A history of America's Constitution
The checks-and-balances of our government have been increasingly tested in ways our founding fathers never anticipated, yet the Constitution remains, in the words of one expert, "absolutely eternal and timeless."
United States Constitution
Historian Jill Lepore on the metaphor of America as a family
In this web extra, historian Jill Lepore, author of "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution," talks with Tony Dokoupil about competing histories of America; polarization; and dissent as an act of patriotism.
Reporter's Notebook: Ben Franklin on humility
On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution. Just before they did, Benjamin Franklin, 81 and too weak to speak, asked Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson to read his parting remarks, which were a lesson in humility for public debate. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
These United States: A history of the Constitution
Over the past several decades, the checks-and-balances of our government have been increasingly tested in ways our founding fathers never anticipated. Tony Dokoupil talks with Jill Lepore, author of "We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution," and Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, about our nation's bedrock document, which Rosen calls "absolutely eternal and timeless."
New documentary examines Trump and rule of law
The new PBS Frontline documentary, "Trump's Power & the Rule of Law," goes inside the showdown between President Trump, the courts and Congress. Filmmaker Michael Kirk joins "The Takeout" to discuss the project.
Ken Burns on "Face the Nation"
As the U.S. celebrates 249 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson spoke with documentarian Ken Burns about his new film on the American Revolution and the importance of telling the story of American history.
Group meets to handwrite the U.S. Constitution
With Americans almost evenly divided along party lines, Bradley Blackburn has found a nonpartisan group focusing on the fundamentals of what binds us.
Supreme Court, in birthright citizenship case, limits use of universal injunctions
The court ruled that universal injunctions issued by lower courts likely exceed the authority Congress has granted them.
What war powers does the president have?
In the wake of President Trump's strikes on Iran, House and Senate lawmakers have introduced war powers resolutions aiming to prevent the president from starting a war with Iran without congressional authorization. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Examining legality of Trump's strikes on Iran
Some lawmakers and experts are questioning the legality of President Trump's strikes on Iran and whether or not the president had the authority to do it without congressional approval. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to discuss.
National Guard's role in L.A. amid protests
With President Trump deploying members of the National Guard to Los Angeles, local and national officials are asking exactly what the role of the guardsmen will be. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga explains.
Abrego Garcia family attorney discusses case
Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains in U.S. custody as his human smuggling case plays out. He was erroneously deported to El Salvador in March and, despite a court order to bring him back to the U.S., remained there until recently. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett sat down with Attorney Chris Newman, who is representing the Abrego Garcia family, to discuss the case.
What is habeas corpus?
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made headlines during her testimony to the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday when she incorrectly answered what the fundamental U.S. right known as habeas corpus means.
Trump's idea to incarcerate U.S. citizens abroad raises concerns
President Trump says the Justice Department is reviewing laws to see if it can send violent U.S. citizens abroad.
Rand Paul makes case against Trump tariffs
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has emerged as a fierce critic of President Trump's reciprocal tariffs, arguing they may not fit within the U.S. Constitution. Political strategists Hyma Moore and Maura Gillespie join "America Decides" with analysis.
How the Constitution prevents 3rd Trump term
This weekend, President Trump made headlines for floating the idea of running for a possible third term despite not being constitutionally allowed. CBS News' Lindsey Reiser explains the constitutional limits around presidential terms.
What to know about the 12th, 22nd Amendments as Trump talks third term
President Donald Trump again suggested he may try to run for a third term in office, despite limits set by the 12th and 22nd Amendments.
Trump to unveil long-planned tariffs
The Trump administration will unveil its long-planned reciprocal tariffs this week with a 25% import tax on foreign-made cars and auto parts also set to go into effect. CBS News' Fin Gómez, Kelly O'Grady and Anthony Salvanto have more.
Trump signs order to overhaul elections
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to overhaul America's elections. The order requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. State and local officials will be responsible for verifying that information. CBS News election law contributor David Becker breaks it down.
Will courts uphold Trump's election order?
President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday that could vastly reshape federal elections and potentially disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters. The sweeping new order would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and seeks to mandate that all U.S. ballots be received by and counted on Election Day. David Becker, CBS News election law expert and contributor, and Scott MacFarlane, CBS News Department of Justice correspondent, have more.
Unpacking the law at center of deportation case
The American system of check and balances is being tested as the federal courts grapple with a tidal wave of cases against the Trump administration's sweeping executive actions. We're also seeing calls for a judge's impeachment, and the labeling of court orders as illegal when cases don't go the administration's way. Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center, joins to discuss.
Race for N.C. Supreme Court seat still unresolved
It's been over four months since Election Day, and the race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat is still unresolved as one candidate claims in a lawsuit that more than 65,000 ballots were illegally cast. After several recounts, incumbent North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat, has a 734-vote lead over Republican State Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin. Riggs joins "America Decides" to discuss why her challenger is trying to get tens of thousands of ballots thrown out.
Judge: Trump White House evaded obligations
A federal judge Thursday afternoon said the federal government "evaded its obligations" to answer his questions over deportation flights to El Salvador this weekend. Tom Dupree, former deputy assistant attorney general, and Jessica Levinson, CBS News legal contributor, join "America Decides" with analysis.
Legal standoff over deportations escalates
After the Department of Justice missed a Thursday filing deadline about details sought by a federal judge on the Trump administration's deportation flights to El Salvador, the judge called the department's response "woefully insufficient." CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Jennifer Jacobs have the latest.
Where case stands over Trump's deportation flights
In response to a lawsuit, a federal judge this weekend ordered the Trump administration to turn around two planes carrying alleged Tren de Aragua gang members deported under President Trump's invocation of the 1798 wartime Alien Enemies Act. However, the Trump administration disobeyed the order, and the judge has demanded to know why. Scott MacFarlane has the latest in the case.
Iran calls Strait of Hormuz situation "sensitive and complex" amid shaky ceasefire
Iran denied its negotiators would be meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar after President Trump announced the talks would resume at Tehran's request.
Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
Some Russian soldiers last just minutes on front lines, military bloggers say
Once Russian soldiers reach certain parts of the front lines of the war in Ukraine, they can expect to live an average of just 20 to 35 minutes, according to a grim estimate by Russian military bloggers.
Trump nominates Keith Sonderling as labor secretary
Sonderling was elevated to the role in an acting capacity after Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the position in April.
Monaco explosion injures 3, suspect flees to France
A blast from an explosive device has seriously injured three people at a residential building in Monaco.
Heat dome to scorch major U.S. cities this week, forecasters warn
A heat wave will blast a large swath of the U.S. this week. The National Weather Service says temperatures will feel hotter because of the high humidity that's arriving with it.
CBS Chicago reporter, photographer attacked by 2 men
One of the men then smashed our photographer's camera while the other smashed the windshield of our news truck.
Woman killed, 2 injured in series of Florida alligator attacks
Officials say people and pets should keep a safe distance away from the water to limit the chances of an alligator encounter.
Iran war has cost Americans $1,000 per household, economist estimates
The Iran war has significantly driven up the cost of fuel, airfare and other U.S. goods, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
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D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security, won't start until late
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
Second Dan Sullivan can appear on Alaska Senate primary ballot, court rules
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled Monday that a man with the same name and party as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan can challenge the sitting lawmaker in the state's Senate primary in August.
CBS Chicago journalists attacked by 3 men near Adler Planetarium
One of the men then smashed our photographer's camera while the other smashed the windshield of our news truck.
CBS News poll on America at 250 — its successes and its challenges
A big majority say the nation has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, at least a fair amount, if not a great deal. But Americans also see a nation facing challenges today, according to CBS News' most recent poll.
Carl Rinsch sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for defrauding Netflix
According to prosecutors and testimony, Carl Rinsch told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show, but spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches and other goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what to know about Medicare's new GLP-1 weight-loss drug program
For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for weight loss for eligible beneficiaries at a $50 monthly copay.
Iran war has cost Americans $1,000 per household, economist estimates
The Iran war has significantly driven up the cost of fuel, airfare and other U.S. goods, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
The Trump administration says SNAP is rife with fraud and waste. Is it?
The USDA says almost 11% of SNAP payments contain errors, almost double the threshold set by Congress. Here's what is going on.
Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to fire Fed's Lisa Cook as legal case continues
The Supreme Court allowed Lisa Cook to continue in her post as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors while legal proceedings over President Trump's attempt to fire her continue.
Politics
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D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security, won't start until late
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
Second Dan Sullivan can appear on Alaska Senate primary ballot, court rules
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled Monday that a man with the same name and party as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan can challenge the sitting lawmaker in the state's Senate primary in August.
Trump nominates Keith Sonderling as labor secretary
Sonderling was elevated to the role in an acting capacity after Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left the position in April.
CBS News poll on America at 250 — its successes and its challenges
A big majority say the nation has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, at least a fair amount, if not a great deal. But Americans also see a nation facing challenges today, according to CBS News' most recent poll.
Senate Ethics Committee dismisses misconduct complaint against Gallego
The bipartisan committee said it "did not find evidence that your actions violated federal law, Senate rules or related standards of conduct."
HealthWatch
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Here's what to know about Medicare's new GLP-1 weight-loss drug program
For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for weight loss for eligible beneficiaries at a $50 monthly copay.
Former NFL star Chris Johnson says he's been diagnosed with ALS
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced that he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a "Good Morning America" interview.
Mom gets answers after fighting for diagnosis: "Something's wrong"
Michelle Williams struggled with high blood pressure and swelling for years before she was finally diagnosed with an unusual condition.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
World
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Ukrainian construction tycoon possibly targeted in Monaco explosion
French and Ukrainian media say an explosive device left in a Monaco apartment building seriously wounded construction magnate Vadym Iermolaiev and his wife.
Why some Europeans resist air conditioning amid deadly heat waves
Europe has the oldest population of any continent while also warming the fastest, leading to a dangerous and deadly situation.
Some Russian soldiers last just minutes on front lines, military bloggers say
Once Russian soldiers reach certain parts of the front lines of the war in Ukraine, they can expect to live an average of just 20 to 35 minutes, according to a grim estimate by Russian military bloggers.
Putin admits Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure causing "problems" for Russia
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russia recently, targeting energy and logistics infrastructure.
Rescue teams continue to find survivors of Venezuela earthquakes
Tens of thousands of people are still presumed to be missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela last week.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift wedding mystery deepens
Will Taylor Swift be marrying Travis Kelce this week at Madison Square Garden? Jericka Duncan reports.
Carl Rinsch sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for defrauding Netflix
According to prosecutors and testimony, Carl Rinsch told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show, but spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches and other goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.
Aide who planned JFK Jr.'s secret wedding weighs in on Swift-Kelce rumors
RoseMarie Terenzio, who was JFK Jr.'s former chief of staff and planned his secret wedding to Carolyn Bessette, said she doesn't think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting married at Madison Square Garden.
Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton on "The Invite"
Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton, stars of "The Invite" preview the film, which explores the unraveling and evolution of two very different marriages over the course of an unforgettable evening. The two discuss if they brought any of their own experiences to the movie and Wilde, who also directed the film, shares why she was initially reluctant to star in it.
Preview of "The Angry Birds Movie 3"
"CBS Mornings" exclusively reveals the trailer for "The Angry Birds Movie 3." The film stars Jason Sudeikis and debuts in theaters on Dec. 23.
Technology
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Technology
U.S. eases restrictions on Mythos AI model
The Trump administration is allowing Anthropic to restore access to its Mythos 5 AI model for a select group of U.S. companies and federal agencies. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to discuss.
How trains drove American history
The transcontinental railroad changed just about everything in America: transportation, communications, commerce, cities, politics, even our perception of time. Correspondent David Pogue visits Steamtown National Historic Site, in Scranton, Pa., home to Big Boy, the biggest functioning steam train in the world, to learn how trains helped define an expansive America.
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.
California creates AI job trend tracker
California now has the nation's first dashboard to publicly track artificial intelligence-related job trends, ones created and ones lost. As of now, early findings show no evidence of rising statewide unemployment from jobs exposed to AI. Till von Wachter, a faculty director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Science
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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.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
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.
Crime
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Carl Rinsch sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for defrauding Netflix
According to prosecutors and testimony, Carl Rinsch told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show, but spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches and other goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.
6 killed, suspect arrested in shooting at German youth center, police say
German police say a suspect was in custody and six were killed in a rare shooting that took place at a youth center in Stade, near Hamburg.
Alex Murdaugh to return to court
Alex Murdaugh is expected back in court in South Carolina on Monday for the first time since the state Supreme Court overturned his convictions for killing his son and wife. Skyler Henry reports.
Detective believes 6-year-old's mother was killed in next room while he slept
For most of his life, Reggie Reed has wondered who murdered his mother Selonia Reed decades ago in Hammond, Louisiana. A fresh look at the evidence ultimately implicated the man he called his "rock" — Reginald Reed Sr., the man who lovingly raised him.
Michigan parents charged with murder after boy found to be 250+ pounds
Two Flint Township, Michigan, parents, are facing several charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of their 7-year-old son, who was 255 pounds and abused and neglected, according to the Genesee County prosecutor.
Space
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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.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
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
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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.
6/29: CBS Evening News
High winds and temps continue to fuel major wildfire in Utah; JetBlue flight reports collision with drone while landing at JFK.
Resort staffer on evacuation from wildfire
In southern Utah, the Cottonwood Fire tore through part of Eagle Point Resort, forcing it to close. Samantha Garcia, director of marketing for Eagle Point, joins CBS News to discuss.
NASA plans for daring telescope rescue
NASA will attempt a daring space rescue mission as soon as Tuesday morning to prevent an aging telescope from falling back to Earth. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
NYT reporting on Venezuela's emergency medical system
The back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela last week knocked out power in two of the three public hospitals in the hard-hit coastal state of La Guaira, the director of the nonprofit "United Doctors of Venezuela" tells the New York Times. New York Times reporter Genevieve Glatsky joins CBS News to discuss.