The Book Report: Ron Charles' picks from 2025
The Washington Post book reviewer offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his picks for fiction and non-fiction titles to add to their New Year's reading lists.
Books
2025: The year's top books
"Sunday Morning" checks out the bestselling fiction and non-fiction of the past year.
The Book Report: Ron Charles' books of the year for 2025
The Washington Post book reviewer offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his picks for fiction and non-fiction titles to add to their New Year's reading lists.
Book excerpt: "Guilty by Definition" by Susie Dent
This debut novel is a mystery in which a dictionary editor at Oxford turns to word-sleuthing in order to unravel a family member's long-ago disappearance.
Book excerpt: "Black Moses" by Caleb Gayle
The award-winning journalist's latest book recounts the rise of Edward McCabe, an activist who, during Reconstruction, lobbied for a Black-governed state in the Oklahoma Territory.
Jane Austen at 250: Celebrating a writer who still inspires new chapters
Enduring romances such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma" made the British writer one of the brightest names in literature – and the beloved subject of a yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of her birth.
Jane Austen at 250
Her enduring romances, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," made British writer Jane Austen one of the brightest names in literature – and the beloved subject of a yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of her birth. Seth Doane visits Bath, England, the setting for two of the Regency Era author's six novels, and talks with Devoney Looser, author of "Wild for Austen." Doane also visits the set of a forthcoming miniseries inspired by Austen's characters, "The Other Bennet Sister."
Elvis and the Colonel
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book, "The Colonel and the King," is the story of a partnership that rocked popular culture, and how Colonel Parker's marketing savvy and enduring loyalty helped the King get his crown.
Book excerpt: "The Colonel and the King" by Peter Guralnick
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book traces the relationship between the King and Colonel Tom Parker, a manager whose marketing savvy helped launch a rock 'n' roll revolution.
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford: "I know that we don't have forever anymore"
The bestselling author had said she would no longer write novels set in the make-believe mountain village of Mitford. After the death of her daughter, she wrote through her grief – which led to her 15th Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford
Novelist Jan Karon has written 25 bestsellers, including 15 about a make-believe mountain village, Mitford – stories in which the humanity of her characters is evoked in what she calls "a place of refuge." Karon talks with Faith Salie about discovering her voice as a writer at a very young age; the comforting qualities of her stories; and how the death of her daughter, Candace, led to her latest Mitford book, "My Beloved."
Elvis and the Colonel
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book, "The Colonel and the King," is the story of a partnership that rocked popular culture. Anthony Mason talks with Guralnick at Graceland about how Colonel Parker's marketing savvy and enduring loyalty helped the King get his crown. Mason also talks with Parker's friend, actor George Hamilton, who witnessed Parker's gambling addiction that threatened his partnership with Presley.
Book excerpt: "Family of Spies" by Christine Kuehn
Christine Kuehn uncovered a devastating family secret long hidden by her father: her grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who passed military information on to the Axis powers in the run-up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"Family of Spies": Christine Kuehn discovers her grandfather's Nazi past
In 1994 Christine Kuehn received a letter that revealed a family history from which her father had tried to shield her: Christine's grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who was the only person tried and convicted for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
"To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone
When Rosie Grant launched a TikTok channel, GhostlyArchive, as a testament to gravestones, she discovered a niche form of memorial: cemetery markers that bear beloved recipes of the dearly departed. Her new cookbook collects headstone recipes that are "To Die For."
Book excerpt: "Defying Gravity," a biography of "Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz
Biographer Carol de Giere explores the creative career of the Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer of such treasured Broadway and movie hits as "Godspell," "Pippin" and "Wicked."
Book excerpt: "There Is No Place For Us" by Brian Goldstone
For his new book, the journalist examines why so many people who work full-time jobs with low wages are homeless in America.
Oprah Winfrey reveals "Some Bright Nowhere" as November book club pick
Oprah Winfrey on Tuesday announced her latest book club selection "Some Bright Nowhere" by Ann Packer on "CBS Mornings."
Book excerpt: "The Day After Yesterday: Resilience in the Face of Dementia"
Photographer Joe Wallace has chronicled the stories of families who have lived with Alzheimer's.
Book excerpt: "The Wounded Generation" by David Nasaw
The historian examines how service members returning home from World War II were changed in ways undiagnosed and untreated, to a nation that had also changed following years of war.
Salman Rushdie on "The Eleventh Hour" and free speech
The author talks about his first fiction published since the 2022 attack that nearly killed him; his own immigrant experience in the U.S.; and what happens when freedom of speech dies.
Book excerpt: "The Eleventh Hour" by Salman Rushdie
In his elegiac new collection of stories – his first fiction since a 2022 attack that nearly killed him – acclaimed novelist Salman Rushie writes of intimate encounters with death, ghosts, magic, and the immutable passage of time.
Extended interview: Salman Rushdie
In this web exclusive, author Salman Rushdie talks with Martha Teichner about his new book, "The Eleventh Hour," a collection of short stories and a novella, and the first fiction Rushdie has published since the 2022 attack that nearly killed him.
Salman Rushdie on "The Eleventh Hour"
"The Eleventh Hour," a collection of short stories and a novella, is the first fiction Salman Rushdie has published since the 2022 attack that nearly killed him. He talks with Martha Teichner about his new book; the fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, claiming passages in Rushdie's novel, "The Satanic Verses," insulted Islam; his own immigrant experience in the U.S.; and what happens when freedom of speech dies.
Entertainment
Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Milan's Casa Verdi, a rest home for musicians living in harmony
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Hayden Panettiere, star of "Nashville" and "Heroes."
From the ashes arise origami koi
Robert Lang, a physicist who became a leading figure in the world of origami, lost a lifetime's work of folded paper art to the 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Calif. He then set out to recreate his designs – and the origami community joined in.
Capturing an immortal photograph of jazz legends
In 1958, photographer Art Kane assembled many of the greatest legends in jazz on a brownstone stoop in Harlem; his picture became one of the most famous images ever taken of artistic royalty. Correspondent Mo Rocca talks about Kane's iconic group portrait with the photographer's son, Jonathan; and about the legacy the musicians left behind with legendary bassist Ron Carter, who played alongside nearly all of the jazz greats pictured that hot August day.
8/23: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Steve Hartman. Featured: The explosion of tick bites and Alpha-gal syndrome; singer Kenny Chesney; botanist and bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer; origami artist Robert Lang; one artist's very quirky home; an iconic photo of Harlem jazz legends; and a retirement home for musicians in Milan.
Grace Potter performs "Run Baby Run"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Run Baby Run."
Grace Potter sings "Main Street USA"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Main Street USA."
Grace Potter sings "Love Me Not"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Love Me Not."
Iconic props up for grabs at movie auction
Iconic film props and other movie memorabilia from classic Hollywood flicks are up for auction. Kris Van Cleave has more.
Details on Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. after six years in California. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the homecoming could look like.
Man who took final photo of Tupac testifies
The man who took the last known photo of Tupac Shakur testified on Friday in the trial of a man accused of organizing the rapper's killing. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Book excerpt: "The Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Braiding Sweetgrass" writes about embracing gratitude and reciprocity in our dealings with nature, and the importance of recognizing and sharing the many gifts the world gives us.
U.S.
More U.S.
2 Phoenix police officers fired, arrested after violent traffic stop
Two Phoenix police officers were fired and arrested after an unreported traffic stop in which they assaulted a man and woman and shocked them with a Taser, the city's police chief said.
Suspect in murders of 5 found dead day after their bodies were discovered
A quintuple murder suspect was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington a day after the bodies of five people were discovered outside Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
Navy sailor on USS Lincoln says dad was arrested by immigration officials
Historically rare, immigration arrests of military spouses and parents have become more common under the second Trump administration.
Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
More Politics
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
Jared Kushner and Hakeem Jeffries met as midterm elections loom
The meeting came with Democrats expected to take control of the House in the November elections, which would put Jeffries in line to become the next House speaker.
Navy sailor on USS Lincoln says dad was arrested by immigration officials
Historically rare, immigration arrests of military spouses and parents have become more common under the second Trump administration.
Dr. Oz says MMR is "not a lethal vaccine" despite Trump's comments
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the MMR vaccine is "not a lethal vaccine," despite President Trump's claims in recent days.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Reps. Byron Donalds and Seth Moulton join Margaret Brennan.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump puts autistic kids in the spotlight and cuts agencies built to protect them
Researchers and disability rights advocates warn that the dismantling of the Education Department and its erosions of civil rights oversight risk widening the disparities autistic children face.
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, ER visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. How can you best avoid tick bites?
The explosion of ticks and Alpha-gal syndrome
This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are addressing an epidemic of Alpha-gal, and talks with experts about how best to avoid tick bites.
8/23: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Steve Hartman. Featured: The explosion of tick bites and Alpha-gal syndrome; singer Kenny Chesney; botanist and bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer; origami artist Robert Lang; one artist's very quirky home; an iconic photo of Harlem jazz legends; and a retirement home for musicians in Milan.
Olympian Jenny Simpson shares rare diagnosis
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
World
More World
Live
U.S. set to unveil "economic D-Day" sanctions against Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new sanctions being imposed on Iran would amount to the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
Transcript: Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is on the boards of Pfizer and UnitedHealthCare, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Neel Kashkari, Minneapolis Fed president and CEO, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Neel Kashkari, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Byron Donalds on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Byron Donalds, Republican of Florida and candidate for Florida governor, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Transcript: Dr. Mehmet Oz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 23, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 23, 2026.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97
Bunny Levine worked as a school librarian for 25 years before pursuing her passion for acting and performing.
Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, is author of the New York Times bestsellers "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry" – books that advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth. She talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about the importance of respecting both Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge, planting trees, and sharing the gifts of nature.
The real no-shoes Kenny Chesney
In his recent memoir, "Heart Life Music," Kenny Chesney describes his life's journey, from Knoxville, Tenn., to No Shoes Nation and beyond. Chesney sits down with Lee Cowan in the Florida Keys, where the country superstar is just another laid-back local, to talk about family, touring, and how he recovered from a 2009 concert which he describes as "hitting a wall." [Originally broadcast Oct. 26, 2025.]
Milan's Casa Verdi, a rest home for musicians living in harmony
Opera great Giuseppe Verdi, one of history's most successful composers, used his fortune to create a retirement home for professional musicians "not favored by fortune." Residents of Casa Verdi in Milan not only share their lifetimes of artistry, they also provide master classes to young musicians. Chris Livesay reports.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actress Hayden Panettiere, star of "Nashville" and "Heroes."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
More Science
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
More Crime
2 Phoenix police officers fired, arrested after violent traffic stop
Two Phoenix police officers were fired and arrested after an unreported traffic stop in which they assaulted a man and woman and shocked them with a Taser, the city's police chief said.
Suspect in murders of 5 found dead day after their bodies were discovered
A quintuple murder suspect was found dead inside a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington a day after the bodies of five people were discovered outside Portland, Oregon, authorities said.
How an oil trail led to suspect in South Carolina hit-and-run homicide
A trail of clues — including an oil leak, security video and data from a truck's onboard computer — lead S.C. investigators to a jealous man suspected of running down a romantic rival.
Uber driver gets roped into police car chase
A Houston Uber driver found himself involved in police activity after two officers jumped into his vehicle in pursuit of a suspect. Lana Zak has the story.
Judge denies Karmelo Anthony a new trial
Karmelo Anthony's murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence are staying in place after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial.
Space
More Space
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
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
How some are keeping manual driving alive
For generations of drivers, getting behind the wheel meant you had to be able to use a stick shift. Now, new data shows that manual-transmission cars have all but disappeared. But some are keeping the driving skill alive. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn goes on a ride.
Why sewing is making a comeback
A new generation isn't just picking up a needle and thread; they're stitching an entirely new way of life. Itay Hod has the story from California.
Last Ridglan Farms beagles rescued
The last of more than 2,000 beagles from a Wisconsin facility that bred them for medical research have been rescued. Adam Yamaguchi accompanied them on their journey to freedom.
Ukraine celebrates independence amid strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia plans to draft 300,000 more troops into the fight as the invasion drags on. On Sunday, waves of Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's economy, hitting a massive retail warehouse outside of Moscow. Holly Williams reports.
Impact of new U.S. tariffs on Canada
The escalating trade war with Canada has ruptured a once-close and durable alliance. It will soon have people on both sides of the border paying up. Jarred Hill has more details from New York.