Biggest movie franchises, ranked
These series aren't just big – they're really, really big.
Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling shows support for controversial researcher
The "Harry Potter" author voiced her support for a woman with a history of transphobic comments.
Nashville school bans "Harry Potter" books
"Harry Potter" has been on of the most banned book series in the U.S. – and decades after it was first released, it is still controversial
New Harry Potter augmented reality game released
Wands at the ready! The new Harry Potter augmented reality game is here early
Hagrid ride at Universal draws 10-hour line
Some fans said they waited even longer – but did they think it was worth it?
Actor Ralph Fiennes on directing "The White Crow"
"The White Crow" is based on the true story of ballet master Rudolf Nureyev who became one of the first high-profile Russians to defect from the Soviet Union
Ralph Fiennes on directing "The White Crow"
Harry Potter fans know him as Lord Voldemort, but that is just one of Ralph Fiennes' many familiar roles. He was Oscar nominated for his performances in "The English Patient" and "Schindler's List," while "The Grand Budapest Hotel" showed off his comedic range. Fiennes joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss going behind the camera for the third time to direct "The White Crow," based on the true story of Russian ballet master Rudolf Nureyev. Fiennes also stars as Nureyev's ballet teacher and mentor, Alexander Pushkin.
Harry Potter augmented reality game coming this year
The makers of the best-selling "Pokémon Go" are bringing a Harry Potter game to your phone
Harry Potter exhibit reveals how real life inspired the series
A new Harry Potter exhibit reveals the real-life inspirations behind J.K. Rowling's epic series
Harry Potter exhibit reveals how real life inspired the series
Take, for example, the elusive character of Nicolas Flamel. "He was an actual person who lived in Paris"
The real folklore that inspired Harry Potter
It's been just over 20 years since the U.S. was first introduced to the world's most famous wizard and the Harry Potter empire is still growing. You probably know all about the books, films, plays and even a theme park. But now libraries and museums are coming under the spell. Michelle Miller visits a new exhibit at the New York Historical Society that’s all about “the boy who lived.”
J.K. Rowling sues former assistant for alleged theft
Rowling claims that her former employee, Amanda Donaldson, stole money to buy makeup and gifts
Evanna Lynch, Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter," joins "DWTS"
Lynch will be paired with dancer Keo Motsepe for Season 27 of the reality competition show
How Harry Potter's Quidditch turned into a money-making game
The fictional game from the beloved children's series is now a staple, with some 200 teams across the U.S.
Shawn Mendes reveals he's a "Harry Potter" nerd on "Carpool Karaoke"
Shawn Mendes claimed that he's not "crazy obsessed" with "Harry Potter," but his ride with host James Corden proved otherwise
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" stars
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway is nominated for 10 Tony Awards. The show's stars, Jamie Parker and Noma Dumezweni, join CBSN to talk about the hit play.
"Harry Potter" Broadway stars on keeping the play's secrets
Stars Jamie Parker and Noma Dumezweni talk about five-hour play that's nominated for 10 Tony Awards
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" stars
In the final scene of the last "Harry Potter" movie, Harry, Ron and Hermione send their children off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That's where the new Broadway play, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," picks up. J.K. Rowling's beloved characters are adults and their children are having adventures at Hogwarts. The two-part, five-hour play is nominated for 10 Tony Awards and already won a record nine Olivier Awards in England. Jamie Parker, who plays Harry Potter, and Noma Dumezweni, who plays Hermione Granger, join "CBS This Morning" to discuss stepping into the shoes of such beloved characters, the decision to cast a black woman to play Hermione, and why fans have helped keep the plot under wraps.
Biggest box office openings of all time
When "Avengers: Infinity War" hit theaters in April 2018, it edged out "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to become the biggest domestic box office opening of all time.
See the trailer for "Fantastic Beasts 2"
"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" just dropped its first trailer, and fans can see Jude Law in action as a young Albus Dumbledore
In new film, Radcliffe trades in broomstick for a plane
A long way from Hogwarts, Radcliffe takes a turn as a pilot for a Mexican drug cartel
J.K. Rowling stands by Depp's casting in "Fantastic Beasts"
J.K. Rowling has defended the decision not to recast Johnny Depp's role in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise
"Fantastic Beasts 2" drops first look at cast
See Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter brings his magic to the stage
J.K. Rowling talks about the sensation of London's theater world, coming soon to Broadway: "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"
J.K. Rowling apologizes "unreservedly" for tweet on Trump
"Harry Potter" author, who often blasts Trump on social media, says she mistakenly "projected my own sensitivities"
Live
Artemis II launch live updates as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow live updates.
Live
Iran announces new strikes on U.S. targets hours ahead of Trump speech
Trump says he expects the U.S. war with Iran to end within several weeks despite unrelenting attacks from both sides and Iran's iron grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's address on Iran war tonight will lay out timeframe for ending conflict
President Trump is updating the nation on U.S. operations in Iran as he threatens to withdraw from NATO.
Supreme Court casts doubt on Trump's order to end birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared open to invalidating President Trump's executive order that would end birthright citizenship.
Trump, GOP leaders unveil plan to end DHS shutdown
GOP leaders unveiled a plan to end DHS shutdown, mirroring a framework that the Senate pursued last week before it was quickly batted down by House Republicans.
Federal government appealing order releasing 5-year-old from immigration custody
The federal government may try to send 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos back to detention.
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
Trump indicates he'll try to pull U.S. out of NATO
President Trump has told Britain's Telegraph newspaper he could try to terminate U.S. membership in NATO. He's railed against NATO allies for refusing to join the Iran war.
Exclusive
DHS scraps Noem policy requiring secretary's review of all contracts above $100K
The Noem policy meant the secretary was required to personally sign off on thousands of DHS contracts.
U.S.
More U.S.
Americans say this is their "magic number" to retire comfortably
Most people fall far short of the savings they say they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement, data shows.
Ted Bundy's DNA linked to death of Utah teen in 1974, sheriff's office says
Bundy's full DNA profiled was entered into the FBI's national database, giving investigators a shot at solving potential cases linked to Bundy.
How high could oil and gas prices go if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
"The scary scenarios are, unfortunately, extremely plausible" if the critical Persian Gulf waterway stays effectively sealed, economist Paul Krugman said.
Trump's address on Iran war tonight will lay out timeframe for ending conflict
President Trump is updating the nation on U.S. operations in Iran as he threatens to withdraw from NATO.
Trump, GOP leaders unveil plan to end DHS shutdown
GOP leaders unveiled a plan to end DHS shutdown, mirroring a framework that the Senate pursued last week before it was quickly batted down by House Republicans.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Americans say this is their "magic number" to retire comfortably
Most people fall far short of the savings they say they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement, data shows.
How high could oil and gas prices go if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed?
"The scary scenarios are, unfortunately, extremely plausible" if the critical Persian Gulf waterway stays effectively sealed, economist Paul Krugman said.
Elon Musk's SpaceX files confidential initial public offering
The Texas-based company could go public with a valuation of more than $1.75 trillion, making it the largest IPO in history.
Will the Iran war slow U.S. hiring? Economists say risks are rising.
With oil prices rising and hiring already slowing, economists warn the Iran war could further weigh on U.S. job growth.
Hershey says it will shift back to classic Reese's recipe after backlash
Hershey said Wednesday it will use classic recipes for all Reese's products starting next year, after getting criticism for changing the popular treats.
Politics
More Politics
Trump admin. lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president
The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild ties with the Venezuelan government.
Federal government appealing order releasing 5-year-old from immigration custody
The federal government may try to send 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos back to detention.
State Department overhauls Foreign Service Officer Test
The State Department announced Wednesday that it is modifying the Foreign Service Officer Test to reflect the foreign policy goals of the Trump administration.
Trump's address on Iran war tonight will lay out timeframe for ending conflict
President Trump is updating the nation on U.S. operations in Iran as he threatens to withdraw from NATO.
Trump, GOP leaders unveil plan to end DHS shutdown
GOP leaders unveiled a plan to end DHS shutdown, mirroring a framework that the Senate pursued last week before it was quickly batted down by House Republicans.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
A COVID variant called "Cicada" is spreading. Here's what to know.
The COVID-19 variant BA.3.2, nicknamed "Cicada," has been detected in at least 23 countries and half the states in the U.S.
State health plan for foster kids threatened 8-year-old's cancer care
North Carolina and other states have insurance plans for kids in foster care, but many doctors did not accept patients on the plans, leaving kids' guardians scrambling to find health care providers.
States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
Hockey player diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at 26: "It was surreal"
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
World
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Magnitude-7.4 earthquake strikes off Indonesia's coast, tsunami waves possible
Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 280 million people, sits on major seismic faults and is frequently hit by earthquakes.
Trump admin. lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president
The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department, as the U.S. seeks to rebuild ties with the Venezuelan government.
Trump's address on Iran war tonight will lay out timeframe for ending conflict
President Trump is updating the nation on U.S. operations in Iran as he threatens to withdraw from NATO.
Activist ship's collision with krill trawler called "deliberate attack"
A video shows the moment when the M/V Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, steams toward the stern of the fishing vessel.
Exclusive
U.S. commandos in Ecuador for mission targeting alleged narco-terrorists
American commandos joined Ecuadorian troops in a joint mission aimed at dismantling a suspected criminal hub along the country's coast.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Kenan Thompson on new children's book
Actor and comedian Kenan Thompson joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new children's book, "Unfunny Bunny."
Crew that flew Apache helicopters near Kid Rock's house suspended
Kid Rock posted videos of the helicopters hovering by his Nashville home on social media over the weekend. The Army later confirmed the helicopters were on a training mission.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement
Taylor Swift is being sued by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade who has accused the superstar of trademark infringement over her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl." Wade is the creator of the "Confessions of a Showgirl" podcast, which started as a column in 2014.
Sharon Stone talks new season of "Euphoria"
Sharon Stone reflected on her legendary career as she discussed joining the cast of "Euphoria," working with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, and how she has advocated for women in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement over "The Life of a Showgirl"
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
Technology
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Technology
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Inside Apple's relationship with China
CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the codependent relationship between Apple and China, a country that manufactures hundreds of millions of iPhones every year.
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.
Jamie Dimon: JPMorgan could offer prediction market services to investors
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said the bank may one day introduce prediction market features, but said "there's a bunch of stuff we won't do" in that space.
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Science
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Live
Artemis II launch live updates as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow live updates.
Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Everything to know about NASA's Artemis II moon mission
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
Crime
More Crime
Ted Bundy's DNA linked to death of Utah teen in 1974, sheriff's office says
Bundy's full DNA profiled was entered into the FBI's national database, giving investigators a shot at solving potential cases linked to Bundy.
Baby in stroller killed in apparent stray-bullet shooting in Brooklyn
A child was being pushed in a stroller at Moore and Humboldt streets in East Williamsburg on Wednesday when she suffered a gunshot wound to the head, police said.
Kentucky Powerball winner arrested again
James Farthing, who won the $167.3 million Powerball jackpot last April, was arrested for a third time since collecting his grand prize. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Son of Hawaii doctor testifies at trial
The son of a Maui doctor testified that his father confessed to him over FaceTime to trying to kill his stepmother, Arielle Konig, on a hike last year. Prosecutors allege Gerhardt Konig tried to push his wife off a cliff, attempted to inject her with a syringe and hit her in the head with a rock.
Luigi Mangione lawyers seek to postpone trial
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are seeking to postpone his federal murder trial. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Space
More Space
Live
Artemis II launch live updates as NASA begins historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back. Follow live updates.
How to watch the Artemis II launch
As launch time approaches for NASA's first moonshot in more than half a century, anticipation is building for the Artemis II mission. Here's how to watch today's liftoff.
Smooth countdown continues for Artemis II moon mission
Forecasters continue to predict an 80% chance of favorable weather on Wednesday for the launch of four astronauts on a flight to the moon.
Countdown begins for long-awaited Artemis II moon mission
Countdown clocks began ticking Monday, setting the stage for launch of the Artemis II moon mission early Wednesday evening.
These 4 astronauts are making history on flight around the moon
NASA's Artemis II astronauts — three space station veterans and a Canadian rookie — stand out even in an astronaut corps full of super achievers.
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.
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?
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
How Artemis II crew will sleep in space
Members of the Artemis II crew will be the first people to sleep inside the Orion spacecraft. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more on how they'll do that.
How do astronauts use the bathroom?
The science and technology behind using the restroom in space continues to evolve. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave looks at the out-of-this-world facilities available to the Artemis II crew.
Why astronauts play cards before launch
Minutes before departing for the launch pad on Wednesday, the Artemis II crew completed one final task: a game of cards. Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy joins CBS News to discuss the mission.
What comes next for the Artemis II mission?
NASA kicked off a historic lunar mission on Wednesday, sending astronauts farther from Earth than ever before. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Crowds gather to watch Artemis II launch
As millions around the world watched the Artemis II launch online and on television, thousands gathered around Florida to watch it in person. CBS News' Rob Marciano has more.