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.
Live
Trump says Iran "not ready to make the right deal" as U.S. turns to economic warfare
As Vice President JD Vance declares economic pressure "the most effective tool that we have," Iran seeks to show deepening trade ties with its neighbors.
Supreme Court temporarily allows work on White House ballroom to continue
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay that will remain in place until the Supreme Court takes further action.
First on CBS
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor in chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Controversial pro-Trump attorney Ed Martin leaving administration
Ed Martin, the pro-Trump lawyer who has been at the center of several controversies, is departing the administration, the president announced.
8 dead in charter plane crash near remote military radar site in Alaska
The crash of a small plane in Alaska chartered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is under investigation.
Court says prosecutor who subpoenaed Letitia James was unlawfully appointed
A federal appeals court said the top federal prosecutor in the Northern District of New York was unlawfully serving when he subpoenaed state Attorney General Letitia James.
Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Reports of sexual assault in the military decline for third straight year: Pentagon
The review included data from an anonymous survey conducted every other year that asks service members whether they've been the victim of unwanted sexual conduct or harassment.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
U.S.
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Reports of sexual assault in the military decline for third straight year: Pentagon
The review included data from an anonymous survey conducted every other year that asks service members whether they've been the victim of unwanted sexual conduct or harassment.
Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
Controversial pro-Trump attorney Ed Martin leaving administration
Ed Martin, the pro-Trump lawyer who has been at the center of several controversies, is departing the administration, the president announced.
MoneyWatch
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Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Nearly 25% of workers are "functionally unemployed," analysis finds
An alternative measure of unemployment that accounts for wages suggests the U.S. labor market is weaker than it looks.
Politics
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Reports of sexual assault in the military decline for third straight year: Pentagon
The review included data from an anonymous survey conducted every other year that asks service members whether they've been the victim of unwanted sexual conduct or harassment.
Controversial pro-Trump attorney Ed Martin leaving administration
Ed Martin, the pro-Trump lawyer who has been at the center of several controversies, is departing the administration, the president announced.
Court says prosecutor who subpoenaed Letitia James was unlawfully appointed
A federal appeals court said the top federal prosecutor in the Northern District of New York was unlawfully serving when he subpoenaed state Attorney General Letitia James.
First on CBS
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has given separation notices to both the publisher and the editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, according to people familiar with the matter.
Supreme Court temporarily allows work on White House ballroom to continue
Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay that will remain in place until the Supreme Court takes further action.
HealthWatch
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Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Cardiac event reveals Olympian's rare heart condition: "There was a God present"
Olympian Jenny Simpson said she won't be able to run again after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition earlier this year.
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
Drug mix-up at hospital causes dire complications in 4 patients
Four patients at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown received incorrect medications last week, CBS affiliate WTVF reported.
How Moderna's melanoma mRNA vaccine could fight deadliest skin cancer
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, who has had melanoma herself, said Moderna's experimental trial is "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer."
World
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Sword attack at school in Sweden leaves 1 dead, police say
An 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school Friday in central Sweden, killing one person and seriously injuring at least two others.
Russian strike kills 15 people at shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown
Zelenskyy described the attack as a double-tap strike, in which an initial wave of drones hit the area, followed by a second wave as rescue workers responded.
Why Dubai may be vital to the Trump administration's economic war on Iran
The effectiveness of a bolstered economic campaign against Iran may rest largely on one close U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Iran set to impose longer prison terms for any contact with foreign media
Iranians could soon face up to two years in prison for daring to communicate in any way with a foreign news outlet, embassy or institution.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. after six years in California. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the homecoming could look like.
Man who took final photo of Tupac testifies
The man who took the last known photo of Tupac Shakur testified on Friday in the trial of a man accused of organizing the rapper's killing. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Book excerpt: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" writes about embracing gratitude and reciprocity in our dealings with nature, and the importance of recognizing and sharing the many gifts the world gives us.
Hayden Panettiere's mom speaks out
Hayden Panettiere's mom is speaking out on their strained relationship. This comes as Neutrogena comments on its working relationship with the late actor.
Controversial Netflix dating show sparks backlash in Japan
Japan's justice ministry said it will cancel a collaboration with "Badly in Love," a Netflix dating show featuring ex-juvenile delinquents.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
First week wraps in Tupac murder trial
The trial of Duane "Keefe D" Davis wrapped up its first week Friday with Davis telling the judge that he has concerns about the safety of his family. Davis is accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Legal analysis of Clancy trial as defense rests
The defense in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother who admitted to killing her children, rested on Friday. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins "The Takeout" to look at the day's testimony.
Lindsay Clancy trial nears closing arguments
The defense rested Friday in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial for the killings of her three young children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports on the case.
Man who took final photo of Tupac testifies
The man who took the last known photo of Tupac Shakur testified on Friday in the trial of a man accused of organizing the rapper's killing. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Sword attack at school in Sweden leaves 1 dead, police say
An 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school Friday in central Sweden, killing one person and seriously injuring at least two others.
Space
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First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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
CDC: Kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit 4.2%
The CDC says the number of children exempted from vaccine requirements was up to 4.2%, an estimated 155,000 kids across the country, during the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Michael Bigham, chief quality officer for Akron Children's Hospital, joins CBS News to discuss.
Trump front-and-center in South Carolina runoff
President Trump is stumping for Sen. Darline Graham in South Carolina on Friday night as GOP voters prepare for the Senate runoff election just days away. NOTUS senior congressional editor Deirdre Walsh and Wall Street Journal national politics reporter Ken Thomas join to discuss.
Details on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. after six years in California. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the homecoming could look like.
First week wraps in Tupac murder trial
The trial of Duane "Keefe D" Davis wrapped up its first week Friday with Davis telling the judge that he has concerns about the safety of his family. Davis is accused of orchestrating the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur in 1996. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.