Mysterious origin of the "tree of life" revealed
The trees have been called both "grotesque" and "one of the most charismatic species on our planet" – and now we know where they came from.
Tree of Life
Note to Self: Rabbi Jeffrey Myers
In a special edition of "Note to Self," "CBS Mornings" hears from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers five years after a gunman opened fire on Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue during Sabbath services, killing 11 people. It was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Myers was in the building that morning, where he helped congregants shelter and evacuate. Now, he's taking a look back at the tragic day, and he's looking ahead, to his community's future.
FBI monitoring potential hate crimes as 5-year commemoration of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting approaches
KDKA's John Shumway has the perspective of the people who work daily to prevent hate-related violence here in Pittsburgh.
Man pleads guilty to threatening jurors in synagogue shooting trial
According to an affidavit, Hardy Carroll Lloyd wrote threatening posts on social media and websites and also sent emails to the jury and witnesses during the trial.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter gets death sentence
A jury recommended the death sentence for the man who killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Death penalty for Tree of Life shooter
A jury has unanimously recommended the death sentence for the gunman who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018. Robert Bowers was convicted in June of 63 counts related to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, believed to be the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
Jury deciding Tree of Life gunman's sentence
A federal jury in Pittsburgh is deciding whether the gunman who killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 will be put to death. In June, Robert Bowers was convicted of 63 criminal counts related to the shooting, the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. CBS News Pittsburgh investigative reporter Andy Sheehan has the latest.
Synagogue shooter eligible for death penalty
A federal jury in the trial of the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooter has decided he is eligible for the death penalty. The panel reached a decision in less than two hours. Prosecutors say Robert Bowers acted "out of pure hate" when he killed 11 people in October of 2018. Reporter Andy Sheehan has more.
Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooter found eligible for death penalty
The jury agreed with prosecutors that Robert Bowers had formed the requisite legal intent to kill.
Pittsburgh shooter could face death penalty
A jury on Friday found 50-year-old truck driver Robert Bowers guilty on all counts in the 2018 shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 worshipers and left seven people wounded. Bowers had a history of spewing antisemitic hatred and his attorneys admitted during trial that he was responsible for the massacre. CBS News Pittsburgh reporter Meghan Schiller reports from outside the courthouse.
Pittsburgh synagogue gunman convicted
Robert Bowers was found guilty of all counts in the 2018 massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people and injured seven others. The trial will take a one-week break before moving to the sentencing phase, where the jury will decide whether Bowers should get the death penalty.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter found guilty in Tree of Life attack
Defense attorneys admitted during trial that he was responsible for the massacre that killed 11 people and wounded 7.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial underway
A second day of jury selection is underway in the federal hate crime case against the man charged in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. Robert Bowers is accused of killing 11 and wounding two others at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. CBS News legal contributor and Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson discusses the case.
Death penalty trial begins in 2018 killing of 11 at Pittsburgh synagogue
The families of those killed were divided over whether the government should pursue the death penalty, but most were in favor.
Antisemitism uptick 4 years after synagogue attack
The Jewish community in Pittsburgh came together to honor the memory of those who were murdered four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The ceremony comes as antisemitism is on the rise nationwide and as fallout from Kanye West's antisemitic comments continues. Elise Preston has the details.
4 years since Tree of Life synagogue attack
A commemoration ceremony is taking place in Pittsburgh to mark four years since the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 people were killed. The anniversary comes as antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have hit an all-time high — including hateful remarks from superstar Kanye West. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
New book details life after synagogue shooting
Over the last three years, the Jewish community in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh has come to rely on hope. In October of 2018, 11 Jews were murdered while worshipping in a local synagogue. The horrific attack is the subject of a new book, “Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood.” Author Mark Oppenheimer spoke to Dana Jacobson about how the entire community rallied, illuminating the idea of hope, to overcome the darkness of hate.
3 years since Tree of Life synagogue massacre
Three years ago today, a gunman armed with an assault rifle and multiple handguns opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It is considered the deadliest antisemetic attack to take place on U.S. soil. Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers, who survived the massacre, joins CBSN to discuss that devastating day and how the community has come together.
Darwin's early notebooks on evolution feared "stolen" from Cambridge
The notebooks, missing since 2001 and worth millions, contain Darwin's "Tree of Life" sketch and notes on his then-revolutionary thoughts on the natural world.
Hate crime murders reached record high
Hate crime murders in the U.S. reached a 27-year high in 2018, according to data released Tuesday by the FBI. Twenty-four people were killed in incidents classified as hate crimes, which includes the 11 worshipers slain last year at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the deadliest anti-Semitic crime in U.S. history.
Tree of Life Synagogue to reopen as "symbol against hatred"
Pittsburgh synagogue is the site of a 2018 mass shooting where 11 people were fatally shot.
Pittsburgh newspaper donates Pulitzer Prize money to synagogue
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has donated its $15,000 Pulitzer Prize winnings to the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation, where 11 people were shot and killed last October
Pittsburgh approves gun restrictions months after synagogue shooting
Pro-gun advocates have already vowed to take legal action against the new gun control measures
Trump celebrates Hanukkah at the White House
In his first of two Hanukkah events, President Trump remembered the life of former President George H.W. Bush, calling him a wonderful man. He went on to condemn anti-Semitism, specifically mentioning the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Watch his remarks here.
Carolina Panthers bring flowers to Tree of Life before Steelers game
#StrongerThanHate: A message from the Carolina Panthers football team ahead of Thursday's game
Live
Iran warns of "painful retaliation" for any resumption of U.S. strikes
As Trump considers his next move, the Iran war — and the Strait of Hormuz — remain gripped in a costly standoff.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Details revealed on where Cole Allen is being held in D.C. jail complex
Cole Allen, 31, is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearms-related offenses stemming from the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night.
Trump signs bill funding DHS, ending record-breaking 76-day shutdown
The longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history came to an end on Thursday when President Trump signed a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security following a breakthrough on Capitol Hill.
Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
Louisiana suspends House primaries for May 16 elections
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Thursday that the state will suspend its May 16 House primaries in the wake of the Supreme Court striking down the state's Congressional map.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
U.S.
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Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
Meet the horses running in the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby will see a full field of 20 horses in the first leg of the 2026 competition for horse racing's Triple Crown.
2 employees killed in Kentucky bank robbery, suspect at large, police say
Kentucky State Police said a man went to a U.S. Bank in Brea, Kentucky, and shot and killed a man and a woman, both employees at the bank.
5 wounded in stabbing attack at Washington state high school, police say
The suspect, a juvenile, was detained at the scene, police said.
Texas mother of 4 released from ICE custody after more than a month in detention
Meenu Batra, a single mother of four adult U.S. citizens, was arrested on March 17 by federal immigration officers while traveling for a work trip.
MoneyWatch
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Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
Federal telecom regulators can revoke broadcast licenses, but legal experts say the FCC would face a tough road in forcing ABC to go dark.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Thermos recalls 8.2 million containers after stoppers caused vision loss
The Thermos Stainless King Food Jars and Thermos Sportsman Food & Beverage Bottles were sold at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
Politics
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Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
Exclusive
Confrontation between officers and alleged shooter at D.C. gala lasted 7 seconds
Seven seconds passed between when the alleged gunman at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner — carrying a shotgun initially concealed by a jacket — first encountered federal law enforcement and when he was subdued, sources told CBS News.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
What states could try to redistrict and add more GOP seats
The Supreme Court's ruling on Wednesday about Louisiana's congressional map could have implications for several states as it narrowed the section of the Voting Rights Act about majority-minority districts.
HealthWatch
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Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Funding cuts for fentanyl test strips raise concerns: "It doesn't make sense"
Test strips cost about $1 each and can be used to check drugs for dangerous contaminants, including fentanyl and xylazine.
Trump drops Casey Means as surgeon general nominee, names Nicole Saphier
President Trump picked Dr. Nicole Saphier as his new nominee for surgeon general, and blamed Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy for Casey Mean's nomination stalling in the Senate.
World
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Live
Iran warns of "painful retaliation" for any resumption of U.S. strikes
As Trump considers his next move, the Iran war — and the Strait of Hormuz — remain gripped in a costly standoff.
Man arrested for allegedly dumping wife's body in zoo incinerator
Police arrested a man for allegedly incinerating his dead wife at the zoo where he worked, officials said, following the discovery of human remains.
U.K. raises terrorism threat level to "severe" after stabbing attack
The U.K. has raised its national threat level from "substantial" to "severe," citing the increasing threat of Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the country.
Trump officials flew on 1st non-stop commercial flight from US to Venezuela in years
The trip comes nearly four months after U.S. forces seized Rodríguez's predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife in a daring special forces raid.
Jewish Londoners describe "utter horror" and living in fear after latest attack
"We've been warning about this for a long time," one local resident told CBS News. "It's like a tsunami — you see the smaller waves before the big one hits."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
A look at Spencer Pratt's mayoral campaign
Spencer Pratt, who starred in the mid-2000s reality TV show "The Hills," released a new ad in his campaign for Los Angeles mayor that's getting attention online. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Stars preview "Devil Wears Prada 2"
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are reprising their iconic roles for "The Devil Wears Prada 2" 20 years after the original film was released. The stars speak to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King and give an inside look at the movie.
Eliminated survivor contestant on new twist
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) The fifth member of the "Survivor 50" jury, who was eliminated during Wednesday's episode, talks about being voted off and a huge twist in the game.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Technology
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Technology
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Buying a computer? AI is making it more expensive.
A memory chip shortage is driving up computer prices for consumers, reversing a decades-long drop in hardware costs.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Man arrested for allegedly dumping wife's body in zoo incinerator
Police arrested a man for allegedly incinerating his dead wife at the zoo where he worked, officials said, following the discovery of human remains.
Fin Gómez on correspondents' dinner shooting
CBS News political director and executive director of politics and White House Fin Gómez reflects on the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack on "The Daily Report," saying he was proud of "our fellow colleagues."
New details on Greg Biffle theft
Within hours of the plane crash that killed Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, along with his wife and kids, authorities say someone was trying to break into his accounts and steal his money. Mark Strassmann has more details from police.
NYT reveals possible Epstein suicide note
The New York Times reported that the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may have left a suicide note following an earlier incident about three weeks before his death. However, that note has been sealed in a separate case for nearly seven years and remains out of public view. Meg Oliver reports.
New details about correspondents' dinner
The man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump last weekend appeared in court on Thursday as new details are still emerging about the attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
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
Camp Mystic will not reopen this summer
Camp Mystic, where 27 campers and counselors were killed in a flood last summer, says it will not reopen this summer. Jason Allen spoke to parents of campers about the decision.
New video of correspondents' dinner suspect
The U.S. attorney in Washington released new video of the confrontation between the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner attack and law enforcement. There's also video for the first time of the alleged shooter roaming the D.C. hotel the night before the shooting. Nicole Sganga reports.
Eye Opener: Gas prices surge again
There is no permanent end to the Iran war in sight as Americans face surging gas prices. Plus, there's new video of the accused White House Correspondents' Dinner gunman, including the moment he attempted to sprint by security. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Gas prices spike again amid Iran war
AAA says the national average for a gallon of gas is more than $4.39 per gallon, which is up nine cents since Thursday. President Trump claims the pain at the pump will end when the Iran war does. Nancy Cordes reports.
Hegseth testifies on Iran war at Senate hearing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, facing intense questioning from Democrats on the Pentagon budget, the war with Iran and more. These are some of the most notable exchanges from the hearing.