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
Live
U.S. and Iran launch new attacks and hurl threats as war intensifies
Iran and the U.S. announce new attacks and match each other's threats as the war ramps up over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump to allege Chinese meddling in U.S. elections in primetime speech, sources say
Part of President Trump's speech Thursday night is expected to touch on previously unreported alleged Chinese meddling in U.S. elections, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Maps show wildfire smoke forecast, air quality alerts in swath of U.S.
Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is engulfing large swaths of the Midwest and Northeast U.S. this week.
Zelenskyy's move to oust popular defense chief draws major backlash
Ukrainians are demonstrating in Kyiv and senior figures announcing their resignations over President Volodymyr Zelenksyy's move to oust his popular defense chief.
Exclusive
DHS could weigh use of Medicaid, housing help in green card decisions
Immigration officers could weigh use of Medicaid, food aid and housing help in green card decisions after Trump administration rescinds Biden-era public charge rule.
Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment
Judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington had appointed Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney in Seattle. But he was fired shortly after.
Navy's Blue Angels investigate after video shows low flyover at Florida beach
The Blue Angels said an aircraft "flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas."
Sons say they learned father was killed by ICE through video, news reports
Ronaldo Salgado said he learned his father, 52-year-old Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, had been shot by an ICE officer in Houston last week through a video posted online that depicted him "screaming" for help.
First on CBS
GPS data tracks boat Nolan Wells was on before he went missing
GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, obtained by CBS News, tracks the movements of the boat that carried Nolan Wells to Horn Island on July 4.
U.S.
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Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows
The state with the biggest jump in foreclosure activity was Idaho, where filings increased 59% compared to the same time last year.
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.
Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment
Judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington had appointed Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney in Seattle. But he was fired shortly after.
Navy's Blue Angels investigate after video shows low flyover at Florida beach
The Blue Angels said an aircraft "flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas."
Exclusive
DHS could weigh use of Medicaid, housing help in green card decisions
Immigration officers could weigh use of Medicaid, food aid and housing help in green card decisions after Trump administration rescinds Biden-era public charge rule.
MoneyWatch
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Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows
The state with the biggest jump in foreclosure activity was Idaho, where filings increased 59% compared to the same time last year.
U.S. to impose 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports over unfair trade practices
The United States is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil after finding a range of what it deemed unfair trade practices by the world's 10th-biggest economy.
United Airlines anticipates $6 billion in added fuel costs
U.S. airlines say higher jet fuel prices are costing them billions more than they anticipated at the beginning of the year.
Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Subaru recalls more than 541,000 vehicles over labeling error
Erroneous labels on some Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent cars could increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
Politics
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Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment
Judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington had appointed Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney in Seattle. But he was fired shortly after.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
Exclusive
DHS could weigh use of Medicaid, housing help in green card decisions
Immigration officers could weigh use of Medicaid, food aid and housing help in green card decisions after Trump administration rescinds Biden-era public charge rule.
Sons say they learned father was killed by ICE through video, news reports
Ronaldo Salgado said he learned his father, 52-year-old Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, had been shot by an ICE officer in Houston last week through a video posted online that depicted him "screaming" for help.
U.S. citizen departs Iran after being barred from leaving for over a year
A U.S.-Iranian woman who was trapped in Iran on allegations of espionage and collaborating with a hostile state that her attorney called "bogus" has departed the country, CBS News learned Wednesday.
HealthWatch
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Introducing Norah O'Donnell's new health podcast
"Healthful with Norah O'Donnell" launches July 22.
Alzheimer's blood test may show who's likely to develop it in 5 to 10 years
A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer's symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers say.
Taco Bell removes some items amid outbreak
As of Tuesday, nearly 7,000 people in 34 states reported symptoms tied to a parasitic illness that, so far, has no official source. Carter Evans reports on what's suspected of being behind the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, said he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
World
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Councilwoman shot, husband killed in Mexico near U.S. border
Maria de Jesus Quijada was shot at while traveling in a vehicle with her family. Her husband did not survive.
From Balogun's red card to an upset run, some of the World Cup's biggest stories
Spain is looking to secure a World Cup victory for the first time in 16 years, and Argentina enters Sunday hoping to become back-to-back champions.
Zelenskyy's move to oust popular defense chief draws major backlash
Ukrainians are demonstrating in Kyiv and senior figures announcing their resignations over President Volodymyr Zelenksyy's move to oust his popular defense chief.
U.S. to impose 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports over unfair trade practices
The United States is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil after finding a range of what it deemed unfair trade practices by the world's 10th-biggest economy.
U.S. citizen departs Iran after being barred from leaving for over a year
A U.S.-Iranian woman who was trapped in Iran on allegations of espionage and collaborating with a hostile state that her attorney called "bogus" has departed the country, CBS News learned Wednesday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
"Jurassic Park" star Sam Neill's cause of death revealed
The actor's agent said he was providing more information following news reports "which contain inaccuracies and outright falsehoods."
Behind the "Better in Person" talk show
Author and journalist Stephen Dubner, who rose to fame when he co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics," talks with "CBS Mornings" about launching his own weekly talk show on YouTube, "Better in Person." Dubner discusses how the show got its start, his wide range of guests and why he decided to self-finance it.
Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Technology
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Technology
Meta announces new safety features
Meta announced it is introducing new features to help protect teens using Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, including alerting a parent if their child discusses self-harm with one of its AI chatbots. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Samsung set to unveil new foldable phones
Tech giant Samsung is set to debut a new line of foldable phones at its Galaxy Unpacked event next week. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Details on New York data center moratorium
New York has become the first state in the U.S. to impose a moratorium on the construction of massive AI data centers. The pause takes effect immediately and halts the construction of new data centers for up to a year. Paris Marx, a technology podcast host, joins CBS News to discuss.
Backlash grows nationwide over data centers
There's growing backlash nationwide against AI data centers and now New York is hitting pause. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to delay the building boom. Kelly O'Grady has more.
Science
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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.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Crime
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Crime
New details emerge in Nolan Wells case
Newly obtained GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tracks the movements of the boat that Mississippi teen Nolan Wells was on before he went missing. Wells was found dead after a Fourth of July boat trip to Horn Island with friends. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest on the investigation.
Councilwoman shot, husband killed in Mexico near U.S. border
Maria de Jesus Quijada was shot at while traveling in a vehicle with her family. Her husband did not survive.
Biddeford, Maine, mayor on ICE shooting
Liam LaFountain, mayor of Biddeford, Maine, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss his town's response to Monday's incident where an ICE officer shot and killed a man.
Nolan Wells' family meets with Mississippi DA
The parents of Nolan Wells and their legal team received assurances from the Mississippi district attorney on Wednesday that the investigation into the teenager's death would be thorough. Skyler Henry has more details on the case.
New GPS data in Nolan Wells' disappearance
CBS News has obtained GPS data showing the movements of the boat that carried Nolan Wells before he disappeared on the Fourth of July. Wells was found dead on July 6. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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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.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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.
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.
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.
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
New details emerge in Nolan Wells case
Newly obtained GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tracks the movements of the boat that Mississippi teen Nolan Wells was on before he went missing. Wells was found dead after a Fourth of July boat trip to Horn Island with friends. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest on the investigation.
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
U.S. considering military action against Cuba
The Pentagon is drawing up plans for possible military action in Cuba, U.S. officials say. Charlie D'Agata reports.
Central Texas hit with more flash flooding
Torrential rain slammed central Texas for the third day in a row, triggering dangerous flash floods in parts of the region. The same storm system also spun up a tornado near San Antonio. Jason Allen has the latest.
Iran, U.S. trade more attacks
The U.S. unleashed another night of strikes targeting multiple locations aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News' Courtney Kealy reports.