The Uplift: America 250
Celebrate the Fourth of July and America's 250th anniversary with inspiring stories about America's rarest artifacts, most resilient small towns and loyal patriots.
The Uplift
Stories that uplift and inspire
New episodes monthly on the CBS News app.
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Stream All Episodes
The Uplift: Inside a secret lab
A beluga whale that showed up in Norway gains support from a community trying to help him live a fulfilled life. Popular YouTuber Mark Rober takes us inside his secret lab where fun experiments are created. Plus, a woman gives birth in an unexpected place – and heroes rush to be by her side.
The Uplift: Butterflies and blended families
Get a close-up look at the winter monarch butterfly count in California. Meet a blended family who, despite facing many challenges, shares a story about resilience and love. And the story of a woman who uses her hobby to honor her late son and help cancer patients.
The Uplift: Home for the holidays
An 83-year-old man builds handmade toys for kids in need. A lost dog is found thousands of miles away – and makes a friend who promises to get him home for the holidays. College students find a way to boost the spirits of a child with cancer.
The Uplift: Holiday helpers
Volunteers help Holocaust survivors in New York celebrate Hanukkah. A town finds a unique way to use Christmas trees to help their community. A woman goes on a mission to bring holiday lights to her neighborhood.
The Uplift: An elf in Boston
A single dad and firefighter dresses up as an elf to spread holiday cheer in Boston. A group of kids work together to bring an inclusive playground to their town. And children of fallen service members receive a magical trip from the Gary Sinise Foundation.
The Uplift: Holiday lights
A house in Illinois transforms into a spectacular holiday light display during Christmastime – and there is a purpose behind the decorations. A woman goes on a search to find her biological father. After seeing a news story, a woman becomes inspired to help change an NYPD officer's life.
The Uplift: Spreading holiday cheer
A Pennsylvania woman finds a unique way to spread holiday cheer to seniors. A dad helps his son with cerebral palsy complete one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. Plus, our heartwarming videos you just need to see.
The Uplift: A teen and his turkeys
A man who found solace in sunsets while caring for his ill wife finds a way to bring that peace to others. A teen collects turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving to give to veterans. A mom reunites with the man who saved her life after she was diagnosed with a tumor.
The Uplift: Fortune Feimster
Comedian Fortune Feimster talks about finding yourself and your comedy. A TikToker combines two very different niches – graveyards and baking. A woman spreads joy in a simple way – holding signs on the side of the road. Plus, our viral videos you just need to see.
The Uplift: Russell Crowe to the rescue
A couple who owns a small bookshop in the U.K. says Russell Crowe surprised them with a donation – and they're putting their crowdfunding to good use. A man in Florida springs into action to save a woman stuck in a canal. Plus, our heartwarming videos you just need to see.
The Uplift: Celebrity smiles
Jack Black meets a young fan who is terminally ill and makes his day by singing a song from his favorite movie. Shaquille O'Neal turns down a boy's handshake for something better. Plus, we celebrate the life of actor Leslie Jordan.
The Uplift: Harry Potter and "Hairy" Potter
"Harry Potter" star Tom Felton opens up about life after the iconic film series, and the lessons he's learned. High school sweethearts get married in the hospital amid a cancer battle. And a dog goes viral for his Halloween costumes, including the his own "Hairy" Potter outfit.
The Uplift: Road trips and homecomings
A grandmother and her grandson set out on a quest to visit all 93 U.S. national parks – and find joy on the road. A toddler who spent the first 1,000 days of his life in the hospital reaches a milestone. A man wades in floodwaters to save his mother after Hurricane Ian. Plus, our heartwarming videos you just need to see.
The Uplift: A skateboarding return
A man who lost his vision to disease re-learns how to skateboard and goes professional. Betty Reid Soskin, who was the oldest park ranger in the U.S., celebrates her 101st birthday. A teen with autism receives a big surprise that has to do with her favorite Broadway show, "Wicked." Plus, our viral videos you just need to see.
The Uplift: A flute for Lizzo
Lizzo makes history by playing a 200-year-old crystal flute that was once owned by James Madison. A couple saves a man in a wheelchair, stuck on train tracks, and they all receive a huge surprise. A TikTok star surprises a 97-year-old veteran with a trip to Disneyland.
U.S.
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Tillis says he won't support Blanche unless he meets with Epstein survivors
Sen. Thom Tillis said that Todd Blanche must meet with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's crimes before he'll vote to advance his nomination for attorney general out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
Dozens rescued in Texas after torrential rain triggers flash flooding
More than a foot of rain has fallen since Monday, triggering dangerous flash flooding in central Texas.
Climate extremes fuel explosive wildfires in Canada and western U.S.
One climatologist said "a perfect storm" of climate extremes primed the western U.S. for one of its worst fire seasons in a decade. Meanwhile, Canadian wildfire smoke fills the air.
Husband of Code Pink founder being probed under federal foreign agent and tax laws
Neville Roy Singham, who lives in Shanghai, China, is a major financial backer of a New York City-based nonprofit called the People's Forum, a left-leaning organization advocating for causes affecting the working class.
MoneyWatch
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Nearly 736,000 Pillsbury rolls recalled over possible glass contamination
The recall includes cases of Pillsbury "Hard Roll Dough" and "Kaiser Roll Dough" bread rolls, which are marketed to businesses.
Foreclosures surged 21% in the first half of 2026, new data shows
The state with the biggest jump in foreclosure activity was Idaho, where filings increased 59% compared to the same time last year.
U.S. to impose 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports over unfair trade practices
The United States is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil after finding a range of what it deemed unfair trade practices by the world's 10th-biggest economy.
United Airlines anticipates $6 billion in added fuel costs
U.S. airlines say higher jet fuel prices are costing them billions more than they anticipated at the beginning of the year.
Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Politics
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Tillis says he won't support Blanche unless he meets with Epstein survivors
Sen. Thom Tillis said that Todd Blanche must meet with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's crimes before he'll vote to advance his nomination for attorney general out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Husband of Code Pink founder being probed under federal foreign agent and tax laws
Neville Roy Singham, who lives in Shanghai, China, is a major financial backer of a New York City-based nonprofit called the People's Forum, a left-leaning organization advocating for causes affecting the working class.
Trump fires U.S. attorney in Washington on heels of court appointment
Judges on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington had appointed Roger Rogoff as U.S. attorney in Seattle. But he was fired shortly after.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
Exclusive
DHS could weigh use of Medicaid, housing help in green card decisions
Immigration officers could weigh use of Medicaid, food aid and housing help in green card decisions after Trump administration rescinds Biden-era public charge rule.
HealthWatch
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Introducing Norah O'Donnell's new health podcast
"Healthful with Norah O'Donnell" launches July 22.
Alzheimer's blood test may show who's likely to develop it in 5 to 10 years
A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer's symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers say.
Taco Bell removes some items amid outbreak
As of Tuesday, nearly 7,000 people in 34 states reported symptoms tied to a parasitic illness that, so far, has no official source. Carter Evans reports on what's suspected of being behind the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, said he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
World
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U.S. designates cartel on Texas border as foreign terrorist organization
The Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras joined six other Mexican criminal organizations that the U.S. considers terrorist groups.
Climate extremes fuel explosive wildfires in Canada and western U.S.
One climatologist said "a perfect storm" of climate extremes primed the western U.S. for one of its worst fire seasons in a decade. Meanwhile, Canadian wildfire smoke fills the air.
Councilwoman shot, husband killed in Mexico near U.S. border
Maria de Jesus Quijada was shot at while traveling in a vehicle with her family. Her husband did not survive.
From Balogun's red card to an upset run, some of the World Cup's biggest stories
Spain is looking to secure a World Cup victory for the first time in 16 years, and Argentina enters Sunday hoping to become back-to-back champions.
Zelenskyy's move to oust popular defense chief draws major backlash
Ukrainians are demonstrating in Kyiv and senior figures announcing their resignations over President Volodymyr Zelenksyy's move to oust his popular defense chief.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
From the archives: Pat Oliphant and the art of political cartoons
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant, whose acidic drawings skewering political figures were syndicated in as many as 500 publications around the world, died on July 13, 2026 at age 90. In this April 16, 2000 "Sunday Morning" story, Oliphant talked with Morley Safer about caricature, censorship, and the influence of the first great political cartoonist, 19th century French master Honoré Daumier, whose grotesque drawings of King Louis Philippe led to a curtailment of press freedom in France in 1835.
George Santos to try hand as contestant in grueling TV reality show
George Santos has worn many hats: swindler, congressman, prison inmate, podcast host. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant.
"Jurassic Park" star Sam Neill's cause of death revealed
The actor's agent said he was providing more information following news reports "which contain inaccuracies and outright falsehoods."
Behind the "Better in Person" talk show
Author and journalist Stephen Dubner, who rose to fame when he co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics," talks with "CBS Mornings" about launching his own weekly talk show on YouTube, "Better in Person." Dubner discusses how the show got its start, his wide range of guests and why he decided to self-finance it.
Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Technology
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Mayor to homeowner losing sleep over data center plant: "Consider selling"
Noise from a Mississippi plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area is causing migraines, ringing ears and sleepless nights, residents say.
Mississippi residents decry data center plant
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi, are sounding off about a data center plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area, likening the constant noise to being tortured.
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.
Meta announces new safety features
Meta announced it is introducing new features to help protect teens using Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, including alerting a parent if their child discusses self-harm with one of its AI chatbots. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Samsung set to unveil new foldable phones
Tech giant Samsung is set to debut a new line of foldable phones at its Galaxy Unpacked event next week. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Crime
More Crime
U.S. designates cartel on Texas border as foreign terrorist organization
The Juárez Cartel and Los Viagras joined six other Mexican criminal organizations that the U.S. considers terrorist groups.
Woman speaks in support of Blanche at hearing
Antioch, Illinois, mother Jennifer Bos voiced her support for Todd Blanche at his confirmation hearing to become attorney general. Bos advocates for stricter immigration policy after her daughter was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant.
Sons of man killed by ICE agent speak out
Ronaldo Salgado and Lorenzo Salgado Jr., the sons of the Mexican man who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston, spoke to CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez about their father's death.
New details emerge in Nolan Wells case
Newly obtained GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tracks the movements of the boat that Mississippi teen Nolan Wells was on before he went missing. Wells was found dead after a Fourth of July boat trip to Horn Island with friends. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest on the investigation.
Councilwoman shot, husband killed in Mexico near U.S. border
Maria de Jesus Quijada was shot at while traveling in a vehicle with her family. Her husband did not survive.
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
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.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Photos show 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.
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Welch presses Ashcroft on AG-president dynamic
Democratic Sen. Peter Welch questioned former Attorney General John Ashcroft during Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing on the relationship dynamics between a president and their attorney general.
WH teleprompter operator's alleged Trump bets
A White House teleprompter operator allegedly made nearly $100,000 betting on President Trump's speeches on the prediction market Kalshi, CBS News has confirmed. CBS News' Zak Hudak reports.
Mississippi residents decry data center plant
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi, are sounding off about a data center plant powering Elon Musk's xAI data centers in the area, likening the constant noise to being tortured.
H.R. McMaster on the Strait of Hormuz feud
H.R. McMaster, a CBS News contributor and President Trump's former national security adviser in his first term, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings to discuss the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S.-Iran feud ramps up.
Ex-DOJ official slams Blanche at hearing
Former Justice Department pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer accused Todd Blanche of unethical and sycophantic behavior during his confirmation hearing for attorney general. "The priority of this DOJ is protecting powerful men, even when it comes at the expense of vulnerable women," Oyer said, condemning Blanche's handling of the Epstein files. "These are not partisan concerns ... please do not degrade our justice system further by promoting Mr. Blanche."