to return to the treasured landscape, promising an economic boost while raising fears of how modern gold extraction could forever change the region.
What lies 2 miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes 2 miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals. Bill Whitaker reports.
What lies two miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes two miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals. Bill Whitaker reports.
What lies 2 miles below Earth's surface?
A South African gold mine that goes two miles beneath the Earth's surface holds far more than just precious metals.
New process for mining electronic waste could be a gold mine
Easier and cheaper extraction of gold from old tech could boost the financial incentive to safely recycle, and keep toxic metals out of landfills.
New method mines gold from electronic waste
A United Nations report found that in 2022, the world generated more than 60 million tons of electronic waste, like outdated cellphones and laptops. That's an 82% increase from just a decade before. Bradley Blackburn reports that the value hidden inside these gadgets could help solve the problem.
South Africa is trying to starve 4,000 miners out of an illegal mine
South Africa's government says it will let thousands of illegal miners starve until they accept their fate and emerge from an abandoned shaft to face arrest.
23 rescued from old Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 23 people were rescued after an elevator malfunction at an old gold mine. Eleven visitors were first brought out of the mine while the remaining 12 trapped 1,000 feet underground were rescued six hours later. One person was killed and four others were injured while visiting the attraction.
2nd largest diamond ever pulled from a mine, Botswana officials say
Botswana's government says a 2,492-carat diamond pulled from the Karowe Mine is the biggest ever found in the country.
U.K. Royal Mint mining gold from e-waste
The U.K.'s official coinmaker is aiming to reduce its reliance on traditional mining and encourage more sustainable practices by extracting gold from electronic waste. Kamal Afzali reports.
Researchers unearth "pot of gold" of Persian coins in Turkey
The team of archaeologists found the stash of Persian coins, alongside other artifacts, in a small pot buried under a large house in the center of the ancient Greek city of Notion.
Afghan diplomat accused of smuggling gold into India resigns
Zakia Wardak, Afghanistan's top diplomat in India, announced her resignation after reportedly being stopped at an airport with the gold cache.
Apple threatened with legal action over use of alleged "blood minerals"
The Democratic Republic of Congo has given Apple weeks to answer questions about how it ensures key components in its tech are ethically and legally sourced.
Why are gold prices suddenly rising?
The buying price of gold futures has hit multiple record highs this year, rising more than 14% in value since Jan. 2. Campbell Harvey, professor of finance at Duke University, joins CBS News to explain what's motivating buyers.
13 workers in collapsed gold mine declared dead in Russia
About 200 rescuers used powerful pumps to try to take out water that flooded the mine, posing a challenge to the salvage operation.
Dozens of people reportedly buried by pit mine collapse in Venezuela
A local journalist in Venezuela says an apparent wall collapse in pit gold mine has left more than 100 people buried.
Why U.S. is reinstating Venezuela sanctions
Venezuela's top court is blocking opposition leader María Corina Machado from holding public office, which has led the U.S. to reinstate sanctions against its state-owned gold-mining company and the country's oil and gas sector. Eric Martin, a Bloomberg Business international economics reporter, joins CBS News with a look at the sanctions.
DOJ releases huge new set of Epstein files with many mentions of Trump
The Justice Department early Tuesday released more than 11,000 additional documents and photos from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
2 dead, about 20 injured in nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania, officials say
At least two people were killed and about 20 more injured in an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, officials said.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Body of missing 9-year-old California girl Melodee Buzzard found, mother arrested
Authorities said Melodee Buzzard's body was found in a rural area outside of Cainville, Utah, and her mother was arrested Tuesday morning.
U.S. GDP grew at a blistering 4.3% pace in the third quarter
Economists polled by financial data firm FactSet had forecast an annualized 3% pace for the July to September period.
Exclusive
Trump administration seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases
ICE has filed more than 8,000 requests to toss out asylum claims in immigration court, asking judges to send immigrants to third-party countries.
U.S.
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19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
Job listings for store Santas have plunged in recent years as more families shop online and retailers look to contain costs, a new analysis found.
MoneyWatch
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Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
Job listings for store Santas have plunged in recent years as more families shop online and retailers look to contain costs, a new analysis found.
Consumer confidence continues to fade despite heady economic growth
Concerns about inflation, tariffs and politics weighed on consumer sentiment in December, The Conference Board said.
U.S. GDP grew at a blistering 4.3% pace in the third quarter
Economic growth blew past forecasts in the third quarter despite ongoing concerns about jobs, tariffs and inflation.
FCC banning new foreign-made drones, a move China calls "discriminatory"
The Federal Communications Commission says it's banning new foreign-made drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones out of the U.S. market.
Politics
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19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Former GOP Sen. Ben Sasse says he has stage-four pancreatic cancer
Republican Ben Sasse represented Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2023, then became president of the University of Florida.
FCC banning new foreign-made drones, a move China calls "discriminatory"
The Federal Communications Commission says it's banning new foreign-made drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones out of the U.S. market.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Major pre-Christmas Russian attack on Ukraine kills at least 3
Russia fired more than 650 drones and three dozen missiles at Ukraine in a major pre-Christmas attack, killing at least three people including a child.
U.S. military hits alleged "low-profile" drug vessel in Pacific, killing 1
The U.S. military says it struck a vessel that was allegedly carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific on Monday, killing one person — part of a months-long campaign of boat strikes near Latin America.
British man charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his now ex-wife
Philip Young was charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to "stupefy" Joanne Young, his ex-wife.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Aubrey O'Day opens up about disturbing Sean "Diddy" Combs affidavit
Aubrey O'Day discusses the disturbing witness affidavit involving Sean "Diddy" Combs in a "CBS Mornings" interview on Tuesday.
How to watch the Kennedy Center Honors tonight on CBS and Paramount+
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast tonight, Dec. 23, celebrating George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Kiss, Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone.
"Call of Duty" co-creator Vince Zampella dies after crash on Los Angeles highway
Vince Zampella, a video game developer known for pioneering iconic franchises like "Call of Duty," died in a car crash on the Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County on Sunday afternoon.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on 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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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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.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
New trove of Epstein files released
The DOJ released more than 10,000 files in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The release includes court records, emails, news clippings, photos, spreadsheets, audio and video files. It also offers new details on Epstein's associates, including President Trump. Mr. Trump has not been charged in connection with Epstein and the new documents do not accuse him of any crime. Scott MacFarlane has more.
DOJ releases 10,000 new Epstein files
The Justice Department released more than 10,000 files relating to Jeffrey Epstein early Tuesday morning. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane has more details.
Space
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Space
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.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
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
2 killed in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion
Two people are dead after an explosion at a nursing home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and several are still missing, Gov. Josh Shapiro said. CBS Philadelphia reporter Nikki DeMentri reports.
Holiday train delivers Christmas cheer
When the Canadian Pacific Kansas City holiday train rolls into town, the tracks transform into a holiday festival. Lana Zak has the story.
Financial strains of the "sandwich generation"
Between now and 2030, about 10,000 Americans will turn 65 every single day, giving rise to a term known as the "sandwich generation" -- adults who find themselves caring for their aging parents while still raising their own children. CBS News spoke to one woman about her struggles.
FDA approves weight loss drug in daily pill form
Regulators at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication approved to treat obesity. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
Bystanders pull survivors from deadly plane crash
Federal investigators are looking into what caused a deadly plane crash in Galveston Bay, off the Texas coast. A medical plane transporting a child burn victim from Mexico went down with eight people on board. Five were killed, including the 2-year-old. Karen Hua has more on the rescue mission.