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.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
U.S.
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California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Truck driver spends decades carving a scale model masterpiece of New York City
Beginning in 2004, Joe Macken carved all five boroughs of New York City out of balsa wood, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building. His creation consists of almost 1 million structures.
Heightened security from dozens of local, federal agencies ahead of Super Bowl
More than 35 local, state and federal agencies have been working for the last 18 months to prepare for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
Politics
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Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
Trump says he "didn't see" image depicting Obamas as apes in social media post
President Trump late Friday addressed a video posted to his social media account that included a racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, telling reporters he didn't see the part that showed the former president and first lady.
HealthWatch
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Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
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Italy nabs first gold medal of Milano Cortina Olympics in speedskating upset
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, shaving more than two-and-a-half seconds off the mark set by Dutch legend Irene Schouten four years earlier in Beijing.
4 suspects arrested after bombing at Pakistan mosque leaves 31 dead
Friday's attack was the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in nearly 20 years.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Hungary's Orbán to attend inaugural meeting of Trump's "Board of Peace"
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended the launch of the initiative last month in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Skier Eileen Gu sports a personalized, detail-studded ski suit at Olympics
Gu qualified for the women's slopestyle final wearing an outfit with details inspired by her Chinese heritage and her personal quirks.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
The Barr Brothers perform "Another Tangerine"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Another Tangerine."
The Barr Brothers perform "Naturally"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Naturally."
The Barr Brothers perform "Run Right Into It"
Montreal-based brothers Andrew and Brad Barr released their debut album in 2010 and have won some of Canada's top music awards for their indie sound. Performing from their first album in eight years, "Let it Hiss," here's The Barr Brothers performing "Run Right Into It."
Technology
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Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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
Winter Olympics kick off with opening cermony
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics marked its official start on Friday with an opening ceremony that included the traditional Parade of Nations and performances from Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. "CBS Saturday Morning" goes inside the event.
Three sisters chase Olympic dream
Sam, Lauren and Alli Macuga are competitive skiers across different disciplines who were hoping to represent Team USA at Milano Cortina. Lauren, who was a top contender in alpine, suffered an ACL injury in November that ended her season -- but she explains why the world hasn't seen the last of the Macuga sisters.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
The Dish: Noor Murad
Noor Murad's latest cookbook is a love letter to the Middle Eastern flavors she is known for using in her dishes.