Man charged in death of girl after life sentence commuted by Kristi Noem
McKenna Wendel was last seen alive on March 14 and her body was found outside Brookings, an hour's drive north of Sioux Falls, on March 19.
South Dakota
Rep. Dusty Johnson on "The Takeout"
South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson joins Major Garrett for this week's episode of "The Takeout" to discuss the negotiations over raising the debt ceiling and why he's not in favor of banning assault weapons.
Gov. Kristi Noem on "The Takeout"
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem joins Major Garrett for this week's episode of "The Takeout" to discuss her new book "Not My First Rodeo," her time growing up on a farm and the need for bipartisanship on Capitol Hill.
Young mother deported from Minnesota to Honduras without her infant
After being deported from Minnesota last week, a young mother says she's back in Honduras without her 8-month-old child.
The origins and meaning of Mount Rushmore
As Mount Rushmore turns 100 years old, a new book digs into the sculpture's origins and meanings, which, like America itself, are layered with achievement and fault. Matthew Davis, author of "A Biography of a Mountain," joins "The Takeout" to discuss the making and meaning of Mount Rushmore.
Man gets 10 years for trying to give classified Air Force info to Russia
A former U.S. defense contractor was sentenced to 10 years in prison for trying to share classified Air Force information with the Russian government.
Gold rush could bring open pit mines to Black Hills in South Dakota
Miners want to return to the treasured landscape, promising an economic boost while raising fears of how modern gold extraction could forever change the region.
Farmers recovering 1 year after Midwest floods
Historic flooding hit parts of the Midwest in the summer of 2024. One year later, farmers are looking to recover. CBS Minnesota's Jonah Kaplan reports.
Dusty Johnson on budget bill economic impact
Republicans and Democrats in the House are painting two very different pictures of the newly-passed Trump budget bill. Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joins "The Takeout" with his perspective.
9 killed in South Dakota plane crash
Federal investigators will try to reach the scene of a deadly South Dakota plane crash that killed nine people. Kirk and Jim Hansen, founders of the wellness company Kyani, were among those killed Saturday. Three people survived. Tom Hanson reports.
Heavy snow and rain hammer South Dakota
In Rapid City, South Dakota, heavy snow and freezing rain are hammering parts of the state. About 70 million people are under winter weather and wind alerts. This all comes as the weekend travel rush is on. Danya Bacchus reports.
Anti-meth campaign mocked
In a state struggling with meth use, South Dakota wanted to let everyone know, "they're on it." But a lot of people didn't hear the campaign the way it was intended. Jim Axelrod reports.
"Meth. We're on it.": South Dakota campaign
South Dakota is out with a new campaign to address the state's meth problem, but the slogan has a lot of people scratching their heads. Governor Kristi Noem came up with the slogan, "Meth. We're on it." Critics say the slogan is tone deaf, but the governor has declared the campaign a success.
Nature: Bison in South Dakota
"Sunday Morning" takes us to Custer State Park, in Custer, South Dakota, where the buffalo roam. Videographer: Charles Schultz.
Mount Rushmore's chief carver
A ceremony was held this weekend at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, officially recognizing - for the first time - the contributions of an Italian immigrant, Luigi Del Bianco, who was the memorial's chief carver. Jim Axelrod takes us through the history of how Del Bianco (who died 48 years ago) is receiving this long-delayed honor from the National Park Service.
Crazy Horse & Korczak
When eccentric sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski agreed to carve a South Dakota mountain into a 563-foot-high statue of Crazy Horse, he knew it was a massive job. But he tells Morley Safer he considers it an honor to memorialize the Sioux chief -- even if it takes him a lifetime to do it.
U.S. airman accused of killing woman on South Dakota military base
An active-duty U.S. Air Force member has been arrested on murder charges in the death of a South Dakota woman who went missing in August.
Missing woman found dead on South Dakota reservation after over a year
Sioux woman Michelle Elbow Shield's remains were identified using advanced DNA tests, more than a year after she went missing in South Dakota.
How one couple in their 90s keep their love alive
On this Valentine's Day, here is a story of 94-year-old Don Barnett and his 93-year-old wife Marilyn, who have kept their love alive for 68 years with this nightly ritual of song. Steve Hartman has more in "On the Road."
Teen caught graffitiing finds unexpected support from Sioux Falls mayor
Jaden Brunz, an 18-year-old artist, turned a risky graffiti project into a promising opportunity with the help of Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.
Senate approves Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary
South Dakota governor Kristi Noem has been confirmed as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Biden commutes sentence for Leonard Peltier
With just moments left before he leaves office, President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents and is serving life in prison.
How a man in a tiny town draws thousands of carolers at Christmas
CBS News contributor David Begnaud shows how a defunct general store in Nora, South Dakota, which has a population of just two people, spreads holiday cheer each Christmas.
What will be on Sen. John Thune's plate?
Senate Republicans elected South Dakota's John Thune to replace Mitch McConnell as the new majority leader. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports on how the vote went down and what Thune will be tasked with.
Rubio, Noem poised to serve in 2nd Trump term
President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet is quickly taking shape. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem are expected to be tapped as the next secretary of state and Homeland Security secretary, respectively. CBS News' Major Garrett and Weijia Jiang have the latest.
Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
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.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in July 4th speech
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Live
Mourners chant for revenge as dayslong funeral of Iran's slain leader begins
The flag-draped casket of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was put on display in Tehran with millions expected to attend his dayslong funeral.
Trump pardons pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? To mark the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4
CBS will host a primetime special celebrating America's 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, with exclusive performances and the largest fireworks show in history.
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.
3 children dead after boat capsizes on Wisconsin lake during severe storm
Three children died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday, Lake Geneva police said.
U.S.
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Live
July 4th celebrations mark America's 250th birthday. Follow live updates.
Americans are celebrating 250 years of independence this Fourth of July with events including the largest fireworks display in history.
6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in July 4th speech
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Family-owned company prepares to put on the largest fireworks display in history
When the sun goes down on Independence Day, the skies of Washington, D.C., are expected to fill with a record-setting 850,000 individual fireworks for a 40-minute spectacle like no one has seen before.
After 10 years, one man's mission to preserve WWII veterans' legacy continues
Rishi Sharma started his journey 10 years ago by driving around his Southern California neighborhood to record interviews with veterans and later expanded his outreach.
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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6 presidential speeches that shaped American history
These six presidential speeches are some that have most reverberated through the ages, and whose impacts are still felt today.
Trump warns of "communist menace" in July 4th speech
The president kicked off the 250th anniversary of July 4th with a patriotic speech at Mount Rushmore where he warned of a resurgence in communism.
Trump announces pardons for pollution violators prosecuted for "fixing their car"
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Inside the security operations for July Fourth celebrations in D.C.
The Fourth of July celebrations in Washington, D.C., are deemed a "national special security event," which is the highest possible designation.
HealthWatch
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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
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Trump gifted lavish ring from Belgian diamond group that won tariff relief
The gift comes months after Belgium's diamond industry won the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Venice mayor proposes new dynamic pricing tourist fee
The mayor of Venice says the city is seeking government approval to introduce a form of dynamic pricing to deal with tourism costs.
Ukrainian woman named suspect in Monaco bombing
The suspect was initially identified as a heavily built person appearing to be male, but Interpol now says it is looking for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman.
40 killed when speeding, overcrowded bus tumbles into Pakistan ravine, officials say
A speeding bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in Pakistan, killing 40 people and injuring eight others in one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years, officials said.
Entertainment
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Empire State Building lights up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially married, according to Swift's publicist. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Fans gather in NYC for Taylor Swift's wedding
New York has been waiting for Taylor Swift, as the pop icon may be preparing to marry NFL star Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Carlos Greer, a senior reporter at Page Six, joins CBS News to discuss.
World awaits news on Taylor Swift's wedding
Taylor Swift fans are awaiting news on her highly anticipated wedding to football player Travis Kelce. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from New York City.
Prince William appears on "New Heights" podcast ahead of Swift-Kelce wedding
Prince William will appear on the podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce just hours before Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's anticipated wedding.
Technology
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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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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
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Crime
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.
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.
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
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
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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.
Influential presidential speeches
These excerpts capture some of the most impactful speeches by U.S. presidents from the 20th and 21st centuries.
A look at America 250 security efforts
Saturday's Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall is the first tagged as a "national special security event," meaning a law enforcement presence akin to a Super Bowl or an inauguration. Nicole Sganga has more.
Young man aims to preserve WWII stories
Every Fourth of July marks the loss of more veterans of World War II. Steve Hartman met a young man who is racing against time to preserve their stories.
Attempting the largest fireworks display ever
A company called Pyrotecnico will attempt the biggest fireworks show in history in Washington, D.C., on the Fourth of July. Tony Dokoupil gets the exclusive on how.