Reclaiming history on a former plantation
An Air Force veteran wanted a new house for large family gatherings; he ended up getting an incredible link to his family’s past.
Slavery
5/15/2022: Bellingcat, Sharswood
How Bellingcat is using social media to track alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine; Man unknowingly buys former plantation house where his ancestors were enslaved
Man unknowingly buys former plantation house where his ancestors were enslaved
An Air Force veteran wanted a new house for large family gatherings; he ended up getting an incredible link to his family's past.
Discovering the Sharswood slave cemetery
Watch as the Miller family discovers the slave cemetery at Sharswood, a former plantation, where their enslaved ancestors were likely buried.
Alabama shipwreck holds key to past for kin of enslaved Africans
The Clotilda has been encased for decades in mud that conceivably could hold traces of DNA from captives, officials say.
Black soldier promoted 100 years after death
Colonel Charles Young, an American soldier who was born into slavery in 1864, was promoted to brigadier general last week — 100 years after his death. The posthumous honor makes him the earliest Black soldier to earn a star.
U.S. universities address ties to slavery
Harvard University has joined a growing list of educational institutions addressing their past ties to slavery. Harvard announced this week it would spend $100 million to right past wrongs. Dr. Brenda Allen, president of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, joined CBS News' Ben Tracy to discuss slavery's impact on institutions of higher education.
Harvard to spend $100 million to redress its slavery ties
The university's president acknowledged its history includes "extensive entanglements with slavery."
Protesters demand slavery reparations as U.K. royals visit Jamaica
Hours before Prince William and Kate touched down, protesters called on Britain to "apologize now" for its colonial past.
New docuseries re-examines Lincoln's legacy
A new, four-part Apple TV+ documentary series explores President Lincoln and America's complex journey to end slavery, as it reexamines and challenges the perception of Abraham Lincoln and his legacy. Jelani Cobb, an executive producer on the series, and historian Kellie Carter Jackson join "CBS Mornings" to discuss Lincoln's legacy, his relationship with abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and how the series relates to today.
Son of a slave reflects on the lessons he learned from his father
Daniel Smith spoke with CBS News about his incredible story, which reflects the arc of race relations in America — from slavery to civil rights activism, and the fight to end systemic discrimination.
Son of an American slave speaks out
It's hard to comprehend there are people still alive in the U.S. who had a parent born into slavery. But Daniel Smith, almost 90 years old, is one of the few left. Jan Crawford spoke with Smith about his incredible life and the lessons from his father that inspired his success.
Push for House vote on reparations bill
April will mark one year since a House committee approved legislation that would study slavery reparations for African Americans. H.R. 40 would create a panel that would examine lasting effects of slavery and discrimination in the U.S. But the bill has yet to be brought to a full vote in the chamber. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who is the lead sponsor of H.R. 40, joins CBS News' Lilia Luciano to discuss.
Smithsonian secretary on Black History Month
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III joined "CBS Mornings" on Monday to discuss a new, four part docuseries called, "One Thousand Years of Slavery – The Untold Story," premiering on the Smithsonian Channel.
The man who helped create Black History Month
President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment and abolished slavery on February 1, 1865. That date would eventually lead to the Black History Month we celebrate each year, thanks in part to the efforts of a former enslaved person, Richard Robert Wright Sr. Michelle Miller explores how Wright's own life story is just what this month is meant to honor.
Couple who escaped slavery honored
For over a century, London has marked buildings where historic figures lived with a blue plaque. Earlier this month, the lives of two remarkable Americans, William and Ellen Craft, were commemorated by the city. Imtiaz Tyab met with their descendants to hear more.
CBS News meets kids caught in the net of modern slavery
Thousands of children fish in Ghana's Lake Volta. Some are just working in the family business, but many have been sold — for less than $100 — into dangerous forced labor.
Modern slavery on Ghana's Lake Volta
On Ghana's Lake Volta, children are working in the fishing industry. Some work with their families, but others are trafficked there to work in modern-day slavery. CBS News correspondent Debora Patta visits the lake with an NGO that rescues children from forced labor and speaks to a former child trafficker who details his most shameful actions.
Couple who escaped slavery honored in U.K.
Ellen and William Craft escaped slavery in the U.S. in the mid-1800s. They fled to London where they worked as abolitionists and champions of other social justice causes. Their home in London is being commemorated with a blue plaque. CBS News foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab joined CBSN to share their story.
Emancipation and Freedom Monument unveiled
A monument dedicated to the abolition of slavery was unveiled in Richmond, Virginia, two weeks after a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was taken down 2 miles away. CBS affiliate WTVR's Cameron Thompson takes a look.
Black Americans leave the U.S. to reclaim their "destiny" in Ghana
Sonjiah Davis had a good life in Washington D.C., but she "never felt safe." Like many others, she's discovered that "home is not a place. It's how you feel where you are."
Are reparations the answer to America's historic racial wealth gap?
Experts say the wealth gap between White and Black households was fueled by generations of enslavement, Jim Crow laws and discrimination, and offer proposals to narrow the gap, including race-neutral anti-poverty programs.
Origins of Juneteenth in Texas
While Juneteenth is now a national holiday, Texas has recognized it as a state holiday since 1980. Pulitzer prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed's book "On Juneteenth" looks at the origins of the holiday and its importance in Texas and across the country. She joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss.
U.S. commemorates Juneteenth
This weekend, the nation is commemorating Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in Texas in 1865. President Biden signed legislation this week to make it the first new federal holiday in 36 years. CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini reports from the White House. Then, CBS News contributor Antjuan Seawright joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss why some advocates say making the day a federal holiday is only a small step towards achieving racial justice and equality.
6/18: CBSN AM
Juneteenth officially becomes a federal holiday; family cherishes Father's Day after almost losing Dad
Israel's Mossad spent years orchestrating Hezbollah pager plot
Retired Israeli case agents behind Mossad's boobytrapped pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon explain how they got Hezbollah to buy the devices and the plots' impact on the Middle East.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
Mexico fights to dam "iron river" sending guns from U.S. to cartels
While many in the U.S. have lambasted the flow of migrants and drugs from Mexico, the porous border works both ways. Mexico's government says guns from the U.S. are fueling cartel violence.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Winter weather interrupts some holiday weekend travel
Record holiday travel is expected in the U.S. this year, with the weekend before Christmas projected to be one of the busiest times for transit.
Rep. Gonzales says "it feels as if Elon Musk is our prime minister"
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas compared Elon Musk to a prime minister after the Tesla CEO got involved in a tumultuous funding fight on Capitol Hill this week.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
Poll: Most Americans think government is hiding information about drones
Over half of Americans see the drones that have been spotted over the East Coast as a threat to the U.S.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
U.S.
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Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Drones collide, fall into crowd at holiday show in Florida, FAA says
A holiday drone show just days before Christmas was interrupted when drones collided, officials said.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji dead at age 26
Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI who openly questioned the legality of its data-gathering practices, died by suicide, authorities said.
Mayorkas says "irresponsible politics" killed a "terrific solution" on the border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said "a really terrific solution was killed by irresponsible politics" when the bipartisan border deal fell apart earlier this year.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Politics
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Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen hospitalized after getting bucked off horse
Pillen's office did not specify what injuries he sustained or how serious they were, but noted he was expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
Trump tapping several who served in first administration for NSC roles
Brian McCormack, a longtime energy consultant, and Andrew Peek, a seasoned Middle East adviser, will take senior roles on the NSC, according to people familiar with the matter.
Rep. Kay Granger confirms she has "unforeseen health challenges"
Rep. Kay Granger has not cast a vote in Congress since July and stepped down from the powerful House Appropriations Committee in March.
Mayorkas says "irresponsible politics" killed a "terrific solution" on the border
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said "a really terrific solution was killed by irresponsible politics" when the bipartisan border deal fell apart earlier this year.
Sen. Joe Manchin on his time in the Senate and what the future holds
Sen. Joe Manchin sat down for an exit interview of sorts with "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
German authorities had received tipoffs about Christmas market attack suspect
Police in Magdeburg, Germany, said Sunday that those who died were four women aged 45, 52, 67 and 75, as well as a 9-year-old boy.
U.S. Navy crew ejects safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Holiday music with Darren Criss: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Darren Criss, the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending," helps "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of the Hugh Martin-Ralph Blane standard, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Music with Darren Criss: "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season"
Darren Criss (the beloved star of television's "Glee," and the Broadway musical "Maybe Happy Ending") and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate Christmas with a performance of "Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Technology
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Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
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.
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Crime
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Woman set on fire while sleeping on NYC subway, NYPD says
A person of interest was taken into custody after a woman died after being lit on fire while she was asleep on an F train in Brooklyn, police say.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
How toy libraries cut down on waste of spending
With the holidays fast approaching, some are turning to toy libraries for their gifting needs. Toy libraries look much like toy stores, but the items are there to be borrowed instead of bought. Natalie Brand takes a closer look at how they work.
A look at California's "Christmas Tree Lane"
Every year, the residents of one block in Alameda, California, pull out all the stops when it comes to holiday decorations. Itay Hod shares the story of what's been dubbed "Christmas Tree Lane."
Some Syrians living abroad returning home
Many Syrians who have been living abroad, some for decades, are returning home after the fall of the Assad regime. But there remain mixed feelings of hope and trepidation for some. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Woman killed after being set on fire on NYC subway
A suspect is in custody after a woman was killed after being set on fire inside a New York City subway car on Sunday. Tammy Mutasa has the latest.
Workers divided over sale of U.S. Steel
U.S. Steel workers are divided over the possible sale of the company to Japanese manufacturer Nippon Steel. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both voiced opposition to the deal, and Mr. Biden may signal an official stance on trying to block the deal as early as Monday. Erica Brown reports.