What would surprise America's founders
Filmmaker Ken Burns, who's helped viewers understand American history, shared what he thinks would surprise the nation's founders 250 years after the Declaration of Independence.
America at 250
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Cuban refugees remember journey to U.S.
In the series "USA to Z," "CBS Mornings" spoke to Cuban refugees who came to the U.S. to escape Fidel Castro's regime for a chance at freedom. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Miami's Freedom Tower welcomed nearly half a million Cuban refugees. Cristian Benavides explores the tower's enduring legacy.
Community preserves history and reclaims once segregated bowling alley
The owner of a bowling alley in a small South Carolina city refused to integrate in the 1960s. It spurred peaceful protests until tensions erupted into what's now known as the "Orangeburg Massacre."
Road to equality in the U.S.
In the series "USA to Z," "CBS Mornings" co-host Nate Burleson looks at equality in America. A once segregated bowling alley in a small South Carolina city became the site of peaceful protests in the 1960s until tensions erupted into what's now known as the Orangeburg massacre. Today, the site is being reclaimed and redefined.
A Smithsonian artifact representing America
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, in charge of millions of artifacts, was asked which museum object was his favorite representation of America. His answer? Joseph Trammell's Freedom Papers.
How the gramophone changed music
While Thomas Edison's cylinders were the first to play recorded sound, they were impractical – leading Emile Berliner to come up with a better way to play music: The gramophone, invented in 1887, which played flat discs. Jane Pauley reports.
Behind Americans' love for diners
As the U.S. prepares to celebrate 250 years, the "CBS Mornings" series "USA to Z" explores Americans' love for diners. The casual restaurant was invented back in the 1800s. Kelly O'Grady reports.
How the Constitution inspires future leaders
The "CBS Mornings" series "USA to Z," which brings stories from across the U.S. to celebrate 250 years of America, is focusing on "C" for Constitution. While just over half of Americans say "U.S. democracy is performing poorly or very poorly," Jan Crawford went inside the National Archives - home of the Constitution - and a classroom to see how future generations embrace what it stands for.
Voices of the civil rights movement
As we mark Martin Luther King Jr's birthday, Martha Teichner talks with some of those who were engaged from the very beginning of the civil rights movement: Arthenia Joyner, who was a Black high school student who took part in a sit-in at a Whites-only lunch counter in Tampa, Fla.; Jawana Jackson, who as a child participated with her mother in the Selma-to-Montgomery march in the wake of "Bloody Sunday"; and attorney Fred Gray, who won four civil rights cases before the Supreme Court by the age of 35.
America at 250 – and a reckoning for President Trump
In this landmark year for American democracy, historian Lindsay Chervinsky, Washington Post columnist George F. Will, and Atlantic staff writer Vivian Salama talk about what the second year of Trump's presidency may mean for America's future.
Kids share what makes America beautiful
As America celebrates 250 years this year, sixth graders at a Virginia middle school shared with CBS News what they believe makes the U.S. beautiful.
The surprising history of the Monroe Doctrine
In 1823, President James Monroe called for European powers to stay out of the Americas – a stance that for generations led to U.S. military interventions across the Western Hemisphere, including President Trump's incursion into Venezuela.
Does the American dream still exist?
This year, America celebrates its 250th birthday - but does the American dream still exist? While some told CBS News they believe they're currently living it, more Americans find it less achievable compared to decades ago, research finds. CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil reports.
Suni Williams on the view of U.S. from orbit
Astronaut Suni Williams says when she looked at America while in orbit, she thought of the innovation behind the U.S. space program. She wonders "where we as a country will be" in the next 250 years. Contains video courtesy Sen.com
These United States: Raising the flag
For decades, John Monsky's passion has been collecting American flags – from those that accompanied soldiers during the Civil War and on the beaches of France on D-Day, to ones that landed on the Moon. He tells Mo Rocca that the flags in his collection have been both witnesses to and participants in history.
Ken Burns on America's origin story: "The most important event since the birth of Christ"
The documentary filmmaker, long a chronicler of the American experience, talks about his latest film for PBS, "The American Revolution," and why the end of the Revolutionary War did not mean the end of our nation's revolution.
Ken Burns on America's continuing revolution
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has long been a chronicler of the American experience. He talks with John Dickerson about his latest film for PBS, "The American Revolution"; the importance of studying history; and why the end of the Revolutionary War did not mean the end of our nation's revolution.
These United States: The White House
Since our second president, John Adams, inhabited the White House, it has been burned by British troops, reconstructed, expanded, and gut-renovated. Mo Rocca looks at the history of a cherished American landmark, which this past week was partly demolished by the White House's current occupant, President Trump, who is building a huge, privately-funded ballroom.
A history of America's Constitution
The checks-and-balances of our government have been increasingly tested in ways our founding fathers never anticipated, yet the Constitution remains, in the words of one expert, "absolutely eternal and timeless."
Celebrating America's spirit of innovation
David Pogue looks at our nation's tradition of pioneering inventors, from Thomas Edison's R&D facility in Menlo Park, N.J., to today's entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to "Shark Tank."
These United States: Bright ideas
David Pogue looks at the pioneering spirit of innovation that Thomas Edison fostered at his R&D facility in Menlo Park, N.J., where his team helped create the light bulb and the phonograph. He also talks with Google's Steven Johnson and the panel of "Shark Tank" about today's entrepreneurs and whether an inventor's ability to persevere after failure Is a uniquely American trait.
Meet the Southwest Philly woman named 5,000th "Phambassador"
Philly is recruiting volunteers to help with visitors as the city prepares to celebrate America's 250th birthday. Meet the native who signed up.
These United States: Brown v. Board of Education
In December 1953, Thurgood Marshall, an attorney who headed the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that racial segregation in America was an attempt to keep the formerly enslaved in "as near that stage as is possible." Bill Whitaker reports on how a long-standing legal doctrine was ended.
These United States: A history of the Constitution
Over the past several decades, the checks-and-balances of our government have been increasingly tested in ways our founding fathers never anticipated. Tony Dokoupil talks with Jill Lepore, author of "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution," and Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, about our nation's bedrock document, which Rosen calls "absolutely eternal and timeless."
Signal sniffer to detect Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker deployed, sources say
A device that can pick up certain electronic signals is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie, as it may detect emissions from her pacemaker, sources told CBS News.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
Exclusive
Parents say Camp Mystic counselor "died a hero" trying to save girls from flood
In their first television interview, the parents of 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo are demanding changes from Camp Mystic, where their daughter died in last summer's devastating floods.
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
The investigation found that the FBI looked into more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
FBI refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
U.S.
More U.S.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
Signal sniffer to detect Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker deployed, sources say
A device that can pick up certain electronic signals is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie, as it may detect emissions from her pacemaker, sources told CBS News.
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
FBI refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
Exclusive
Parents say Camp Mystic counselor "died a hero" trying to save girls from flood
In their first television interview, the parents of 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo are demanding changes from Camp Mystic, where their daughter died in last summer's devastating floods.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Politics
More Politics
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
Obama: Odds are aliens are real but I saw no signs of contact while president
After setting social media abuzz by saying aliens were real, former President Barack Obama said he didn't see evidence that aliens "have made contact with us."
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Tom Homan and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries join Ed O'Keefe.
Tillis says Trump advisers are "not taking care of this president's legacy"
Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not running for reelection in 2026, said he believed that Republicans could hold onto its majority in the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform, TrumpRx, isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
More World
Team USA headed to women's hockey gold medal game at Winter Olympics
A Team USA win over Sweden sets up what could be a seventh gold-medal showdown against Canada on Thursday.
Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
Police say kidnapped grandfather likely mistaken for crime network figure
Australian police say a Sydney grandfather was taken from his home by assailants who likely thought he was involved in a "criminal world."
Israel's neighbors condemn "de facto beginning" of West Bank annexation
Israel has approved numerous measures on the occupied West Bank seen widely as part of an effort by Netanyahu's government to annex the Palestinian territory.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Robert Duvall dies at 95
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and more, has died at 95, his wife announced in a social media post Monday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
The high-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show in which he interviews government leaders, he is raising eyebrows in Washington, too.
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
High-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
Paul Anka: Still doing it his way
The singer-songwriter who's remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades has just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love." A youthful 84, he talks about his artistic longevity.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
More Science
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Exclusive: Sexual assaults up on airplanes
Sexual assaults on airplanes are rising, a new analysis finds, and many more cases likely go unreported. CBS News Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more exclusive reporting.
FBI refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators say
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
FBI analyzing new leads in Guthrie case
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and purchase records at retail stores, including Walmart, where they believe the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case purchased clothing and a face mask, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Police say kidnapped grandfather likely mistaken for crime network figure
Australian police say a Sydney grandfather was taken from his home by assailants who likely thought he was involved in a "criminal world."
Tracking critical leads in Nancy Guthrie case
Investigators are following up on key leads in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as the search for the missing 84-year-old moves into its third week. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Space
More Space
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Veteran Olympic bobsledder chases gold at 41
Team USA's Elana Meyers Taylor, a 5-time Olympian, is chasing gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Seth Doane shares her story.
Robert Duvall dies at 95
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and more, has died at 95, his wife announced in a social media post Monday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Exclusive: Sexual assaults up on airplanes
Sexual assaults on airplanes are rising, a new analysis finds, and many more cases likely go unreported. CBS News Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more exclusive reporting.
Latest on 3rd week of search for Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie posted a new video Sunday pleading for her mother Nancy Guthrie's return as the search continues into its third week. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
What inflation data signals for Fed rate path
Spencer Jakab, an investing columnist at The Wall Street Journal, shares some takeaways from the January CPI report, which tracks changes in prices of goods and services across the U.S.