Lightning "megaflash" recognized as new world record
A lightning flash that extended 515 miles from eastern Texas to near Kansas City, Missouri, in 2017 is recognized as being the longest horizontal distance.
Lightning
Scientist measures "megaflash" lightning strike
Michael Peterson, a scientist at Georgia Tech Research Institute, managed to measure a lightning "megaflash" that stretched 515 miles, setting a world record.
New study on how lightning bolts are created
A new study published Monday in the Journal of Geophysical Research appears to have solved the mystery of how lightning is created, using math. Victor Pasko, a professor in the department of electrical engineering at Penn State University and the leader of this study, joined CBS News to discuss.
Lightning strikes kill 33 people in a week as monsoon season hits India
Monsoon season has brought powerful storms to eastern India, with at least 33 people killed by lightning strikes this week alone.
Man killed by lightning in New Jersey
A man in New Jersey was killed and several people were injured by a lightning strike Wednesday night. Meg Oliver reports on his death and the rise in lightning events brought on by climate change. And Lonnie Quinn has more on the danger of lightning.
1 dead, 14 hurt after lightning strike at New Jersey archery range
One person was killed and 14 others were injured after being struck by lightning in Jackson Township, New Jersey on Wednesday.
3 family members struck by lightning on Florida beach
The family members were standing under an umbrella during a thunderstorm, a bystander said.
Florida lab recreates lightning strikes to test equipment efficiency
A company is creating its own lightning bolts to test equipment efficiency as strikes become more common due to climate change.
Injuries, fatality from lightning strikes
The Southeastern U.S. has seen several lightning-related incidents this week. In South Carolina, 20 people were injured at a lake when lightning struck, and a Colorado man died after being hit on a beach in Florida. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
20 people injured by lightning strike at South Carolina lake
First responders assessed eight adults and 12 minors for electrocution after reports of a lightning strike hitting the water in South Carolina.
Colorado man dies after lightning strike on Florida beach, officials say
A 29-year-old Colorado man died after being struck by lightning on a Florida beach during his honeymoon, officials said.
Police cruiser struck by lightning
A security camera caught the moment a police cruiser was struck by lightning as severe weather rolled through Oklahoma on Monday. CBS News senior weather correspondent Rob Marciano has a look at the damage in Oklahoma, CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports on the conditions in Tennessee and meteorologist Jessica Burch has a check of the forecast.
Lightning strike reportedly kills 3 at Cambodia's renowned Angkor Wat
Officials in Cambodia say a lightning strike at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, killed three people and left several injured.
Video captures moment soccer player killed by lightning strike
A local Peruvian soccer match was called off due to weather, but as players left the field, lighting struck, killing one man and wounding five others.
Teen killed by lightning strike on Germany's highest peak
Lightning struck repeatedly as the men descended from the summit and the 18-year-old suffered a fatal electric shock, police said.
Lightning strike near Utah church youth group sends 7 to hospital
Seven members of a youth group hiking in Utah were transported to hospitals after lightning struck the ground near them.
2 hospitalized after lightning strike near PGA tournament in Connecticut
The strike occurred near a home along a golf course that is hosting the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship.
Lightning bolt strikes erupting volcano
A lightning bolt struck an erupting volcano in Guatemala, wowing spectators who gathered to see the Volcán de Fuego.
Lightning strikes kill 24 in India amid unusually heavy rain storms
Unseasonably heavy rain storms slammed India's western state of Gujarat, packing lightning blamed for the deaths of 24 people and 3 buffalo.
Lightning strike survivor turns to giving
Richard Rogers endured his first tragedy as a 23 year old, when his father took his own life. Years later, Rogers nearly died after being struck by lightning. His second chance at life propelled him into a life of giving. Now he runs a successful stove company and gives away grant money through his Just One More Foundation.
The secrets of lightning
Beautiful and dangerous, lightning bolts are one of nature's most captivating and misunderstood phenomena. Correspondent David Pogue looks into some of the misconceptions about lightning; meets a woman who survived millions of volts coursing through her body; and talks with photographer Lori Bailey, who has captured brilliant, millisecond-long displays of lightning.
The science and art of lightning
Beautiful and dangerous, lightning bolts are one of nature's most captivating and misunderstood phenomena.
Why you shouldn't shower during a thunderstorm
It turns out that standing outdoors isn't the only way to get electrocuted during a thunderstorm.
Video shows man struck by lightning and saved by police officer
Eric Baumgartner, 39, wanted to finish painting lines on a soccer field in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, before it started raining when he was struck by lightning.
Boat captain killed by lightning, passenger injured in Florida
A 39-year-old man from West Melbourne died after lightning struck his boat along the Florida coast near Orlando, officials said this week.
More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Single ticket wins Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed "substantive details" of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas.
U.S.
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More severe weather in store for a soaked California, raising mudslide risk
More severe weather is forecast for an already soaked California, raising risk of additional mudslides and debris flows.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
Single ticket wins Powerball's $1.817 billion Christmas Eve jackpot
A single winning ticket was sold for Powerball's Christmas Eve jackpot of $1.817 billion, in Arkansas. It was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
MoneyWatch
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Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
Politics
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Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
Trump promises to guard against "bad Santa" in Christmas Eve calls with kids
President Trump spent part of Christmas Eve bantering with kids, updating families on NORAD's Santa tracker and reminding one child that the big guy has a "serious appetite."
Trump-backed candidate declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
President Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura has won Honduras' presidential election, the country's electoral authorities said, ending a weeks-long count.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" potentially related to Epstein found
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
HealthWatch
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Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
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Zelenskyy says he had "very good conversation" with U.S. envoys on Christmas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he discussed "substantive details" of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Christmas.
Imprisoned Brazilian ex-president Bolsonaro undergoes surgery
Jair Bolsonaro, who has been hospitalized since Wednesday, has been serving a 27-year prison sentence since November for an attempted coup.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Rescue helicopter crashes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Two foreigners, a local doctor, a tour guide and the pilot were killed in the helicopter crash on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Pope Leo's first Christmas homily laments conditions in Gaza, war in Ukraine
In his first Christmas homily, Pope Leo lamented conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to end their wr.
Entertainment
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King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Kennedy Center Christmas Eve concert canceled after Trump's name added
A planned Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center has been canceled.
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
"The Polar Express" children's book turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, "The Polar Express." He tells CBS News' Bradley Blackburn about how he came up with the classic Christmas tale at just 34 years old.
Winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas
The Christmas Eve Powerball jackpot worth $1.817 billion, the second-largest ever, was won by a single ticket sold in Arkansas.
Leo XIV celebrates first Christmas as pope
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas since he became pontiff. At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, Leo urged people to care for the poor and for migrants.
Powerful storm slams California
A powerful storm brought heavy rain to parts of California on Wednesday, flooding roads and prompting evacuations in some areas. The deluge of rain is causing dangerous travel conditions on Christmas Day.
Why flamingos are returning to Florida
In late 19th-century Florida, hunters pushed flamingos into functional extinction. But something changed over the last 25 years when hurricanes in the Caribbean chased them into the Everglades. Mark Strassmann reports.