Extended interview: Colson Whitehead on writing "The Nickel Boys"
The Pulitzer Prize-winner also discusses "The Underground Railroad," the emotional drain of research, and searching for different ways to attack the world through literature
Books
Colson Whitehead on "The Nickel Boys" and exhuming tales of the dead
In his latest novel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Underground Railroad" recounts stories from a notorious boys' reform school where many went missing, or never left alive
"Three Women" author Lisa Taddeo on female desire
"Desire is something we think about so often, and also the thing we hold most closely to our chests"
Elaine Welteroth talks new book, career and relationships
Former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief and Project Runway judge Elaine Welteroth is now writing about her own experiences
Book excerpt: Andrew Rannells' "Too Much Is Not Enough"
In his memoir the Tony-nominated star of "The Book of Mormon" writes about coming from Nebraska as a drama student to New York City – a fascinating and scary place, where people drink coffee at night!
Book excerpt: Jim Acosta's "The Enemy of the People"
The chief White House correspondent for CNN writes about covering a very different kind of president than America has ever seen before
How accurate is HBO's "Chernobyl"?
A new mini-series brings to life the story of the 1986 nuclear disaster
Elizabeth Gilbert hopes her new novel goes down "in one gulp"
"This is a book about very promiscuous young women behaving very recklessly and experiencing and testing the limits of their power"
"The Ballad of Huck & Miguel": Huck Finn revisited, in today's L.A.
Tim DeRoche reframes Mark Twain's story of comradeship as a modern-day boy-adventurer and an undocumented Mexican immigrant rafting down the Los Angeles River
Almanac: The rise of Dracula
The immortal vampire first saw the light of day when Bram Stoker's horror novel was published on May 26, 1897
Under the Tuscan sun with author Frances Mayes
With a sense of adventure, the writer restored her 300-year-old house, making it the star of an international bestseller
The birthplace of Pinocchio
The tiny Tuscan town of Collodi is where the wooden puppet who would become a live boy was born – the protagonist of a coming-of-age story much darker than the familiar Disney film
Scott Pelley on new memoir and "asking the wrong question"
In his new memoir, "Truth Worth Telling," the "60 Minutes" correspondent tells the stories of individuals who found purpose during life-changing moments in world history
Life lessons and war stories from Admiral William H. McRaven
The former Navy SEAL and author of the memoir "Sea Stories" tells of bringing Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden to justice, and the improbable act that is of most value
Book excerpt: "Sea Stories" by Admiral William H. McRaven
In his latest book, the retired Navy SEAL commander and author of the bestselling "Making a Bed" writes "sometimes unbelievable stories of life"
Book excerpt: Howard Stern on how therapy changed him
In "Howard Stern Comes Again" the radio giant explains what it took for him to treat his guests as collaborators in an interview, rather than as foils for his on-air antics
J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth, on display in New York City
An exhibition at the Morgan Library and Museum explores the fantasy author's creative process
Harper Lee, true crime writer
For years the author of "To Kill a Mockingbird" researched a true-crime novel based on a series of mysterious deaths in Alabama; a new book explores the case, and Harper Lee's fascination with it
Excerpt: "Furious Hours," about Harper Lee's true crime investigation
Casey Cep's new book explores a series of mysterious deaths in Alabama, and how the author famed for "To Kill a Mockingbird" spent years writing about it
A visit to the Metropol, star of "A Gentleman in Moscow"
The 110-year-old art nouveau hotel has welcomed countless famed guests in its day, but one of its most famous is fictional, the protagonist of Amor Towles' bestselling novel
Book excerpt: "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles
Read the opening chapter of the monumental bestseller about a Russian aristocrat condemned to spend the rest of his life inside Moscow's famed Metropol Hotel
Michelle Obama's memoir on track to set record
It's "on pace to become one of the best-selling memoirs of all time," according to the publisher
Harlan Coben talks new book "Run Away"
New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben is famous for his suspense novels. His 31st and latest novel is called "Run Away." It follows a Wall Street financial adviser as he searches for his missing daughter and ultimately finds himself immersed in a dangerous world of crime and murder. Coben joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss his latest book and his writing process.
Delia Owens on "Where the Crawdads Sing"
The author's bestselling novel is love story, murder mystery, courtroom drama, and ode to the outdoors all in one
Teacher reads bedtime stories to students
This elementary school principal from Texas reads children's books on a Facebook livestream so all of her students have bedtime stories and know they're loved.
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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NYPD officer says Brooklyn Bridge rescue happened on 3rd day with elite unit
Cristian Yepes was on his first week with the NYPD's elite Emergency Service Unit when he helped rescue a woman on the Brooklyn Bridge.
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.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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
More Politics
Exclusive
Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options
Military planners have examined options for possible action against Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving the 101st Airborne Division.
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.
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.
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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Exclusive
Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options
Military planners have examined options for possible action against Cuba, including an Army-led air assault involving the 101st Airborne Division.
Son of couple jailed in Iran "desperately worried" as stepdad's sentence extended
A man whose mother and stepfather are imprisoned in Iran tells CBS News "the hardest part is the uncertainty."
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. launches 2nd round of Iran strikes amid battle over Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. announced two sets of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, as the war ramps back up over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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
Key moments from Jay Clayton's hearing
President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, testified before a Senate panel as part of his confirmation process. Taurean Small shares key takeaways from the hearing.
Booker grills Blanche about Ghislaine Maxwell
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Corey Booker grilled Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about his meeting with Jeffrey Epstein ally and convicted criminal Ghislaine Maxwell during a Senate panel hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Booker also pressed Blanche about attending a dinner hosted by David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, as a Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger bid continues. CBS News is owned by Paramount Skydance.
Blumenthal presses Blanche on Epstein files
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal pushed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse during Blanche's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing.
Blanche testifies before Senate panel
Lawmakers pressed Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on a slew of issues during the first part of his confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns breaks down the key moments, which included questions about the Epstein files and the proposed "anti-weaponization" fund.
Clayton asked about Epstein victims' data
New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich questioned President Trump's nominee to be director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, during a Senate panel confirmation hearing about the release of Jeffrey Epstein victims' personal information when he worked as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Space
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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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Sneak peek: Searching for Maya Millete
A young mother disappears. Investigators say her husband contacted spellcasters to put a hex on his wife so she wouldn’t leave him. "48 Hours" contributor Jonathan Vigliotti reports Saturday, July 22 at 10/9c on CBS and Paramount+.
U.S. launches 5th day of Iran strikes
The U.S. launched two waves of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, marking the fifth day of attacks against the country as the war ramps back up. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.
Schiff, Blanche fight over Trump's taxes
Sen. Adam Schiff and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche argued over President Trump's IRS settlement during Blanche's Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. See the exchange.
Recapping Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing
Jay Clayton faced intense criticism as he sought Senate confirmation to become director of national intelligence. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small reports.
Takeaways from Blanche confirmation hearing
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before senators for five hours Wednesday as he made his case for confirmation to lead the Justice Department in a permanent capacity. He faced questioning over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, President Trump's anti-weaponization fund and more during his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. CBS News' senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch reports.