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.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro on murder charges for downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996.
Live
Trump says Netanyahu will do "whatever I want him to do" on Iran
Asked what he said to Israel's leader about a decision to hold off on new Iran strikes, Trump said Netanyahu will "do whatever I want him to do."
Judge orders White House staff to comply with presidential records law
A federal judge ordered White House staff and President Trump's top advisers to comply with a law that requires certain presidential records to be preserved.
DOJ charges ex-prosecutor with emailing secret Jack Smith report to herself
A former federal prosecutor was charged this week with emailing herself a report on the Justice Department's investigation into President Trump that a judge had kept under lock and key, under the file name "Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf."
SpaceX files for IPO as rocket company preps for market debut
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
DOJ veterans fear probe into ex-CIA director is being stacked with Trump loyalists
Former CIA Director John Brennan is the subject of two criminal probes being led by the Miami-area U.S. Attorney's Office.
Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea
The Russian jets intercepted the U.K. aircraft with one jet flying as close as 19 feet to the British plane's nose, officials said.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Harvard faculty votes to limit number of A's awarded
Harvard University faculty members voted to cap the number of A's awarded to students in an effort to make the grades more meaningful.
U.S.
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U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
DOJ veterans fear probe into ex-CIA director is being stacked with Trump loyalists
Former CIA Director John Brennan is the subject of two criminal probes being led by the Miami-area U.S. Attorney's Office.
SpaceX files for IPO as rocket company preps for market debut
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
Byron Allen on "Comics Unleashed" as it moves to new time slot on CBS
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen brings "Comics Unleashed" to CBS's late night slot, replacing "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
Highest gas prices in years expected to continue rising this summer
U.S. motorists are likely to face even hotter gas prices as the summer driving season kicks off, according to a new analysis.
MoneyWatch
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SpaceX files for IPO as rocket company preps for market debut
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
Highest gas prices in years expected to continue rising this summer
U.S. motorists are likely to face even hotter gas prices as the summer driving season kicks off, according to a new analysis.
What sagging bond prices are telling us about the U.S. economy
U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.
Summer travelers face "vacation inflation" as airfare, gas prices rise
Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Politics
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U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
Ex-prosecutor allegedly stole secret report on Trump, named file "Bundt Cake Recipe"
A former federal prosecutor was charged this week with emailing herself a report on the Justice Department's investigation into President Trump that a judge had kept under lock and key, under the file name "Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf."
DOJ veterans fear probe into ex-CIA director is being stacked with Trump loyalists
Former CIA Director John Brennan is the subject of two criminal probes being led by the Miami-area U.S. Attorney's Office.
Judge orders White House staff to comply with presidential records law
A federal judge ordered White House staff and President Trump's top advisers to comply with a law that requires certain presidential records to be preserved.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
HealthWatch
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Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
World
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U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea
The Russian jets intercepted the U.K. aircraft with one jet flying as close as 19 feet to the British plane's nose, officials said.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
Netanyahu rebukes Israeli minister for treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and France have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective capitals after Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, posted the video.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
Entertainment
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Byron Allen on "Comics Unleashed" as it moves to new time slot on CBS
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen brings "Comics Unleashed" to CBS's late night slot, replacing "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
From 1993: Letterman on "The Late Show" launch
Ahead of the premiere of "The Late Show" in August 1993, host David Letterman sat down with "CBS This Morning" to discuss his break from his previous late night show, what viewers could expect from his CBS debut and more.
Byron Allen on filling CBS' late night slot
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his show "Comics Unleashed" and its transition into the CBS late night spot.
Sponsored
Michelle Monaghan on getting quality sleep
Actress Michelle Monaghan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her 24-hour wellness cycle and why it's important to get quality sleep and consistent energy. (Sponsored by Natrol)
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Technology
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Technology
Google announces AI-focused search bar revamp
Artificial intelligence is prompting Google to change its iconic search bar for the first time in more than 25 years. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Concern ramps up over the use of AI in combat
The Defense Department says it wants to be "AI-first," but some service members are concerned about how quickly the technology is developing. Chris Livesay reports.
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.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
Science
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2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Crime
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Crime
Watch: Blanche announces Raúl Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges Wednesday against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the downing of two planes in 1996.
Man jailed over Kirk post wins settlement
Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail over his Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will get $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Details emerge on San Diego mosque attack
More details are emerging on the victims and two gunmen from the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
More on California mosque shooters
More details are emerging about the shooters who attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, where three people died. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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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
60 Minutes Archive: It's a Long Way to Furudu
From 1979, Morley Safer's report on the faraway atolls of the Maldives, where he stumbled across an unusual story of crime and punishment. This week marks 10 years since the 60 Minutes correspondent died.
Iran threatens to push war "beyond the region"
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns that if the U.S. or Israel resume attacks, it would push the war "beyond the region." Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the Eurasia Group, joins with analysis.
Details on U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro
A U.S. grand jury in Florida indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others on murder and conspiracy charges over the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes, the Justice Department announced on Wednesday. CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent and "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan has the latest.
Sen. Rosen unpacks bill to fight antisemitism
Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma have introduced a bill to strengthen federal efforts to fight antisemitism. Rosen joins "The Takeout" to discuss the legislation.
Bottoms on winning Georgia governor primary
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Georgia on Tuesday night. Lance Bottoms joins "The Takeout" to unpack her victory and look forward to the general election.