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
Exclusive
Cassidy says he passed a note to Witkoff during heated Trump meeting
Sen. Bill Cassidy said that after his exchange with the president, he passed a note to Steve Witkoff, saying he would consider changing his war powers vote.
Live
Iran strikes vessel in Strait of Hormuz amid debate over "transit fees"
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a cargo ship near Oman on Thursday, further complicating the Iran-U.S. negotiations.
Reflecting Pool liner was cut with knife or razor, parks official says
National Park Service official Frank Lands also said at least 70 fence post tops were thrown in to the Reflecting Pool.
Trump's obsession with SAVE America Act drives Congress into standoff
The president and his conservative allies have stymied other legislation as they unsuccessfully try to pass a voting regulations bill that lacks even simple majority support in the Senate.
Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, hundreds dead or injured
Venezuela's acting president said the death toll from powerful twin earthquakes was likely to rise, as USGS modeling suggested thousands may have been killed.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Sioux Falls mayoral candidates separated by 2 votes: "Every vote matters"
Christine Erickson is two votes ahead of Jamie Smith, the Minnehaha County Auditors and Elections Office said.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Jury remains deadlocked in trial of Palisades Fire arson suspect
A jury remains deadlocked in the trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting the blaze that turned into the deadly and destructive Palisades Fire in 2025.
U.S.
More U.S.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas for hitting Caitlin Clark's throat
No foul was initially called after Alyssa Thomas' fist made contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a game between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
Trump's obsession with SAVE America Act drives Congress into standoff
The president and his conservative allies have stymied other legislation as they unsuccessfully try to pass a voting regulations bill that lacks even simple majority support in the Senate.
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
MoneyWatch
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Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Supreme Court sides with Monsanto in case over cancer risks from weedkiller
The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto cannot be held liable under state laws for failing to warn consumers about the alleged cancer risks of its weedkiller Roundup on its label.
Fed's preferred inflation gauge hits 3-year high
Inflation continued to rise in May, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising at an annual rate of 4.1%.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
Politics
More Politics
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
Sioux Falls mayoral candidates separated by 2 votes: "Every vote matters"
Christine Erickson is two votes ahead of Jamie Smith, the Minnehaha County Auditors and Elections Office said.
Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
Trump's obsession with SAVE America Act drives Congress into standoff
The president and his conservative allies have stymied other legislation as they unsuccessfully try to pass a voting regulations bill that lacks even simple majority support in the Senate.
Reflecting Pool liner was cut with knife or razor, parks official says
National Park Service official Frank Lands also said at least 70 fence post tops were thrown in to the Reflecting Pool.
HealthWatch
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Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
World
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Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Are deadly heat waves driving Europeans to embrace air conditioning?
Only 20% European homes have AC, compared to 90% in the U.S., but as the climate changes, that vast gulf may be set to shrink.
Poland's deputy prime minister warns of possible Russian "false flag operation"
Poland's deputy prime minister tells CBS News he "wouldn't exclude the Russians doing some kind of false flag operation" to justify an attack on NATO.
Venezuela quake survivors describe devastation: "Everything collapsed"
A Caracas resident told CBS News that he "started to pray" when he felt the first earthquake hit Venezuela.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
New NYT reporting on Taylor Swift's wedding
The New York Times is reporting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might tie the knot at Madison Square Garden. She has reportedly booked out the arena for the Fourth of July weekend, the rumored wedding date.
Taylor Swift wedding venue speculation fueled by MSG permit
There appear to be new clues about the location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Essential American songs of last 250 years
For the United States' 250th birthday, Sunday Morning asked dozens of notable Americans, from Jason Alexander and Ken Burns to Misty Copeland, what they considered to be our country's essential songs. This is the Essential American Songbook: 90 contributors and 250 songs. Here's a sample.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Technology
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How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
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.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
U.S. aims to break AI reliance on China
The U.S. is trying to break the West's reliance on Chinese artificial intelligence supply chains with an international accord called Pax Silica. Its goal is to shore up supplies of essential components used in high-end computer chips, which power advanced AI models. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Science
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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
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Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Prosecutors drop Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge
New York prosecutors said they are dropping a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying him for a fourth time.
Searches conducted in NYPD bribery probe
The FBI, NYPD and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York carried out searches across New York City Wednesday as part of a bribery investigation into current and former members of the NYPD. The searches stem from an ongoing investigation into the conduct of former NYPD chief of department Jeffrey Maddrey, a source says. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons
Mo Strategies, a firm linked to President Trump, is lobbying for pardons, according to a CBS News investigation. CBS News' Gabe Kaminsky has more.
Eric Adams' former chief of staff arrested
Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested as part of a federal bribery probe, sources say. Meanwhile, the FBI and NYPD are investigating former NYPD officials for bribery. CBS News' Anna Shecter has more.
Space
More Space
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Senate Dems launch election observer training
Senate Democrats announced they're creating a new program to train congressional staff to serve as independent election observers. The staff members will be sent to polling locations to monitor voting procedures and ballot counting in states with Senate races. The House already has a similar program. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has more.
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
PCE inflation index hit 4.1% in May
May's personal consumption expenditure index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, rose 4.1% year to year, the highest level in three years. CBS News senior business and tech correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Oil prices fall close to pre-war levels
As more ships resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices are falling to near pre-war levels, but Americans are not seeing the same trend at the gas pump. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.
Cassidy on changing Iran war powers stance
The Senate on Wednesday rejected a measure to constrain President Trump's war powers in Iran after two key Republicans flipped their votes. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan spoke with one of those senators, Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, about the decision. Political strategists Matt Bennett and Doug Heye join with analysis.