Branson soars into space with Virgin Galactic
On Sunday, British billionaire Richard Branson and a crew of five others soared into space onboard a Virgin Galactic rocket plane. Mark Strassmann reports.
Richard Branson
William Shatner is blasting off to space for real next week
The 90-year-old actor will be the oldest to fly in space when he joins three crewmates aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft
FAA clears Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo for flight following probe
The company said it expects to open its flight window for the next test flight by mid-October.
Inspiration4 crew returns to Earth after historic flight
The Inspiration4 crew splashed down at 7:07 p.m. ET near Cape Canaveral to close out a three-day mission.
Richard Branson preps for Sunday space launch
The excitement among space enthusiasts is building Saturday morning in New Mexico. That's where, in a little more than 24 hours, billionaire Richard Branson's company, Virgin Galactic, will send him and three other employees to the edge of space. It's another milestone in the emerging commercial market of sub-orbital flight. Mark Strassmann has the details.
First privately-funded trip to orbit going well, but few details released
SpaceX founder Elon Musk says "all is well" with the first all-civilian non-government trip to orbit.
First all-civilian flight to orbit will take charity to new heights
The Inspiration4 mission is raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with three days in orbit aboard a SpaceX capsule.
FAA grounds Virgin Galactic rockets while probing Branson trip
Regulators say rocketship carrying British billionaire and others in a July flight veered off course on its descent.
Atlas 5 hauled off launch pad for Starliner troubleshooting
If a valve problem with Boeing's Starliner crew capsule isn't quickly fixed, launch could slip to late this year.
FAA changes definition of astronaut
Being an astronaut isn't what it used to be. The Federal Aviation Administration changed its definition of who qualifies even as billionaire-driven space tourism ramps up. CBS News' Michael George reports.
What Bezos' spaceflight means for space travel
The successful launch of Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is ushering in a new era of consumer space travel. The mission comes exactly 52 years to the day after the historic Apollo 11 lunar module touched down on the surface of the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann spoke with Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, and his brother Mark about the journey and the future of space tourism, and Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer and director of the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, joined CBSN to put the historic spaceflight in perspective.
The differences between Bezos and Branson flights
About a week after Branson soared to an altitude just above 50 miles, Bezos reached just above 62 miles.
Jeff Bezos and crew prepare for space launch
Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos will be launching into space Tuesday along with three crewmates. It will be the first human flight for the space company. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann joins "CBSN AM" from near the launch site in West Texas with more on the plans.
Blue Origin set for first crewed mission
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin company will launch its first crewed mission to the edge of space on Tuesday. Greg Autry, a clinical professor of space leadership, policy and business at Arizona State University, joined CBSN to discuss.
New Shepard rocket ready for Bezos flight
Two more passenger flights are planned before the end of the year as Bezos kicks off commercial flight operations.
Space tourism is new adventure for the ultrarich
A new era has begun in space travel as billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos launch themselves above Earth. But for now, it’ll be a journey only the wealthy can afford. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Richard Branson makes history with space flight
Billionaire Richard Branson has become the first person to take his own ship to space, lifting off Sunday on a space plane from his Virgin Galactic. Former astronaut Clayton Anderson tells CBSN's Tanya Rivero what it means for space travel.
Branson becomes first billionaire in space
Billionaire Richard Branson becomes the first person to leave Earth in his own spaceship, beating fellow billionaire Jeff Bezos by at least nine days. The flight on Branson’s “Virgin Galactic” rocket marks a major step for space tourism. Mark Strassmann reports.
Ex-astronaut on Virgin Galactic's flight
Billionaire Richard Branson was among the first people to ride into space on his own company's aircraft. Branson and five crewmates experienced about three minutes of weightlessness before plunging back into Earth's atmosphere. Former astronaut Leroy Chiao joined "CBSN AM" to discuss the flight and what it could mean for the future of space tourism.
Branson and Virgin Galactic complete successful space flight
On Sunday, Richard Branson became the first owner of a private space company to launch aboard one of his own spacecraft.
Face The Nation: Johnson, Kirby
Missed the second half of the show? The latest on Afghanistan’s future as U.S. troops withdraw from the region, federal face mask mandate while traveling, and Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic space flight.
Special Report: Branson rockets into space
Virgin Galactic owner Richard Branson rocketed into space Sunday morning for a sub-orbital test flight intended to demonstrate his company's air-launched spaceplane is ready for passengers who can afford the ultimate thrill ride. Mark Strassmann joins Errol Barnett from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, to discuss the historic flight.
Richard Branson speaks after space flight
After his successful flight to space, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson spoke to the crowd at the Spaceport America launch and landing site in New Mexico. "We're here to make space more accessible to all," he said, calling the flight "the most extraordinary experience." Watch his remarks.
Branson takes lead over Bezos in race to space
CBS News senior correspondent Mark Strassmann reports on Virgin Galactic’s historic flight which comes just nine days before Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin takes flight.
Branson flight signals confidence in commercial spaceflight
Branson and five crewmates are set for a dramatic sub-orbital flight to space.
Live
Tehran threatens to retaliate after U.S. attacks vital Iranian oil hub
President Trump alleged that Iran is "totally defeated and wants a deal," but not one he "would accept."
FCC chair threatens broadcast licenses as Trump criticizes Iran war coverage
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr did not name specific networks, but his post included a reference to a Saturday morning Truth Social post from the president.
What to know about Kharg Island, the Iranian oil site struck by U.S.
Kharg Island is a small, heavily fortified, and strategically valuable island off Iran's northern coast.
White House proposes new underground visitor screening facility
The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House.
3 more members of Iran women's soccer team decline to accept asylum in Australia
Another three members of the Iran women's soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to their homeland, an Australian government minister said.
Hamas calls on Iran to stop "targeting neighboring countries"
Hamas called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighboring countries, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself.
U.S. offers $10 million, chance to relocate for info on Iran's leaders
The State Department is seeking information on Iran's new supreme leader and nine other "key leaders" in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Russian strike on Kyiv region kills 4 people and wounds at least 15
The attack hit four districts, damaging residential buildings, educational institutions and critical infrastructure, officials said.
Energy secretary directs Texas oil company to restore operations off California
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the Defense Production Act to restore the Sable Offshore Corp.'s Santa Ynez unit and pipeline off Santa Barbara's coastline.
U.S.
More U.S.
White House proposes new underground visitor screening facility
The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House.
Energy secretary directs Texas oil company to restore operations off California
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the Defense Production Act to restore the Sable Offshore Corp.'s Santa Ynez unit and pipeline off Santa Barbara's coastline.
FCC chair threatens broadcast licenses as Trump criticizes Iran war coverage
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr did not name specific networks, but his post included a reference to a Saturday morning Truth Social post from the president.
Sinema admits romance with security guard as she fights ex-wife's lawsuit
The attorney for former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says she shouldn't be subject to a lawsuit by the ex-wife of her former lover.
Trump thanks TSA agents working with no pay amid government shutdown
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
How would escorting oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz work?
With oil markets paralyzed by the U.S.-Iran war, the Trump administration says it could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz — a massive undertaking that experts say could already be in the preparatory stages.
Chart shows what you're paying for when you buy a gallon of gas
U.S. gas prices are surging as the Iran war drives up the global cost of oil. But what exactly accounts for what you pay at the pump?
High oil prices are boosting airfares. These tips could save you money.
Planning a trip? Travel experts recommend booking your flight soon as the Iran war drives up airline and ticket costs.
These 2 bills would erase income taxes for millions of Americans
Two Democratic lawmakers are proposing tax reforms that would eliminate federal income taxes for millions of Americans.
Toyota recalls 550,000 Highlander SUVs because seats may fail to lock
Parts defect affecting Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles can increase the risk of injury, according to a safety notice. Here's what to know.
Politics
More Politics
3 more members of Iran women's soccer team decline to accept asylum in Australia
Another three members of the Iran women's soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to their homeland, an Australian government minister said.
White House proposes new underground visitor screening facility
The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House.
FCC chair threatens broadcast licenses as Trump criticizes Iran war coverage
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr did not name specific networks, but his post included a reference to a Saturday morning Truth Social post from the president.
Trump thanks TSA agents working with no pay amid government shutdown
TSA officers faced their first full missed paycheck Friday.
U.S. offers $10 million, chance to relocate for info on Iran's leaders
The State Department is seeking information on Iran's new supreme leader and nine other "key leaders" in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
Disease once linked to mining hits workers in countertops industry
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone for kitchen countertops, can scar human lungs beyond repair.
"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
World
More World
3 more members of Iran women's soccer team decline to accept asylum in Australia
Another three members of the Iran women's soccer team who accepted refugee visas to stay in Australia have decided to return to their homeland, an Australian government minister said.
Pope Leo moves into papal residence eschewed by Pope Francis
His predecessor, Pope Francis, lived in a simple apartment in the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican.
What to know about Kharg Island, the Iranian oil site struck by U.S.
Kharg Island is a small, heavily fortified, and strategically valuable island off Iran's northern coast.
Russian strike on Kyiv region kills at least 6 people and wounds dozens
The attack hit four districts, damaging residential buildings, educational institutions and critical infrastructure, officials said.
Police chase wild boar wandering in mall with blowgun, riot shields
The wild boar sparked a police response that drew in officers and veterinarians equipped with a tranquilizer gun, shields and even a blowgun.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Meet one of the last true paparazzi
Pascal Rostain, one of the last-standing "traditional" paparazzi photographers, talks to "CBS Saturday Morning" about how the industry has changed in a world of smartphones and social media.
Oscars 2026 predictions
Kat Rosenfield, a culture writer for the Free Press, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to preview the 98th Academy Awards and discuss her new novel, "How to Survive in Woods." The Free Press is a Paramount publication.
Jay Buchanan performs "Deep Swimming"
Jay Buchanan is the frontman for the Grammy-nominated rock group Rival Sons. Outside of the band, he's collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb. His debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty, is out now. Here's Jay Buchanan performing "Deep Swimming."
Jay Buchanan performs "Sway"
Jay Buchanan is the frontman for the Grammy-nominated rock group Rival Sons. Outside of the band, he's collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb. His debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty, is out now. Here's Jay Buchanan performing "Sway."
Jay Buchanan performs "True Black"
Jay Buchanan is the frontman for the Grammy-nominated rock group Rival Sons. Outside of the band, he's collaborated with Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, and the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb. His debut solo album, Weapons of Beauty, is out now. Here's Jay Buchanan performing "True Black."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
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.
3 teens took part in a weeklong experiment to curb screen time. It worked.
For one week, three New Jersey high schoolers agreed not to take their phones to bed, and to try different tools to reduce screen time.
How Pentagon-Anthropic AI dispute escalated
The Trump administration has blacklisted AI giant Anthropic, labeling it a supply chain risk. The company has sued in response. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to break down the feud.
Science
More Science
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
More Crime
Players Championship start delayed amid manhunt for murder suspect
Suspect Christian Barrios, 32, shot two people multiple times Friday night, St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said.
Judge in Charlie Kirk murder case makes ruling on media access
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, 22, who is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk.
FBI: Synagogue attacker died by suicide
The suspect in the Michigan synagogue attack died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the FBI said at a news conference on Friday. CBS News correspondent Ash-har Quraishi has the latest.
Officials give update on synagogue attack
Officials in Michigan gave an update about Thursday's synagogue car ramming attack that the FBI is investigating as a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community." CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
New details from Virginia, Michigan attacks
The U.S. is on high alert after two separate domestic attacks on Thursday: A shooting at Old Dominion University, and a car ramming at a Michigan synagogue. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the latest details on the incidents.
Space
More Space
Space
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Two fired federal workers helping others like them
Two former federal workers are turning their firings into a movement to help others. Nikole Killion has their story.
Fliers facing long lines in U.S. amid DHS shutdown
Fliers in the U.S. experienced long lines at security as TSA agents worked without pay. Tim McNicholas has more on the major problems looming this spring break.
War in Iran squeezing U.S. oil supply
The economic risks of the war in Iran are getting real for Americans at home. Stock markets ended the week down again as the conflict dragged on. This as U.S. crude oil costs are pumped up. Andres Gutierrez has more on the energy shock.
How the war in Iran is impacting the region
Iran urged Middle East countries to expel the U.S. military on Saturday. Nations in the Persian Gulf are reporting new attacks by Iranian drones and missiles, but the pace has slowed. Imtiaz Tyab has more from Doha, Qatar.
Trump asks for help to keep Strait of Hormuz open
President Trump called on countries like the U.K., France, South Korea, Japan and even China to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iran tries to strangle the flow of oil from the region. Charlie D'Agata reports.