4/5/2026: Return to RAM; Ghost Train; The Mardi Gras Indians
First, a report on patients, cut off from health care, getting help. Then, the state of high-speed rail in the U.S. And, a look at the Mardi Gras Indians keeping tradition alive.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Indians spend months preparing hand-sewn suits
The Mardi Gras Indians, or Black Masking Indians, have been around since the 1800s. Members spend months painstakingly handcrafting suits to be worn while marching through New Orleans' neighborhoods.
How a big chief showdown works
In the Mardi Gras Indian, or Black Masking Indian, tradition, the big chiefs and their crews — spy boys, flag boys, wild men and a big queen — square off in mock battles with other so-called tribes to determine who is, in their words, the "prettiest."
Mardi Gras Indians keeping tradition alive
The Mardi Gras Indians, or Black Masking Indians, have been around since the 1800s. Members spend months painstakingly handcrafting suits to be worn while marching through New Orleans' neighborhoods.
Mardi Gras Indians carry on tradition in painstakingly crafted suits
Every year, Black residents of New Orleans don stunning, handmade suits on Mardi Gras day that are sewn in secret for the better part of a year. It's a tradition they say honors ancestors.
The anatomy of a Mardi Gras showdown
In the Mardi Gras Indian, or Black Masking Indian, tradition, the big chiefs and their crews — spy boys, flag boys, wild men and a big queen — square off in mock battles with other so-called tribes to determine who is, in their words, the "prettiest."
The Mardi Gras Indians | Sunday on 60 Minutes
Every Mardi Gras Day, something extraordinary emerges from the backstreets of New Orleans. It's a tradition most tourists will never see. This Sunday, 60 Minutes goes inside the elaborate culture of the Mardi Gras Indians, also known as Black Masking Indians.
Mardi Gras cleanup underway in New Orleans
First responders and sanitation crews are working to clean up in New Orleans following the Mardi Gras celebrations. CBS News' Kati Weis has the latest.
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are in full swing, but this year the festivities have been overshadowed by controversy. An offensive float display has sparked outrage and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has launched an investigation. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
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Mardi Gras 2025 wraps up in New Orleans
Mardi Gras has officially come and gone for 2025. CBS News reporter Kati Weis is in New Orleans with a recap of the party.
Latest on severe weather in the South
There are severe weather warnings for the South and several states are preparing for possible tornadoes. In New Orleans, the weather is impacting Mardi Gras celebrations. CBS News' Kati Weis reports from Louisiana, and meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest weather forecast.
Fat Tuesday celebrations in New Orleans
Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday festivities are in full swing in New Orleans with the area still facing the threat of severe weather. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
New Orleans ramps up security for Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans face challenges as severe weather disrupts parades and security is tightened to the highest level in state history. Officials are on high alert following a deadly New Year's Day car attack, with federal agents patrolling parade routes and monitoring potential threats.
Severe weather and Fat Tuesday in New Orleans
A weather system that's put millions on alert for a range of severe conditions is also having an effect on New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebrations. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
How New Orleans is handling Mardi Gras security
Mardi Gras celebrations are about to reach their high point in New Orleans, and for the first time in history, Fat Tuesday's security designation will be as high as the Super Bowl. Katy Weis reports on the increased security.
Extra security at Mardi Gras
Security precautions are heightened in New Orleans as the city celebrates Mardi Gras. This comes after a shocking terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on New Year's Day. CBS News' Kati Weis reports.
Baby pig rescued after being tossed
At a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, three men tossed around what looked like a football. Turns out, it was a baby pig, according to a bystander. Fortunately, the witness was able to rescue the animal from the situation – and now, the piglet has a new home.
Mardi Gras and Carnival: Best photos of the 2024 celebrations
Carnival season culminated Tuesday with Mardi Gras parades and street parties.
Mardi Gras underway amid crime concerns
Mardi Gras celebrations are underway in New Orleans, in the wake of a shooting that killed one person at a parade Sunday night. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian joins us from New Orleans with the latest on the safety precautions officials are taking and the mood on the ground at the festival.
Mardi Gras 2023 underway in New Orleans
Fat Tuesday celebrations are underway in New Orleans, just days after a deadly shooting during a Mardi Gras parade. CBS News correspondent Jamie Wax joined Vladimir Duthiers and Anne-Marie Green to discuss heightened security, what to expect from today's events and the tradition of the king cake.
Trombone Shorty on diversifying Mardi Gras
When it comes to music in New Orleans, there is perhaps no bigger name these days than Trombone Shorty. CBS News contributor Jamie Wax sat down with the touring musician to learn about his unprecedented career and his mission to bring more diversity to Mardi Gras.
Alex Murdaugh team’s turn in his murder trial
The Alex Murdaugh murder trial resumes today with defense lawyers starting their questioning. The Plains states are bracing for a major winter storm. And people around the world are celebrating Mardi Gras today, with New Orleans hosting the biggest U.S. festivities.
1 person killed in New Orleans shooting
One person is dead and four others are wounded after being shot at a Mardi Gras parade Sunday night, New Orleans police said. One person was detained at the scene in connection with the gunfire.
1 person killed in New Orleans shooting along parade route, police say
Five people were injured and one succumbed to his wounds, police said, adding that one person was detained at the scene in connection with the gunfire.
Mallory McMorrow suspends Senate campaign in Michigan
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow announced on Sunday that she is suspending her campaign for Senate, narrowing the Democratic field ahead of the competitive August primary.
Balogun suspension overturned ahead of World Cup match against Belgium
U.S. Soccer said that it is "pleased" lead scorer Folarin Balogun will be able to compete against Belgium in Seattle, Washington.
Ex-CDC official describes "pure chaos" as RFK Jr. sought to transform agency
Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry warned the "scientific integrity" of federal health agencies are at risk.
Milions brace for flooding after heat, storms damper July 4th celebrations
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
New evacuation orders after "significant growth" on Colorado wildfire
Authorities overseeing the firefight against the week-old Willow Fire west of Leadville issued new evacuation and pre-evacuation orders Sunday morning after the blaze grew by nearly 1,000 acres in 24 hours.
Live
Massive funeral for Iran's slain supreme leader enters second day
The dayslong funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by U.S.-Israeli strikes, has been marked by chants for revenge.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old female is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are juveniles between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
NASA administrator: "We are very much in a space race right now" against China
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the U.S. is "very much in a space race right now" against China, as the two countries vie to land astronauts on the moon and secure a near-permanent presence.
U.S.
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Giminez join Ed O'Keefe.
NASA administrator: "We are very much in a space race right now" against China
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the U.S. is "very much in a space race right now" against China, as the two countries vie to land astronauts on the moon and secure a near-permanent presence.
Mallory McMorrow suspends Senate campaign in Michigan
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow announced on Sunday that she is suspending her campaign for Senate, narrowing the Democratic field ahead of the competitive August primary.
D.C. air quality drops to "very unhealthy" levels after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
Charlie Kirk's alleged killer will have his preliminary hearing this week
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MoneyWatch
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More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
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Transcript: Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Gimenez on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Democrat of New York, and Carlos Gimenez, Republican of Florida, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. The interview was taped on July 2, 2026.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Giminez join Ed O'Keefe.
NASA administrator: "We are very much in a space race right now" against China
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the U.S. is "very much in a space race right now" against China, as the two countries vie to land astronauts on the moon and secure a near-permanent presence.
Mallory McMorrow suspends Senate campaign in Michigan
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Ex-CDC official describes "pure chaos" as RFK Jr. sought to transform agency
Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry warned the "scientific integrity" of federal health agencies are at risk.
HealthWatch
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D.C. air quality drops to "very unhealthy" levels after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
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.
World
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Transcript: Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Gimenez on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Democrat of New York, and Carlos Gimenez, Republican of Florida, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. The interview was taped on July 2, 2026.
Yemen's Houthis kill 16 government troops; cargo ship reports attack in Red Sea
Both incidents were reported near the port city of Hodeidah, which is under control of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group.
Balogun suspension lifted ahead of World Cup match against Belgium
U.S. Soccer said that it is "pleased" lead scorer Folarin Balogun will be able to compete against Belgium in Seattle, Washington.
Transcript: NASA administrator Jared Isaacman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with NASA administrator Jared Isaacman that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026.
U.S. military suspends search for sailor who went missing in Arabian Sea
The U.S. military said it has suspended the search for a missing sailor who was aboard a helicopter that went down in the Arabian Sea last week.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: J.K. Simmons
In this web exclusive, the character actor who won an Academy Award for "Whiplash" talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his roles, the epitomes of real characters.
"Little House on the Prairie": The beloved books are back on screen
Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical book series, which inspired a classic 1970s TV show, is returning to screens this summer in a new adaptation.
A return to "Little House on the Prairie"
Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical "Little House on the Prairie" series, which inspired a classic 1970s TV show, is returning to screens this summer in a new adaptation of Wilder's beloved books. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with stars Alice Halsey, Skywalker Hughes, Crosby Fitzgerald and Luke Bracey; writer-showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine; and executive producer Joy Gorman Wettels, about myth-making and pioneers in the American West.
J.K. Simmons: A real character
The Oscar-winning "Whiplash" star talks about being a character actor; his new mob series "The Westies"; and the difficult early days of his career – and an unexpected kindness from an actor friend.
J.K. Simmons: A real character
J.K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning star of "Whiplash," relishes being a character actor. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his role as a mob leader in the new MGM+ series "The Westies," and recalls the difficult early days of his career – and how an unexpected kindness from an actor friend helped him when he needed it most.
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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.
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The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
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.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
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
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Crime
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Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Space
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Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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
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Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
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Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
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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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7/5: Face The Nation
This week on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Ed O'Keefe speaks to NCAA President Charlie Baker. Meanwhile, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Gimenez discuss immigration and their American stories.
Extended interview: J.K. Simmons
In this web exclusive, the character actor who won an Academy Award for "Whiplash" talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his roles, the epitomes of real characters.
Ex-CDC official: "Pure chaos" at HHS
Dr. Debra Houry, who served as chief medical officer at the CDC before leaving the agency in protest after then CDC director Susan Monarez was fired last year, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that there was "pure chaos" when HHS Director Robert F. Kennedy took over, and she warned that the "scientific integrity" of federal health agencies are at risk.
Face the Nation: Baker, Houry
Missed the second half of the show? NCAA President Charlie Baker and former CDC medical officer Dr. Debra Houry join.
Full interview: Reps. Espaillat, Gimenez
Watch Ed O'Keefe's full interview with Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Democrat of New York, and Carlos Gimenez, Republican of Florida. A portion of this interview aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. Editor's note: This interview was taped on July 2, 2026.