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
Dolly Parton, country music legend, dies at 80 after brief cancer battle
Dolly Parton became an icon over her six-decade career as a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, movie and TV star and theme park owner who donated millions to help others.
Sen. Darline Graham projected to win runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary
Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot.
DOJ warns Kennedy Center could be knocked down if renovations blocked
The Trump administration said it may need to demolish the Kennedy Center if a plan to close the building for two years as part of a controversial renovation project pushed by President Trump and the organization's board is blocked.
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Live
Iran says it's ready for new U.S. sanctions, has 2-year plan
Iran's economy minister said the country has been preparing for a long time for the sanctions U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
Judge delays custody decision in surrogacy fight over newborn with heart defect
Dallas judge has delayed a custody decision, extending a temporary restraining order another two weeks as the legal fight over custody of a baby with a rare heart defect born to a surrogate continues.
Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Judge delays custody decision in surrogacy fight over newborn with heart defect
Dallas judge has delayed a custody decision, extending a temporary restraining order another two weeks as the legal fight over custody of a baby with a rare heart defect born to a surrogate continues.
Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes departs
Josh Smith had a tense relationship with BOP's employees, and some staffers had raised questions about contracts awarded during his year-long tenure.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
Survey pinpoints the behavior on planes that people find most annoying
Here's what travelers think about shared armrests, reclined seats and fellow passengers' use of tech on planes.
MoneyWatch
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Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
Survey pinpoints the behavior on planes that people find most annoying
Here's what travelers think about shared armrests, reclined seats and fellow passengers' use of tech on planes.
Musk's SpaceX announces $100 billion plan for new spaceport in Louisiana
Elon Musk's space company plans to spend $100 billion to build a new spaceport in Louisiana to launch rockets, state officials and the company announced.
SNAP restrictions cut soda sales but raise stigma concerns, study finds
Banning people from using food stamps to buy sugary drinks helps lower consumption, proponents say. Are such restrictions a good idea?
Canada announces tariffs of up to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods
Canadian government officials said they are also providing aid for workers and businesses that could be hurt by U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Politics
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3 Secret Service officials put on leave amid probe into "potential misconduct"
The Secret Service's chief of communications and two other staffers have been placed on leave pending an investigation into "potential misconduct," U.S. officials told CBS News.
Sen. Darline Graham projected to win runoff in South Carolina GOP Senate primary
Sen. Darline Graham won the GOP Senate runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman in the special primary to replace Graham's late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot.
Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes departs
Josh Smith had a tense relationship with BOP's employees, and some staffers had raised questions about contracts awarded during his year-long tenure.
Ontario's Doug Ford says Trump is "treating us like we're Communist China"
As a U.S.-Canada trade war sparks cross-border insults, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News he's hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement — but cautioned that "no deal is better than a bad deal."
DOJ warns Kennedy Center could be knocked down if renovations blocked
The Trump administration said it may need to demolish the Kennedy Center if a plan to close the building for two years as part of a controversial renovation project pushed by President Trump and the organization's board is blocked.
HealthWatch
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Pennsylvania records first 2 measles deaths in 35 years
Pennsylvania has recorded its first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
The rate is much higher than is seen in the general population. CTE is a brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Trump and Kennedy's health industry deals are at risk of vanishing
The agreements, covering issues like drug pricing, reducing the use of synthetic food dyes, and cutting back on insurance prior authorization rules, were announced with fanfare and touted as victories.
8-year-old girl dies from brain-eating amoeba infection in Louisiana
Lillian Smart, 8, has died after being infected by an extremely rare brain-eating amoeba that is found in warm freshwater, her family said.
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
World
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Gun-running ship located 78 years after being sunk by Israeli military
In June 1948, Israeli forces opened fire and sank the boat in waters off Tel Aviv on the orders of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister.
U.K. estate used as Wayne Manor in "Batman Begins" must be surveyed for bats
Since being built in the 1850s, Mentmore Towers has been featured in "Batman Begins" and other movies, but has fallen into disrepair.
Will the U.S. sanctions against Iran work if they don't include China?
Analysts say without meaningful sanctions against China, Iran will likely survive this latest round of financial punishment.
Russian ex-official says "unknown sources" could attack U.K. drone plants
Former senior Russian diplomat says U.K. factories making drones for Ukraine "could be attacked - not by Russia, but from unknown sources."
First on CBS
CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip in Russia
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport plane was spotted at a Moscow airport, along with a U.S. diplomatic motorcade, according to public reports.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Celebrating Dolly Parton after her death at 80
"CBS Evening News" pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. She died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her team announced on Tuesday.
Dollywood nonprofit president on Parton's death
Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80, leaves behind much more than a musical legacy. A generous philanthropist, she gave millions to a variety of causes, including education and children's literacy. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers joins CBS News to discuss the organization's Imagination Library program.
Dolly Parton in 2016 on her life, career
From May 2016, Dolly Parton speaks with Gayle King about her road to country music fame, Whitney Houston's cover of "I Will Always Love You," her marriage and more.
Tony Dokoupil on 2019 Dolly Parton interview
In 2019, "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil sat down with country music legend Dolly Parton for "CBS Sunday Morning." Dokoupil joins to remember the late singer-songwriter.
Country Music Hall of Fame rep on Parton
Allison Moorer, writer-editor for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and curator of its current exhibit, "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker," joins "The Daily Report" to share her favorite memories of Dolly Parton, who has died at age 80.
Technology
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Musk's data centers push out family that's owned land for generations
A plant in Southaven, Mississippi, that powers Elon Musk's SpaceXAI data centers in the area has sparked backlash from residents concerned about noise and air pollution.
Elon Musk's data centers spark backlash
In Southaven, Mississippi, some residents are pushing back on SpaceXAI's expanding footprint in the region.
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.
Key takeaways from China's robot games
China's World Humanoid Robot Games is a technological showcase, but also a possible glimpse into the future of robotics. Anna Coren reports.
How the Robot Games are going in Beijing
The World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in Beijing, China, in a stadium repurposed from the 2022 Winter Olympics. Many of the machines on display can now outrun and out-jump even the best real-life Olympians. Anna Coren has the story.
Science
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Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Philadelphia's Chucky-style masked man arrested in Las Vegas
U.S. Marshals say 22-year-old Zymire Hughes was arrested Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Legal analysis of Texas surrogate case
A Texas judge is hearing arguments on who has the legal right to make medical decisions on behalf of a baby with a heart defect who was carried to term by a surrogate against the biological parents' wishes. Harry Nelson, a healthcare attorney, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Unarmed college student shot by police
The parents of a 22-year-old college student who was fatally shot by police after knocking on the wrong door spoke out on Tuesday. Tom Hanson has more details.
Doctor says Clancy's actions were criminal
Forensic psychologist Dr. Kirk Heilbrun took the stand in Lindsay Clancy's trial for the killings of her three children on Tuesday, testifying that he felt Clancy was criminally liable despite claims of postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Breaking down Day 20 of Lindsay Clancy trial
Two more witnesses testified in the Lindsay Clancy trial on Tuesday. Clancy, who has admitted to killing her children, has pleaded not guilty, arguing she had postpartum psychosis. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
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Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
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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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
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Graham wins GOP Senate runoff, CBS News projects
Sen. Darline Graham, the late Lindsey Graham's sister, won the Republican Senate primary runoff in South Carolina on Tuesday night, CBS News projects. Jessi Mitchell anchors a special report.
Celebrating Dolly Parton after her death at 80
"CBS Evening News" pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dolly Parton. She died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her team announced on Tuesday.
Dollywood nonprofit president on Parton's death
Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80, leaves behind much more than a musical legacy. A generous philanthropist, she gave millions to a variety of causes, including education and children's literacy. Dollywood Foundation President Jeff Conyers joins CBS News to discuss the organization's Imagination Library program.
Legal analysis of Texas surrogate case
A Texas judge is hearing arguments on who has the legal right to make medical decisions on behalf of a baby with a heart defect who was carried to term by a surrogate against the biological parents' wishes. Harry Nelson, a healthcare attorney, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
New inflation numbers expected soon
The PCE price index report, which provides an overview of the current state of inflation across goods and services in the U.S., will be released on Wednesday morning. Jessica Inskip, director of investor research at Stockbrokers.com, joins "The Daily Report" to break down what to expect.