The Book Report: Gift ideas for book lovers
Washington Post book reviewer Ron Charles offers suggestions for the bibliophiles on your holiday list
Books
Book excerpt: "One by One" by Ruth Ware
An avalanche in the French Alps portends death for board members of a high-tech music firm visiting for a corporate retreat in this mystery novel that nods to Agatha Christie
Book excerpt: "The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X"
This new biography of the human rights activist by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and his daughter was the National Book Award winner for Best Nonfiction of 2020
Book excerpt: "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich
The National Book Award-winning novelist returns with a story inspired by the life of her grandfather, a leader of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe in the 1950s
John le Carré, definitive Cold War spy novelist, has died at 89
"We have lost a great figure of English literature," said publisher Curtis Brown CEO Johnny Geller.
Nancy Drew turns 90
It's no mystery why the venerable teenage girl detective has resonated with generations of fans.
"Humans": Connecting with the world one photo at a time
A decade ago Brandon Stanton began photographing and interviewing random strangers on the streets of New York; since then he's taken his camera around the world, making the human connections we need now more than ever.
Charlie Mackesy's lessons in kindness
Through whimsical sketches and simple, yet sage, advice, the British artist's bestselling "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" manages to distill what's most important about life, including kindness, empathy, perseverance and love
Los Angeles bookstore thriving amid pandemic
While many bookstores are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic, one bookstore in Los Angeles is booming like never before. "Eso Won," a landmark bookstore in Leimert Park, is seeing a surge of readers dropping by looking for literature on race and social justice. Lilia Luciano has more.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" author on his books
Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books have sold a stunning 250 million copies, and generated four movies. The celebrated author is currently out with his fifteenth book in the series, along with a slew of off-shoots. Jeff Glor caught up with Kinney on his recent socially-distanced tour.
Book excerpt: The origin story of Estée Lauder, from "The Company I Keep"
Leonard Lauder writes of how his mother founded a company that would become a global behemoth, starting with beauty creams cooked up in the kitchen
Steve Martin and Harry Bliss on the concise joy of cartoons
The multi-talented comic can now claim "cartoonist" for his resume, collaborating with New Yorker illustrator Harry Bliss on a collection of humorous one-panel gems, "A Wealth of Pigeons"
Independent booksellers write a new chapter during COVID-19
Bookstores like the Strand in New York and EyeSeeMe in St. Louis are finding ways to cope during the coronavirus pandemic, thanks to a community of readers that wants them to survive
Lenny Kravitz on finding his voice
The Grammy-winning singer, with an introspective new memoir, "Let Love Rule," talks about his struggles with identity, the road to rock stardom, and his extended, blended family
Book Excerpt: "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life"
The latest book by bestselling historian Jonathan Alter is the first full-length biography of the 39th president
The New Season: Fall fiction titles
Washington Post book reviewer Ron Charles previews a few of the most hotly-anticipated novels and short story collections coming to bookstores this fall
Book excerpt: "The Silence" by Don DeLillo
The award-winning author's latest work is a novel keenly appropriate for a time of calamity and social dislocation
Book excerpt: "Missionaries" by Phil Klay
The author of the National Book Award-winning short story collection "Redeployment" is back with an epic novel about the moral complexities of geopolitics and modern warfare
Book excerpt: "Jack" by Marilynne Robinson
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author returns to the setting of her acclaimed novels "Gilead," "Home" and "Lila"
Book excerpt: "Magic Lessons" by Alice Hoffman
The author returns with a prequel to "Practical Magic" and "The Rules of Magic," which tells the origins of the Owens family's history of curses and intimations of witchcraft
Book excerpt: "Memorial" by Bryan Washington
The author's new novel tells of a mixed-race gay couple whose relationship is tested by family estrangements and separation
Book excerpt: "The Office of Historical Corrections" by Danielle Evans
A new collection of stories in which characters grapple with issues of race and culture
"The Pillars of Earth" author on new novel
Ken Follett has sold more than 170 million books, including the acclaimed novel "The Pillars of Earth." Now, Follett is out with a prequel titled "The Evening and the Morning," a historical epic about the world emerging from the Dark Ages, a time of terror, back to something that resembles quality and class: the Middle Ages. Jeff Glor spoke to the groundbreaking author just outside of London.
Book excerpt: "Compromised" by Peter Strzok
The former FBI Special Agent writes of the Bureau's investigation into members of Trump's circle and their ties to Russia
Book excerpt: "Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke
The bestselling novelist follows her award-winning debut, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell," with a magical, labyrinthine fantasy
Entertainment
Entertainment
Behind the "Better in Person" talk show
Author and journalist Stephen Dubner, who rose to fame when he co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics," talks with "CBS Mornings" about launching his own weekly talk show on YouTube, "Better in Person." Dubner discusses how the show got its start, his wide range of guests and why he decided to self-finance it.
Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
"Jurassic Park" star dies at 78
Actor Sam Neill, who starred in "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement. Neill had been battling cancer, but his family said he had beaten it and his death was unexpected.
Extended interview: Sean Evans
Vladimir Duthiers speaks with Sean Evans about how he came to host "Hot Ones," his interview with Conan O'Brien, who he would like to see on the show and more.
Sam Neill, "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano" star, dies at 78
New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park" and "The Piano," died Monday at 78, his family says.
7/12: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Tracy Smith. Featured: The only successful coup in U.S. history; Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"; Trump's monumental reimagining of Washington, D.C.; singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams; "Take Me Home, Country Roads"; and a Tuscany tradition: wine barrel races.
Milepost: David Attenborough
This week, British documentarian Sir David Attenborough, who turned 100 years old in May, broke the record for oldest nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award, earning two nominations this year.
Grace notes: Art as a reverie of gentle sounds
French artist and composer Céleste Boursier-Mougenot's "Clinamen," at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, is a mesmerizing installation in which porcelain bowls floating in giant basins of water collide, producing chiming sounds that reverberate in the 55,000-square-foot hall, to foster a state of grace. Tracy Smith reports.
Behind the scenes of "The Pitt"
The Emmy-winning HBO Max drama "The Pitt" immerses viewers in the hour-by-hour struggles faced by the overworked-yet-superhuman emergency room staff at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook visits the series' hyper-realistic set at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif. (where cast members undergo a two-week medical boot camp), and talks with star, writer, director and executive producer Noah Wylie about why the former "ER" actor returned to the medical drama genre. (The series just received 25 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, the most of any program.) [Originally broadcast Jan. 4, 2026.]
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" actress Louise Lasser, and singer Bonnie Tyler, best known for "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Gracie Abrams: Now center stage
At 26, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has won praise from critics and fans for her intimate songs – whispered words that become anthems. She talks about her latest album, "Daughter From Hell."
U.S.
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Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Blanche reiterates "anti-weaponization" fund is "dead" at confirmation hearing
"It is a moot issue, meaning there is no weaponization fund. The weaponization fund is dead," Blanche told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Seal pup shot in head, third incident in less than year, hospital says
A three-week-old male harbor seal is in critical but stable condition and undergoing treatment at a Washington state wildlife center.
Will daylight saving time become permanent after House passes bill?
Lawmakers are one step closer to making daylight saving time permanent after the House passed a bill with overwhelming support.
Subaru recalls more than 541,000 vehicles over labeling error
Erroneous labels on some Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent cars could increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what the Common Cents Act means for businesses, consumers
New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.
Subaru recalls more than 541,000 vehicles over labeling error
Erroneous labels on some Subaru Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent cars could increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.
U.S. Mint to make $1 gold coin with Trump's face on it
It's the latest effort by President Trump to make his mark on Washington, D.C.
26 Meta workers sue over alleged AI-aided layoffs of employees on leave
A group of 26 Meta employees has sued the company, claiming it used AI to choose people for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on medical, parental or family leave.
Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
Politics
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Blanche reiterates "anti-weaponization" fund is "dead" at confirmation hearing
"It is a moot issue, meaning there is no weaponization fund. The weaponization fund is dead," Blanche told lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Will daylight saving time become permanent after House passes bill?
Lawmakers are one step closer to making daylight saving time permanent after the House passed a bill with overwhelming support.
U.S. Mint to make $1 gold coin with Trump's face on it
It's the latest effort by President Trump to make his mark on Washington, D.C.
Live
Watch Live: Blanche testifies at confirmation hearing for attorney general
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department in a permanent capacity.
Clayton faces questions about election integrity, vows to enhance trust in DNI
Clayton, currently the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is expected to succeed Bill Pulte, Trump's controversial acting director of national intelligence.
HealthWatch
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Introducing Norah O'Donnell's new health podcast
"Healthful with Norah O'Donnell" launches July 22.
Alzheimer's blood test may show who's likely to develop it in 5 to 10 years
A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer's symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers say.
Taco Bell removes some items amid outbreak
As of Tuesday, nearly 7,000 people in 34 states reported symptoms tied to a parasitic illness that, so far, has no official source. Carter Evans reports on what's suspected of being behind the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, said he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
World
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Why is Zelenskyy shaking up his cabinet amid successes against Russia?
Ukraine's president is shaking up his government just as observers note positive changes in the trajectory of the war with Russia.
England-Argentina World Cup semifinal reignites painful historic rivalry
The World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina is a grudge match that will reopen decades-old wounds for both countries.
Live
U.S. announces new strikes on Iran as war intensifies
The U.S. announces new strikes on Iran just hours after a 4th consecutive nighttime barrage, as the war ramps back up over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iraq seizes mounds of gold and millions in cash in corruption crackdown
An anti-corruption probe in Iraq leads to seizure of 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions in cash from lawmakers and government officials.
Spain reaches World Cup final with dominant 2-0 win over France
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the "Better in Person" talk show
Author and journalist Stephen Dubner, who rose to fame when he co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "Freakonomics," talks with "CBS Mornings" about launching his own weekly talk show on YouTube, "Better in Person." Dubner discusses how the show got its start, his wide range of guests and why he decided to self-finance it.
Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Technology
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Technology
Backlash grows nationwide over data centers
There's growing backlash nationwide against AI data centers and now New York is hitting pause. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to delay the building boom. Kelly O'Grady has more.
26 Meta workers sue over alleged AI-aided layoffs of employees on leave
A group of 26 Meta employees has sued the company, claiming it used AI to choose people for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on medical, parental or family leave.
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.
Major utility bill increases requested
Utility companies requested $9.2 billion worth of rate increases in the second quarter of 2026, potentially impacting over 56 million Americans, according to a new report from PowerLines. Former Michigan utility commissioner Tremaine Phillips joins CBS News to discuss.
Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
Science
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Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Crime
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Crime
Grassley presses Blanche on Epstein files
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, pressed Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, on the apparent mishandling of the Epstein files during the release process that he led while at the Department of Justice during President Trump's second term in the White House.
Video shows aftermath of fatal ICE shooting
Security video appears to show the moments after immigration agents fatally shot a man in Maine. CBS News' Lilia Luciano and Nicole Sganga have more.
Louisiana man charged with murder in shooting of U.S. marshal
A Louisiana man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a deputy U.S. marshal who joined other officers in trying to arrest him.
U.S. marine biologist shot dead in the Philippines, companion injured
Kent Carpenter and his Filipina companion were at his house in the coastal town of Sibulan when masked men forced their way in.
Kagan opening statements on security funding
Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are on Capitol Hill to testify before House lawmakers in response to a request for increased security funding amid growing threats against members of the highest court.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Clayton's opening statement at Senate hearing
Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, addressed the Senate Intelligence Committee before his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Grassley presses Blanche on Epstein files
Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, pressed Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, on the apparent mishandling of the Epstein files during the release process that he led while at the Department of Justice during President Trump's second term in the White House.
Blanche touts Trump successes at hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche delivered his opening statement at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to vet him to permanently fill the role in the Trump administration.
How ICE policy could impact 2026 midterms
A man was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Biddeford, Maine, during a traffic stop near his home, prompting the agency to make certain policy changes. CBS News' Fin Gomez has more.
More details emerge on D.C.-area ground stop
A Tuesday ground stop in the Washington, D.C., area over security concerns linked to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit left tens of thousands of travelers stranded. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.