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.
Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Winter weather alerts to impact 18 million people across West and Midwest
Winter storms are forecast to bring heavy snows and bitter winds across the regions.
Trump's birthday added to list of free days at national parks; MLK Day, Juneteenth removed
The change to the schedule comes shortly after the Trump administration announced new fees for non-resident visitors.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to travel to Oslo for peace prize
Maria Corina Machado has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election.
Russia targets Ukraine with massive drone attack amid diplomatic talks
Russia launched a huge attack on Ukraine overnight as the country marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Ukraine's air force said.
Prominent U.S. playwright arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling
Japanese officials said Jeremy O Harris, known for his Tony-nominated "Slave Play" and his role in the series "Emily in Paris," was arrested on the island of Okinawa on Nov. 16.
Gaza ceasefire talks in "critical moment" as second phase in deal yet to begin
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told an international conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working toward the second phase of peace deal.
Michael Annett, former NASCAR racing star, dies at 39
Michael Annett won the Xfinity Series' season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.
U.S.
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Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister Jennifer hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
Winter weather alerts to impact 18 million people across West and Midwest
Winter storms are forecast to bring heavy snows and bitter winds across the regions.
MoneyWatch
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For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
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Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. "Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now."
Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
Trump calls on Baseball Hall of Fame to admit Roger Clemens
The 63-year-old Roger Clemens has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, which he has denied.
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
HealthWatch
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California warns against foraging mushrooms after cluster of poisonings, 1 death
California's public health department said one person has died and several others have suffered severe liver damage due to eating toxic mushrooms that were foraged.
Artist who fought for diagnosis turns incurable cancer journey into art
Nardiz Cooke was immediately transfixed by the mask she wore while receiving treatment for late-stage cancer.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel to vote Friday on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
World
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At least 23 killed in nightclub fire in India
The blaze occurred just past midnight in Arpora in North Goa, a party hub.
Hegseth won't commit to releasing video of second strike on alleged drug boat
"We're reviewing the process, and we'll see," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said. "Whatever we were to decide to release, we'd have to be very responsible about reviewing that right now."
Afghan refugees forge their way on the soccer pitch
The Taliban made women's sports illegal in 2021 when the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, but it hasn't stopped a group of refugees in Houston determined to forge their own way on the soccer pitch.
Gaza ceasefire talks in "critical moment" as second phase in deal yet to begin
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told an international conference in the Qatari capital that international mediators, led by the U.S., are working toward the second phase of peace deal.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to travel to Oslo for peace prize
Maria Corina Machado has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the 2024 presidential election.
Entertainment
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Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony
President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees during an Oval Office ceremony.
From the archives: Architect Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry, one of the towering figures in architecture in the last century, died on Fri., Dec. 5, 2025 at age 96. Watch four reports on Gehry from the "Sunday Morning" archives, including, from 2002, a profile by Scott Pelley; from 2006, Serena Altschul looked at Gehry's jewelry line; from 2022, Gehry talked with Bill Whitaker about his creative process; and from 2020, Gehry discussed his contested design for the Eisenhower Memorial, in Washington, D.C., with Rita Braver.
Tim Blake Nelson on his new book "Superhero"
You may recognize Tim Blake Nelson from "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," but his latest book "Superhero" explores what he considers Hollywood's favorite genre.
Netlix and Warner Bros. deal sparks concern
Netflix is set to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $72 billion, but the announcement has sparked concern among industry workers.
AVTT/PTTN perform "Received"
AVTT/PTTN is a collaboration between The Avett Brothers and former "Faith No More" frontman Mike Patton. Their self-titled album AVTT/PTTN is a collection of nine songs that came out in November, and here they are performing "Received."
Technology
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Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
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.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Science
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
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Teen's sister looks to TikTok to help solve 25-year-old murder mystery
With her posts and pleas on TikTok, Molly Bish's sister Jennifer hopes she will generate new tips that will finally solve her sister's Massachusetts murder case and put an end to a painful decades-old mystery.
How did teen Danni Houchins die? Her family's search for the truth
For years, the death of 15-year-old Danielle "Danni" Houchins had been shrouded in mystery. Montana investigators initially said it could have been a tragic accident, but her family always suspected something more sinister.
20,000-pound cocaine seizure by Coast Guard breaks 18-year-old record
Video shows Coast Guard vehicles pursuing a go-fast vessel that appeared to have multiple people aboard.
Latest details on 2021 pipe bomb suspect
The man suspected of placing pipe bombs around Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, had his first court appearance on Friday after he was arrested Thursday following a five-year manhunt. A judge ordered the suspect to remain in jail pending future hearings.
11 killed, including 3 children, in shooting at a South African bar
Over a dozen people were wounded and taken to the hospital, the South African Police Services said in a statement.
Space
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"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
Help Find Molly Bish's Killer
With her sister's murder long unsolved, a woman turns to TikTok pleading for leads. Can you help? "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
Uncorking a greener future for wine lovers
A California winery is saying goodbye to glass, serving its wine a little differently. Joy Benedict has the story.
Man nears end of walk across the world
Ramy Inocencio shares the story of a man who set out to walk around the world. 27 years later, he's now nearing the home stretch.
Why real Christmas trees may be a better bargain
With 19 days to go until Christmas, the rush is on to get ready, including finding just the right tree. Andres Gutierrez has more on the search.
Palestinian Christians celebrate Christmas
Christmas celebrations returned to the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem after two years of war in Gaza. Imtiaz Tyab has more on the festivities and hope for economic recovery.