China frees 68-year-old U.S. pastor David Lin after 18 years in prison
A Chinese court sentenced U.S. pastor David Lin to life in prison in 2009, but he's been released ahead of China's Thanksgiving-like Mid-Autumn Festival.
Religion
How Americans are connecting with spirituality
As more Americans identify as spiritual, Lisa Ling explores the evolving landscape of faith.
Pope Francis visits Papua New Guinea with humanitarian aid
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of the Catholic Church reaching marginalized groups while in Papua New Guinea, a nation stricken by poverty.
Norwegian princess weds self-styled shaman in star-studded ceremony
Social media influencers, reality stars and TV personalities were among the guests as Princess Märtha Louise wed Durek Verrett.
At least 35 dead, dozens hurt in Pakistan bus accidents, officials say
Pakistani officials said at least 35 people are dead and dozens more injured after two bus accidents that happened hours apart.
Catholic priest shortage gives rise to "megachurch" as parishes expand
Over a half-century, the average size of a parish increased by 60%, while the number of priests dropped by 40%.
Kenya cult leader on trial for manslaughter
A trial began Monday for a Kenyan cult leader charged with manslaughter over the deaths of more than 400 of his followers. Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, was arrested last April after about 440 bodies were found in the remote Shakahola Forest. Mackenzie allegedly told his followers to stop eating in order to "meet Jesus."
Texas targets religious groups aiding migrants
The issue of immigration has led to tensions between the federal government and the states and between border governors and big city mayors. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the story of a legal fight between a decades-old Catholic charity in El Paso, Texas, and state officials.
Paris organizers apologize for offense caused by opening ceremony act
Organizers say an act during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony featuring an LGBTQ+ icon flanked by drag artists did not depict "The Last Supper."
New Zealand inquiry exposes decades of abuse
An independent inquiry in New Zealand found that state and religious institutions failed to prevent the abuse of hundreds of thousands of children and vulnerable adults over the last seven decades. CBS News' Ian Lee has the details.
Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old temple and theater in Peru
Archaeologists say the discovery could shed light on early religious practices in the region.
3 Columbia University administrators ousted from posts over controversial texts
Three administrators have been "permanently removed from their positions" at Columbia College and "remain on leave" over texts they exchanged during an on-campus event about Jewish life at the school, Columbia University's president announced Monday.
Oklahoma superintendent requires public schools to teach the Bible
Republican State Superintendent Ryan Walters said every classroom in Oklahoma will have a Bible.
Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid extreme heat
More than 1,300 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced soaring temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom.
Louisiana law requires Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms
The GOP-drafted legislation mandates that a display of the Ten Commandments in "large, easily readable font" be required in all public classrooms.
Louisiana governor signs Ten Commandments law
Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law Wednesday.
Texas pastor resigns after allegations of misconduct with 12-year-old
Robert Morris allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 12-year-old girl between 1982 and 1987.
Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris accused of sexual assault
A woman claims Morris abused her starting in 1982, when she was 12.
Southern Baptists vote to formally oppose IVF
Thousands of delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis on Wednesday voted to reject a constitutional ban on women holding the office of pastor. However, some proposals did succeed, including a formal opposition to in vitro fertilization. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Southern Baptists narrowly reject ban on congregations with women pastors
Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention narrowly rejected a proposal to enshrine the ban in its constitution, with opponents noting the church can already oust such churches.
Bridgeview mosque guides members through multiple recent tragedies
After the alleged murders of a 6-year-old boy and four members of the same family, mosque leaders try to help community members grieve and move forward.
Southern Baptists reject ban on women pastors
Southern Baptists narrowly rejected a ban on women pastors Wednesday. About 61% of the delegates voted for the ban, which is less than the required two-thirds supermajority needed to pass the proposal. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Well-known North Texas pastor steps away from ministry "due to sin"
Dr. Tony Evans once served as chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks.
New book examines fall of Roe v. Wade
Nearly two years since the fall of Roe v. Wade, a new book examines the decadeslong effort by conservatives to overturn abortion rights in the U.S. New York Times journalists Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias, authors of "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America," join CBS News to discuss the political maneuvering that came before that decision.
Southern Baptists poised to ban congregations with women pastors
The proposed ban could affect hundreds of Baptist congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches.
Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
In an exclusive interview, the treasury secretary also addressed the struggles facing the U.S. economy and the new tax-deferred Trump Accounts.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding day arrives with MSG under tight security
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to welcome around 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden to celebrate their wedding, sources say.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much the president paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
Live
U.S.-Iran talks pause for ayatollah's funeral after claims of progress
Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. will pause for a week for the funeral of Iran's slain supreme leader, but Trump, and mediators, say there's been progress.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
Former CDC official: RFK Jr.'s response to measles "not based on science"
Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned in protest from the health agency, said the spread of misinformation impacted lives.
Maps show this July 4th could be hottest ever in parts of U.S.
Extremely dangerous heat, coupled with humidity, could result in heat index readings of 100 to 115 degrees from the Midwest to the East Coast, forecasters said.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding day arrives with MSG under tight security
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to welcome around 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden to celebrate their wedding, sources say.
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.
Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touched on the recent disclosure of President Trump's crypto earnings, the latest developments with the tax-deferred Trump Accounts, and the struggles facing the U.S. economy.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 5)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
Exclusive
Bessent on Trump's crypto earnings: "I don't think there's an appearance problem"
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent touched on the recent disclosure of President Trump's crypto earnings, the latest developments with the tax-deferred Trump Accounts, and the struggles facing the U.S. economy.
Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify said the streams tied to Malcolm Todd's "Earrings" were not from genuine listeners after suspicious betting activity emerged on Kalshi.
Taxes on Trump's $1.4 billion crypto income could total hundreds of millions
The White House declined to say how much President Trump paid in taxes on his crypto windfall.
StubHub accused of failing to deliver pricey World Cup tickets
Ticket reseller StubHub abruptly canceled customers' tickets to World Cup matches, costing them thousands of dollars, a lawsuit alleges.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says U.S. keeping current support levels for NATO would be "ridiculous"
President Trump says it would be "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship with NATO. His remarks came less than a week before a NATO summit in Turkey.
Former CDC official: RFK Jr.'s response to measles "not based on science"
Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned in protest from the health agency, said the spread of misinformation impacted lives.
McConnell still hospitalized after EMS responded to his home last month
A spokesperson said the Kentucky Republican "continues to improve."
Kennedy Center selling $25,000 ticket package to watch D.C. July 4th fireworks
The Washington, D.C., fireworks show, which is sponsored by the Trump-backed organization Freedom 250, is not slated to begin until 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
Olympian David Hearn charged with destruction of property at Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is accused of ripping out a piece of sealant on the bottom of the Reflecting Pool on June 19, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
World
More World
"Vanishingly rare" copy of Declaration of Independence found in U.K.
A volunteer at the National Archives in London found the document among other papers seized from an American ship in 1776.
Trump says U.S. keeping current support levels for NATO would be "ridiculous"
President Trump says it would be "ridiculous" for the United States to continue its "one sided" relationship with NATO. His remarks came less than a week before a NATO summit in Turkey.
Man who sold land for Kushner-backed Albania resort facing criminal probe
A man who sold land for a controversial, Jared Kushner-backed luxury development in Albania is suspected of money laundering and drug trafficking.
Security guard rescued from rubble 8 days after Venezuela earthquakes
Hernan Gil was brought out on a stretcher as elated rescuers cheered and hugged each other. He was loaded into a waiting ambulance and driven away.
Catholic Church excommunicates 6 bishops from ultra-conservative society
The Vatican says bishops from the ultra-conservative Catholic SSPX society were automatically excommunicated after ignoring Pope Leo's plea for unity.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding day arrives with MSG under tight security
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to welcome around 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden to celebrate their wedding, sources say.
Swift-Kelce wedding festivities kick off
Wedding celebrations are getting underway at Madison Square Garden as pop superstar Taylor Swift and Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce prepare to celebrate their wedding. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more.
Sources: Swift-Kelce rehearsal dinner underway
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's rehearsal dinner is underway at Madison Square Garden, according to two law enforcement officials directly familiar with the security planning. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce announce donations
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced Thursday that they donated $26 million to 20 charities, hours before people began arriving at Madison Square Garden for a 100-person rehearsal dinner. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26 million ahead of wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated to 20 local and national charities ahead of their wedding Friday.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
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.
Science
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Science
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.
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
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
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
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
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.
Man charged over Reflecting Pool vandalism
Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted on Thursday on a felony charge for allegedly tearing up roughly two feet of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, amid the algae blooms and political mudslinging around the president's $16 million renovation. Nicole Sganga reports.
Daredevil couple facing charges
The two daredevils who climbed the spire of the Empire State Building in New York on Wednesday are facing a litany of criminal charges. According to prosecutors, the man told police he just wanted to "do something special" for his engagement. But now, Angela Nikolau says police have taken her ring as evidence. Tom Hanson reports.
Friend on the Empire State Building climbers
The couple that scaled the Empire State Building made a court appearance on Thursday, facing charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, burglary and base jumping. Anna Martinez, one of their close friends, joins CBS News to discuss.
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
The FBI said in a statement Wednesday that some ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance have been "deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy," and other "demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
Space
More Space
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
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Exclusive interview: Scott Bessent
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks with CBS News' Kelly O'Grady about stock donations for Trump accounts, the war in Iran, President Trump's $1.4 billion in crypto earnings and more.
Almost 1 year after Camp Mystic tragedy
Saturday marks one year since the catastrophic flooding that swept through Camp Mystic in Texas. Raging river water flooded the camp for young girls, killing 25 campers, two counselors and the camp's executive director. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
Legal questions in trans athletes case
This week, the Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson answers some constitutional questions about the case.
Job growth slowed in June, falling short of expectations
Hiring in the U.S. slowed in June, falling short of expectations, according to the Labor Department. CBS News producer Emily Pandise has more.