Lightning "megaflash" recognized as new world record
A lightning flash that extended 515 miles from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017 is recognized as being the longest horizontal distance.
Lightning
Scientist measures "megaflash" lightning strike
Michael Peterson, a scientist at Georgia Tech Research Institute, managed to measure a lightning "megaflash" that stretched 515 miles, setting a world record.
New study on how lightning bolts are created
A new study published Monday in the Journal of Geophysical Research appears to have solved the mystery of how lightning is created, using math. Victor Pasko, a professor in the department of electrical engineering at Penn State University and the leader of this study, joined CBS News to discuss.
Lightning strikes kill 33 people in a week as monsoon season hits India
Monsoon season has brought powerful storms to eastern India, with at least 33 people killed by lightning strikes this week alone.
Man killed by lightning in New Jersey
A man in New Jersey was killed and several people were injured by a lightning strike Wednesday night. Meg Oliver reports on his death and the rise in lightning events brought on by climate change. And Lonnie Quinn has more on the danger of lightning.
1 dead, 14 hurt after lightning strike at New Jersey archery range
One person was killed and 14 others were injured after being struck by lightning in Jackson Township, New Jersey on Wednesday.
3 family members struck by lightning on Florida beach
The family members were standing under an umbrella during a thunderstorm, a bystander said.
Florida lab recreates lightning strikes to test equipment efficiency
A company is creating its own lightning bolts to test equipment efficiency as strikes become more common due to climate change.
Injuries, fatality from lightning strikes
The Southeastern U.S. has seen several lightning-related incidents this week. In South Carolina, 20 people were injured at a lake when lightning struck, and a Colorado man died after being hit on a beach in Florida. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
20 people injured by lightning strike at South Carolina lake
First responders assessed eight adults and 12 minors for electrocution after reports of a lightning strike hitting the water in South Carolina.
Colorado man dies after lightning strike on Florida beach, officials say
A 29-year-old Colorado man died after being struck by lightning on a Florida beach during his honeymoon, officials said.
Police cruiser struck by lightning
A security camera caught the moment a police cruiser was struck by lightning as severe weather rolled through Oklahoma on Monday. CBS News senior weather correspondent Rob Marciano has a look at the damage in Oklahoma, CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports on the conditions in Tennessee and meteorologist Jessica Burch has a check of the forecast.
Lightning strike reportedly kills 3 at Cambodia's renowned Angkor Wat
Officials in Cambodia say a lightning strike at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, killed three people and left several injured.
Video captures moment soccer player killed by lightning strike
A local Peruvian soccer match was called off due to weather, but as players left the field, lighting struck, killing one man and wounding five others.
Teen killed by lightning strike on Germany's highest peak
Lightning struck repeatedly as the men descended from the summit and the 18-year-old suffered a fatal electric shock, police said.
Lightning strike near Utah church youth group sends 7 to hospital
Seven members of a youth group hiking in Utah were transported to hospitals after lightning struck the ground near them.
2 hospitalized after lightning strike near PGA tournament in Connecticut
The strike occurred near a home along a golf course that is hosting the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship.
Lightning bolt strikes erupting volcano
A lightning bolt struck an erupting volcano in Guatemala, wowing spectators who gathered to see the Volcán de Fuego.
Lightning strikes kill 24 in India amid unusually heavy rain storms
Unseasonably heavy rain storms slammed India's western state of Gujarat, packing lightning blamed for the deaths of 24 people and 3 buffalo.
Lightning strike survivor turns to giving
Richard Rogers endured his first tragedy as a 23 year old, when his father took his own life. Years later, Rogers nearly died after being struck by lightning. His second chance at life propelled him into a life of giving. Now he runs a successful stove company and gives away grant money through his Just One More Foundation.
The secrets of lightning
Beautiful and dangerous, lightning bolts are one of nature's most captivating and misunderstood phenomena. Correspondent David Pogue looks into some of the misconceptions about lightning; meets a woman who survived millions of volts coursing through her body; and talks with photographer Lori Bailey, who has captured brilliant, millisecond-long displays of lightning.
The science and art of lightning
Beautiful and dangerous, lightning bolts are one of nature's most captivating and misunderstood phenomena.
Why you shouldn't shower during a thunderstorm
It turns out that standing outdoors isn't the only way to get electrocuted during a thunderstorm.
Video shows man struck by lightning and saved by police officer
Eric Baumgartner, 39, wanted to finish painting lines on a soccer field in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, before it started raining when he was struck by lightning.
Boat captain killed by lightning, passenger injured in Florida
A 39-year-old man from West Melbourne died after lightning struck his boat along the Florida coast near Orlando, officials said this week.
Men detained in El Salvador's notorious prison detail harrowing experiences
Venezuelans spent months in a Salvadoran prison after being sent there by the U.S. Imprisoned men described torture — and research and records back up many of their claims.
Minneapolis' police chief worries about escalating local tensions with ICE
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says he worries about escalating tensions amid ICE enforcement. But top ICE official Marcos Charles says his officers act "lawfully and with professionalism."
Trump links Greenland standoff with allies to perceived Nobel snub
As his standoff with America's closest allies escalates, President Trump says not getting the Nobel Peace Prize means he's no longer obligated "to think purely of Peace."
Can Americans trust the investigation into Renee Good's killing?
Senior ICE official Marcos Charles said videos of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis don't tell the entire story. He said officers are acting lawfully and with professionalism.
Man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis dies in federal custody in Texas
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough
Looking overseas, there is wide opposition to the idea of taking Greenland by force.
High-speed train derailment kills at least 39 in Spain, police say
Spanish police said Monday that at least 39 people died and 159 were injured in a high-speed train collision in southern Spain.
1,500 soldiers placed on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis
A U.S. defense official confirmed some 1,500 active-duty soldiers, currently stationed in Alaska, are on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis amid the city's protests.
U.S.
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What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026?
Most stores on Monday are open during their regular business hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a few exceptions.
Man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis dies while in federal agency's custody
A 36-year-old man who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis died while under the custody of federal law enforcement in Texas on Wednesday, according to the agency.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
MoneyWatch
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What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026?
Most stores on Monday are open during their regular business hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with a few exceptions.
Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Politics
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Trump links Greenland standoff with allies to perceived Nobel snub
As his standoff with America's closest allies escalates, President Trump says not getting the Nobel Peace Prize means he's no longer obligated "to think purely of Peace."
DOJ probing protesters group that disrupted services at church with ICE pastor
The Justice Dept. says it's investigating a group of protesters in Minnesota who disrupted services at a church where a local ICE official apparently serves as a pastor.
Trump admin's claims of "reverse discrimination" upend DOJ Civil Rights Division
A Trump administration initiative is upending 60 years of efforts by the federal government to prevent discrimination against minority groups in the U.S.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Jan. 18, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey join Margaret Brennan.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says federal agents are an "occupying force"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the administration's immigration operations, calling the surge of federal agents an "occupying force that has quite literally invaded our city."
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
World
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Fire at mall in Pakistan kills at least 23 people; dozens missing
Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the multistory plaza nearly 24 hours after it erupted.
Trump links Greenland standoff with allies to perceived Nobel snub
As his standoff with America's closest allies escalates, President Trump says not getting the Nobel Peace Prize means he's no longer obligated "to think purely of Peace."
Russia gives U.S. man 5-year prison term, accusing him of transporting weapons
Russia has sentenced American Charles Zimmerman to five years in prison for illegally transporting weapons, a court said, noting that a rifle was found on his yacht after it docked in the port city of Sochi.
Mom reveals last words from son killed in U.S. Maduro assault
Saul Pereira Martinez had finished his shift on guard duty at Fort Tiuna, where Maduro was sheltered. The last time his mother spoke to him was at 2:00 am.
Shark mauls surfer in Sydney day after boy bitten, critically injured
A surfer was attacked one day after a large shark bit a 12-year-old boy in the legs, leaving him fighting for survival in a hospital.
Entertainment
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Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks: "Probably the funniest person of all time"
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like the director of such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol: "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Judd Apatow on comic genius Mel Brooks
As a young boy, Judd Apatow says he wanted to grow up to be like Mel Brooks, the filmmaker of such comedy classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Now Apatow has co-directed a two-part HBO Max documentary about his idol, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" Apatow talks with Tracy Smith about the World War II veteran who broke comedy taboos by lampooning Nazis and racists, and about Brooks' long friendship with another comic legend, Carl Reiner.
Stellan Skarsgård on acting: "It is like being a child … you never grow up"
The Swedish actor has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Andor." He talks about his Golden Globe-winning performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his actress-daughters.
Extended interview: Stellan Skarsgård
In this web exclusive, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård discusses his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film "Sentimental Value," in which he plays a director trying to reconnect with his daughter, an actress, by writing a role for her to play. He also talks about the effect of his 2022 stroke, which occurred during production of "Andor" and the "Dune" films, and how he feels he has changed as an actor after more than 150 film and TV credits.
"Sentimental Value" star Stellan Skarsgård
Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård has been in 150 films and TV shows, from "Breaking the Waves" and "Good Will Hunting," to "Mamma Mia!" and the "Star Wars" series "Andor." He just won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Sentimental Value," playing a filmmaker-father trying to reconcile with his estranged actress-daughters. Skarsgård talks with Seth Doane about why he's never bored making films; being a father of eight; and working with the effects of a 2022 stroke.
Technology
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Technology
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
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.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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8 police officers killed in Guatemala after prison crackdown on gangs
The killings occurred a day after gang member inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons across the country, officials said.
Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE
Hani Duglof and his brother Mohamad Duklef left Libya more than a decade ago, unable to find relief for a rare condition that threatens to leave their skin torn and blistered at even the slightest provocation.
Will a woman's final moments, caught on tape, help prove she was murdered?
Bruno Rocuba claims a freak accident while handling his gun caused the death of his wife, Melissa Rocuba. He was not arrested or charged with any crime. Years later, investigators uncover disturbing new evidence that challenges what really happened that night in their Pennsylvania bedroom.
Investigators say jealousy was a motive in murder of Texas teen
Matthew Edgar, who claimed to have no memory of how his ex-girlfriend was killed, was convicted of Livye Lewis' murder while on the run from authorities in Texas.
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
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Space
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
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
Eye Opener: Winter weather slams Northeast
Winter storms blanketed the Northeast and parts of the Midwest over the weekend. Meanwhile, authorities are still searching for survivors of a deadly high-speed train crash in Spain. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Trump threatens major allies with tariffs
President Trump is threatening tariffs against nations that oppose his desire to seize Greenland. CBS News' Natalie Brand has the latest.
Bison returning to parts of North America
After decades of careful land management, bison are returning in small pockets across their historic North American range. Marissa Perlman reports.
Vegas casino turns to electronic table games
Las Vegas' Golden Gate Hotel Casino has removed all of its live dealers, making every table game electronic. That move comes as data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city hosted roughly 7% fewer visitors in 2025 compared to 2024. Andres Gutierrez reports.
At least 21 dead in Spain train crash
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train in Spain on Sunday. At least 21 people are dead and more than 100 others are injured, some of them seriously.