Branson flight signals confidence in commercial spaceflight
Branson and five crewmates are set for a dramatic sub-orbital flight to space.
Richard Branson
Richard Branson heading for space this weekend
Branson and five crewmates plan to launch Sunday on the first fully commercial passenger flight to space.
Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos race to space
Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson, and the world's richest man, Blue Origin's Jeff Bezos, are both riding their own rockets into space this month on separate missions, nine days apart.It will be Virgin Galactic's fourth flight to space, but the first carrying its founder. Mark Strassmann has the story.
Space tourism era ready for liftoff
Richard Branson is slated to be on his Virgin Galactic's maiden manned flight and the same goes for Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin's first manned flight a few days later.
Billionaires' race to space heats up
This month, a pair of billionaires plan to begin a new era in civilian space travel. Virgin Group founder Richard Branson is set to fly to space on July 11 while Amazon's Jeff Bezos has his own flight planned for 11 days later. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood joins CBSN's Lana Zak to explain more.
Station astronauts welcome civilian space travel
As billionaires Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson prepare for space flights, professional astronauts say bring it on.
Shooting billionaires into space
Two of the richest men in the world are now officially in a space race to make history. But for Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, there's a lot more at stake than just bragging rights. Tony Dokoupil has the details.
Jeff Bezos is heading to space in own rocket
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced Monday that he'll fly to space on his own rocket. The New Shepard, built by Bezos' space company Blue Origin, is set to blast off from West Texas on July 20. Christian Davenport, who covers NASA and the space industry for The Washington Post (owned by Bezos), joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano to discuss the significance of the upcoming flight.
Virgin Galactic completes third successful spaceflight
Saturday's spaceflight made New Mexico the third U.S. state to launch humans into space.
Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson's trans-Atlantic hot air balloon crossing in 1987 was just one of his death-defying adventures. The British businessman's record-breaking journey and his trans-Pacific adventure four years later are the subject of a new documentary, "Don't Look Down." First on "CBS This Morning," Branson discusses what his family thinks about his excursions and his concerns about President-elect Donald Trump.
Richard Branson joins "CBS This Morning" from Necker Island to discuss the crash
It is day three into the investigation of what caused a space plane to crash in California. Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson joins "CBS This Morning" from Necker Island to discuss the crash.
Virgin's Branson on future of travel industry
Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, discusses how the pandemic has impacted the travel industry and what the future of travel might look like. The Virgin Group consists of dozens of companies including airlines, hotels, a cruise line, a hyperloop and space travel.
Richard Branson company launches rocket from under plane's wing
Virgin Orbit asserts its method offers maximum flexibility since the launching Boeing 747s could take off from airports anywhere.
Virgin's Hyperloop carries first passengers in test run
Company claims test, in Nevada desert, was major advance for technology that could transport people at 620 miles an hour.
Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy as airline woes mount
Carrier is the second linked to Richard Branson to seek a court's relief from its debts because of the coronavirus.
Richard Branson pleads for U.K. rescue of Virgin Atlantic
Branson, seeking to save airline empire, said he'd offer as collateral the private islands he owns in the Caribbean.
Blue Origin launches New Shepard on successful test flight
The test flight is the latest in preparation for launching commercial passengers into space.
"Corporate astronaut": How billionaires are joining the space race
Six hundred people have already paid Virgin Galactic $250,000 for a ticket to space
Virgin Galactic announces new steps toward offering thrill rides to space
New Mexico officials have eagerly anticipated the arrival of space tourism by Virgin Galactic for more than a decade
Virgin Galactic moving operations to New Mexico
CBSN spoke to Sir Richard Branson, founder and CEO of Virgin Galactic, and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about space tourism and the state's new spaceport.
JFK's space legacy & Trump's new moonshot
In the new book "American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race," historian Douglas Brinkley takes a closer look at America's first space missions and how the Kennedy administration changed space exploration. Brinkley joins CBSN to discuss JFK's legacy and why the Trump administration is now pushing for a new moonshot.
Virgin Galactic reaches edge of space again in push to launch paying passengers
The SpaceShipTwo rocketplane was carried aloft from the Mojave Air & Space Port north of Los Angeles
Virgin founder Richard Branson says the rich may need "heavy taxes"
If wealthy can't make capitalism work for more people, "we deserve to have very heavy taxes," philanthropist says
Under Armour is developing spacesuits for Virgin Galactic
This comes as the race to make commercial space travel a reality is intensifying
12/13: CBS Evening News
Suspect in French terror attack killed by police; Richard Branson prepares for private space tours after Virgin Galactic flight.
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Live
Iran accuses U.S. of escalating tensions as Washington plans more strikes
Iran accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the region and said it's preparing its own response if Washington goes ahead with new strikes.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Spain to put containment fence around Ceuta after migrants rush border
Most migrants who entered the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, Spain's authorities said Saturday.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Body of missing girl found in New Jersey river after 2-day search, officials say
The body of a missing girl was found in the Passaic River in New Jersey after a two-day search, officials said.
U.S.
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Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
FIFA scraps its World Cup investment plan after backlash
FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
MoneyWatch
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Nearly 1 in 4 Americans want CEOs to "stop being greedy," survey finds
New poll explores what people wish corporate leaders understood about economic life in the U.S. today.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
New York sues Kalshi, alleging it enables illegal gambling
A growing number of U.S. states are seeking to crack down on prediction markets, but face pushback from federal regulators.
OCTROT heated blankets and throws recalled after fires and injuries
Chinese-made electric bedding poses "risk of serious injury or death," according to U.S. product safety regulators.
Anthropic reveals Claude "gained unauthorized access" to "real-world systems"
Anthropic's artificial intelligence model Claude "gained unauthorized access" to three outside organizations on three separate occasions during testing.
Politics
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Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Trump will push for "anti-weaponization fund" if Blanche not confirmed, he says
Todd Blanche previously repeatedly told Congress the "anti-weaponization fund" was "dead."
A brief timeline of Iranian cyberattacks on the U.S.
Investigators are probing whether Iranian hackers are behind this week's malicious cyber activity against water systems in Minnesota. If they are found to be the culprits, it would not be the first time.
DOJ to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charges, citing "botched installation"
Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with ripping the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was caused by "botched installation and not vandalism."
First on CBS
U.S., Israel preparing to bombard energy-related targets in Iran, sources say
The U.S. and Israel plan to hit Iran's energy infrastructure as soon as this weekend, although no final decision has been made, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
People with disabilities fear service cuts as DOJ questions legal protections
The Department of Justice in June issued a legal opinion saying states aren't required to provide services that help people with disabilities remain in their homes.
Senate committee advances Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump's CDC director
If confirmed by the full Senate, Dr. Erica Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It's not all coming from soda.
On any given day, kids consume an average of 19.4 milligrams of caffeine, which is about two-thirds of what's in a can of Coke, according to a new report.
World
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Wildfire danger in Europe shifts to Greece as evacuation orders remain in France
For Greece, the danger carried grim resonance: a 2018 wildfire at the seaside community of Mati, near Athens, killed 104 people.
Bombing in Colombia injures 11, days before presidential inauguration
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the bombing and said "terrorism will not intimidate Colombia."
Europe continues to celebrate Pride after attack on Berlin parade
Large Pride events in Hamburg and Amsterdam are underway after last week's deadly ramming attack in Berlin.
UEFA says it has lost confidence in FIFA leadership after investment plan
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup with private investors but drew backlash that grew every day since Tuesday's announcement.
10 climbers, including famed mountaineer, dead in Pakistan avalanche
The 10-person expedition lost contact with its base camp after an avalanche struck Broad Peak as they attempted to scale the mountain.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20 & Charlie Musselwhite play "Crazy Love"
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
Laysla de Oliveira, Jill Wagner on "Lioness"
Actors Laysla de Oliveira and Jill Wagner are here to discuss the ongoing third season of the hit Paramount+ spy thriller "Lioness."
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic claims its AI models went rogue
Anthropic claims its artificial intelligence models went rogue during testing and hacked into three other companies. Less than two weeks ago, OpenAI reported a similar incident for one of its models. Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," joins to unpack the situation.
Trump blames Minnesota for water cyberattack
The U.S. government is investigating whether Iran is behind a cyberattack on water systems in seven states. In Minnesota alone, more than 30 community water systems were impacted. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details.
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.
Families sue Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube over deaths of 4 teens
The families of four children who died by suicide allege that using social media led to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Is Iran targeting the U.S. water supply?
Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved with a series of cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Nicole Sganga reports.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
Savannah Guthrie asks for answers about mom Nancy after notes released
Savannah Guthrie said she and her family have been "in agony and despair ever since" her mother Nancy's disappearance in February.
Notes released in Nancy Guthrie case
For the first time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office released a pair of emails allegedly sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper, who said she had died shortly after she had been abducted. Tom Hanson reports.
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes released
Possible ransom notes released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper or kidnappers include specific details about Guthrie's white Apple Watch and allege that she died unexpectedly of a medical condition and "is buried in nature." CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks it down.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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.
Photos show 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.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
8/1: CBS Saturday Morning
French wine region under fire threat, latest on migrants entering Spanish territory, plus all about sake.
FTC says ticket reseller violated laws
Last year, "CBS Saturday Morning" spoke with ticket reselling company Elite Events and Tickets about its methodology and practices. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is fining the company, saying it violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. Elite Events and Tickets neither admitted to nor denied the FTC's allegations.
Police release Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
It has been six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home. Investigators have now released two ransom notes with "distinctive linguistic characteristics" and are asking for the public's help in identifying their writer.
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"
GA-20, Charlie Musselwhite perform together
Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Charlie Musselwhite is a pioneer of the 60s Chicago blues scene. New England blues trio GA-20 is celebrated for their raucous sound and dynamic live performances. GA-20 and Charlie Musselwhite join forces for an electrifying blues collaboration, culminating in their new album "Blues Now!"