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
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
Live
Israel strikes Lebanon as Iran says it "cannot trust the Americans"
Two days of talks in Washington between Lebanon and Israel produced an extension of the current ceasefire by 45 days.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Finnish divers join search for bodies of 4 Italian divers in the Maldives
The search for the remains of the four Italian divers was suspended Saturday, after a Maldivian military diver died.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
At least 4 killed by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
Russian defenses shot down 81 drones headed for Moscow overnight, state agency Tass reported, citing Sobyanin.
Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
Venezuela says it deported Alex Saab, a key Maduro ally, to the U.S.
Venezuela's government says it has deported a close ally of Nicolás Maduro to face judicial proceedings in the U.S. less than three years he was pardoned by President Joe Biden.
U.S.
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Ronda Rousey defeats Gina Carano seconds into joint comeback match
Ronda Rousey used her signature armbar to stop Gina Carano just 17 seconds into a comeback bout between the two MMA fighters.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Favorite Philly foods: Cheesesteaks, pretzels and hoagies
"Sunday Morning" shares the love for three traditional foods in the City of Brotherly Love.
Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
MoneyWatch
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Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
Politics
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Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Transcript: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
HealthWatch
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Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
Tommy Bell thought he was in good shape. But a series of heart attacks painted a more complicated picture.
New York doctor who survived Ebola says he fears for healthcare workers
A New York doctor who contracted and survived Ebola more than a decade ago says he is worried for healthcare workers who are at the center of treating the latest outbreak.
Controversial FDA official leaving drug center post in latest departure at agency
Dr. Tracy Beth Høeg, leader of the Food and Drug Administration division responsible for regulating prescription and over-the-counter drugs, is leaving her post, a senior FDA official confirmed.
World
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Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Irish researchers find oldest English poem in medieval book in Rome
Researchers in Dublin discovered the oldest surviving English poem in a Roman library.
Transcript: Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
Director Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought the father-son relationship of Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen.
Extended interview: Jon Favreau
In this web exclusive, Jon Favreau, the creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," and director of the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the myth of "Star Wars," the influences on the story (including Japanese samurai films), and expanding the universe for a new audience. He also talks about working with Robert Downey Jr. on his film "Iron Man," and about cooking, the subject of his 2014 movie, "Chef."
Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Director Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the handmade feel of the "Star Wars" universe, and how father-son relationships have always been at the heart of the stories set in a galaxy far, far away. He also discusses bringing his improv roots to directing Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."
Designing the future of Louis Vuitton
The French fashion house is today the world's largest luxury brand. "Sunday Morning" talks with artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière, who is shaping the future of Louis Vuitton by designing the unexpected.
Technology
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Technology
An adobe renaissance
For thousands of years, civilizations around the world have built houses out of earth – whether it be mud brick, wattle and dab or rammed earth. But adobe (the practice of making mudbricks) has now become today's "it" building material, from museums around the world designed using adobe, to do-it-yourselfers constructing homes from the very dirt beneath their feet. Correspondent Conor Knighton looks at the history of adobe, and how ancient adobe materials are being merged with 3-D printing techniques.
Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
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.
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Science
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New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
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One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
"Survivor" 48 and 50 contestant Joe Hunter believes his sister Joanna, whose death was ruled a suicide, was murdered. He and their mother are working to be Joanna's voice and advocate for others who have experienced domestic violence.
Details on charges against Mohammad Al-Saadi
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is facing federal charges for his alleged terror plots targeting Jewish institutions around the U.S.
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
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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.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
Yui on Taiwan relationship with China
As Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping told President Trump there would be "conflicts" if the situation with Taiwan isn't "handled properly," Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that Taiwan is "not the ones creating all this trouble" in the region.
Greer on Board of Trade
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the newly-announced Board of Trade between the U.S. and China will be focused on "non-sensitive goods" such as "sales of agricultural goods to China, energy goods, Boeings, medical devices."
Open: "Face the Nation," May 17, 2026
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," as President Trump returns from his trip to China, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., join. Plus, Anthony Salvanto has the latest CBS News polling on the economy.
Nature: Chanticleer Garden
We leave you this Sunday at Chanticleer Garden just outside Philadelphia. Videographer: Jim Zurich.