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.
Abraham Lincoln
The life and legacy of Mary Todd Lincoln
A new biography titled "An Inconvenient Widow" by veteran journalist Lois Romano looks at the crucial influence Mary Todd Lincoln had in her husband's rise to the presidency, and the failures of those around her following President Lincoln's assassination. Romano joins "The Takeout" to dispel misconceptions about the former first lady.
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.
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.
Voter data Trump claimed China obtained is easy to get in most states
President Trump called China's acquisition of voter information "the largest compromise of election data in history." In 20 states, anyone can get this information with a simple public request.
Live
U.S. finishes 7th straight night of Iran strikes as Strait of Hormuz freezes up
As the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks 140 days into the war, an industry analyst says "nobody is willing to move" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
Maps show wildfire smoke forecast, air quality alerts in U.S.
Heavy smoke from several large wildfires blazing in Canada and Minnesota is engulfing large swaths of the Midwest and the U.S. East Coast this week.
Trump revisits disputed claims about elections but offers no new proof of fraud
In a primetime address, President Trump alleged the U.S. election system falls "catastrophically short," revisiting a topic that has drawn his attention for years — and making claims that election experts have heavily disputed.
Feeding Our Future fraud ring's alleged No. 2 appears in court after Somalia arrest
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Friday, just weeks after he was arrested in Mogadishu.
U.S.
More U.S.
DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
2 kidnapped Forest Service workers safe after being zip-tied, held at gunpoint
Two suspects, a father and his adult son who were allegedly armed with guns and knives, have been arrested, authorities said.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
Boomer wealth transfer will mostly benefit the already rich, report finds
Trillions of wealth passed down by the baby boomers will likely go to younger Americans who are already rich. Here's how much they'll get.
Coca-Cola temporarily halts production of Fairlife milk after cyberattack
A cybersecurity incident has forced Coca-Cola to suspend Fairlife milk production in the U.S. An investigation is underway.
Trump Media to sell faster access to president's Truth Social posts
"Markets already move on Truth Social posts," the company's chief executive said in the Truth API announcement.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ says it's no longer illegal to download TikTok on federal devices
The Justice Department determined this week a federal law banning TikTok from government devices no longer applies to the social video app.
What to know about Trump's claim that over 250K non-citizens are registered to vote
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin sent letters to four states alleging that a combined 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote. Elections experts caution that could be a significant overcount.
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
House panel probing Epstein asked Leon Black about birthday book, their friendship
Billionaire Leon Black, who paid Epstein $158 million for tax advice, was subpoenaed for a second interview with the House Oversight Committee in September.
Voter data Trump claimed China obtained is easy to get in most states
President Trump called China's acquisition of voter information "the largest compromise of election data in history." In 20 states, anyone can get this information with a simple public request.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Mexican lettuce potential source of parasite
Authorities have traced the cyclosporiasis outbreak to Mexican-grown lettuce delivered to Taco Bell by Taylor Farms. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Taylor Farms pulls iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salads or kits contain the iceberg lettuce associated with the outbreak.
FDA approves new cholesterol pill
The FDA has approved a new daily cholesterol pill that works differently from popular statins and may deliver better results for some people. Dr. Corey Bradley, a cardiologist at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center, joins "CBS Evening News" to discuss.
FDA names likely cyclosporiasis source
The FDA has identified Taylor Farms as the likely source of lettuce contaminated with the parasite behind cyclosporiasis, as the outbreak grows. Mark Strassmann reports.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak traced to lettuce from Mexico used by Taco Bell
A lettuce supplier to fast-food giant Taco Bell has been linked to a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands of people, the CDC said.
World
More World
Trump threatens Canada with higher tariffs over wildfire smoke
President Trump threatened more tariffs on Canada for wildfires that have blanketed large parts of the Midwest and East Coast in smoke in recent days.
Journalist targeted by Iran says U.K.'s crackdown on IRGC is "the happiest day"
British Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed in what is believed to have been an Iranian state-sponsored attack in 2024.
Strong earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border, tsunami alert lifted
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 with the epicenter 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdan, Mexico.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
India activist urged to end hunger strike as he risks organ failure
Well-known activist Sonam Wangchuk hasn't eaten in nearly 3 weeks, endangering his health as he demands changes to India's exam system.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"The Odyssey" inspires interest in original poem
Before Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Homer's original epic poem. Kelly Olson, graduate chair of the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario, joins CBS News to unpack the history of the Greek tale.
Brenda Fricker, Oscar winner who played Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2," dies
Brenda Fricker won an Academy Award for 1989's "My Left Foot," played the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone 2" and appeared in "A Time to Kill" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
Stars of "The Odyssey" preview film
Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, who star in "The Odyssey," speak to "CBS Mornings" about the movie, the challenges they faced during filming and working with Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan.
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Erin Brockovich on data center regulation
New York is now the first state to temporarily ban data center construction, paving the way for others to follow suit. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
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.
Mississippi residents decry data center plant
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi, are sounding off about a data center plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area, likening the constant noise to being tortured.
Meta announces new safety features
Meta announced it is introducing new features to help protect teens using Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, including alerting a parent if their child discusses self-harm with one of its AI chatbots. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
More Science
Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Feeding Our Future fraud ring's alleged No. 2 appears in court after Somalia arrest
Forty-two-year-old Abdikerm Eidleh appeared in federal court in St. Paul on Friday, just weeks after he was arrested in Mogadishu.
Agent in ME shooting has violent record: AP
The ICE officer who shot and killed a Maine man has a history of violent behavior, the Associated Press reports, citing interviews with family and court records. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
"Master yachtsman" fugitive captured on boat after 21 years on the run
Ronald L. Fischer, who was featured on "America's Most Wanted," fled Rhode Island during his criminal trial for first-degree sexual assault in 2005.
Journalist known as "The Jaguar" shot dead in Mexico
The state government condemned the murder of Josue Martinez, and called on prosecutors to launch a probe in order to find those responsible.
U.S. designates cartel on Texas border as foreign terrorist organization
The Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras joined six other Mexican criminal organizations that the U.S. considers terrorist groups.
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Photos show 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.
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.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
"The Odyssey" inspires interest in original poem
Before Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," there was Homer's original epic poem. Kelly Olson, graduate chair of the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Western Ontario, joins CBS News to unpack the history of the Greek tale.
Darline Graham considering Senate campaign
President Trump urged late Senator Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline, who is temporarily replacing him in Congress, to run for his seat in South Carolina's upcoming special election. Fin Gómez reports.
Trump makes new election claims
In a primetime address on Thursday evening, President Trump accused China of interfering in U.S. elections as he questioned the integrity of the country's voting system. CBS News' Jake Rosen fact-checks his claims.
Spain, Argentina prepare for World Cup final
Tens of thousands of fans, along with President Trump, are expected to gather in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain and Argentina battle for the World Cup trophy. Nicole Valdes reports.
7-foot-3 man sworn in as Texas police officer
At 7-foot-3, Jordan Wilmore was told his entire life that he was destined for a career in basketball. But that was never his dream. Steve Hartman has the story.