Human heart devices help biologists understand endangered species
Smithsonian biologists are using heart monitors designed for humans to study how high stress levels in animals can hinder their ability to thrive.
Smithsonian
Human heart devices helping to understand animals
Smithsonian biologists are using heart monitors designed for humans to study how high stress levels in animals can hinder their ability to thrive. David Schechter reports.
U.S. scientists work to preserve vulnerable species at a Smithsonian lab
Experts at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute care for endangered species on 32,000 sprawling acres in Northern Virginia.
The scientists preserving vulnerable species
Scientists have warned that 28% of animal species are currently under extinction threat. But for the last 50 years, scientists at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute have worked to change that.
Trump orders review of Smithsonian museums
The Trump administration has ordered a review of Smithsonian museums and exhibits. It is the president's latest effort to shape what people learn about this country. Samuel Redman, history professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
White House reviewing Smithsonian museums for "alignment" with Trump
The White House says it will review some of the best-known Smithsonian museums to root out "divisive or ideologically driven language."
Norah O'Donnell interviews Lonnie Bunch
In this episode of "Person to Person with Norah O'Donnell," O'Donnell sits down with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch to talk about Independence Day, what history can teach Americans about divisive moments, and the development of museums honoring Latinos and women.
Full circle at Air and Space Museum
In 1903, man took to the skies for the first successful airplane flight. Six decades later, humans left footprints on the moon. It is a remarkable journey encapsulated in one place -- the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum -- which is undergoing a multi-year renovation. Christopher Browne, the museum's director, joins to discuss how his first visit to the museum inspired him.
5 new galleries to open at Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is unveiling five new exhibits next week. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson got a look inside.
North America's oldest known pterosaur discovered in Arizona, researchers say
Researchers were able to date the fossil of the flying reptile, a close cousin of dinosaurs, back to more than 209 million years ago.
Smithsonian races to save cassette recordings
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is working to digitize thousands of rare cassette recordings, including audio from early space missions, that are in danger of being lost. Scott MacFarlane reports.
"Sesame Street" has roots in black culture
It has been 50 years since "Sesame Street" was created. Bryan Greene, freelance reporter for the Smithsonian Magazine, joins CBSN to discuss the show's roots.
The Smithsonian's Lonnie Bunch: Learning from history
Lonnie G. Bunch III is enamored of American history. Last June he was named Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, which he calls "part of the glue that holds the country together." Bunch, who oversaw the creation of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, is in charge of 19 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, 7,000 employees, and a budget of $1.5 billion — and is on a mission that he believes is nothing short of monumental. He talks with CBS News national correspondent Chip Reid about the personal connections he has to some of most precious objects in the Smithsonian's collections.
It took over 80 years, but a museum dedicated to African-American history and culture is finally taking shape on the National Mall in Washington
It took over 80 years, but a museum dedicated to African-American history and culture is finally taking shape on the National Mall in Washington. Scott Pelley reports on Sunday, August 16 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
National Zoo preparing for bird flu
The Smithsonian National Zoo is taking extra care to protect its animals from bird flu. Natalie Brand reports.
Trump fires director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
President Trump announced Friday that he was ousting Director Kim Sajet, calling her a "highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position."
A secret museum
Pat Conte is a common man, with an uncommon passion for music - uncommon enough that the suburban New Yorker has collected hundreds of exotic instruments from around the world, and photos and artifacts of musicians from other cultures. It's enough to make his basement look like a one-man Smithsonian exhibit. "Sunday Morning" anchor Charles Osgood paid him a visit. Originally broadcast September 24, 2000.
Reporter's Notebook: When history meets politics
Last week, President Trump signed an executive order calling for "sanity and truth" in American history, directing the Smithsonian and national landmarks to present it in a favorable light. Can history be simultaneously sane, true, and positive? "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson gives his take.
11/8: CBS News Mornings
Democrats win big on election night; Smithsonian's National Zoo prepares to send giant pandas back to China.
Smithsonian honors Olympian Tommie Smith
The Smithsonian American Art Museum on Friday opened up a new exhibition paying tribute to former American track and field star Tommie Smith, whose iconic gesture protesting poverty and racism in the U.S. during the 1968 Olympics got him suspended from the competition. Jericka Duncan got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the installation.
2 new giant pandas are returning to D.C. zoo from China
One of the pandas being brought to the Smithsonian's National Zoo is the grandson of the pair that left the zoo in 2023.
New documentary on Iran hostage crisis
A new documentary about a clandestine U.S. Army group that was tasked with rescuing 52 American hostages in Iran airs Monday night on the Smithsonian Channel. "America's Hidden Stories: Birth of Shadow Ops" is reported and hosted by CBS News' senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge. She joins "CBS Mornings" for a preview.
Scientists discover 5 furry hedgehog species with pointy snouts
An international collaboration of researchers, led by Smithsonian scientists, identified five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs.
Oprah Winfrey portrait unveiled
A portrait of Oprah Winfrey was unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery as the media mogul looked on Wednesday.
Inside the Smithsonian's tropical forest lab
The Smithsonian is one of the best-known museums in the United States, and an affiliated lab is a hidden gem. Located in Panama, the Tropical Research Institute is a unique scientific outpost located in one of the busiest waterways in the world. CBS News' Ben Tracy reports.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
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The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Dec. 21, 2025
The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Dec. 21, 2025.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Entertainment
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Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet has won three Grammys and sold 10 million albums. Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talk about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas.
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet Pentatonix has won three Grammy Awards and sold 10 million albums, while their YouTube videos have been streamed more than six billion times. David Pogue talks with group members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas – and about introducing musical instruments to the mix.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
As a holiday treat for "Sunday Morning" viewers, The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," a highlight of Radio City's "Christmas Spectacular" since its debut in 1933.
Technology
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Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
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Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Secret Santa (and a Baltimore elf) spread holiday cheer
Every year, Secret Santa (actually an anonymous, wealthy businessman) goes around the country handing out hundreds of $100 bills to random strangers, often accompanied by Steve Hartman. This time, Santa recruited Baltimore doctor Michael Zolicofer, a.k.a. Dr. Z, to help spread good tidings to random strangers and life-long patients alike.
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet Pentatonix has won three Grammy Awards and sold 10 million albums, while their YouTube videos have been streamed more than six billion times. David Pogue talks with group members Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas – and about introducing musical instruments to the mix.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers"
As a holiday treat for "Sunday Morning" viewers, The Rockettes perform "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," a highlight of Radio City's "Christmas Spectacular" since its debut in 1933.
Almanac: December 21
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.