Life under lockdown: Recommended books
Washington Post book critic Ron Charles offers suggestions for these challenging, cloistered times
Books
From 1998: Author and undersea explorer Clive Cussler
Novelist Clive Cussler, the man whose maritime alter-ego, adventurer Dirk Pitt, raised the Titanic and explored countless shipwrecks, has himself located more than 60 sunken ships and submarines. Cussler (who died on February 24, 2020, at age 88) talked to correspondent Anthony Mason in this interview that originally aired on "Sunday Morning" on January 25, 1998, in which he discussed his passion for vintage cars, and for going beneath the ocean's surface to find the answers to naval history's perplexing questions.
From 2012: A typewriter renaissance
"Sunday Morning" correspondent Bill Geist introduces us to some typewriter enthusiasts who have found a new passion for a writing machine of the past. Originally broadcast February 5, 2012.
Book excerpt: "Washington's End," on the final years of the father of our country
Jonathan Horn's new biography begins when most biographies of America's Revolutionary War hero and first president end, depicting his turbulent retirement from public life
A.E. Hotchner, prolific author and friend to Hemingway, has died
Hotchner was a well-traveled author and playwright whose street smarts and famous pals led to a loving, but litigated memoir of Hemingway, business adventures with Paul Newman and a book about his Depression-era childhood.
Oprah reveals "American Dirt" as new book club pick
The novel tells the story of Lydia, a mother who escapes from Mexico with her son after surviving an attack by a drug cartel.
10 most checked-out books from New York Public Library
In the library's 125-year existence, these were the 10 most popular books — and one book that isn't on the list, but should be.
Our fascination with Louisa May Alcott's enduring classic "Little Women"
The beloved novel about the artistic March sisters is now a new film by "Lady Bird" director Greta Gerwig, starring Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson
Book excerpt: Eugenia Zukerman's "Like Falling Through a Cloud"
The flutist and broadcast journalist writes poetically about an emotional backdrop revealed through her diagnosis of Alzheimer's
Reince Priebus: "A Warning" author Anonymous is "dishonorable"
President Trump's first chief of staff calls the secretive "senior Trump administration official" behind a new tell-all book a "coward"
Master of intrigue John le Carré on his latest villain: Brexit
His new novel, "Angel Running in the Field," examines how the British public, he says, is being "bamboozled by people with private interests," and European allies are being turned into enemies
Excerpt: "Agent Running in the Field" by John le Carré
The latest novel by the master Cold War storyteller tells a story of international intrigue involving up-to-date villains: those trying to take Britain out of the European Union
Recipe from "Joy of Cooking": Mushroom Confit
The latest edition of the bestselling cookbook offers the perfect spread or addition to pasta
Oprah Winfrey reveals book club pick: "Olive, Again"
"Olive, Again" is the sequel to Strout's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Olive Kitteridge"
Singer Allison Moorer on the legacy of her parents' murder-suicide
In her stunning new book, "Blood," the singer-songwriter reflects on a lifelong quest to make peace with her past, and the power of human resilience
Book excerpt: Prince's memoir, "The Beautiful Ones"
Published three years after the singer's death, his unfinished memoir tells of his life and musical evolution
How Janis Joplin became America's first female rock star
A new biography about the rock and blues singer, "Janis: Her Life and Music," presents a portrait of a gifted, complex and challenging artist who became an iconic trailblazer during her brief 27 years
Book excerpt: "Janis: Her Life and Music"
Holly George-Warren's biography of the rock and blues singer examines her trailblazing career, rebelliousness, and assertions of female power and individuality
John Grisham tackles wrongful convictions in new novel
"The Guardians," centers on a lawyer-turned-minister whose calling in life is to help exonerate innocent people from prison
Elton John: Addiction "nearly destroyed my soul"
The music legend has completed an autobiography, titled "Me," but his story is far from over
Book excerpt: "A Fool's Errand" on what America needs to remember
The head of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie G. Bunch III, writes about the creation and dedication of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Excerpt: "The Book of Gutsy Women" by Hillary Rodham Clinton & Chelsea Clinton
Their new book explores the lives of inspirational females, including Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who denounced Joe McCarthy and became the first woman to seek a major party's presidential nomination
Book excerpt: Olivia Newton-John's "Don't Stop Believin'"
In her new memoir the singer relates her ethos of "the show must go on," even while racked with pain from a cancer diagnosis
Ta-Nehisi Coates is ready to tell the stories of the enslaved
"You can't look for a fairy tale. This is history. History's dirty, you know?" Coates said
Oprah reveals new book club pick: "The Water Dancer"
The acclaimed writer's debut novel tells the story of a young boy born into bondage on a plantation and the mysterious power he discovers
Entertainment
Entertainment
"Lean On Me" singer Bill Withers dies at 81
Soul legend Bill Withers, known for songs like “Lean On Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at the age of 81. The three-time Grammy Award winner’s family said he died of heart complications. The singer’s hit “Lean on Me” has been a source of comfort for many, with choirs and medical workers recording their own renditions of the song amid the coronavirus pandemic.
From 2004: The Marsalis family’s musical legacy
New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 85. In this “Sunday Morning” feature which originally aired on May 2, 2004, Ellis talked about the musical traditions and love for jazz that he passed down to sons Wynton, Jason, Delfeayo and Branford Marsalis, musicians all.
From 1983: The Marsalis jazz family
In this report originally broadcast on “Sunday Morning” January 30, 1983, Dr. Billy Taylor reported on a virtuoso “boy wonder” of jazz, 21-year-old trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, whose promising future was already taking off. Taylor also talked with New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of a family of talented musicians, who collaborated with his sons, Wynton and Branford, on a 1982 album titled “Fathers and Sons.” (Ellis Marsalis died on April 1, 2020.)
Jay-Z and Meek Mill sending surgical masks to jails and prisons
The masks will be sent to the facilities to help correctional officers, health care workers and inmates in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
"Lean on Me" singer Bill Withers has died
Withers died on Monday from heart complications at age 81, his family confirmed in a statement.
Kane Brown on his new duet with John Legend
Country star Kane Brown joins "CBS This Morning" before Sunday night's "ACM Presents: Our Country," a special that will bring music icons together virtually for an evening of performance and conversation. Brown and fellow musician John Legend will perform their duet called "Last Time I Say Sorry," together, but from their own homes.
Oprah Winfrey donates $10 million to coronavirus relief efforts
"I still remember growing up with my mother in Milwaukee when we were all on welfare, and sometimes we needed assistance for our family just to survive. During times like this, so many more people are vulnerable," Winfrey said.
Marsalis jazz family patriarch dies of virus complications, son says
One of Ellis Marsalis Jr.'s six sons, Ellis Marsalis III, says his father succumbed to pneumonia brought on by COVID-19
Fountains of Wayne co-founder has died from coronavirus
The award-winning musician and song-writer was well-known for the Fountains of Wayne song "Stacy's Mom," and his compositions for the CW show "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."
Kim Kardashian West on criminal justice reform: "I couldn't just sit back"
After helping get Alice Marie Johnson released from prison, Kardashian West wants to do more.
Couple weds while social distancing during pandemic
Sara and Marco Sylvester had to scrap their huge wedding that would have had family coming from Peru and Texas. But they married Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., while also practicing social distancing guidelines.
Lauren London shares emotional tribute one year after Nipsey Hussle's death
"The pain is as heavy today as it was a year ago," the late rapper's longtime partner wrote.
Hobby Lobby reopens as "essential business" despite stay-at-home orders
Arts-and-crafts retailer defies mandates to curb the pandemic's spread, saying it sells mask and education supplies.
U.S. Army Field Band still playing amid coronavirus
Concert halls have gone dark all over the world, but the coronavirus could not silence the U.S. Army Field Band. David Martin reports.
“ACM Presents: Our Country” airs Sunday
Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood are two of the many artists that will be featured on the Sunday special, “ACM Presents: Our Country,” packed full of conversations and songs from country music’s biggest stars. The Academy of Country Music had to postpone its awards show over the coronavirus pandemic, and will air the special in its place to give music fans something to look forward to as the virus forces events such as concerts and festivals to be called off.
World
More World
UN chief praises positive response to global ceasefire
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that over a dozen countries have said they will begin or continue ceasefires.
Coronavirus may lead to increase in domestic violence: WHO
Speaking to reporters Friday about the coronavirus pandemic, the WHO Director General called on countries to include services for addressing domestic violence in their COVID-19 response.
Remains of 90-million-year-old rainforest found near South Pole
The South Pole is a harsh, frozen landscape of ice. But new research suggests it once held a lush temperate rainforest.
The Earth is shaking less under coronavirus lockdowns
During the coronavirus pandemic, people are moving less — and so is the planet.
Google data tracks coronavirus lockdown movement
The internet giant's Community Mobility Reports show how social distancing has affected travel to places like supermarkets and parks.
U.S.
More U.S.
Coronavirus updates: CDC recommends use of non-surgical face masks
President Trump on Friday announced the new update at the daily task force briefing.
Coronavirus updates: COVID-19 death toll in U.S. passes 7,100
The CDC is recommending Americans wear cloth face coverings in public to help slow the spread of the virus.
5 things to know about the virus from Dr. Tom Inglesby
Dr. Tom Inglesby, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, on the benefit of masks for the general public and a possible vaccine.
Home health care workers care for the vulnerable – with no PPE
States are fighting to get PPE for hospitals and emergency personnel, but many home health care workers and agencies — who care for more than 8.3 million people in the U.S. — have been left to fend for themselves.
Finding love in the age of social distancing
A Brooklyn man fell for a woman he saw out his window.
Politics
More Politics
Trump fires intel watchdog involved in impeachment probe
President Trump wrote it is "vital" that he have the "fullest confidence" in the Inspector General, and said "that is no longer the case."
Some red states hesitant to issue stay-at-home orders
The handful of states that have yet to issue stay-at-home orders have something in common: They're run by Republican governors and have significant rural populations.
2020 Daily Trail Markers: Battling the opioid crisis amid coronavirus
The opioid epidemic and the coronavirus pandemic "have unfortunately crossed paths in a very lethal way," said a nonprofit president who works with recovery patients.
Businesses ready for Paycheck Protection Program, but banks aren't
Three of the nation's four largest lenders initially wouldn't take loan applications, leaving borrowers in the dark.
Trump lashes out after Pelosi announces coronavirus committee
"It's witch hunt after witch hunt after witch hunt," the president said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Lean On Me" singer Bill Withers dies at 81
Soul legend Bill Withers, known for songs like “Lean On Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at the age of 81. The three-time Grammy Award winner’s family said he died of heart complications. The singer’s hit “Lean on Me” has been a source of comfort for many, with choirs and medical workers recording their own renditions of the song amid the coronavirus pandemic.
From 2004: The Marsalis family’s musical legacy
New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 85. In this “Sunday Morning” feature which originally aired on May 2, 2004, Ellis talked about the musical traditions and love for jazz that he passed down to sons Wynton, Jason, Delfeayo and Branford Marsalis, musicians all.
From 1983: The Marsalis jazz family
In this report originally broadcast on “Sunday Morning” January 30, 1983, Dr. Billy Taylor reported on a virtuoso “boy wonder” of jazz, 21-year-old trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, whose promising future was already taking off. Taylor also talked with New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of a family of talented musicians, who collaborated with his sons, Wynton and Branford, on a 1982 album titled “Fathers and Sons.” (Ellis Marsalis died on April 1, 2020.)
Jay-Z and Meek Mill sending surgical masks to jails and prisons
The masks will be sent to the facilities to help correctional officers, health care workers and inmates in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
"Lean on Me" singer Bill Withers has died
Withers died on Monday from heart complications at age 81, his family confirmed in a statement.
Technology
More Technology
Google data tracks coronavirus lockdown movement
The internet giant's Community Mobility Reports show how social distancing has affected travel to places like supermarkets and parks.
Zoom looks to fix major security shortcomings
Zoom's CEO said conferencing company will freeze certain features for 90 days to work on strengthening its security.
Amazon vows all warehouse workers will have face masks by next week
The company is also expanding its use of temperature checks to all its facilities, after a surge of worker complaints.
Zoom CEO responds after calls hacked with slurs and porn
The popular app said its number of users has ballooned to hundreds of millions with people isolated at home under coronavirus precautions.
California facility helps make face shields for medical workers
In the race to meet the high demand for personal protective equipment, these 3D-printed face shields can serve as a lifeline for those on the frontlines battling COVID-19.
Science
More Science
Remains of 90-million-year-old rainforest found near South Pole
The South Pole is a harsh, frozen landscape of ice. But new research suggests it once held a lush temperate rainforest.
The Earth is shaking less under coronavirus lockdowns
During the coronavirus pandemic, people are moving less — and so is the planet.
"Above normal" Atlantic hurricane season on tap, researchers say
At least eight of the 16 named tropical storms that are forecast will reach hurricane status with winds greater than 74 mph, according to Colorado State University.
Human impact on environment raises risk of pandemics
Some members of the scientific community have been warning for years that it was not a matter of if, but when another pandemic would threaten humanity.
NASA's Perseverance rover is bringing a hidden message to Mars
After NASA shared a photo of the rover's plaque carrying the names of nearly 11 million people, eagle-eyed fans spotted something special.
Health
More Health
UN chief praises positive response to global ceasefire
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday that over a dozen countries have said they will begin or continue ceasefires.
Coronavirus may lead to increase in domestic violence: WHO
Speaking to reporters Friday about the coronavirus pandemic, the WHO Director General called on countries to include services for addressing domestic violence in their COVID-19 response.
5 things to know about the virus from Dr. Tom Inglesby
Dr. Tom Inglesby, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, on the benefit of masks for the general public and a possible vaccine.
Food bank works with online marketplace to provide jobs
"This is great money, and a good opportunity to— to keep my spirits high," one laid-off bartender said.
Jay-Z and Meek Mill sending surgical masks to jails and prisons
The masks will be sent to the facilities to help correctional officers, health care workers and inmates in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Small businesses already frustrated with paycheck program
Business owners say the process for tapping the $349 billion program is creating "confusion and uncertainty."
Millions to seek Paycheck Protection Program loans today
The banking industry has had less than a week to prepare for the $349 billion loan program for small businesses.
Trump says administration "hit 3M hard" over face masks
President Trump announced Thursday that he invoked the Defense Production Act to get the company to produce face masks
Why U.S. farmers are "gonna be in trouble" during pandemic
Blueberries, squash, cucumbers and more crops may not get picked this year, farmers worry.
Jeff Bezos donates $100 million to U.S. food banks
Covid-19 is "significantly" worsening hunger in America, Amazon CEO says in announcing donation to Feeding America.
Crime
More Crime
Did a New York wedding lead to an attempted murder in Florida?
A wealthy couple argue when a daughter's sumptuous wedding goes over budget. Their long-running feud ends in a stabbing.
Evidence photos: Reuschel attempted murder case
Mike Reuschel told police he and his wife Sue had been stabbed by an intruder, but she later told police her husband was the real assailant.
Doctor and husband found dead by jogger were "targeted"
Authorities have not disclosed the manner of their deaths, but UW police said the slayings were not by chance.
Two girls from back seat of stolen car found after frantic search
Dallas police say Arianna and Aaliyah Gutierrez were in the back seat of a 2008 gold Hyundai Sonata when it was stolen but were OK when located.
Chicago cop dies as coronavirus takes toll on forces nationwide
Departments across the country struggle to fill in for sick officers; some are seeing deaths within their ranks.
Space
More Space
NASA's Perseverance rover is bringing a hidden message to Mars
After NASA shared a photo of the rover's plaque carrying the names of nearly 11 million people, eagle-eyed fans spotted something special.
NASA offers online fun amid coronavirus
NASA is offering some help to families who are quarantined during the coronavirus. The space agency's website has dozens of tutorials to fascinate any math, science and space lovers.
SpaceX wins NASA moon program contract
SpaceX's Dragon XL cargo ships will support NASA's Artemis moonwalkers and allow extended research.
U.S. Space Force launches billion-dollar military comms satellite
The flight was the first national security space launch under authority of the newly established U.S. Space Force — and completed during a deadly pandemic.
Astronaut who spent 665 days in space has advice on isolation
By social distancing and quarantining, people are "saving lives," retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson said.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Evidence photos: Reuschel attempted murder case
Mike Reuschel told police he and his wife Sue had been stabbed by an intruder, but she later told police her husband was the real assailant.
Coronavirus: Deserted places in America, Italy, China and more
From hallowed U.S. colleges to Parisian museums to Italian landmarks, the coronavirus is clearing out the world's most beloved public spaces.
Deadliest infectious diseases in the world, ranked
It's not yet clear how the new coronavirus outbreak will stack up against the world's deadliest infectious diseases.
New on Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu and More
Shows and movies you'll want to stream soon.
The worst movies of 2020
Some of the worst films of the year star big-name actors, including Mark Wahlberg, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Kristen Stewart.
Popular
More Popular
Popular
Sole survivor of Chino Hills massacre describes what happened
Doug and Peggy Ryen, their daughter, Jessica, and neighbor Christopher Hughes were brutally murdered inside the Ryen family’s home on June 4, 1983. Josh Ryen was the only survivor. A year-and-a-half later, the 10-year-old answered D.A. Dennis Kottemeier’s questions about that horrific night – with his grandmother by his side.
NCAA star on Baylor's record-setting season
With the coronavirus pandemic forcing closures at businesses, schools and most nonessential businesses throughout the country, staples of U.S. sports like college basketball’s March Madness tournament have been called off. Baylor University, with a record 23-game winning streak, was hit particularly hard by having their season abruptly canceled. Dana Jacobson speaks to senior Freddie Gillespie, a big factor in the school team’s success, about his perseverance and what lies ahead in the college basketball star’s future.
China sends help to countries battling virus
China has been carving out a new image on the world stage by sending supplies to countries struggling with the coronavirus. However, the country where the pandemic originated is also facing backlash from critics who claim they are under-reporting their number of cases. Ramy Inocencio reports on China’s handling of the global pandemic from Tokyo.
"Lean On Me" singer Bill Withers dies at 81
Soul legend Bill Withers, known for songs like “Lean On Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” has died at the age of 81. The three-time Grammy Award winner’s family said he died of heart complications. The singer’s hit “Lean on Me” has been a source of comfort for many, with choirs and medical workers recording their own renditions of the song amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Boxed delivery app’s demand spikes amid virus
One start up company has risen to meet the mounting demand for grocery deliveries as the coronavirus pandemic forces millions of Americans to stay inside their homes. Boxed, described as Costco for millennials, offers many items that seemingly vanished overnight from store shelves through their app and website. The company has also become known for the generous benefits it provides full-time employees, from paid sick leave to financial support for college and weddings. Don Dahler takes a look at one of Boxed’s warehouses to see how they are handling the spike in business.
