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.
Insects
Prehistoric insects trapped in amber give glimpse into ancient life
Scientists have discovered prehistoric insects preserved in amber in South America for the first time.
Number of butterflies decreasing across U.S.
From 2000 to 2020, there was a 22% decrease nationwide in butterflies. A Michigan State University study released Monday reveals that butterfly populations in the Midwest are dwindling even faster, and no butterfly species has increased in that region in the last three decades. Jericka Duncan reports.
Nature: Honeybees
We leave you this Sunday Morning with an up-close (and sting-free) look at honeybees in Hollywood, Florida. Videographer: Charles Schultz
Eye on America: Protecting ecosystems, and more
We meet a group of scientists in Colorado innovating ways to protect the nation's food supply. And travel to Georgia to see the legacy of schools that educated African American in the segregated south. Then visit Cape Canaveral to pay tribute to the Apollo 1 crew we lost 55 years ago. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Ancient wasp snatched prey like Venus flytrap, scientists say
"I've seen a lot of strange insects, but this has to be one of the most peculiar-looking ones I've seen in a while," said one entomologist.
Texas warning of "maneater" screwworms that lay eggs in flesh
Just one fly can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and is drawn "to the odor of a wound or natural opening on a live, warm-blooded animal."
Violations at plant linked to listeria outbreak
CBS News has obtained documents that show federal inspectors flagged dozens of violations that included insects, mold and mildew at a Boar's Head plant in Virginia linked to a listeria outbreak responsible for at least eight deaths.
Cicadas come with an itchy pest — tiny mites that can cause rashes
Hundreds of thousands of the tiny wind-soaring and itch-inducing critters can fall from trees every day and are packed with a venom that can paralyze prey 166,000 times their size.
Meet the blue-banded bee
Colorful blue-banded bees are known for their love of lavender and blue objects. They are found across most of Australia, India, Papua New Guinea and other areas in East Asia. Unlike some bees, members of this species live in solitary nests that they build near others, according to the Australian Museum.
Micro communities offer homeless Americans safe shelter in growing number of cities
Amid rising homelessness rates, city officials across nation are embracing rapid housing options emphasizing three factors: small, quick and cheap.
Giant flying Joro spiders spread in U.S.
Joro spiders are an invasive species that arrived in Georgia more than a decade ago, and now experts say they're creeping, crawling and apparently parachuting their way into the Northeast.
Can you eat cicadas? Yes – and here are 3 recipes to try.
You deserve a treat. And this spring, Mother Nature is providing a seemingly endless supply – trillions of cicadas.
Bumblebee nests are under attack – and it's killing their babies
There's a newly-determined "major factor" in declining bumblebee populations – and it's attacking their nests.
Cicadas arrive in Georgia and South Carolina
It might not be summer yet, but the sounds of the season have already arrived. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff traveled to the Georgia-South Carolina border, where one of two broods of periodical cicadas expected to arise this year in a historic emergence convergence is already molting and traveling to the treetops to mate.
It has begun: Trillions of cicadas emerge
Trillions of cicadas are emerging in some parts of the country after laying dormant for more than a decade. In Illinois, two broods will co-emerge for the first time in over 200 years. The collective noise from the insects can be as loud as a jet engine. Jonathan L. Larson, extension entomologist for the University of Kentucky, joined CBS News to discuss the emergence.
Trillions of cicadas could emerge this spring
Scientists are expecting billions, and possibly trillions, of cicadas to emerge this spring. It's expected to be the largest number of the noisy bugs seen since the early 1800s. CBS affiliate WDJT's Emily Fannon reports.
What to expect from the 2024 cicada invasion
Two cicada broods are expected to make a simultaneous comeback this spring and summer for the first time in over 200 years. The cicadas will likely emerge across 16 states mainly in the South and Midwest. Matt Kasson, associate professor of mycology and plant pathology at West Virginia University, joined CBS News to discuss the emergence.
Hyper-sexual "zombie cicadas" expected to emerge this spring
The infected cicadas bizarrely act like nothing is wrong, even though a third of their body has been replaced by fungus.
"Cicada-geddon" insect invasion will be biggest in centuries
Trillions of red-eyed periodical cicadas are about to emerge in numbers not seen in many years. Here's where to expect them.
The USDA wants you to destroy these invasive fuzzy, muddy masses
The invasive species have the ability to "attack or defoliate hundreds of tree and plant species," the USDA warns.
Insect species at risk
Insects are responsible for pollinating three quarters of global crops and forming the backbone of the food chain. But scientists estimate that about 40% of insect species are in decline, and a third are endangered.
Researchers warn of climate change's effects on insect populations
Scientists estimate that 40% of insect species are in decline, and a third are endangered.
These "bee bus stops" are looking to save pollinators
Bus stop coverings are getting replaced with "living roofs" made with native plants to help provide food for dying species and help people stay cool amid rising temperatures.
Screaming cicadas are coming back in "once in a lifetime" event
This will be the first time since the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that these broods of noisy, flying insects will emerge from underground.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Live
Peace talks paused as Iran begins dayslong funeral for slain supreme leader
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Trump pardons pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
After 10 years, one man's mission to preserve WWII veterans' legacy continues
Rishi Sharma started his journey 10 years ago by driving around his Southern California neighborhood to record interviews with veterans and later expanded his outreach.
3 children dead after boat capsizes on Wisconsin lake during severe storm
Three children died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday, Lake Geneva police said.
U.S.
More U.S.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
After 10 years, one man's mission to preserve WWII veterans' legacy continues
Rishi Sharma started his journey 10 years ago by driving around his Southern California neighborhood to record interviews with veterans and later expanded his outreach.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
More Politics
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
First on CBS
Sources: Trump likely to pardon pollution violators; weighing clemency for Diddy
President Trump hasn't committed to a firm number of people who will receive clemency — he's scheduled to have a meeting on pardons Friday afternoon, sources said.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
World
More World
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Venice mayor proposes new dynamic pricing tourist fee
The mayor of Venice says the city is seeking government approval to introduce a form of dynamic pricing to deal with tourism costs.
Ukrainian woman named suspect in Monaco bombing
The suspect was initially identified as a heavily built person appearing to be male, but Interpol now says it is looking for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman.
40 killed when speeding, overcrowded bus tumbles into Pakistan ravine, officials say
A speeding bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight others in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years, officials said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Empire State Building lights up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married, according to Swift's publicist. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
World awaits news on Taylor Swift's wedding
Taylor Swift fans are awaiting news on her highly anticipated wedding to football player Travis Kelce. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from New York City.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
More Science
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Space
More Space
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Influential presidential speeches
These excerpts capture some of the most impactful speeches by U.S. presidents from the 20th and 21st centuries.
A look at America 250 security efforts
Saturday's Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall is the first tagged as a "national special security event," meaning a law enforcement presence akin to a Super Bowl or an inauguration. Nicole Sganga has more.
Young man aims to preserve WWII stories
Every Fourth of July marks the loss of more veterans of World War II. Steve Hartman met a young man who is racing against time to preserve their stories.
Attempting the largest fireworks display ever
A company called Pyrotecnico will attempt the biggest fireworks show in history in Washington, D.C., on the Fourth of July. Tony Dokoupil gets the exclusive on how.