Historic D.C. castle reopens after renovation
The historic Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C., which closed for a multi-year renovation, has temporarily reopened to the public for America's 250th anniversary. Natalie Brand has more.
Smithsonian
Reference to Trump's impeachments removed from National Portrait Gallery
The wall text, which summarized Trump's first presidency and noted his 2024 comeback victory, was part of the museum's "American Presidents" exhibition.
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.
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.
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.
NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
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.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
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.
Delta Air Lines flight hit by firework while landing at Midway International Airport
A Delta Air Lines flight landing in Chicago was hit by a firework as it was coming to land at Midway International Airport on Saturday.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo is women's champion
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
U.S.
More U.S.
NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Fire up the grill for a yearly ritual: Communing over BBQ skills (or lack thereof)
Do you have the "right stuff" when it comes to barbecuing? Lots of people believe they do, and they're more than happy to share their wisdom with you, even if unsolicited. Luke Burbank is not one of those people.
The battle over Stars and Stripes
The newspaper for the American military has long taken pride in its editorial independence. But under the Trump administration, restrictions have been imposed, and the Pentagon's chief spokesman has vowed to rid the paper of "woke distractions."
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are children between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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
More Politics
Transcript: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Transcript: NCAA President Charlie Baker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2025.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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.
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.
World
More World
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.
Transcript: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
Transcript: NCAA President Charlie Baker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2025.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
"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.
Reclaiming the lost art of listening to music
Digital music gave us the technology, and the freedom, to listen to whatever we want, whenever we want. But more and more people are going back to older, analog ways of listening.
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
More Science
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
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.
Crime
More Crime
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
More Space
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
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.
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
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.
Full interview: Dr. Debra Houry
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
NASA administrator on space race
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the U.S. is "very much in a space race right now" against China, adding that the "Chinese are moving at incredible speeds."
NCAA's Charlie Baker on player compensation
NCAA President Charlie Baker tells Ed O'Keefe on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that despite the "messy" rollout of player compensation in collegiate sports, he thinks "it's a good thing."
America's space story on the nation's 250th birthday
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a look at the major events in NASA's history from John F. Kennedy's speech proclaiming America's intention to go to the moon to the doomed Challenger mission and today's return to space.