Ex-detective accused of preying on Black women dies before trial
Prosecutors say female residents feared that if they crossed paths with Roger Golubski, he'd demand sexual favors and threaten to harm or jail their relatives.
Kansas
Michigan secretary of state on voter turnout
Democratic Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tells CBS News that the battleground state will likely have most of its ballots counted "in the next few hours." Meanwhile, CBS News projected former President Donald Trump will win Kansas as all seven battleground states remain toss-ups.
Severe weather expected in central U.S.
Wildfires are blazing in Oklahoma as warnings of severe weather spread in Kansas and other parts of the central U.S. CBS News' Rob Marciano has the latest on strong winds that could create severe conditions.
Kansas cult accused of forcing kids to work 16-hour days without pay
Prosecutors said the group, which was labeled a cult by a federal judge in 2018, beat children and imposed severe dietary restrictions.
The Climate Election: Home insurance costs
The cost of insuring your home is going up, and some homes are "essentially uninsurable" due to rising climate change risks. In Nebraska, the most expensive state for premiums, the cost is nearly $3,400 above the national average to insure a home. And it's all happening as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, jeopardizing people's homes and their ability to financially recover afterward.
Author hopes to shed light on working class
A new book explores a range of issues important to Americans, from the perspective of a woman who grew up in a working class family in Kansas. Sarah Smarsh, author of "Bone of the Bone: Essays on America by a daughter of the working class," joins to discuss.
Tainted feed may be to blame after 70 horses die at an Oklahoma ranch
Rhett Beutler, co-owner of Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., said horses were "just falling over, dying" after eating the feed.
Inmate who escaped Kansas prison in dog crate dies at age 45
The escape story was featured on "Dateline" and is the inspiration behind the Lifetime movie, "Jailbreak Lovers."
Kansas mom gets life in prison after toddler fatally shoots 4-year-old sister
Prosecutors said the gun sat on the couch at least 12 minutes before Mariann Belair's young son picked it up and shot his sister.
Lawsuit: Kansas school employee locked teen with Down syndrome in closet
The teen's parents alleged in the suit a paraprofessional repeatedly shoved him into a utility closet, hit him, and once photographed him locked in a cage used to store athletic equipment.
Police chief who raided Kansas newspaper charged with obstruction of justice
A former Kansas police chief who led a notorious raid last year on a local newspaper has been charged with interfering with the judicial process.
Ex-police chief charged in newspaper raid
A former Kansas police chief tied to a 2023 raid on a local newspaper has been charged with felony obstruction of justice. According to a complaint filed Monday, Gideon Cody is accused of persuading a witness to withhold information from authorities during and after the raid. Sherman Smith, editor-in-chief of the Kansas Reflector, joins CBS News to discuss.
Kansas Supreme Court rejects 2 anti-abortion laws
Kansas declared in 2019 that abortion access is a "fundamental" right under the state's constitution.
How a unique Topeka program is welcoming immigrants and helping them thrive
A nonprofit has partnered with the Topeka community to ensure immigrants have more than just a roof over their heads.
Unique Topeka program helps immigrants thrive
A nonprofit has partnered with the Topeka, Kansas, community to ensure immigrants have more than just a roof over their heads. Janet Shamlian has more.
1 dead, 3 injured after severe thunderstorm tears through state park in Kansas
The storm blew through Lake Wilson in rural central Kansas' Wilson State Park.
Conference of Mayors holds annual meeting
The United States Conference of Mayors is holding its 92nd annual meeting this weekend in first-time host city Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined CBS News to discuss some of the topics the officials are expected to address at the conference.
Lawmaker's law license suspended over conflicts of interest in murder case
The Kansas Supreme Court ruled that state Rep. Carl Maughan violated professional standards while representing Bret Blevins in a crash that killed two men.
Murdered Kansas womens' bodies found in pasture tied to accused grandma
Court documents reveal new details about the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley in rural Oklahoma earlier this year.
Man acquitted in killing of pregnant woman, boyfriend in Kansas
Camrah Trotter, was killed as she called 911 after her boyfriend, 23-year-old Dominique Ray, was fatally shot.
Topeka superintendent on furthering the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education
The district at the center of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which outlawed racial segregation in schools, is now helmed by its first Black female superintendent.
Topeka superintendent on Brown v. Board of Ed.
The district at the center of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which outlawed racial segregation in schools, is now helmed by its first Black female superintendent. Janet Shamlian spoke to Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Tiffany Anderson about the remarkable changes her district has made.
Tornadoes spotted in Oklahoma as dangerous storms move across Great Plains
Tornadoes touched down Monday evening in rural Oklahoma as large hail pelted parts of Kansas.
Severe storms threaten millions across U.S.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 5 severe weather threat for parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson has the latest forecast.
Tornadoes hit Midwest again
One person was killed in Westmoreland, Kansas, on Tuesday after a tornado tore through the small city. Another tornado in Oklahoma touched down, damaging several buildings. The severe weather risk continues Wednesday, stretching from Nebraska to Texas.
Live
U.S. carrier in Iran war set to leave in days as official reveals conflict's cost
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is expected to leave the Middle East in the coming days, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News.
Secret Service officer shot at gala was not hit by friendly fire, sources say
Federal investigators have also determined that the suspected gunman, 31-year-old Cole Allen, fired his shotgun, the sources said.
Supreme Court weakens Voting Rights Act, voiding Louisiana congressional map
The Supreme Court rule 6-3 in a decision that has implications for the scope of the landmark Voting Rights Act.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla visit New York City
As part of his four-day trip to the U.S. to commemorate America's 250th birthday, King Charles III took part in a series of events in New York City.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Trump speaks with Putin on Ukraine, Iran
President Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke Wednesday about Ukraine and Iran.
Comey appears in court after his indictment for allegedly threatening Trump
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday for allegedly making threats against President Trump.
Investigation
How a company likened to a sex cult is lobbying Trump for pardons
OneTaste, a company in San Francisco that prosecutors likened to a sex cult, has embarked on a campaign to court allies of President Trump as it seeks pardons for its two convicted leaders, CBS News has learned.
U.S.
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OpenAI sued by families of school shooting victims in Canada's Tumbler Ridge
Several families of victims of a mass shooting in Canada are suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company's generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, played a role in the February shooting.
U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Secret Service officer shot at gala was not hit by friendly fire, sources say
Federal investigators have also determined that the suspected gunman, 31-year-old Cole Allen, fired his shotgun, the sources said.
MoneyWatch
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Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Powell to stay on Federal Reserve board as policy makers hold rates steady
Fed chief Jerome Powell said he will remain as a governor on the central bank's board after his term as chair ends on May 15.
TSA PreCheck offers discount to younger travelers. Here's what to know.
TSA is trying to encourage young travelers to enroll in its PreCheck program before summer travel kicks off.
Politics
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U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
Secret Service officer shot at gala was not hit by friendly fire, sources say
Federal investigators have also determined that the suspected gunman, 31-year-old Cole Allen, fired his shotgun, the sources said.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Trump speaks with Putin on Ukraine, Iran
President Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke Wednesday about Ukraine and Iran.
HealthWatch
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Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
World
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U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
How Ukraine's demining robots could help U.S. open the Strait of Hormuz
Ukraine has perfected demining techniques in the Black Sea over four years of war against Russia.
Robot exploring France's deepest shipwreck finds cannons, ceramics
An army survey of the seabed uncovered the 16th-century merchant ship by chance in waters off the coast of France.
From a brooch to the queen's iPod: A history of gifts between U.S. and U.K.
King Charles surprised President Trump with the bell from the HMS Trump, a World War II-era British submarine, during this week's visit.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
FCC reviewing ABC licenses amid Kimmel feud
The Federal Communications Commission says it wants the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations. The announcement comes one day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins with analysis.
FCC reviewing Disney licenses over DEI practices
One day after President Trump called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC said it will begin reviewing eight broadcasting licenses owned or managed by Disney due to the company's diversity policies. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Nick Reiner appears in court
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, several weeks after pleading not guilty in the grisly death of his famous parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. Carter Evans has more details.
New evidence released in D.C. shooting
Cole Allen, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, took a mirror selfie, allegedly gearing up for battle, officials said. Matt Gutman reports.
James Comey makes court appearance
Former FBI Director James Comey made his first court appearance in Virginia on Wednesday, charged with threatening President Trump. A grand jury indicted Comey yesterday over a social media post he made last year. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
DOJ releases new images of D.C. shooting suspect
Federal prosecutors have released new evidence in their case against the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
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.
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
Breaking down Louisiana voting rights case
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling on Wednesday, weakening the Voting Rights Act. The case was about a Louisiana congressional map that added a second majority-Black district to the state. In a three-to-six decision, the court said the new map constituted racial gerrymandering. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and David Becker break down the ruling and Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana shares his reaction.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Coast Guard commandant on power outages
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday told CBS News' Nicole Sganga that several Coast Guard stations across the country recently lost power, water or gas. Service has been restored, but he warns more outages could happen as the DHS shutdown continues.
Immigration applicants to face stricter security checks: Docs
According to internal government documents obtained by CBS News, the Trump administration is ordering enhanced security checks for broad categories of immigrants applying for various legal immigration benefits. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.