Mysterious origin of the "tree of life" revealed
The trees have been called both "grotesque" and "one of the most charismatic species on our planet" – and now we know where they came from.
Tree of Life
Note to Self: Rabbi Jeffrey Myers
In a special edition of "Note to Self," "CBS Mornings" hears from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers five years after a gunman opened fire on Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue during Sabbath services, killing 11 people. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Myers was in the building that morning, where he helped congregants shelter and evacuate. Now, he's taking a look back at the tragic day, and he's looking ahead, to his community's future.
FBI monitoring potential hate crimes as 5-year commemoration of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting approaches
KDKA's John Shumway has the perspective of the people who work daily to prevent hate-related violence here in Pittsburgh.
Man pleads guilty to threatening jurors in synagogue shooting trial
According to an affidavit, Hardy Carroll Lloyd wrote threatening posts on social media and websites and also sent emails to the jury and witnesses during the trial.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter gets death sentence
A jury recommended the death sentence for the man who killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Death penalty for Tree of Life shooter
A jury has unanimously recommended the death sentence for the gunman who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018. Robert Bowers was convicted in June of 63 counts related to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, believed to be the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
Jury deciding Tree of Life gunman's sentence
A federal jury in Pittsburgh is deciding whether the gunman who killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 will be put to death. In June, Robert Bowers was convicted of 63 criminal counts related to the shooting, the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. CBS News Pittsburgh investigative reporter Andy Sheehan has the latest.
Synagogue shooter eligible for death penalty
A federal jury in the trial of the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooter has decided he is eligible for the death penalty. The panel reached a decision in less than two hours. Prosecutors say Robert Bowers acted "out of pure hate" when he killed 11 people in October of 2018. Reporter Andy Sheehan has more.
Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooter found eligible for death penalty
The jury agreed with prosecutors that Robert Bowers had formed the requisite legal intent to kill.
Pittsburgh shooter could face death penalty
A jury on Friday found 50-year-old truck driver Robert Bowers guilty on all counts in the 2018 shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 worshipers and left seven people wounded. Bowers had a history of spewing antisemitic hatred and his attorneys admitted during trial that he was responsible for the massacre. CBS News Pittsburgh reporter Meghan Schiller reports from outside the courthouse.
Pittsburgh synagogue gunman convicted
Robert Bowers was found guilty of all counts in the 2018 massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people and injured seven others. The trial will take a one-week break before moving to the sentencing phase, where the jury will decide whether Bowers should get the death penalty.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter found guilty in Tree of Life attack
Defense attorneys admitted during trial that he was responsible for the massacre that killed 11 people and wounded 7.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial underway
A second day of jury selection is underway in the federal hate crime case against the man charged in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Robert Bowers is accused of killing 11 and wounding two others at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. CBS News legal contributor and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson discusses the case.
Death penalty trial begins in 2018 killing of 11 at Pittsburgh synagogue
The families of those killed were divided over whether the government should pursue the death penalty, but most were in favor.
Antisemitism uptick 4 years after synagogue attack
The Jewish community in Pittsburgh came together to honor the memory of those who were murdered four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The ceremony comes as antisemitism is on the rise nationwide and as fallout from Kanye West's antisemitic comments continues. Elise Preston has the details.
4 years since Tree of Life synagogue attack
A commemoration ceremony is taking place in Pittsburgh to mark four years since the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 people were killed. The anniversary comes as antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have hit an all-time high — including hateful remarks from superstar Kanye West. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
New book details life after synagogue shooting
Over the last three years, the Jewish community in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh has come to rely on hope. In October of 2018, 11 Jews were murdered while worshipping in a local synagogue. The horrific attack is the subject of a new book, “Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood.” Author Mark Oppenheimer spoke to Dana Jacobson about how the entire community rallied, illuminating the idea of hope, to overcome the darkness of hate.
3 years since Tree of Life synagogue massacre
Three years ago today, a gunman armed with an assault rifle and multiple handguns opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It is considered the deadliest antisemetic attack to take place on U.S. soil. Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers, who survived the massacre, joins CBSN to discuss that devastating day and how the community has come together.
Darwin's early notebooks on evolution feared "stolen" from Cambridge
The notebooks, missing since 2001 and worth millions, contain Darwin's "Tree of Life" sketch and notes on his then-revolutionary thoughts on the natural world.
Hate crime murders reached record high
Hate crime murders in the U.S. reached a 27-year high in 2018, according to data released Tuesday by the FBI. Twenty-four people were killed in incidents classified as hate crimes, which includes the 11 worshipers slain last year at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the deadliest anti-Semitic crime in U.S. history.
Tree of Life Synagogue to reopen as "symbol against hatred"
Pittsburgh synagogue is the site of a 2018 mass shooting where 11 people were fatally shot.
Pittsburgh newspaper donates Pulitzer Prize money to synagogue
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has donated its $15,000 Pulitzer Prize winnings to the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation, where 11 people were shot and killed last October
Pittsburgh approves gun restrictions months after synagogue shooting
Pro-gun advocates have already vowed to take legal action against the new gun control measures
Trump celebrates Hanukkah at the White House
In his first of two Hanukkah events, President Trump remembered the life of former President George H.W. Bush, calling him a wonderful man. He went on to condemn anti-Semitism, specifically mentioning the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Watch his remarks here.
Carolina Panthers bring flowers to Tree of Life before Steelers game
#StrongerThanHate: A message from the Carolina Panthers football team ahead of Thursday's game
Iran warns protesters of maximum punishment as death toll mounts
As Iran's exiled crown prince predicts his imminent return, the Islamic Republic shirks Trump's warnings and threatens protesters with maximum punishment.
Video taken by ICE agent shows new angle of fatal shooting in Minneapolis
The White House shared video showing a different angle of Renee Good's shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the moments that led up to it.
Exclusive
DOJ Civil Rights Division prosecutors won't investigate Minneapolis ICE shooting
Prosecutors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division were told they will not play a role in the investigation into a fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE officer, two sources said.
U.S. sends delegation to Venezuela as Trump meets with oil executives
President Trump met with oil industry executives at the White House as a U.S. delegation visited Venezuela.
Protests against ICE planned nationwide after shootings
Protests against immigration enforcement have been planned across the country after federal officers shot three people in Minneapolis and Portland.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Indonesia suspends Grok AI over sexualized images
Elon Musk's platform is facing global backlash after reports emerged that its image creation feature allowed users to sexualize pictures of women and children using simple text prompts.
Live
Protests continue in Minneapolis amid fallout over deadly ICE shooting
Minneapolis is reeling after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman on the city's south side Wednesday morning.
Congress debating possible consequences for ICE after Renee Good's death
Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation and policy changes to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
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Protests against ICE planned nationwide after shootings
Protests against immigration enforcement have been planned across the country after federal officers shot three people in Minneapolis and Portland.
Stolen cars being smuggled to Mexico, where they're almost impossible to recover
Authorities warn organized theft rings are going after high-end SUVs, pickups and performance cars in the U.S. and smuggling them into Mexico.
Suspect in custody after 6 killed in spree of shootings in Mississippi
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said on Facebook that "multiple innocent lives" were lost "due to violence" in West Point, Mississippi.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Over $120M in USDA award payments to MN suspended, Sec. Rollins says
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Friday that she is suspending payments on all active and future awards from the USDA to Minnesota amid the long-running fraud scandal in which the White House has alleged a misuse of federal funds.
MoneyWatch
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Trump urges credit card companies to slash interest rates to 10% for one year
President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates late Friday, an idea that has drawn strong support from lawmakers in both parties but pushback from card issuers.
Looking for a job? Here are the best U.S. cities to find openings.
Midsize cities like Pittsburgh and Columbia, South Carolina, offer some of the best employment prospects, analysis finds.
Trump posted some U.S. jobs data the before its official release
The White House said it will review its protocols for releasing economic data after President Trump's "inadvertent public disclosure."
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
Politics
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Congress debating possible consequences for ICE after Renee Good's death
Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation and policy changes to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Over $120M in USDA award payments to MN suspended, Sec. Rollins says
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Friday that she is suspending payments on all active and future awards from the USDA to Minnesota amid the long-running fraud scandal in which the White House has alleged a misuse of federal funds.
Trump urges credit card companies to slash interest rates to 10% for one year
President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates late Friday, an idea that has drawn strong support from lawmakers in both parties but pushback from card issuers.
San Francisco mayor says he convinced Trump in phone call not to surge federal agents
In October, President Trump announced that he had called off a plan to "surge" federal agents to San Francisco.
HealthWatch
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Doctors thought he had cancer. An offhand suggestion led to a rare diagnosis.
Andy Provencher spent a year searching for the cause of his exhausting symptoms before a physician's assistant suggested a rare illness.
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Book excerpt: "Enough" by Dr. Ania Jastreboff and Oprah Winfrey
The media superstar, who has struggled with weight for much of her life, and a Yale School of Medicine doctor team up for a book that examines the biology of obesity, offering a new way forward.
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
World
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U.S. envoy urges Syria, Kurds "return to dialogue" after deadly clashes
Clashes broke out Tuesday in Aleppo's predominantly Kurdish northern neighborhoods after the government and the Syrian Democratic Forces failed to make progress on how to merge their forces into the national army.
Stolen cars being smuggled to Mexico, where they're almost impossible to recover
Authorities warn organized theft rings are going after high-end SUVs, pickups and performance cars in the U.S. and smuggling them into Mexico.
Trump's threats inspiring Iran protesters but might not deter crackdown
The leader of an independent Iranian news publication says President Trump's warnings are alarming officials and encouraging demonstrators.
Indonesia suspends Grok AI over sexualized images
Elon Musk's platform is facing global backlash after reports emerged that its image creation feature allowed users to sexualize pictures of women and children using simple text prompts.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Golden Globes predictions
"CBS Saturday Morning" predicts winners for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET.
Chris Perfetti on making roles memorable
Chris Perfetti's breakout role was as history teacher Jacob Hill in the hit comedy "Abbott Elementary," but the actor, who's co-starring with Jason Bateman in HBO's new limited series "DTF St. Louis," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" that his versatility comes from his stage experience.
Mon Rovîa performs "Bloodline"
Tennessee-based artist Mon Rovîa was born in Liberia and adopted by American missionaries as a child. His music reflects this unique experience. He's a rising star redefining Appalachian folk, and his highly anticipated debut album, "Bloodline," delivers powerful messages about injustice and empathy. Here's Mon Rovîa performing "Bloodline."
Mon Rovîa performs "crooked the road."
Tennessee-based artist Mon Rovîa was born in Liberia and adopted by American missionaries as a child. His music reflects this unique experience. He's a rising star redefining Appalachian folk, and his highly anticipated debut album, "Bloodline," delivers powerful messages about injustice and empathy. Here's Mon Rovîa performing "crooked the road."
Mon Rovîa performs "Heavy Foot"
Tennessee-based artist Mon Rovîa was born in Liberia and adopted by American missionaries as a child. His music reflects this unique experience. He's a rising star redefining Appalachian folk, and his highly anticipated debut album, "Bloodline," delivers powerful messages about injustice and empathy. Here's Mon Rovîa performing "Heavy Foot."
Technology
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Technology
How to outsmart cybercriminals and protect your data
In his new book "Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime," former FBI Counterintelligence Operative Eric O'Neill describes the art of outsmarting cybercriminals and protecting your data and wallet. O'Neill spoke with CBS News' Major Garrett about steps people can take to stay safe online.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
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.
U.K. could ban X if platform can't "get a grip" on AI sexualized images
Britain's leader says all options on the table if Musk's X platform doesn't stop Grok AI tool being used to generate non-consensual sexualized images.
Privacy impact of Gmail tools driven by AI
Millions of Americans who use Gmail are getting a new package of tools, driven by artificial intelligence. Google says it's trying to make Gmail more like a personal assistant as it brings more of its Gemini AI to your inbox with three updates. The changes come with some privacy concerns. Jo Ling Kent explains.
Science
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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.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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Crime
Mangione's lawyers fight to block death penalty
Luigi Mangione was back in court on Friday, where his lawyers worked to block the Justice Department from seeking the death penalty in his federal trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty in April 2025.
Suspect in custody after 6 killed in spree of shootings in Mississippi
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said on Facebook that "multiple innocent lives" were lost "due to violence" in West Point, Mississippi.
U.S. Treasury Secretary pushes for Minnesota fraud crackdown
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the creation of a new IRS task force and other measures to combat fraud, underscoring the Trump administration's focus on Minnesota amidst the immigration crackdown.
Mangione's lawyers request charge dismissals
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson more than a year ago, was back in a New York courtroom on Friday. Mangione's lawyers asked a federal judge to drop two of his four federal charges. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
New video of Renee Good shooting
Vice President JD Vance posted a video on X that appears to show Renee Good's last words to immigration agents before an ICE officer shot and killed her in Minneapolis, Minnesota. CBS News' Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Space
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NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
NASA cutting ISS mission short
Four crew members aboard the International Space Station will be brought home more than a month early in the coming days as NASA cuts its mission short due to health concerns. NASA says the ailing astronaut is stable and while it is not an emergency, weeks more in space are not in the best interest of their health.
ISS crew returning early due to medical issue
The crew at the International Space Station will return home early because of what NASA is calling a medical concern with a crew member. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
NASA postpones spacewalk for medical concerns
NASA on Thursday postponed a scheduled spacewalk on the International Space Station due to a "medical concern." CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
NASA will bring space station crew home early after medical issue
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was scrapped because of what NASA called a "medical concern" with an unidentified crew member.
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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Nikki Glaser on hosting the Golden Globes
Comedian Nikki Glaser helped roll out the red carpet ahead of hosting the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET.
Golden Globes predictions
"CBS Saturday Morning" predicts winners for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET.
Meet Adriana Diaz and Kelly O'Grady
"CBS Saturday Morning" hosts Adriana Diaz and Kelly O'Grady introduce themselves.
Chris Perfetti on making roles memorable
Chris Perfetti's breakout role was as history teacher Jacob Hill in the hit comedy "Abbott Elementary," but the actor, who's co-starring with Jason Bateman in HBO's new limited series "DTF St. Louis," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" that his versatility comes from his stage experience.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we feature some essential items for 2026. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.