Crime Without Punishment | CBS Reports
In this CBS Reports documentary, Jim Axelrod peels back the curtain on a sobering reality of a justice system in crisis: For roughly half of the people murdered in America, no one is arrested for the crime.
Crime Without Punishment
A look at unsolved murders in America
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, we examine a crime often going without punishment in our country. CBS2's Ali Bauman takes a closer look at racial disparities in homicide closure rates at the NYPD.
Oakland, San Francisco see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Oakland and San Francisco are seeing a large difference on solved cases, as Wilson Walker reports.
She lost two sons to gun violence; five years later, still no arrests
Barely half of murder cases in the U.S. get solved. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. In the mid-1960s, more than 90% of murders were solved, generally resulting in the arrests. By 1990, that percentage fell into the 60s. Then, by 2020, as homicides surged, the national clearance rate dropped to about 50% for the first time ever.
A "coin flip": Nearly half of U.S. murders go unsolved as cases rise
Murders are going unsolved at a historic pace, and police are far less likely to solve cases when the victim is Black or Hispanic, a CBS News investigation has found.
Behind the story: How CBS News analyzed homicide solve rates across U.S.
The investigative team at CBS News wanted to understand how police were addressing this nearly unprecedented spike in murders – and why many were going unsolved.
Baltimore task force trying to solve the crisis of unsolved murder
Officials from more than 20 agencies are working together in a nondescript warehouse, investigating Baltimore's most brazen drug syndicates.
Unsolved murders and the mothers of Jackson, Mississippi
Mothers being asked to investigate the murders of their sons has become a reality in Jackson.
Philly police say "crushing volume" of killings outruns their ability to close cases
CBS News analyzed decades of unsolved murders across the country, and found stark racial disparities in the clearance rates — the share of cases each year that are solved.
Former Dallas police chief hopes police and communities can bridge gaps
Renee Hall, former chief of the Dallas Police Department, is the daughter of a police officer killed in the line of duty.
A closer look at disparities in NYPD's homicide clearance rates
According to data analyzed by CBS News, the national homicide clearance rate has been improving for cases involving white victims, but falling for Black and Hispanic victims.
Detroit homicide clearance rates rise as national rates fall
According to the FBI and the Detroit Police Department, homicide clearance rates in the city have risen as the national average has fallen.
Unsolved murders on the rise, especially for Black, Hispanic victims
An analysis of FBI crime data by CBS 2 has found that LAPD's homicide clearance rate has ebbed over the years in a way that is concerning.
Five years after her brother's murder, one Chicago woman learns justice will never come
Chicago Police have low arrest rates, but higher rates for cleared or closed cases. We dig into what's behind those numbers.
Black and Hispanic murders are less likely to be solved. The reasons why are complicated.
New research by the CBS News Innovation Lab shows the likelihood of a murder being solved in the US is significantly lower when the victims are Black or Hispanic.
How Sacramento County is bucking the national trend of murder cases going unsolved
In a collaboration with CBS News, CBS Sacramento is examining why crime is often going without punishment in our country. The national homicide clearance rate is at an all-time low, according to FBI data. Barely half of the murder cases in the United States get solved.
Miami police working to increase murder clearance rate
In Miami-Dade, the clearance rate for homicides in 2020 was 43%
The problem behind Boston's unsolved murders
Unsolved murders are a growing concern nationwide.
Homicide clearance rates are dropping in Philadelphia as murder rates skyrocket
The murder rate in Philadelphia was 499 in 2020. That's a 40% increase from 2019.
Homicide clearance rates are declining across the U.S. Baltimore's is down to 42%.
A CBS News analysis of FBI homicide data shows Baltimore City's average clearance rate from 2015 to 2019 was just 38.7%, hitting a low of 29.7% in 2015, the tumultuous year when Freddie Gray was killed in police custody and arrests plummeted.
More murders going unsolved nationally, but Dallas-Fort Worth may be getting less credit than they deserve
Murder, according to the FBI, is the most likely crime to be solved in the US, but nationally the rate of success has been in decline for years.
Pittsburgh homicide clearance rates falling as national rate hits all-time low
In a collaboration with CBS News, KDKA Investigates examines crime often going without punishment in our country.
U.S. unsolved homicide rates soar, and Minneapolis is pacing worse than nat'l average
The day after Terrell Mayes, Jr. celebrated Christmas with his family, the 3-year-old and his siblings heard gunshots. A stray bullet struck Terrell as he ran up the stairs inside his north Minneapolis home. For more than a decade, WCCO has followed his grieving mother's push to find her son's killer.
Denver police's approach to solving homicides has caught national attention
Denver police has made many changes in the decades since the shocking murder of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, including building a $28 million state-of-the-art crime lab.
Oakland, SF see disheartening difference in homicide clearance rates
In a collaboration with CBS News, KPIX 5 is examining a crime often going without punishment in our country. Barely half of murder cases in the United States get solved.
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DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can catch on fire
The Justice Department is trying to force the two Chinese companies to recall immersion water heaters used for bathtubs and pools.
Trump attends dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Iranian attacks
President Trump attended a dignified transfer honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the ongoing war with Iran.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
Nolan Wells' cause of death undetermined, family's autopsy shows
Nolan Wells, 18, was found dead just off Horn Island in Mississippi after enjoying a day out with friends on July 4.
MoneyWatch
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"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
OpenAI says its technology, on its own, hacked another AI company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI says its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident."
Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"
Lawmakers claim Commissioner Frank Bisignano used an agency email to exaggerate tax savings under the Republicans' OBBBA while inserting partisan political messaging.
Politics
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DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can catch on fire
The Justice Department is trying to force the two Chinese companies to recall immersion water heaters used for bathtubs and pools.
Trump attends dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Iranian attacks
President Trump attended a dignified transfer honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the ongoing war with Iran.
First on CBS
Democrats probe DOJ opinion that eases institutionalization of mentally ill
Democrats in the Senate and House are investigating the origins of a DOJ legal opinion that would make it easier for states to keep people with mental illness in institutions, rather than helping them to live at home.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a deal for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis, potentially allowing the Saudis to enrich their own fuel for nuclear reactors.
ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began
More than 43,000 immigrants were arrested last month as DHS continues to detain people in less-publicized enforcement surges.
HealthWatch
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FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
Lung cancer in nonsmokers: "A women's health crisis"
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American women — and a growing share of new cases are in women who've never smoked.
Agency set to sweep up medical data says some identifying info will be removed
The Office of Personnel Management said it will "pseudonymize" medical records it collects on more than 8 million people — federal workers and retirees, and their family members.
RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis is "under control"
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made his first public comment on the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak on Tuesday, declaring it under control and denying that cutbacks to monitoring activities have hurt U.S. food safety. Carter Evans reports.
GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds
Here's how weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could reduce worker illness and save companies money.
World
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5,700 more deaths than usual recorded in France during heat wave
France experienced at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heat wave last month, according to the public health agency.
"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a deal for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis, potentially allowing the Saudis to enrich their own fuel for nuclear reactors.
France becomes first EU country to ban social media for kids under 15
As lawmakers approve a social media ban on kids and phones in high schools, Macron says France is "leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children."
3,000-year-old human remains found underneath volcanic ash
The ancient remains were found face down and will undergo radiocarbon dating to determine their age. DNA analysis will also be carried out to determine the person's sex.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Anson Mount previews new "Star Trek" season
Anson Mount previews the fourth season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He talks about his introduction to "Star Trek" and why he thinks it's the best season yet.
Tenisha Warner, widow of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, opens up about being a single mom
Tenisha Warner sat down for an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" before a lawsuit over her late husband's estate became public, and discussed her grief and raising her daughter alone.
Inside the cameras used for "The Odyssey"
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has made history as the first feature-length film shot entirely on 70mm IMAX cameras. Jay Holben, technical editor for the American Cinematographer, joins CBS News to discuss.
Kaylee Hottle, actress in "Godzilla vs. Kong," dies at 18 in car crash
Kaylee Hottle, an Atlanta-born actress known for her role in the "Godzilla" film franchise, has died following a crash in Maryland.
Technology
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France becomes first EU country to ban social media for kids under 15
As lawmakers approve a social media ban on kids and phones in high schools, Macron says France is "leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children."
U.S. tech execs warn of Chinese AI models: WSJ
U.S. tech giants are concerned about cheap Chinese AI models, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. Amrith Ramkumar, a tech policy reporter at The Wall Street Journal who contributed to the story, joins 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.
OpenAI says its technology, on its own, hacked another AI company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI says its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident."
Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Crime
Hearing begins for singer D4vd
A multi-day hearing began Tuesday in Los Angeles where the singer known as D4vd is facing murder and other felony charges in the death of a teenage girl. CBS News' Gwen Baumgardner and Jessica Levinson have the latest.
Timeline of NYC federal building explosion
A veteran was arrested for allegedly setting off fireworks and starting a fire in front of a Manhattan building that houses several federal offices, including ICE, the FBI says. CBS News' Anna Schecter shares more details.
Cocaine worth $285 million found hidden in banana shipment
Some 1,700 pounds of cocaine was concealed in a refrigerated container from Ecuador among dozens of pallets of bananas, police said.
Tourists stabbed near Acropolis in Athens
Two Greek American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, police said. CBS News' Anna Coren has more.
Details emerge on suspect in NYC fire
More details are emerging about the Army veteran accused of starting a fire outside a federal building in lower Manhattan on Monday. CBS News' Tom Hanson has more.
Space
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Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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Summer music highlights of 2026
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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.
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Trump-backed candidates win big in Arizona
Arizona candidates backed by President Trump swept the state's primary elections on Tuesday. CBS News' Zak Hudak has more.
Dignified transfer for slain troops
President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and family members attended a dignified transfer on Wednesday honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the war with Iran. Mugo Odigwe anchored CBS News' coverage.
Sneak peek: The Boy Across the Street
ENCORE: A college student is killed by her boyfriend who lived right across the street. Her family's long battle to keep him in prison. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports Saturday, July 25 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Sen. Bennet, Greer clash over trade policies
Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Washington, challenged some of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's assertions about the successes of President Trump's trade policies and their impact on farmers.
Man speaks on broken plane window incident
A 61-year-old Serbian businessman who was traveling on a Ryanair flight says he was almost sucked out of the plane when a window broke. Ryanair contests parts of the man's account. CBS News' Tom Hanson has more.