Legal experts see a dangerous precedent in crackdown on Charlie Kirk criticism
Trump administration figures have vowed to pursue anyone who mocks or celebrates Kirk's death, alarming First Amendment advocates.
Free Speech
Fallout from ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel off air
ABC has pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air indefinitely after comments from the comedian about the Charlie Kirk shooting. CBS News national correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports from Los Angeles. Then, Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, joins with analysis.
Firings over Kirk spark free speech debate
Some companies are disciplining or even firing employees for their public comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo joins to discuss what's at stake for both workers and brands. Then, Jessica Levinson, CBS News legal contributor, joins with analysis.
Workers fired for comments about Charlie Kirk
Free speech, social media, political rage and employment decisions are all colliding in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Will Creeley, legal director for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, joins "The Takeout" to discuss the firings of Americans over their comments on Kirk.
TV writer's arrest over anti-trans posts reignites U.K. free speech debate
London's police chief says officers shouldn't be "policing toxic culture wars" amid an uproar over the arrest of a TV comedy writer for anti-transgender social media posts.
Harvard faculty rally amid Trump legal battle
Lawyers for Harvard University appeared in a Boston court on Monday as they challenge the Trump administration's attempt to freeze billions of dollars in federal grants for the school. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
Judge holds hearing in Harvard funding case
Harvard argued in federal court on Monday that the First Amendment is at stake as it challenges the Trump administration's decision to cut $2.6 billion in funding. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the hearing.
Twitter drops political ads from platform
Twitter is dropping all political ads from the site, triggering a new debate about free speech. Errol Barnett reports.
Free speech on campus
Rita Braver reports on the war on words at college campuses, where protests of deliberately provocative figures, like white supremacists, have extended to lecturers reporting on academic research; and on the backlash over requirements to provide "safe spaces" and "trigger warnings" to protect students. University of Chicago president Robert Zimmer, who has advocated against such measures, says, "Discomfort is an intrinsic part of an education."
Defending white nationalists' free speech
The ACLU has been supporting free speech for decades — even if that speech is hateful. But was Charlottesville a turning point?
Do AI chatbots have free speech?
A federal judge in Orlando has ruled that artificial intelligence chatbots do not have free speech in a case centered around a wrongful death lawsuit. A 14-year-old died by suicide last year and his mother says the startup Character.Ai is to blame. Tech journalist Yasmin Khorram breaks it all down.
Bakery beats town in donut mural free speech fight
A judge ruled that a donut-themed mural painted by high schoolers is protected free speech, not a sign.
MIT professor on Trump and academic freedom
Professors are expressing concern about the Trump administration's feud with the nation's top universities. Alan Lightman, professor of the practice of humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, joins "America Decides" with his perspective.
Harvard, White House in court over funding
The feud between Harvard University and the Trump administration went before a federal judge on Monday as the White House threatens to withhold more than a billion dollars in federal funds for the school. CBS News Department of Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Eye on America: Cancer screenings and more
Actor Ryan Reynolds takes us on his personal health journey to raise awareness about cancer screening. And we go on a deep dive into both sides of the issue surrounding banned books in our public schools. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
The stakes of the Trump-Harvard legal battle
Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration this week, challenging threats to cut billions in research funding for failing to comply with several demands. Steven Pinker, co-president of Harvard's Council of Academic Freedom, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Professor on Trump's grant cancellations
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to cancel roughly $65 million in federal education grants linked to diversity, equity and inclusion. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, joins "America Decides" with his reaction.
U.K. anti-abortion activist convicted of breaching ban on clinic protests
A British anti-abortion rights activist whose case caught the Trump administration's attention has been fined for breaching a "buffer zone" law.
Potential effect of Trump's law firm orders
Two major law firms are suing to block President Trump's executive order that strips their attorneys' security clearances and ends their interactions with the federal government. Scott MacFarlane, CBS News Department of Justice correspondent, and Jessica Levinson, CBS News legal contributor, join "America Decides" to unpack the implications of the legal battle.
Major law firm reaches deal with White House
The Trump administration reached an agreement Friday with the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate and Meagher, which will donate $100 million in pro bono legal services to various causes. Several major law firms have been the targets of executive orders aimed at firms with prior associations with Trump's political enemies. CBS News Department of Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
Immigration advocate discusses Trump crackdown
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's Latin American trip included a photo-op at the El Salvador prison that's holding Venezuelans deported by the U.S. Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of America's Voice, which advocates for undocumented immigrants and immigration reform, joins "America Decides" to weigh in on the Trump administration's policies.
Report: U.S. support for free speech drops 3%
A new survey released Monday by the nonpartisan think tank Future of Free Speech found a 3% drop in support for free speech in the U.S., which puts America's rank at number 9 out of the 33 countries surveyed. The survey tracks global attitudes toward allowing controversial speech, criticism of the government, media freedom and an open internet. Executive Director Jacob Mchangama joins CBS News to unpack his organization's findings.
Voice of America reporter on gutting of outlet
All full-time employees and contractors working for the government-funded international broadcaster Voice of America have been put on leave by the Trump administration as part of its push for significant cuts to the federal workforce. The outlet was founded in 1942 as a way to counter Nazi propaganda in occupied Europe. Liam Scott, Voice of America press freedom reporter, joins CBS News with his reaction.
Trump dismantles Voice of America
President Trump is dismantling Voice of America and other government-funded news outlets. All full-time employees and contractors with the broadcaster have been put on leave with staff losing access to their headquarters over the weekend. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes spoke with the outlet's director about the news.
Pro-Palestinian activist to stay detained for now
Former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil will remain in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Louisiana for now. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano breaks it down.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much the president paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
Celeb planners on how MSG could become Taylor Swift's perfect wedding venue
Two elite event designers shared their thoughts on how Taylor Swift's team might transform Madison Square Garden.
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.
Huge Russian strike on Ukraine's capital kills at least 21, officials say
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine's capital, killing at least 21 people and prompting President Zelenskyy to call for sped-up weapons support from his partners.
Security guard rescued from rubble 8 days after Venezuela earthquakes
Hernan Gil was brought out on a stretcher as elated rescuers cheered and hugged each other. He was loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
U.S.
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This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 5)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify said the streams tied to Malcolm Todd's "Earrings" were not from genuine listeners after suspicious betting activity emerged on Kalshi.
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.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26 million ahead of wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated to 20 local and national charities ahead of their wedding Friday.
FBI orders field offices to send analysts to Atlanta for election probe
The FBI is asking for analysts to help evaluate thousands of records for a "priority" investigation ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel.
MoneyWatch
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Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify said the streams tied to Malcolm Todd's "Earrings" were not from genuine listeners after suspicious betting activity emerged on Kalshi.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much the president paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
StubHub accused of failing to deliver pricey World Cup tickets
Ticket reseller StubHub abruptly canceled customers' tickets to World Cup matches, costing them thousands of dollars, a lawsuit alleges.
Employers added 57,000 jobs in June, far below forecasts
June's payroll gains were much lower than the 100,000 new hires that economists had predicted.
Trump Accounts launch July 4. Here's how they work.
People can begin depositing money in the new tax-deferred investment accounts on Saturday, with eligible children receiving a $1,000 government contribution.
Politics
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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.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
FBI orders field offices to send analysts to Atlanta for election probe
The FBI is asking for analysts to help evaluate thousands of records for a "priority" investigation ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much the president paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
Shark attack alerts for cellphones authorized by new federal law
President Trump has signed "Lulu's Law," which requires the FCC to allow emergency alert messages for shark attacks. It was inspired by shark attack survivor Lulu Gribbin.
HealthWatch
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Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
World
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Man who sold land for Kushner-backed Albania resort facing criminal probe
A man who sold land for a controversial, Jared Kushner-backed luxury development in Albania is suspected of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Security guard rescued from rubble 8 days after Venezuela earthquakes
Hernan Gil was brought out on a stretcher as elated rescuers cheered and hugged each other. He was loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away.
Catholic Church excommunicates 6 bishops from ultra-conservative society
The Vatican says bishops from the ultra-conservative Catholic SSPX society were automatically excommunicated after ignoring Pope Leo's plea for unity.
"Once-in-a-generation" expedition launched to survey 2 legendary shipwrecks
Researchers will travel to the bottom of the North Atlantic to survey two legendary shipwrecks, once tied to a pair of iconic 19th-century polar explorers.
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26 million ahead of wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated to 20 local and national charities ahead of their wedding Friday.
StubHub accused of failing to deliver pricey World Cup tickets
Ticket reseller StubHub abruptly canceled customers' tickets to World Cup matches, costing them thousands of dollars, a lawsuit alleges.
Celeb planners on how MSG could become Taylor Swift's perfect wedding venue
Two elite event designers shared their thoughts on how Taylor Swift's team might transform Madison Square Garden.
Details on Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding
Fans around the world are preparing for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding. Here's what to know before what some are calling the wedding of the century. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
CBS News journalists on Swift-Kelce wedding
Rumors are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tying the knot at Madison Square Garden. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Gabrielle Ake, self-described Swifties, join "The Takeout" with the latest.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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Science
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Crime
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FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
NYC building climbers engaged, under arrest
Two people in black masks scaled the Empire State Building, scrambling the New York City Police Department. They call themselves "roof-toppers," or stunt climbers, and they unfurled a banner about world peace before one of them got out a ring and proposed. By the time they got down, they were engaged and under arrest. Tom Hanson reports.
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
Potential charges for Empire State Building climbers
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Wednesday and unfurled a banner before seemingly getting engaged. CBS News law enforcement contributor Rodney Harrison has more on what repercussions the couple could face.
Couple climbs Empire State Building: Details
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unfurling a banner and appearing to get engaged. CBS News' Tom Hanson and Shanelle Kaul have more.
Space
More Space
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Scientists create cell that can complete life cycle
University of Minnesota scientists say they've made the first synthetic cell that can complete a life cycle. Kate Adamala, a University of Minnesota professor who worked on the project and the co-founder of Biotic, joined CBS News to discuss.
Olympian indicted over Reflecting Pool
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Thursday announced an indictment against Olympian David Hearn on a destruction of property charge related to the D.C. Reflecting Pool. Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, Pirro said.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
Trump crypto dealings and potential conflicts
New financial disclosures show President Trump made $1.4 billion on crypto in 2025. Tom Bergin, investigative financial reporter for Reuters, joins CBS News to discuss the potential conflicts of interest that comes from Mr. Trump's crypto dealings.