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
Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is ceasing operations after failing to land a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration.
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Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
President Trump said earlier this week he was reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, which hosts more than 35,000 U.S. service members.
Live
Trump "not satisfied" with new peace deal offered by Iran
President Trump said on Friday he did not like Iran's new proposal to end the war as the Strait of Hormuz standoff sends costs soaring around the world.
Starmer urges action at some Gaza protests after antisemitic attacks
Keir Starmer said he would always defend the right to protest, but that there may be instances where some marches should be banned.
"This is it tonight": Spirit Airlines pilots sign off on final flights
Air traffic control audio records showed the exchanges between controllers and the pilots of some of Spirit Airlines' final flights
Berkshire Hathaway has 1st annual meeting without Warren Buffett
The company's first-quarter profit more than doubled as the value of its investments grew and most of its businesses improved.
Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking temporarily steps down
The U.S. accuses Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya of working with cartels to distribute "massive quantities" of narcotics to the United States.
Judge rebukes prosecutors in hearing for accused correspondents' dinner gunman
A federal judge scolded prosecutors for pushing to move forward with detention proceedings for accused correspondents' dinner gunman Cole Allen, even though Allen agreed to remain in custody.
Bard College president to retire after revelations of his ties to Epstein
The longtime president of Bard College announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known.
U.S.
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Feds to investigate after explosives found in fatal Oregon vehicle crash
The suspect crashed the vehicle through the front entrance of the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland.
"This is it tonight": Spirit Airlines pilots sign off on final flights
Air traffic control audio records showed the exchanges between controllers and the pilots of some of Spirit Airlines' final flights
Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is ceasing operations after failing to land a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration.
Bard College president to retire after revelations of his ties to Epstein
The longtime president of Bard College announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known.
Tennessee, Alabama take steps to redraw House maps in wake of Supreme Court ruling
The Republican governors of Tennessee and Alabama called state lawmakers into special sessions on Friday, initial steps in what could be a scramble to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court narrowed the Voting Rights Act.
MoneyWatch
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Berkshire Hathaway has 1st annual meeting without Warren Buffett
The company's first-quarter profit more than doubled as the value of its investments grew and most of its businesses improved.
Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is ceasing operations after failing to land a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration.
Pickleball Inc. $225 million deal creates new home for sport
The deal merged Major League Pickleball and the Carvana PPA Tour, two of the nascent sport's most active entities, under one company, Pickleball Inc.
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Ford CEO says company is focusing on making vehicles more affordable
Ford CEO Jim Farley tells CBS News, "Most of our new models are going to be more affordable versions."
What will a Spirit Airlines shutdown mean for travelers?
Have tickets to fly on Spirit? Here's what to know about refunds and alternative flights as the budget airline ceases operations.
Politics
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Tennessee, Alabama take steps to redraw House maps in wake of Supreme Court ruling
The Republican governors of Tennessee and Alabama called state lawmakers into special sessions on Friday, initial steps in what could be a scramble to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court narrowed the Voting Rights Act.
Trump tightens U.S. sanctions on Cuba, signaling a warning to the island, expert says
The new measures increase pressure on foreign financial institutions by threatening their access to U.S. markets if they continue to work with Cuban government entities.
Judge rebukes prosecutors in hearing for accused correspondents' dinner gunman
A federal judge scolded prosecutors for pushing to move forward with detention proceedings for accused correspondents' dinner gunman Cole Allen, even though Allen agreed to remain in custody.
Exclusive
Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
President Trump said earlier this week he was reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, which hosts more than 35,000 U.S. service members.
Judge blocks Trump from ending deportation protections for Yemenis
A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking legal protections for more than 2,800 Yemeni nationals.
HealthWatch
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Football practice was leaving a teen fatigued. A rare cancer was to blame.
Cameron Rider's fatigue, body aches and fever were diagnosed as pneumonia, but he couldn't seem to get better.
Appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pill mifepristone in U.S.
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone.
FDA expands access to drug helping pancreatic cancer patients
Former Sen. Ben Sasse, 54, called daraxonrasib "a miracle drug" that was allowing him to live longer and with less pain.
Nebraska becomes first U.S. state to enact Medicaid work requirements
The "big beautiful bill" requires U.S. states to add work requirements to Medicaid by January 2027. Experts warn millions could lose health coverage.
Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
World
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Mexican governor accused by U.S. of drug trafficking temporarily steps down
The U.S. accuses Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya of working with cartels to distribute "massive quantities" of narcotics to the United States.
Starmer urges action at some Gaza protests after antisemitic attacks
Keir Starmer said he would always defend the right to protest, but that there may be instances where some marches should be banned.
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Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
President Trump said earlier this week he was reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, which hosts more than 35,000 U.S. service members.
Trump tells Congress "hostilities" with Iran have "terminated"
President Trump on Friday told Congress that hostilities with Iran have "terminated," addressing a critical 60-day deadline.
Book excerpt: "The New Tourist" by Paige McClanahan
Journalist Paige McClanahan writes about how tourism shapes societies and individuals, and about the need to redefine the meaning of "tourist" in today's shrinking world.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
5/2: Saturday Morning
Spirit Airlines announced it will cease operations after failing to secure a federal bailout. Meanwhile, President Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal.
Andy Serkis on "Animal Farm"
Andy Serkis, the iconic voice of Gollum in "Lord of the Rings," speaks with "CBS Saturday Morning" about his latest project, an animated version of George Orwell's "Animal Farm."
Manish Malhotra on his design journey
Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra is no stranger to American red carpets, counting Beyoncé, the Kardashians and Rihanna as clients. Malhotra spoke with "CBS Saturday Morning" about his start as a Bollywood costume designer ahead of Monday's Met Gala.
Billie Marten performs "Feeling"
English singer-songwriter Billie Marten has been compared to legends like Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Nick Drake. Her latest album, "Dog Eared," has received widespread praise for its soothing yet evocative sound. Here's Billie Marten performing "Feeling."
Billie Marten performs "Crown"
English singer-songwriter Billie Marten has been compared to legends like Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and Nick Drake. Her latest album, "Dog Eared," has received widespread praise for its soothing yet evocative sound. Here's Billie Marten performing "Crown."
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Reducing data center impact on U.S. power grid
Powerful artificial intelligence data centers are putting a significant strain on the nation's power grid, but one U.S.-based company has a proposal to help solve the issue. Jon Parella, CEO and founder of Terraflow Energy, joins to discuss.
Apple's latest earnings beat expectations
Apple's latest earnings report beat Wall Street expectations. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
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.
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
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Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
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AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
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In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
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Saving the Venus fly trap
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New video of correspondents' dinner suspect
New video shows the alleged White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter breaching event security after roaming the hotel hallways prior to the dinner.
Starmer urges action at some Gaza protests after antisemitic attacks
Keir Starmer said he would always defend the right to protest, but that there may be instances where some marches should be banned.
3 months since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Friday marked exactly three months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing. Briana Whitney, a breaking news reporter for the Crime Junkie podcast, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
WHCA scholarship recipients on shooting
For more than 100 years, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has celebrated the First Amendment and freedom of the press. The annual event is also a fundraiser for journalism scholarships. This year, the White House Correspondents' Association awarded $156,000 in grants to 30 college students. Two recipients, Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, join "The Daily Report" to discuss the shooting.
New video in D.C. dinner shooting
Newly released video shows the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect and his movements ahead of the attack. Other video also shows a clearer image of the confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more details.
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Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
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Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
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Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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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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5/2: Saturday Morning
Spirit Airlines announced it will cease operations after failing to secure a federal bailout. Meanwhile, President Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal.
Football error leads to life-saving diagnosis
Mike Toothaker, a stallion sales manager at Spendthrift Farms and part of the ownership team for top Kentucky Derby contender "Further Ado," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" how watching NFL placekicker Younghoe Koo whiff a field goal made him laugh so hard he seized, leading to a life-saving diagnosis.
The Dish: Chef Gregory Gourdet
Chef Gregory Gourdet is a three-time James Beard Award winner who changed the dining experiences at French luxury department store Printemps in New York City's Financial District. Gourdet sat down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his inspiration and culinary roots.
Duffy gives update on Spirit Airlines
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday morning after Spirit Airlines announced it would immediately cease operations.
Andy Serkis on "Animal Farm"
Andy Serkis, the iconic voice of Gollum in "Lord of the Rings," speaks with "CBS Saturday Morning" about his latest project, an animated version of George Orwell's "Animal Farm."