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.
Ken Burns
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.
Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein on new docuseries
A 12-hour documentary series centered on the United States' war for independence is premiering on PBS in November. Co-directors Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein join "The Takeout" to discuss what went into making "The American Revolution" and what they discovered in the process.
Ken Burns: Attacks on PBS seem "foolhardy" and "misguided"
Filmmaker Ken Burns said it's "shortsighted" to eliminate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as public media has become a target of the White House.
Transcript: Ken Burns on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 6, 2025
The following is the transcript of an interview with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson that will air on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 6, 2025.
Ken Burns on "Face the Nation"
As the U.S. celebrates 249 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson spoke with documentarian Ken Burns about his new film on the American Revolution and the importance of telling the story of American history.
Filmmaker Ken Burns on the American Revolution
The American Revolution was one of the most significant events in world history because it created a "new thing called a citizen," iconic filmmaker Ken Burns told CBS News, as the nation celebrates the Fourth of July exactly one year before its 250th birthday. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson spoke with Burns, whose upcoming film, "The American Revolution," is expected to air on PBS on Nov. 16.
Ken Burns on how the American Revolution "turned the world upside down"
Filmmaker Ken Burns says the American Revolution created a "new thing called a citizen."
Ken Burns on American Revolution's importance
Filmmaker Ken Burns explains the importance of the American Revolution, telling "CBS Evening News" co-anchor and CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson that he thinks it's "the most important event since the birth of Christ in all of world history." Watch more of his interview Sunday on "Face the Nation."
Preview "The Vietnam War"
The documentary filmmakers' latest project, a 10-part series on the U.S. war in Vietnam, premieres Sunday on PBS.
Face the Nation, Sept. 17
This week on "Face the Nation," host John Dickerson interviews Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Senator John McCain to discuss the priorities at the United Nations General Assembly this week, and Ken Burns and Lynn Novick preview their ten-part documentary, "The Vietnam War."
Here Comes the Sun: Ken Burns and more
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns sits down with Susan Spencer to discuss his new PBS documentary series "The U.S. and the Holocaust." Then, Mo Rocca travels to Crested Butte, Colorado, to learn about wildflowers. "Here Comes the Sun" is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on "CBS Sunday Morning."
Ken Burns on "The Takeout"
Documentarian Ken Burns discussed his new PBS docuseries "Muhammad Ali," which chronicles the life of the iconic boxer and his legacy on sports, politics and much more, on this week's episode of "The Takeout with Major Garrett."
Portrait of a genius: Ken Burns on Leonardo da Vinci
The acclaimed filmmaker behind the PBS documentary on the 15th century Italian artist and intellectual calls Leonardo da Vinci "one of the most incredibly interesting human beings who has ever walked the Earth."
America's failures in response to the Holocaust
A new PBS documentary series by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein, "The U.S. and the Holocaust," examines how United States policy was not always an open door for Jews in Europe who sought to flee Nazi persecution before and during World War II.
Ken Burns discusses his Muhammad Ali documentary
Burns says that he wanted to cover Ali's life from his boyhood in segregated Louisville until his death five years ago of Parkinson's Disease.
Ken Burns on America, selling his first film and more
The filmmaker known for his exhaustive documentaries on American subjects gives Scott Pelley a glimpse into how his films are made, the message he wants to convey with them and how he became the person he is today.
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on filmmaking in a pandemic
On "Facing Forward," Margaret Brennan talks with documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick about filmmaking during a pandemic and their new documentary Hemingway
Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader "El Mencho" killed in federal operation
Mexico's Ministry of Defense security forces have killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, in a military operation.
Maps show snow totals, blizzard warnings for major winter storm
Blizzard warnings are in effect for New York City, New Jersey, southern New England and coastal communities along the East Coast.
On South Africa's farms, there's pushback against claims of genocide
President Trump claims White farmers in South Africa are victims of a genocide. South Africans dispute his claim.
Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
Armed man shot and killed inside Mar-a-Lago perimeter, Secret Service says
An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday morning after "unauthorized entry" into the secure perimeter at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, the U.S. Secret Service said.
U.S. beats Canada in thrilling hockey finals to win Olympic gold
Through a sudden death overtime goal, the U.S. men's hockey team is golden over Canada.
Greer says White House expects to "stand by" trade deals after SCOTUS ruling
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "stand by" the trade deal agreements it has signed with its partners despite the Supreme Court's tariff decision.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
U.S.
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As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer join Margaret Brennan.
MoneyWatch
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Trump imposes 10% tariffs on all countries after SCOTUS struck down earlier tariffs
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
Will Americans get refunds after Trump's tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court?
While the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, experts said it could take years for businesses to get refunds.
Fried rice sold at Trader Joe's recalled over possible glass contamination
The recall involves 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide and to retailers in Canada.
The latest GDP data isn't as bad as it looks. Here's what to know.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
Walmart and other big companies say tariffs are forcing them to hike prices
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
Politics
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Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer join Margaret Brennan.
Greer says White House expects to "stand by" trade deals after SCOTUS ruling
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "stand by" the trade deal agreements it has signed with its partners despite the Supreme Court's tariff decision.
Huckabee's remarks on Israel and Middle East were taken out of context, embassy says
U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made his comments during an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday.
HealthWatch
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As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Cop's shortness of breath was the only sign of rare lung disorder
Travis Corbitt's struggles to breathe led to his retirement and reliance on an oxygen tank.
World
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After leader killed, what does future hold for powerful Jalisco cartel?
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — also known as "El Mencho" — had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head.
The violent history of "El Mencho," the cartel leader killed in Mexico
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — also known as "El Mencho" — was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel prior to his death on Sunday.
Winter Olympics closing ceremony celebrates athletes and Italian art in Verona
The Milan Cortina Olympics ended Sunday with a closing ceremony inside the ancient Roman amphitheater, Verona Arena.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader "El Mencho" killed in federal operation
Mexico's Ministry of Defense security forces killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," in a military operation.
Entertainment
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Rose Byrne on playing a woman at the end of her rope in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"
The Australian-born actress earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance as a mother stretched to the limits.
Extended interview: Rose Byrne
In this web exclusive, Rose Byrne, an Oscar nominee for best actress for her performance in Mary Bronstein's "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," talks with Tracy Smith about her response to the character of Linda, a woman at the end of her rope. She also talks about her early years in Hollywood, including her friendship with fellow Australian Heath Ledger, and her experience playing comedy with "Bridesmaids."
Rose Byrne on "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"
Australian-born actress Rose Byrne earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the drama "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," playing a mother stretched to the limits. She talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about playing a woman losing all sense of control. Byrne also discusses her early years in Hollywood and the help she received from fellow Aussie Heath Ledger; and how she branched off from working in dramas like the TV series "Damages," to comedies like "Bridesmaids."
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall.
The legacy of the Studio Museum in Harlem
In 1968, a group of artists, activists, and community members founded the Studio Museum in Harlem. It was a space not just for displaying works celebrating the contributions of African-American artists, but also to foster up-and-coming artists through a residency program. Now, following a seven-year, $160 million renovation, the Studio Museum has reopened. Nancy Giles pays a visit.
Technology
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Technology
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
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.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in court
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Science
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In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
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.
Crime
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After leader killed, what does future hold for powerful Jalisco cartel?
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — also known as "El Mencho" — had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head.
The violent history of "El Mencho," the cartel leader killed in Mexico
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes — also known as "El Mencho" — was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel prior to his death on Sunday.
Cellphone app, security video critical in helping solve teen's murder
In April 2024, college student Sade Robinson, 19, went on a first date and never came home. Her car was found set on fire 3 miles from her apartment. Using data from an app on her phone, law enforcement began to piece together where she went — and who she was with.
Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
Former "American Idol" contestant charged in wife's murder in Ohio
Caleb Flynn, 37, appeared in season 12 of "American Idol." He was arrested by Tipp City police last week and charged with murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
Space
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NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
Cosmologist on UFO files
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II moonshot
A successful fueling test prompts NASA to press ahead toward a March 6 moonshot.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Milano Cortina Winter Olympics come to an end
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics came to a spectacular close Sunday night in a historic Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy. Seth Doane in Cortina covered all 19 days of competition and reflects on its impact.
Team USA wins men's hockey gold in overtime
The U.S. men's hockey team beat Canada on Sunday to win its first Olympic gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Russia launches another attack on Ukraine
Russia fired scores of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine Sunday. Holly Williams is in Kyiv with more.
U.S.-Iran tensions continuing to rise
The United States stands at the brink of a major conflict in the Middle East with the Iranian regime grappling with domestic discontent and the threat of U.S. strikes. Charlie D'Agata reports.
"El Mencho" killed in military operation
Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," during an operation in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico's Ministry of Defense said Sunday. Violent clashes erupted in parts of western Mexico amid the operation. Americans caught in the chaos have been told to shelter in place. Willie James Inman reports.