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.
Lynette Hooker may have returned to sailboat before disappearance, source says
Investigators are looking into the possibility that a Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas earlier this year may not have fallen overboard from a dinghy as her husband has claimed.
Man fatally shot by ICE in Houston was not intended target, DHS says
The Department of Homeland Security said the officer who fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston was not wearing a body camera.
Firm hired to check air quality after L.A. warehouse fire has controversial history
Arkansas-based Onterris reported "good" air quality after a giant warehouse fire in Los Angeles. Some experts and activists say the testing is inadequate.
First on CBS
Scaled-back Alibaba settlement reflects DOJ's approach to food and drug cases
The scaled-backed Alibaba settlement reflects a broader trend by the DOJ of pulling back on criminal enforcement of corporate cases involving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
Trump's proposed arch needs structural revisions to earn final approval
Washington, D.C., has height restrictions, and the National Planning Commission offered a solution to meet them for the 250-foot proposed arch.
Home prices across the U.S. hit an all-time high
Sky-high housing prices make even starter homes too expensive for most Americans, housing data show.
Millions of Americans have until July 10 to claim refunds from the IRS
A federal court ruling enabled some taxpayers to seek refunds tied to COVID-era filing deadlines. But that window expires July 10 — here's what to know.
First on CBS
Schiff launches inquiry into DOJ's closure of tainted baby formula probe
Sen. Schiff is launching a congressional inquiry into why the DOJ shuttered a criminal probe into Cronobacter bacterial contamination at an Abbott Laboratories plant that made baby formula.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect said "he wishes he hadn't done it," roommate says
Lance Twiggs said in a recorded interview with a Utah prosecutor that he saw Robinson the day after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed.
Questions arise over new Air Force One after Trump uses old plane
The Secret Service advised that President Trump take the old plane to depart Turkey, according to people briefed on the situation.
Jet fuel prices have dropped. Why are air fares still so high?
Lower jet fuel costs spell relief for airlines. But that doesn't mean they'll pass savings onto customers by lowering airfares, experts said.
North Texas aviation pioneer Wally Funk dies, aged 87
Wally Funk was selected in 1961 as one of the elite women in the Mercury 13 program, finishing the same rigorous training program given to the Mercury 7 astronauts.
Exclusive
Army to share findings of Kuwait attack probe with Gold Star families
Six Americans were killed in the March 1 Iranian strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait.
Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty to charges of damaging Reflecting Pool
Three-time Olympian David Hearn was indicted July 2, after he was accused of ripping out a portion of the sealant from the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19.
Judge orders Indian billionaire to answer questions on whether was quid pro quo
The Justice Department in May announced it had dismissed criminal foreign bribery and securities fraud charges against Gautam Adani, India's richest man.
Temperatures forecast to reach up to 117 degrees in western heat wave
A blistering heat wave persisted in the western United States on Thursday, and temperatures are forecast to reach up to 117 degrees in some desert areas.
Kia recalling almost 463,000 Tellurides that may catch fire in motion or parked
Kia America is recalling almost 463,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years that could catch fire while being driven or parked, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
1 year after Supreme Court limited broad injunctions, groups see shifting landscape
More than one year after the Supreme Court restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, groups challenging President Trump's agenda have relied on other mechanisms to broadly block his policies.
Some large ICE facilities haven't been inspected in over a year
Detention facilities are now inspected every year or every other year rather than twice a year, a CBS News analysis of inspection reports found.
Second Memphis fatal shooting in 4 days by federal task force, officials say
A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a man there on Wednesday, the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
Sons of man killed by ICE officer in Houston demand independent probe
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo worked for 35 years to send all three of his American citizen sons to college, his son said. He was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Tuesday.
Parents of football player who died speak out after charges filed against ex-coach
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is charging former Bucknell coach Mark Kulbis with felony aggravated hazing.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
U.S.
More U.S.
Lynette Hooker may have returned to sailboat before disappearance, source says
Investigators are looking into the possibility that a Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas earlier this year may not have fallen overboard from a dinghy as her husband has claimed.
Man fatally shot by ICE in Houston was not intended target, DHS says
The Department of Homeland Security said the officer who fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston was not wearing a body camera.
Firm hired to check air quality after L.A. warehouse fire has controversial history
Arkansas-based Onterris reported "good" air quality after a giant warehouse fire in Los Angeles. Some experts and activists say the testing is inadequate.
First on CBS
Scaled-back Alibaba settlement reflects DOJ's approach to food and drug cases
The scaled-backed Alibaba settlement reflects a broader trend by the DOJ of pulling back on criminal enforcement of corporate cases involving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
Trump's proposed arch needs structural revisions to earn final approval
Washington, D.C., has height restrictions, and the National Planning Commission offered a solution to meet them for the 250-foot proposed arch.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ex-Epoch Times CFO pleads guilty in $67 million money laundering scheme
The former CFO of The Epoch Times, a conservative multinational media company, interrupted jury selection at his money laundering trial to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge in a $67 million fraud scheme.
EasyJet accepts takeover offer from Apollo, over Castlerock's bid
British budget airline EasyJet says it's reached an agreement in principle for a £5.7-billion ($7.7-billion) takeover by U.S. private equity firm Apollo, topping a rival offer from fellow American private equity investor Castlelake.
Home prices across the U.S. hit an all-time high
Sky-high housing prices make even starter homes too expensive for most Americans, housing data show.
Millions of Americans have until July 10 to claim refunds from the IRS
A federal court ruling enabled some taxpayers to seek refunds tied to COVID-era filing deadlines. But that window expires July 10 — here's what to know.
Jet fuel prices have dropped. Why are air fares still so high?
Lower jet fuel costs spell relief for airlines. But that doesn't mean they'll pass savings onto customers by lowering airfares, experts said.
Politics
More Politics
Illinois assault weapons ban upheld by federal appeals court
A federal appeals court on Thursday upheld an Illinois ban on semiautomatic weapons, keeping in place a law passed largely in response to a deadly Independence Day parade shooting.
Here's who's vying to replace Graham Platner as Maine Democratic Senate nominee
Graham Platner's move to suspend his Senate campaign after a sexual assault allegation has prompted a mad dash in Maine, as Democrats position themselves as replacements to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
First on CBS
Scaled-back Alibaba settlement reflects DOJ's approach to food and drug cases
The scaled-backed Alibaba settlement reflects a broader trend by the DOJ of pulling back on criminal enforcement of corporate cases involving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
Trump's proposed arch needs structural revisions to earn final approval
Washington, D.C., has height restrictions, and the National Planning Commission offered a solution to meet them for the 250-foot proposed arch.
First on CBS
Schiff launches inquiry into DOJ's closure of tainted baby formula probe
Sen. Schiff is launching a congressional inquiry into why the DOJ shuttered a criminal probe into Cronobacter bacterial contamination at an Abbott Laboratories plant that made baby formula.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
World
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Mexico seeks prosecutions over deaths in U.S. after fatal ICE shooting
Mexico's government has sharply criticized the treatment of its citizens under President Trump's push to increase deportations.
Devastation, agony and hope: What we saw in Venezuela after the earthquakes
The earthquakes that rocked Venezuela last month led to catastrophic damage in the port city of La Guaira — killing thousands and forcing rescuers to scour the rubble for missing people. Here's what we saw.
EasyJet accepts takeover offer from Apollo, over Castlerock's bid
British budget airline EasyJet says it's reached an agreement in principle for a £5.7-billion ($7.7-billion) takeover by U.S. private equity firm Apollo, topping a rival offer from fellow American private equity investor Castlelake.
39 killed in southern China flooding after days of heavy rain
Authorities in southern China say 39 people have died in flooding after days of heavy rainfall from a tropical storm.
U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured leg in World Cup loss to Belgium
Christian Pulisic was diagnosed with a fractured right leg, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Thursday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Director of "Aces," breaks down docuseries
"Aces: The ATP No. 1 Club" is a new docuseries on the greatest male tennis players of all time. It features rare interviews from legends who reached number one in the world. Pat Dimon, the director of "Aces," joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Jon Batiste performs "Georgia On My Mind"
Jon Batiste performs the Ray Charles classic, "Georgia On My Mind," as America rings in its 250th birthday.
Julie Chen Moonves on "Big Brother" season 28
Julie Chen Moonves, who hosts "Big Brother," gives "CBS Mornings" a sneak peek inside the house ahead of the season 28 premiere.
Eva Marcille on "All the Queen's Men"
Eva Marcille, who stars in "All the Queen's Men," joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the show's fifth and final season.
Emmy nomination snubs and surprises
"The PItt" and "Hacks" stole the show at the 2026 Emmy Award nominations, with 25 and 24 nominations, respectively. Here are some of the biggest takeaways with Entertainment Tonight reporter Emily Curl.
Technology
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Technology
Breaking down the Texas app store age law
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court said it would allow Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages while the issue plays out in the lower courts. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the constitutional question.
Deepfake vulnerabilities in Meta's new AI tool
Meta has launched a new AI-imaging tool called Muse that could make public Instagram users vulnerable to deepfakes. Muse allows other Instagram users to use photos from public accounts to make AI images without explicit approval or knowledge. CNET AI reporter Katelyn Chedraoui has more.
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.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
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.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
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?
Crime
More Crime
Mexico seeks prosecutions over deaths in U.S. after fatal ICE shooting
Mexico's government has sharply criticized the treatment of its citizens under President Trump's push to increase deportations.
Ex-Epoch Times CFO pleads guilty in $67 million money laundering scheme
The former CFO of The Epoch Times, a conservative multinational media company, interrupted jury selection at his money laundering trial to plead guilty to a conspiracy charge in a $67 million fraud scheme.
Roommate interview revealed in Kirk case
In the pretrial hearing of Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prosecutors played an interview with Tyler Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner on Thursday.
2 killed by feds in separate Memphis shootings
A member of the federal crime task force in Memphis shot and killed a man while DEA agents were serving a drug warrant on Wednesday. On Sunday, two National Guard officers shot and killed Tyrin Johnson. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Court hears from Kirk suspect's ex-roommate
The suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder allegedly told his roommate he "wishes he hadn't done it," an interview played in court on Thursday revealed. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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
Director of "Aces," breaks down docuseries
"Aces: The ATP No. 1 Club" is a new docuseries on the greatest male tennis players of all time. It features rare interviews from legends who reached number one in the world. Pat Dimon, the director of "Aces," joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Breaking down the Texas app store age law
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court said it would allow Texas to enforce a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages while the issue plays out in the lower courts. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the constitutional question.
Military breakdown of U.S.-Iran strikes
The U.S. and Iran exchanged their heaviest strikes this week since the signing of the fragile ceasefire just over three weeks ago. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
The food to expect from the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair opens next month, and they've just released a list of the food attendees can expect. Tony Dokoupil has the preview.
New questions on Bahamas disappearance
According to Lynette Hooker's family, the story her husband Brian has been telling about the night she went missing in the Bahamas is apparently not what investigators believe actually happened. Cristian Benavides has the update.