U.S.

This Morning from CBS News, May 20, 2015

By Dan Woo

May 20, 2015 / 7:51 AM EDT / CBS News

Tornado alley

Nearly 30 apparent tornadoes darkened the skies over Oklahoma and Texas yesterday. CBS News correspondent Vicente Arenas reports one ripped across the north Texas town of Runaway Bay and early this morning, search and rescue crews combed through the rubble.

California spill

A broken onshore pipeline spewed oil down a storm drain and into the Pacific Ocean for several hours before it was shut off yesterday, creating a slick some 4 miles long off a scenic stretch of central California coastline. The spill is about 20 miles northwest of the pricey seaside real estate of Santa Barbara. CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy reported from the beach in Goleta this morning that the sand was coated with oil and the smell of oil was still hanging in the air as cleanup efforts were intensifying.

Top of the world

The One World Observatory officially opens Friday of next week. The first thing you'll notice is a gigantic world map, tracking where you're from and playing a greeting in your language. That's just one of the features CBS News correspondent Anthony Mason saw during his behind-the-scenes tour.

Tech high

The 360-degree views of New York City and beyond aren't the only attractions that will keep visitors at One World Observatory engaged 100 to 102 floors above the One World Trade Center grounds. CBS News got a close-up look at the technology inside the tallest building in the Western hemisphere, from elevators that boast a virtual time-lapse of the New York City skyline to interactive tools that help visitors explore and learn about the city.

Military authorization

Things never looked good for President Obama's request for military authorization to fight ISIS. House Speaker John Boehner has argued for months that the administration doesn't have a strategy to fight the Islamic militants. It is not surprising that there's a divide between Democrats and Republicans, but it is surprising which party wants the president to have broader powers to fight ISIS.

Training bakers

It looks like a typical bakery - it certainly smells like delicious one. But CEO Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez founded Hot Bread Kitchen with a larger purpose than merely putting bread on the table. Rodriguez provides much-needed jobs and training for low-income minority women.

Benefit growth

Not all news is bad when it comes to Social Security benefits. A recent study of claims data shows that the percentage of workers turning 62 who start Social Security benefits at that age has declined significantly since 1996. Here's why this is good news.

Elder orphans

Clarence Blackmon is an 81-year-old Army veteran battling prostate cancer. But cancer wasn't the reason he called 911. A widower since 2011, Blackmon came home from the hospital last week to an empty fridge and had no one to help him, prompting him to call 911 for help. CBS News chief medical correspondent Jonathan LaPook reports Blackmon is only one of a growing number of "elder orphans."

Summer safety

It's time to stock up on sunscreen and brush up on your summer sun safety know-how. Wearing sunscreen can prevent sunburn, reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevent or delay wrinkles and other signs of aging. With such great benefits, you'd think everybody would be slathering it on. Unfortunately, a lot of people still don't. Find out how few.

Roller coaster

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of roller coaster season, when theme parks unveil their newest attractions. But this year, at Six Flags Magic Mountain outside Los Angeles, what is old is new again. Carter Evans reports about the Twisted Colossus, and about journalist Arthur Levine who lives to ride.

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