Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
America 250
Weather woes impact July 4th celebrations as National Mall briefly evacuated
Americans celebrated 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, although severe weather put a damper on the proceedings in several parts of the country.
DNA technology leads to identification of Revolutionary War soldier
The remains of a Revolutionary War soldier were identified as a young man from Maryland just before America's 250th anniversary.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in speech at Mount Rushmore
The president kicked off America's 250th anniversary celebrations with a speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
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.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
"Vanishingly rare" copy of Declaration of Independence found in U.K.
A volunteer at the National Archives in London found the document among other papers seized from an American ship in 1776.
Kennedy Center selling $25,000 ticket package to watch D.C. July 4th fireworks
The Washington, D.C., fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Trump-backed organization Freedom 250, is not slated to begin until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
How dialects reveal America's history and hint at what's next
Across the United States, the way you speak is filled with cultural authenticity and central to identity.
NYC bar claims founding father history
If you want to party like a Founding Father, Fraunces Tavern in New York City promises that experience this July 4. The owner says the Sons of Liberty drank, argued and celebrated there. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Why Florida stayed loyal to Britain during the American Revolution
Historians explain why East and West Florida remained loyal to Britain instead of joining the 13 colonies in declaring independence.
American icons reflect on the ideals the U.S. was founded on
Leaders in the arts, science and business, including Sundar Pichai, Jamie Lee Curtis, Katie Ledecky and Ken Burns shared their reflections on America.
D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
CBS News poll on America at 250 — its successes and its challenges
A big majority say the nation has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, at least a fair amount, if not a great deal. But Americans also see a nation facing challenges today, according to CBS News' most recent poll.
Poll: America at 250 and some of what Americans think is best about U.S.
Americans weighed in on what's best about the U.S., its greatest invention, most representative food and more in latest CBS News poll.
Teaching the Declaration of Independence with hashtags 250 years later
Educators are finding engaging ways to teach the Declaration of Independence on the 250th anniversary of its signing.
Douglas Brinkley on America at 250: History tells us hoping for unity is not futile
In these fiercely-polarized times, the presidential historian reminds us that Americans' freedom has been tested – and has survived – much worse.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A promise unfulfilled
An Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – guaranteeing rights to all Americans regardless of sex – was first proposed to Congress in 1923. More than a century later, the ERA still has not become a formal part of our nation's bedrock of laws.
Historic Route 66: Americana on the go
Though long bypassed by interstates, the historic "Mother Road," stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, remained a place for drivers to "get their kicks." Today, marking its first 100 years, Route 66 continues to attract travelers searching for an America of yesterday.
The Founding Fathers: Why their radical beliefs continue to shape America
The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were flawed, but what they did in the summer of 1776 changed the world forever – and their fight for equality continues today.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Historian retraces Underground Railroad to mark America's 250-year journey
Anthony Cohen has spent his life bringing attention to the Underground Railroad, secret routes once used by enslaved people seeking freedom.
U.S.
Man shot and killed by police in Madison, Wisconsin, sparking protests
Madison's chief of police says an officer in Wisconsin's capital city shot and killed a man who had injured him with a knife while resisting arrest.
House committee urges DOJ to charge former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith
The GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee encouraged the DOJ to look into criminally charging Jack Smith, alleging the former special counsel who brought charges against President Trump lied to Congress.
Amish Shah projected to win Arizona's 1st District Democratic primary
Democrat Amish Shah will be up against Republican Jay Feely in Arizona's 1st Congressional District in November.
National Guard deployed as flash floods hit West Virginia after 7 inches of rain
Torrential rains in West Virginia have caused flash flooding that inundated homes and businesses this week.
Secret Service warns of high threat levels before White House Correspondents' Dinner
Secret Service officials warned nationwide threats have reached an unprecedented level since January, nearly 40% higher than during the same period last year.
Council handpicked by Trump to gut review process of historic-preservation projects
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, whose members were mostly handpicked by President Trump, is poised to end mandatory state review and public comment on projects affecting historical properties.
First beluga whales from Marineland arrive in Texas as rescue underway
Two beluga whales settled into their new home at SeaWorld San Antonio this week following an international relocation mission from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
House GOP advances $95 billion plan to fund Iran war and SAVE America Act
House Republicans adopted a budget resolution that kickstarts the party-line reconciliation process. It now heads to the Senate, where it'll face an uphill battle.
House passes bill to limit stock purchases by members of Congress
The Stop Insider Trading Act would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks.
Pastor sues OpenAI alleging ChatGPT's medical advice nearly killed him
The case accuses OpenAI of practicing medicine without a license and failing to safeguard users seeking health advice.
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
House and Senate take different paths to avoid shutdown before midterms
Another deadline to fund the government is looming this fall in Congress, and lawmakers seem eager to avoid another costly impasse ahead of the midterms.
DOJ sues over immersion water heaters that can burst into flames
The Justice Department is trying to force the two Chinese companies to recall immersion water heaters used for bathtubs and pools.
Trump attends dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Iranian attacks
President Trump attended a dignified transfer honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the ongoing war with Iran.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
Nolan Wells' cause of death undetermined, family's autopsy shows
Nolan Wells, 18, was found dead just off Horn Island in Mississippi after enjoying a day out with friends on July 4.
First on CBS
Democrats probe DOJ opinion that eases institutionalization of mentally ill
Democrats in the Senate and House are investigating the origins of a DOJ legal opinion that would make it easier for states to keep people with mental illness in institutions, rather than helping them to live at home.
Tenisha Warner, widow of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, opens up about being a single mom
Tenisha Warner sat down for an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" before a lawsuit over her late husband's estate became public, and discussed her grief and raising her daughter alone.
Lung cancer in nonsmokers: "A women's health crisis"
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American women — and a growing share of new cases are in women who've never smoked.
Wreckage of Pan Am plane found in ocean 74 years after deadly crash
The crash in 1952 killed 52 people and led to requirements for the passenger safety briefings given on every commercial flight.
Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"
Lawmakers claim Commissioner Frank Bisignano used an agency email to exaggerate tax savings under the Republicans' OBBBA while inserting partisan political messaging.
ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began
More than 43,000 immigrants were arrested last month as DHS continues to detain people in less-publicized enforcement surges.
Mamdani says he won't try to arrest Israel's Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani conceded late Tuesday that the city does not have the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
House moves to punt government funding fight past midterms
The continuing resolution would fund the federal government until Dec. 4. It now heads to the Senate, where it could face obstacles.
U.S.
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Man shot and killed by police in Madison, Wisconsin, sparking protests
Madison's chief of police says an officer in Wisconsin's capital city shot and killed a man who had injured him with a knife while resisting arrest.
House committee urges DOJ to charge former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith
The GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee encouraged the DOJ to look into criminally charging Jack Smith, alleging the former special counsel who brought charges against President Trump lied to Congress.
Amish Shah projected to win Arizona's 1st District Democratic primary
Democrat Amish Shah will be up against Republican Jay Feely in Arizona's 1st Congressional District in November.
National Guard deployed as flash floods hit West Virginia after 7 inches of rain
Torrential rains in West Virginia have caused flash flooding that inundated homes and businesses this week.
Secret Service warns of high threat levels before White House Correspondents' Dinner
Secret Service officials warned nationwide threats have reached an unprecedented level since January, nearly 40% higher than during the same period last year.
MoneyWatch
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House passes bill to limit stock purchases by members of Congress
The Stop Insider Trading Act would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks.
Pastor sues OpenAI alleging ChatGPT's medical advice nearly killed him
The case accuses OpenAI of practicing medicine without a license and failing to safeguard users seeking health advice.
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
Politics
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House committee urges DOJ to charge former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith
The GOP chair of the House Judiciary Committee encouraged the DOJ to look into criminally charging Jack Smith, alleging the former special counsel who brought charges against President Trump lied to Congress.
Amish Shah projected to win Arizona's 1st District Democratic primary
Democrat Amish Shah will be up against Republican Jay Feely in Arizona's 1st Congressional District in November.
Mayor who survived assassination attempt shot dead in town hall
Mayor Valentin Lavin, who was allied to President Claudia Sheinbaum's leftist party, had already survived an armed attack in January, according to local media reports.
Secret Service warns of high threat levels before White House Correspondents' Dinner
Secret Service officials warned nationwide threats have reached an unprecedented level since January, nearly 40% higher than during the same period last year.
Council handpicked by Trump to gut review process of historic-preservation projects
The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, whose members were mostly handpicked by President Trump, is poised to end mandatory state review and public comment on projects affecting historical properties.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Pastor sues over ChatGPT medical advice
A pastor in Florida is suing OpenAI after he used ChatGPT for medical advice and received suggestions that he claims caused him to delay necessary treatment. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Pastor sues OpenAI alleging ChatGPT's medical advice nearly killed him
The case accuses OpenAI of practicing medicine without a license and failing to safeguard users seeking health advice.
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
Lung cancer in nonsmokers: "A women's health crisis"
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American women — and a growing share of new cases are in women who've never smoked.
World
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Mayor who survived assassination attempt shot dead in town hall
Mayor Valentin Lavin, who was allied to President Claudia Sheinbaum's leftist party, had already survived an armed attack in January, according to local media reports.
First beluga whales from Marineland arrive in Texas as rescue underway
Two beluga whales settled into their new home at SeaWorld San Antonio this week following an international relocation mission from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
5,700 more deaths than usual recorded in France during heat wave
France experienced at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heat wave last month, according to the public health agency.
"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. and Saudi Arabia sign nuclear cooperation deal
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a deal for U.S. companies to run nuclear power on Saudi soil, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Anson Mount previews new "Star Trek" season
Anson Mount previews the fourth season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He talks about his introduction to "Star Trek" and why he thinks it's the best season yet.
Tenisha Warner, widow of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, opens up about being a single mom
Tenisha Warner sat down for an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" before a lawsuit over her late husband's estate became public, and discussed her grief and raising her daughter alone.
Inside the cameras used for "The Odyssey"
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has made history as the first feature-length film shot entirely on 70mm IMAX cameras. Jay Holben, technical editor for the American Cinematographer, joins CBS News to discuss.
Kaylee Hottle, actress in "Godzilla vs. Kong," dies at 18 in car crash
Kaylee Hottle, an Atlanta-born actress known for her role in the "Godzilla" film franchise, has died following a crash in Maryland.
Technology
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Technology
Details on OpenAI system's unprompted hack
ChatGPT developer OpenAI says its artificial intelligence systems hacked into another AI company without prompting. Connor Leahy, U.S. director for ControlAI, joins CBS News to discuss.
Machine learning professor on OpenAI attack
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, says one of its artificial intelligence models went rogue and hacked another AI company. Neil Lawrence, professor of machine learning at the University of Cambridge, joins to assess the claim.
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.
New tech could help millions of paralyzed people
New findings identified a technology that could restore movement and sensation for millions of paralyzed people living with spinal cord injuries. Bradley Blackburn has the story.
OpenAI says new model hacked on its own
OpenAI says its new artificial intelligence model hacked another company on its own in what the company called "an unprecedented cyber incident." Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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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
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Man shot and killed by police in Madison, Wisconsin, sparking protests
Madison's chief of police says an officer in Wisconsin's capital city shot and killed a man who had injured him with a knife while resisting arrest.
Pastor sues over ChatGPT medical advice
A pastor in Florida is suing OpenAI after he used ChatGPT for medical advice and received suggestions that he claims caused him to delay necessary treatment. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Rocket launcher hoax shakes LaGuardia
A Delta Airlines pilot coming in to land a flight with more than 100 people on board faced terrifying moments over LaGuardia Airport on Tuesday night after an anonymous caller falsely reported a rocket launcher on the ground. Tom Hanson has the story.
Florida police fire at homicide suspect's car
Florida police fired a barrage of bullets at a vehicle belonging to a man wanted in the killing of a mother of four after he led them on a wild car chase. The suspect was taken into custody. Cristian Benavides has more.
Details from Nolan Wells' independent autopsy
An independent autopsy for Nolan Wells, the Mississippi teen who was found dead after a July Fourth boat party, has been released. Skyler Henry reports.
Space
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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
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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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Man embraces remote work
A California man is taking advantage of remote work with viral office settings that are attracting fans, critics, and thousands of views. Gwen Baumgarder joined him for a workday at the ballpark.
New research on coffee and heart health
When it comes to heart health.. how many cups of caffeinated coffee are safe to drink each day? A new statement from the American Heart Association may be reassuring to coffee drinkers. Gwen Baumgardner has more.
Expert on cyclospora and the supply chain
Julie Swann, head of the department of industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina State University, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the tracking and tracing underway as the U.S.' cyclosporiasis outbreak surpasses 4,000 cases.
Flooding in Louisiana after Bertha landfall
Forecasters say Tropical Storm Bertha will move over New Orleans on Wednesday night and then continue toward Houston. CBS News' Lana Zak and Zoe Mintz have the latest on the storm's impact.
Remembering the 4 recently fallen U.S. troops
A dignified transfer was held Wednesday for the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days amid the ongoing war with Iran. Lindsey Reiser shares more details on Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, Sgt. Angel Rampersad and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.