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
FBI releases new photos, videos of subject in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
FBI Director Kash Patel posted videos of a person outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, on the morning of her disappearance.
Exclusive
14-year-old girl allegedly zip-tied in raid, raising questions about ICE tactics
A 14-year-old girl said she was "crying" and "struggling to breathe" when law enforcement officers herded her onto a racetrack with other detainees and zip-tied her hands.
FBI affidavit reveals new details about Fulton County elections office search
The new document revealed that the FBI's investigation was initiated following a referral from an attorney who worked to overturn the election results in 2020.
Retired FBI agents analyze new images in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI on Tuesday released images and videos showing a person outside Nancy Guthrie's front door in Tucson, Arizona, wearing a ski mask and gloves and carrying a backpack and what appears to be a weapon.
Videos in the Epstein files reveal disturbing glimpses of his private life
The Epstein files released by the Justice Department include hours of video footage Jeffrey Epstein recorded, received or downloaded. The Free Press has compiled it all.
Irish man held by ICE says he had U.S. work permit, fears for his life
Seamus Culleton says he's been held for 5 months in a "filthy" ICE detention camp despite a U.S. work permit and green card application.
Khanna names 6 men who he says were redacted from Epstein files for "no apparent reason"
Two lawmakers are accusing the government of improperly redacting some people's names from the Epstein files, including six men whose identities are now public.
"Fraud tourists" from Philly plead guilty to defrauding Minnesota programs
Two Philadelphia-based men accused of traveling to Minneapolis after a friend told them the taxpayer-funded programs there presented "a good opportunity to make money," pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Monday.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
U.S.
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Retired FBI agents analyze new images in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI on Tuesday released images and videos showing a person outside Nancy Guthrie's front door in Tucson, Arizona, wearing a ski mask and gloves and carrying a backpack and what appears to be a weapon.
Videos in the Epstein files reveal disturbing glimpses of his private life
The Epstein files released by the Justice Department include hours of video footage Jeffrey Epstein recorded, received or downloaded. The Free Press has compiled it all.
Democratic governors excluded from typically bipartisan White House gathering
A source familiar with the White House's planning said exclusion of Democrats from a formal business meeting was deliberate — President Trump did not want them there.
NATO to shift 2 commands from U.S. to European leadership
Two NATO Joint Force Commands led by U.S. officers will transition to be European-led in an apparent answer to President Trump's calls for Europe to contribute more to its defense.
Exclusive
14-year-old girl allegedly zip-tied in raid, raising questions about ICE tactics
A 14-year-old girl said she was "crying" and "struggling to breathe" when law enforcement officers herded her onto a racetrack with other detainees and zip-tied her hands.
MoneyWatch
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Estée Lauder accuses Walmart of selling counterfeits of its products
Estée Lauder lawsuit alleges Walmart sells fake versions of products from brands including Aveda, Clinique and Tom Ford.
The "K-shaped" economy will affect your 2026 tax refund
Tax refunds will be bigger this year because of the big, beautiful bill" act, with higher-income households set to reap the biggest checks.
Vatican Bank debuts two Catholic-themed equity indexes
The Vatican Bank said the new indexes are "designed to serve as a reference for Catholic investments worldwide."
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Politics
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Khanna names 6 men who he says were redacted from Epstein files for "no apparent reason"
Two lawmakers are accusing the government of improperly redacting some people's names from the Epstein files, including six men whose identities are now public.
Democratic governors excluded from typically bipartisan White House gathering
A source familiar with the White House's planning said exclusion of Democrats from a formal business meeting was deliberate — President Trump did not want them there.
NATO to shift 2 commands from U.S. to European leadership
Two NATO Joint Force Commands led by U.S. officers will transition to be European-led in an apparent answer to President Trump's calls for Europe to contribute more to its defense.
Exclusive
14-year-old girl allegedly zip-tied in raid, raising questions about ICE tactics
A 14-year-old girl said she was "crying" and "struggling to breathe" when law enforcement officers herded her onto a racetrack with other detainees and zip-tied her hands.
Lutnick defends visit to Epstein's island with his family
Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein released recently show Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein had a closer relationship than Lutnick has previously stated.
HealthWatch
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What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
World
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Spanish skater in Minions costume reflects on music rights dispute, performance
Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate donned his Minions costume at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the men's short program, days after he received approval for the music.
Maxim Naumov makes Olympic debut 1 year after parents killed in midair collision
Maxim Naumov's score Tuesday was enough to make it through the short program, giving him another opportunity to perform when the men's free skate takes place Friday night.
Irish man held by ICE says he had U.S. work permit, fears for his life
Seamus Culleton says he's been held for 5 months in a "filthy" ICE detention camp despite a U.S. work permit and green card application.
Airlines adjust as Trump's policies dry up Cuba's jet fuel supplies
A Canadian airline suspends flights to Cuba as U.S sanctions and Trump's tariff threats force Havana to warn carriers there's no way to refuel on the island.
Ben Ogden becomes 1st U.S. man in 50 years to medal in cross-country
Ben Ogden of Team USA won the silver medal in the cross-country sprint Tuesday at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Entertainment
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Chappell Roan leaves Wasserman talent agency after his mentions in Epstein files
Chappell Roan says she's left her talent agency after its CEO, Casey Wasserman, was named in files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Bad Bunny and the politics of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is a football game, an entertainment spectacle, a global billboard and a crucible of American political discord. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Technology
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Technology
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
Social media companies face massive trial
Opening statements began in a landmark trial against Google and Meta on the apparent harms of social media platforms. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trial over social media addiction in kids begins
Opening statements began Monday in Los Angeles in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction in children. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Retired FBI agents analyze new images in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The FBI on Tuesday released images and videos showing a person outside Nancy Guthrie's front door in Tucson, Arizona, wearing a ski mask and gloves and carrying a backpack and what appears to be a weapon.
Ex-FBI special agent on new Guthrie footage
The FBI on Tuesday released new surveillance footage of a masked person on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie's home. Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Harp joins to analyze the video.
Officials believe person in Guthrie video was armed
The FBI on Tuesday released surveillance images of a masked person at Nancy Guthrie's front door. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Epstein survivor on DOJ's handling of files
The Justice Department is facing bipartisan criticism over its handling of the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Danielle Bensky, an Epstein survivor, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Jury selection begins in Utah poisoning case
Jury selection is underway in the murder trial of a Utah woman accused of poisoning her husband and later writing a children's book about grief. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
Space
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New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Democrats grill ICE director in heated hearing
The leaders of three major immigration agencies defended the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign in testimony before lawmakers, marking their first appearance on Capitol Hill since the recent crackdown in Minneapolis. Nicole Sganga has details.
Trump praised Epstein probe in 2006, files says
A newly surfaced record from the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein alleges President Trump told a Palm Beach police chief in 2006, "Thank goodness you're stopping him. Everyone has known he's been doing this." As Scott MacFarlane reports, that contradicts Mr. Trump's claims that he was unaware of Epstein's crimes.
Former FBI agent on video released in Guthrie case
Lance Leising, a retired supervisory special agent with the FBI, speaks with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil about newly released surveillance video showing a masked man approaching Nancy Guthrie's home.
Masked man approaches Nancy Guthrie home in video
Surveillance photos and videos released by authorities show a masked and apparently armed subject approach the home of Nancy Guthrie on the morning of her disappearance. Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Ex-FBI special agent on new Guthrie footage
The FBI on Tuesday released new surveillance footage of a masked person on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie's home. Former FBI Special Agent Jeff Harp joins to analyze the video.