Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
America 250
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall briefly evacuated
Americans celebrated 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather put a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
"Vanishingly rare" copy of Declaration of Independence found in U.K.
A volunteer at the National Archives in London found the document among other papers seized from an American ship in 1776.
Kennedy Center selling $25,000 ticket package to watch D.C. July 4th fireworks
The Washington, D.C., fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Trump-backed organization Freedom 250, is not slated to begin until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
How dialects reveal America's history and hint at what's next
Across the United States, the way you speak is filled with cultural authenticity and central to identity.
NYC bar claims founding father history
If you want to party like a Founding Father, Fraunces Tavern in New York City promises that experience this July 4. The owner says the Sons of Liberty drank, argued and celebrated there. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Why Florida stayed loyal to Britain during the American Revolution
Historians explain why East and West Florida remained loyal to Britain instead of joining the 13 colonies in declaring independence.
American icons reflect on the ideals the U.S. was founded on
Leaders in the arts, science and business, including Sundar Pichai, Jamie Lee Curtis, Katie Ledecky and Ken Burns shared their reflections on America.
D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
CBS News poll on America at 250 — its successes and its challenges
A big majority say the nation has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, at least a fair amount, if not a great deal. But Americans also see a nation facing challenges today, according to CBS News' most recent poll.
Poll: America at 250 and some of what Americans think is best about U.S.
Americans weighed in on what's best about the U.S., its greatest invention, most representative food and more in latest CBS News poll.
Teaching the Declaration of Independence with hashtags 250 years later
Educators are finding engaging ways to teach the Declaration of Independence on the 250th anniversary of its signing.
Douglas Brinkley on America at 250: History tells us hoping for unity is not futile
In these fiercely-polarized times, the presidential historian reminds us that Americans' freedom has been tested – and has survived – much worse.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A promise unfulfilled
An Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – guaranteeing rights to all Americans regardless of sex – was first proposed to Congress in 1923. More than a century later, the ERA still has not become a formal part of our nation's bedrock of laws.
Historic Route 66: Americana on the go
Though long bypassed by interstates, the historic "Mother Road," stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, remained a place for drivers to "get their kicks." Today, marking its first 100 years, Route 66 continues to attract travelers searching for an America of yesterday.
The Founding Fathers: Why their radical beliefs continue to shape America
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were flawed, but what they did in the summer of 1776 changed the world forever – and their fight for equality continues today.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Historian retraces Underground Railroad to mark America's 250-year journey
Anthony Cohen has spent his life bringing attention to the Underground Railroad, secret routes once used by enslaved people seeking freedom.
U.S.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
NYC Council probes prediction markets over advertising practices
New York City lawmakers allege that four major prediction markets engage in deceptive marketing practices and target young adults.
$1 billion Powerball jackpot on the line in tonight's drawing. Here's what to know.
The jackpot is the eighth-largest Powerball prize ever.
CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace
The CPI report was in line with economists' expectations, marking the second consecutive month with cooler price pressures.
Fighter jets intercept civilian plane over Geneva, Ohio
F-16 fighter jets intercepted a civilian plane that violated a temporary flight restriction over Geneva, Ohio, where President Trump attended the 2026 Patriot Games.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Eli Lilly takes aim at illicit market for its experimental weight-loss drug
The pharmaceutical company is filing lawsuits against six outlets selling versions of its promising but unapproved weight-loss drug, retatrutide.
14-term Rep. John Larson ousted by challenger in Connecticut Democratic primary
Democratic Rep. John Larson — who has represented central Connecticut since the late 1990s — lost his party's primary Tuesday to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, CBS News has projected.
ICE plans to give officers gloves that can deliver electric shocks
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers may soon be outfitted with gloves that can deliver painful electric shocks that are intended to gain compliance from combative individuals.
Beach town mayor worries social media trend could lead to shark attack
Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis worries that baiting sharks close to shore in order to take pictures and videos of them could be a recipe for disaster.
Deadly storms, tornadoes slam Midwest, causing widespread power outages
More than 700,000 customers in the Midwest were still without power early Wednesday after perilous thunderstorms and tornadoes hit the region.
Trump administration bars use of Medicaid funds for some youth transgender care
Medicaid said it won't pay for gender-affirming surgeries or hormones for transgender minors.
High school football player finds venomous snake inside helmet he was wearing
The Maumelle High football player wore the helmet for nearly an hour and was fortunate he wasn't bitten, animal services director Chris Davis said.
Trump Media sells $100,000 Truth Social data access, drawing scrutiny
Customers are paying up to $100,000 a month for faster access to Truth Social posts from President Trump and other top users of the social media platform.
Play video games? You, too, could become an air traffic controller
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is touting the success of a campaign targeting video gamers to train as air traffic controllers.
White House asked DOJ about new Reflecting Pool case against David Hearn
Earlier this month, however, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the case, citing new information that the damage was caused by a "botched installation" by a contractor, not vandalism.
Social Security adds 14 conditions to fast-track disability list
The Social Security Administration is expanding its list of diseases and other health conditions that may qualify for accelerated approval of disability benefits.
Is your career "rusting out"? Here's what that means, and how to spot it.
Many employees feel their employers don't value them and that they're not contributing as much as they could, a workplace poll finds.
DOJ office says Trump's outside advisers can be shielded by executive privilege
Trump's outside advisers may now be protected from future congressional and legal investigations, according to a new opinion from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
U.S.
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Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
NYC Council probes prediction markets over advertising practices
New York City lawmakers allege that four major prediction markets engage in deceptive marketing practices and target young adults.
CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace
The CPI report was in line with economists' expectations, marking the second consecutive month with cooler price pressures.
Eli Lilly takes aim at illicit market for its experimental weight-loss drug
The pharmaceutical company is filing lawsuits against six outlets selling versions of its promising but unapproved weight-loss drug, retatrutide.
Politics
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Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The Justice Department unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
Rubio, Bessent took decoy Air Force One, Hegseth flew on secret flight with Trump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were on the decoy flight last month when President Trump secretly switched to a different plane while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was with Mr. Trump.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
HealthWatch
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Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
Doctor on Fauci's COVID-era revealed texts
Republican senators this week released 11 new text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci's government phone in 2021 as part of the investigations into his handling of the COVID pandemic. In the texts, he discussed the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine for pregnant women. Dr. Serena Chen, an OB-GYN and the director of advocacy at CCRM Fertility of New Jersey, has more.
Trump administration bars use of Medicaid funds for some youth transgender care
Medicaid said it won't pay for gender-affirming surgeries or hormones for transgender minors.
World
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At least 1 dead, 172 rescued from ferry fire near Bali, Indonesia
One Indonesian teenager was killed when the vessel caught fire in rough seas.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Baby rescued from earthquake rubble in Colombia as death toll rises
Footage shared on social media shows a baby being rescued from the bloody arms of a man trapped underneath a destroyed building in Cali after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Becky G on her friendship with Karol G
Singer Becky G speaks with Gayle King about her tour with Karol G and the bond the two pop stars have formed. "We have a beautiful friendship," Becky G says, "one I'm really, really thankful for and one that I think throughout the years we've really earned with one another."
Behind the scenes of the movie "Tony"
Actor Dominic Sessa and renowned chef Eric Ripert talk with "CBS Mornings" about the new movie "Tony," which is loosely based on Anthony Bourdain's stories of his first experience working in a kitchen restaurant before he found fame. Sessa describes how he got involved and Ripert, who one of Bourdain's best friends, talks about his relationship with the beloved chef.
Becky G on being family's breadwinner
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King speaks exclusively with pop superstar Becky G about feeling the pressure of becoming her family's breadwinner at a young age.
Spotify to label music from "AI personas"
Kourtnee Jackson, senior streaming and entertainment editor at CNET, joins "The Daily Report" to give her take on Spotify's decision to label AI-generated music and block it from being recommended to users.
Graceland celebrates "Elvis Week"
"Elvis Week" kicked off at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 8 and runs until Aug. 16, marking Elvis Presley's death. Alicia Dean, the longtime marketing and promotions specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, joins with more.
Technology
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Technology
Meta on trial for social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta is being accused of designing social media platforms that violate privacy and enable social media addiction in children. Jury selection in the trial begins today. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case.
Duffy on new tech for air travel safety
Top transportation officials were at Newark Airport on Tuesday for the installation of a new radar system designed to help controllers prevent runway incidents. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the new technology.
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.
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Are humanoid robots ready to scrub your kitchen? Not quite.
Startup companies are now starting to test their humanoid robots for home use, but experts said wider adoption will take years.
Science
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Science
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Perseid meteor shower peaks during eclipse
The Perseid meteor shower will peak during 2026's only total solar eclipse. Director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium, Dr. Geza Gyuk, explains why the eclipse is so special.
Total solar eclipse in Europe
A small part of the U.S. will be able to see a sliver of partial solar eclipse, but the path of totality will cut through Europe. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more from Mallorca, Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy's counselor takes the stand
Latiesha Dukes, one of Lindsay Clancy's mental health counselors before the deaths of her three children, testified Wednesday that she did not see signs of Clancy in crisis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Judge makes rare ruling in Mangione case
At a hearing for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge ruled the jury in Mangione's New York state murder trial will be anonymous. Tom Hanson explains.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
More healthcare testimony in Clancy trial
Healthcare workers who treated Lindsay Clancy's postpartum mental health concerns are back on the stand Tuesday in her murder trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has the latest.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
From 2025: The ins and outs of egg freezing
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez began sharing on social media that she is going to try to preserve her fertility by freezing her eggs, a subject that Lesley Stahl reported on in 2025. Stahl found that the costly procedure brought happy endings to some women, but offered no guarantees.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Witnesses describe total solar eclipse
Europe saw its first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday. CBS News' Rob Marciano was in Mallorca, Spain, for the moment of totality and spoke with some of the people who saw it.
Watch: Eclipse moment of totality in Spain
CBS News' Rob Marciano reports from Mallorca, Spain, on the moment of totality during Wednesday's solar eclipse.
Aid worker describes situation in Colombia
Diana Gutiérrez de Piñeres Botero, Americares Colombia country director, joins CBS News from Bogotá, Colombia, to discuss the situation on the ground there after Tuesday's massive earthquake.