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.
Live
Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again
Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. said the move would not end its blockade.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
How the dispute between Trump and Pope Leo escalated
President Trump has lobbed insults at Pope Leo XIV in response to his criticisms of the war in Iran, marking an unusually pronounced rupture between the leaders of the world's most powerful country and the world's largest Christian denomination.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Trump signs short-term extension of surveillance law passed by Congress
President Trump's signing comes after Congress passed a 10-day extension for the controversial warrantless surveillance law.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Cleanup underway in Midwest after tornadoes leave path of damage, destruction
Communities across the Midwest were starting the cleanup process Saturday after multiple tornadoes touched down and severe weather struck areas from the Great Lakes to Texas.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
U.S.
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Skydiver rescued after crashing into scoreboard during Virginia Tech game
A skydiver crashed into the scoreboard before Virginia Tech's spring football game.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices
Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and existing water issues.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
MoneyWatch
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Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Airlines cut routes in response to rising jet fuel costs amid Iran war
Rising jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut routes and trim schedules.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Politics
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Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
HealthWatch
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Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
World
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Life jacket worn by Titanic passenger who survived auctioned for $900,000
The item is believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence, the auction house said.
6 killed after gunman opens fire in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say
The head of Ukraine's Interior Ministry said the gunman took hostages and spoke to negotiators for 40 minutes before he was shot dead.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity
There were no injuries reported in connection with the attack, police said Saturday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Breaking down the unlikely rise of the PWHL
New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and Professional Women's Hockey League executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the league's recent increase in popularity.
"Schmigadoon!" prepares for Broadway debut
Cinco Paul, the screenwriter behind hit movies like the "Despicable Me" series and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest project: adapting the hit Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for Broadway.
The Lone Bellow performs "You Were Leaving"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "You Were Leaving."
The Lone Bellow performs "No Getting Over You"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "No Getting Over You."
The Lone Bellow performs "I Did It For Love"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "I Did It For Love."
Technology
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Technology
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Experts have warning for AI-generated podcasts
Millions of Americans get health information from podcasts. Now, some medical experts are warning about the harmful impacts of misinformation on these programs. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder 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.
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
What we know about d4vd's arrest
David Burke, a singer who performs under the name d4vd, is behind bars on suspicion of murder. He was arrested after the body of a 14-year-old girl was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Matt Gutman reports.
500 pounds of liquid meth found after Fort Worth crash; 2 dead
Two people were found dead when a minivan carrying nearly 500 pounds of liquid meth worth up to $3 million crashed in a Fort Worth neighborhood.
Space
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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.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
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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
Skydiver crashes into stadium scoreboard
A skydiver was safely rescued after accidentally crashing into a scoreboard during a Virginia Tech spring football game.
Young surfing phenom pivots to jiu-jitsu
14-year-old surfing phenom tells Carter Evans about his pivot to jiu-jitsu and the lessons he's learned about choosing your path.
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Pope Leo pushes back on claims of Trump feud
Pope Leo pushed back on claims that he is feuding with President Trump. Chris Livesay has more details.
Tornadoes whip across several states
Millions are under the threat of severe weather on Saturday, with a tornado risk from Tennessee to New York. Multiple funnel clouds whipped across several states on Friday, causing lots of damage. Jonah Kaplan reports and Andrew Kozak has the forecast.