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
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Tulsi Gabbard resigning as intel chief, citing husband's cancer diagnosis
Tulsi Gabbard is resigning as the director of national intelligence after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
Over 40,000 evacuated in California chemical leak as officials warn tank may explode
Southern California officials have expanded evacuations in several Orange County cities due to concerns over a leaking toxic chemical tank that they say is "actively in crisis."
Live
Rubio says Iran imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable"
The secretary of state tempered optimism for a deal to end the Iran war, calling Iran's bid to "create a tolling system" in the Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable."
Cruz says Blanche faced "full-on revolt" over DOJ fund at meeting with GOP senators
The GOP senator said the meeting included "screaming," adding that "fiery does not begin to cut it."
Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal district judge granted Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to dismiss two criminal charges on the grounds his prosecution was vindictive and selective.
Trump administration to require most green card applicants to leave U.S. first
The Trump administration on Friday announced a sweeping policy designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to get permanent residency.
Kyle Busch was coughing up blood a day before his death, 911 call reveals
Kyle Busch's cause of death has not been given, though his family said earlier the NASCAR icon had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
Pentagon releases more UFO files: "Speechless after these observations"
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of 64 files related to UFOs, unveiling a second tranche of records under an executive order by President Trump.
U.S.
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How some U.S. schools are teaching kindness classes
Kindness 101 is a program that uses the stories CBS News finds in our "On the Road" series to teach kindness and character. The stories are paired with lesson plans created by a nonprofit at Iowa's Drake University called "Character Counts!"
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
Kyle Busch was coughing up blood a day before his death, 911 call reveals
Kyle Busch's cause of death has not been given, though his family said earlier the NASCAR icon had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
MoneyWatch
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AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
This factor may determine whether you get rich. You don't control it.
Landing a good-paying job may not be enough to buy a home. A new study finds family wealth plays an outsized role in who becomes a homeowner.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Politics
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Cruz says Blanche faced "full-on revolt" over DOJ fund at meeting with GOP senators
The GOP senator said the meeting included "screaming," adding that "fiery does not begin to cut it."
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Exclusive
CIA director brought paramilitary leader involved in Maduro capture to Cuba meeting
When CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana last week to meet with senior Cuban officials, he brought along one of the covert operators involved in the mission to capture Nicolás Maduro, multiple people familiar with the matter said.
Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal district judge granted Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to dismiss two criminal charges on the grounds his prosecution was vindictive and selective.
Trump administration to require most green card applicants to leave U.S. first
The Trump administration on Friday announced a sweeping policy designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to get permanent residency.
HealthWatch
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Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
New weight-loss drug Retatrutide in trials
A new weight-loss drug, so new it is not on the market yet, is showing promising results in trials, doing much more than what current medications can. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
U.S. steps up Ebola prevention efforts
The U.S. is stepping up efforts to prevent Ebola from entering the country through its airports, with one flight diverted to Canada on Wednesday evening. Ian Lee reports from Detroit.
U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
World
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U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Fake political party led by an AI cockroach overruns Indian politics
The satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" calls itself a "political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth." India's government may be trying to squash it.
NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
2 climbers die on Everest as record-holder warns of overcrowding
At least five climbers have died during this Everest season. A U.S. and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu earlier this month.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Rob Base, rapper on classic hip-hop track "It Takes Two," dies at 59
Rob Base, the MC whose lyrics lit up the dancefloor classic "It Takes Two" and got countless people moving worldwide, passed away Friday.
Weenie 500 winners relish first-place finish
The Indianapolis 500 is this Memorial Day Weekend, kicked off by the second annual Weenie 500. "Cook 'Em Cam" and "Jack and Cheese," whose New York dog won the race, join CBS News to discuss.
New movies to watch this summer
Major franchises are bringing new movies to a theater near you this summer. Fandango's Erik Davis joins with more.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Technology
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CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
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.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Crime
Lawyers shot outside North Carolina courthouse
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a woman's civil case turned into a criminal one after police said she shot two lawyers outside a courthouse. Both were hospitalized. Skyler Henry reports.
Ivey and Ellison on 6 years since Floyd murder
Six years after his murder in Minneapolis, and despite passing the House twice, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act remains stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers are hoping to change that. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to reflect on the state of police reform.
Mosque attack was streamed online
The deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego was streamed online, and at least three people watched as two teenagers attacked the facility filled with young students, CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Britney Spears argued with police during DUI arrest, footage shows
Pop star Britney Spears said she was "totally fine" to drive and had not had a drink for about six hours when she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.
Space
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SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
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
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The weather heading into Memorial Day weekend
CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has the weather forecast as the U.S. heads into Memorial Day weekend.
The Memorial Day sales to look out for
A recent survey from digital savings platform Retail Me Not found 54% of respondents plan to shop Memorial Day weekend sales this year, up 36% from last year. But the survey found the amount people plan to spend has dropped a whopping 70% from last year. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch has more.
Is the DOJ independent of the president?
This week, the Justice Department created a so-called "anti-weaponization fund" as part of a settlement between President Trump and his own federal government over the leaking of his tax returns. The settlement also includes a pledge from the IRS that it will not pursue any legal claims it may have against Mr. Trump, his family and his companies. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Some schools teach kindness classes
Schools teach kids how to read, write and do math. But what about a class on how to be kind? In some places, it is. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.