The White House's history with Thanksgiving, and how the turkey pardon came to be
The history of White House Thanksgiving traditions date back more than 160 years to President Abraham Lincoln, who established the national holiday.
Abraham Lincoln
Reporter's Notebook: Confronting slavery's horrors
An 1862 letter to President Abraham Lincoln offers a reminder that greatness comes from confronting, not avoiding, uncomfortable truths about America's past. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Union Pacific and Norfolk seek merger to create first transcontinental railroad
Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.
The history of presidential fashion
From Abraham Lincoln's top hat to President Trump's signature red tie, presidential fashion historian Summer Anne Lee joins "The Takeout" to discuss the evolution of Oval Office style.
Doris Kearns Goodwin on effective leaders
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin has researched American presidents for 50 years. Over her career, she’s written extensively about the lives of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Goodwin joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss her new online Master Class course where she teaches how leadership qualities can define a commander-in-chief.
Almanac: Lincoln's whiskers
On October 15, 1860, an 11-year-old girl's letter urged presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln to "let your whiskers grow" - and he did! Jane Pauley reports on the first (but not the last) bearded president.
The strange story of Lincoln's cabins
In Kentucky you can visit the cabin where Honest Abe grew up ... or is it? CBS News contributor Brook Silva-Braga investigates the unusual tale of log cabins at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky.
Almanac: Yosemite Valley Grant Act
The act was signed by Abraham Lincoln 155 years ago on June 30, 1864. Yosemite became a national park in 1890.
State Department wants staff to report alleged anti-Christian bias during Biden's term
President Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio is asking staff to report allegations of anti-Christian bias during the Biden era, including actions taken for opposition to vaccines or personal pronoun choice.
Reporter's Notebook: The day Lincoln reframed his image
A photograph and a speech changed the course of American history on this day in 1860. In a studio in New York City, aspiring presidential candidate Abe Lincoln stood for a portrait to prove he wasn't, as one newspaper called him, "the leanest, lankiest, most ungainly mass of legs, arms and hatchet face ever strung upon a single frame." John Dickerson explains.
Abraham Lincoln on peaceful transfer of power
On Election Day 160 years ago, the Civil War wasn’t going well, and it looked like Abraham Lincoln would not be reelected. So, Lincoln wrote a secret memo and sealed it. Inside, he vowed a peaceful transfer of power.
Navy oil ship damaged off coast of Oman
Officials confirm a U.S. Navy oil replenishment ship that supports the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group ran aground on Monday. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more on the Big Horn.
What history can teach about this U.S. moment
In the past two weeks, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt and President Biden ended his reelection campaign. Has there ever been two weeks in American history like this? The answer: Yes and no. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Looking back at the history of the GOP
Milwaukee is hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention this week. It's just about 90 minutes away from where the party was born 170 years ago. CBS News Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca looks at the GOP's history.
Author explores what holds U.S. together
Francis Barry and his wife traveled coast to coast in a 2017 Winnebago RV in the fall of 2020, heading West along the Lincoln Highway and returning through the South. Along the way, he had many conversations about the state of the U.S., captured in the book "Back Roads and Better Angels: a Journey into the Heart of American Democracy." Barry joins CBS News to discuss what he learned.
The story of Timbuctoo, home for free Black Americans decades before Juneteenth
Decades before Juneteenth, free Black Americans thrived in the South Jersey community of Timbuctoo. Meet the native son trying to preserve its history.
Major Garrett reflects on grand jury service
For five weeks, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett served on a grand jury in the District of Columbia. On Wednesday, Garrett returned to "America Decides" and reflected on what he took from the experience.
Abraham Lincoln pardoned Biden's great-great-granddad, documents show
President Biden's great-great-grandfather, Moses Robinette, was charged with attempted murder after a fight in 1864.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
Live
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth to face lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
U.K. pledges $34 million to fight antisemitism emergency after stabbing
The British government's terrorism prevention adviser describes anti-Jewish attacks as the "biggest national security emergency" since 2017.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
U.S.
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GDP rose at 2% annual rate in first quarter as U.S. economy rebounds
The AI boom propped up U.S. economic growth in the first quarter, but inflation due to the Iran war is casting a cloud.
David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
MoneyWatch
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GDP rose at 2% annual rate in first quarter as U.S. economy rebounds
The AI boom propped up U.S. economic growth in the first quarter, but inflation due to the Iran war is casting a cloud.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Politics
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Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
World
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Israel intercepts Gaza aid flotilla off Greek coast, activists say
The Global Sumud Flotilla said 22 of its 58 vessels were "abducted," while the Israeli foreign ministry derided the convoy as a "condom flotilla."
U.K. pledges $34 million to fight antisemitism emergency after stabbing
The British government's terrorism prevention adviser describes anti-Jewish attacks as the "biggest national security emergency" since 2017.
Live
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth to face lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
Divers find wreck of iconic U.S. ship torpedoed in WWI, killing 131
The sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa killed 131 people, making it the largest loss of life on any U.S. combat ship during the war.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Entertainment
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David Allan Coe, singer who wrote "Take This Job and Shove It," dies at 86
David Allan Coe also had hits with "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "The Ride" among others.
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
New memo detail Cole Allen's movements
A memorandum filed in federal court on Wednesday includes details about Cole Allen's movements before his encounter with U.S. Secret Service officers at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Nick Reiner appears in court
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, several weeks after pleading not guilty in the grisly death of his famous parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. Carter Evans has more details.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
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
Coast Guard chief on DHS shutdown
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday spoke to CBS News' Nicole Sganga about dire conditions within the military branch during the current partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
Hegseth's Iran testimony gets heated
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is returning to Capitol Hill on Thursday after a tense day of testimony before lawmakers bombarding him with questions about the Iran war. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
New images of correspondents' dinner suspect
New images show Cole Allen, the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, heavily armed minutes before allegedly storming the event on Saturday. It comes as more questions are raised about security. Matt Gutman reports.
Trump says he has upper hand in Iran war
President Trump says Iran's economy is on the brink of collapse as a stalemate plays out in the Strait of Hormuz, driving global oil and gas prices up. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Louisiana congressional map struck down
The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Louisiana's congressional map, with two majority Black districts, is not legal. The decision weakens the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act and could impact the upcoming midterm elections. Ed O'Keefe reports.