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
Journalist in Iran's Evin Prison pleads for medical help for U.S. captives
CBS News has obtained a voice memo recorded by Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who has been detained in Evin Prison for over a year.
Homan defends conditions at N.J. ICE detention center: "The spaghetti was good"
In a CBS News interview, White House border czar Tom Homan defended conditions at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, amid intense protests over the New Jersey facility. "
Live
Israel-Hezbollah fighting casts cloud over prospects for U.S.-Iran peace deal
It remains unclear how close the U.S. and Iran are to striking a deal to end the Iran war amid continued hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Employers added 172,000 jobs in May, topping expectations
The labor market continues to show strength despite rising inflation and concerns about slowing economic growth.
Senate passes reconciliation bill to fund ICE for 3 years, without DOJ fund ban
Senate Republicans passed funding for the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agencies following a "vote-a-rama." The measure didn't ban the administration's "anti-weaponization" fund.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid new concerns over leak
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
FDA moves ahead with safety study of abortion pill mifepristone
The FDA is moving ahead with a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, a senior FDA official confirmed to CBS News, a step that could create a path for the Trump administration to restrict access to the medication.
First on CBS
Trump's name must come off the Kennedy Center by June 12
There's been no word yet on if the Kennedy Center plans to remain open after July 5. It was to be closed for two years for extensive repairs beginning this summer.
Exclusive
Coast Guard seizes dinghy Lynette Hooker allegedly "bounced off" in Bahamas
The eight-foot dinghy that Brian Hooker says he and his wife, Lynette Hooker, were aboard when she disappeared in early April was seized by U.S. Coast Guard investigators.
U.S.
More U.S.
Senate fails to extend key surveillance program as deadline nears
A procedural vote failed in the Senate early Friday, and a provision of the spy powers law is set to expire June 12.
Mom of American missing in Japan says they argued over ChatGPT
James "Weston" Higginbotham went missing one week ago while on a family vacation in Japan.
Second Facebook privacy settlement payment is coming soon
The additional payouts come from uncashed settlement funds and will be issued to eligible claimants beginning on June 9.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 7)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid new concerns over leak
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Second Facebook privacy settlement payment is coming soon
The additional payouts come from uncashed settlement funds and will be issued to eligible claimants beginning on June 9.
Employers added 172,000 jobs in May, surging past expectations
The labor market continues to show strength despite rising inflation and concerns about slowing economic growth.
Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus
The new paid tier adds features like longer stories and deeper metrics as Meta looks to diversify revenue beyond advertising.
The U.S. is minting more millionaires than ever. Here's why.
A stock market boom is elevating more Americans into the ranks of the nation's millionaires, a new study finds.
Dow soars nearly 900 points as Wall Street bets on Iran peace deal
Despite flare-ups in Middle East violence, investors remain optimistic that the U.S. and Iran will soon end the war.
Politics
More Politics
Senate fails to extend key surveillance program as deadline nears
A procedural vote failed in the Senate early Friday, and a provision of the spy powers law is set to expire June 12.
Homan defends conditions at N.J. ICE detention center: "The spaghetti was good"
In a CBS News interview, White House border czar Tom Homan defended conditions at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, amid intense protests over the New Jersey facility. "
FDA moves ahead with safety study of abortion pill mifepristone
The FDA is moving ahead with a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, a senior FDA official confirmed to CBS News, a step that could create a path for the Trump administration to restrict access to the medication.
Listen to journalist Reza Valizadeh's voice memo from Iran's Evin Prison here
CBS News obtained a brief voice memo from Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who is being detained in Iran's Evin Prison and is pleading for help for him and other American captives.
Exclusive
Journalist in Iran's Evin Prison pleads for medical help for U.S. captives
CBS News has obtained a voice memo recorded by Iranian American journalist Reza Valizadeh, who has been detained in Evin Prison for over a year.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: "We live with fear"
Travel bans and conflict have disrupted supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving health workers without Ebola tests and protective gear needed to contain the outbreak.
FDA moves ahead with safety study of abortion pill mifepristone
The FDA is moving ahead with a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, a senior FDA official confirmed to CBS News, a step that could create a path for the Trump administration to restrict access to the medication.
Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
World
More World
Mom of American missing in Japan says they argued over ChatGPT
James "Weston" Higginbotham went missing one week ago while on a family vacation in Japan.
Rare Roman-era gold ring found by metal detectorist
The Ilminster Ring was originally found by an amateur metal detectorist in 2018 and bought this week for more than $100,000.
Thieves who stole 2,500-year-old gold relics from museum sentenced
A Netherlands court said the three men warranted a custodial sentence "because of the nature and gravity" of their crime.
Live
Israel-Hezbollah fighting casts cloud over prospects for U.S.-Iran peace deal
It remains unclear how close the U.S. and Iran are to striking a deal to end the Iran war amid continued hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: "We live with fear"
Travel bans and conflict have disrupted supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving health workers without Ebola tests and protective gear needed to contain the outbreak.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Nick Jonas talks new movie "Power Ballad"
Nick Jonas speaks with "CBS Mornings" about starring in the new film "Power Ballad." He explains how he reflected on his own life for the movie, why it's relatable and what it was like working with Paul Rudd. Jonas also reveals what's next for him.
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Spain
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Spain during the same time that musician Bad Bunny is expected to be there. CBS News' Chris Livesay has more on a potential meeting.
Laverne Cox on career, trauma and healing
Laverne Cox made history as the first openly transgender actress nominated for a primetime Emmy for her role in "Orange is the New Black" - but before her award-winning career she almost quit Hollywood. She speaks to "CBS Mornings" about confronting her childhood trauma, her healing journey and more.
Actor James Handy fatally stabbed, police say
Actor James Handy, famous for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Jumanji," was stabbed to death at a home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday, officials say. His girlfriend's son, Michael Gledhill, was arrested on suspicion of murder. CBS News' Adam Yamaguchi reports.
Actor James Handy killed
Actor James Handy has died at the age of 81 after police say he was found with stab wounds. The son of Handy's girlfriend has been charged in the killing. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Anthropic on global pause on AI development
Anthropic is urging a pause in AI development amid growing concerns about future risks, though some experts question the company's motives. Vicky Ge Huang, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more details.
Alarm over computer "worms" created with AI
Experts are warning about computer "worms" created with AI that can infect devices and harm users without restraint. University of Toronto professor Nicolas Papernot joins with more.
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.
New details on SpaceX IPO plans
SpaceX is going public this month, and it could be the largest-ever stock market debut. As it plans this move, SpaceX has amended the language in its IPO filing to address the company's growing need for water, particularly to expand its data centers. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady reports, and University of California, Riverside, associate professor Shaolei Ren joins to discuss.
Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus
The new paid tier adds features like longer stories and deeper metrics as Meta looks to diversify revenue beyond advertising.
Science
More Science
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
More Crime
Thieves who stole 2,500-year-old gold relics from museum sentenced
A Netherlands court said the three men warranted a custodial sentence "because of the nature and gravity" of their crime.
Actor James Handy fatally stabbed, police say
Actor James Handy, famous for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Jumanji," was stabbed to death at a home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles on Wednesday, officials say. His girlfriend's son, Michael Gledhill, was arrested on suspicion of murder. CBS News' Adam Yamaguchi reports.
Details on alleged $30 million fraud ring
Federal law enforcement officials on Thursday announced that two Ohio state employees and two co-conspirators were indicted in connection with an alleged $30 million Medicaid billing fraud scheme involving children's behavioral health services that were never rendered. As part of the investigation, 14 vehicles were seized, including a Maserati, a Mercedes, a Bentley and a McLaren, according to a source. CBS News senior Justice Department Sarah Lynch has more.
Actor James Handy allegedly killed by girlfriend's son at LA home
Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested on suspicion of murder after he turned himself in following the fatal stabbing of Handy, the LAPD said.
Deadly shooting at high school graduation
One person was killed, and three others were injured during a high school graduation in Northern California, officials say. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Space
More Space
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid new concerns over leak
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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
Trump on California primary elections
President Trump is alleging that Democrats are "rigging" the California elections as votes are still being counted for some of the state's primary races. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Anthropic on global pause on AI development
Anthropic is urging a pause in AI development amid growing concerns about future risks, though some experts question the company's motives. Vicky Ge Huang, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more details.
Will Putin agree to talks with Zelenskyy?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. CBS News' Ian Lee breaks down the latest in the yearslong conflict.
Tom Homan Delaney Hall abuse allegations
Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, is reacting to prolonged protests outside New Jersey's Delaney Hall ICE facility amid allegations of inhumane conditions for detained migrants. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Nick Jonas talks new movie "Power Ballad"
Nick Jonas speaks with "CBS Mornings" about starring in the new film "Power Ballad." He explains how he reflected on his own life for the movie, why it's relatable and what it was like working with Paul Rudd. Jonas also reveals what's next for him.