Book excerpt: "Mark Twain" by Ron Chernow
The latest book from the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Ulysses S. Grant examines the life of one of America's greatest and most beloved writers.
Books
From the archives: Martin Cruz Smith on writing mysteries
Martin Cruz Smith, author of such bestsellers as "Gorky Park" and "Polar Star," died on July 11, 2025, at age 82. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that aired Oct. 20, 2002, Smith talked with correspondent Anthony Mason about how he continued writing mysteries featuring Moscow detective Arkady Renko, despite being blacklisted by the Soviet Union. He also discussed the "boring" aspects of writing, and the research he conducted in Japan for his novel "December 6," set in Tokyo on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Martin Cruz Smith, bestselling author of "Gorky Park," dies at 82
Popular novelist Martin Cruz Smith engaged readers for decades with "Gorky Park" and other thrillers featuring Moscow investigator Arkady Renko.
Oprah Winfrey calls "Culpability" the must-read of the summer
Oprah Winfrey reveals her summer book club selection as "Culpability" by Bruce Holsinger.
Ron Chernow on the life of Mark Twain
The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer's latest book delves into the life, complexities and sardonic humor of a man who remains a vital presence in American culture.
Former NFL player Corey Parchman addresses male infertility in new book
In his book, "IVF Playbook for Men," Corey Parchman shares how stigma and lack of resources left him feeling isolated.
Book excerpt: "Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America"
Sam Tanenhaus' new biography examines the life and influence of the political commentator, magazine editor and TV debater who catalyzed America's conservative movement.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski on navigating Washington under Trump
In a polarized Washington, Alaska's senior senator is a moderate in a Republican Party dominated by President Trump. She writes about her political challenges in a new memoir, "Far from Home."
"Break on Through": How The Doors began
Sixty years ago, a new band came together in Venice, Calif., and lit the music world on fire. "Sunday Morning" joins John Densmore and Robby Krieger on a tour of where it all started for The Doors, who are being celebrated with a new book, "Night Divides the Day."
Book excerpt: "Far From Home" by Lisa Murkowski
In her memoir, Alaska's senior senator offers a message to Americans about how to get an increasingly partisan government back on track: "It's your responsibility."
Desi Arnaz: Singer, husband, dad, and the man who "invented" TV
The Cuban-born entertainer broke conventions when he co-starred with wife Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," playing a straight-man sitcom dad. Now, a new biography reveals his lesser-known contributions to television.
Book excerpt: "Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television"
Todd S. Purdum's biography explores the impact on American culture by the Cuban-born entertainer who (as husband and business partner of Lucille Ball) changed the rules of TV.
Book excerpt: "The Fate of the Day" by Rick Atkinson
Volume Two of the bestselling historian's "Revolution Trilogy" details the middle years of the War for Independence, in which George Washington's Army barely escaped annihilation by the forces wielded by King George III.
Robert Caro's latest book tackles a new subject: himself
Robert Caro sat down with Bob Schieffer to discuss his new book, "Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing."
New books detail lives of powerful women
Susan Page, Lynne Olsen and Evan Thomas join Bob Schieffer to discuss their new books, which all focus on powerful women.
Oprah Winfrey reveals new book club pick, "The River Is Waiting"
Oprah Winfrey unveiled her latest book club selection, "The River Is Waiting," by Wally Lamb. It's the third time Winfrey has picked a book by Lamb.
Author Mary Higgins Clark
Mary Higgins Clark was no overnight success; the writer was 43 when she had her first hit, the 1975 novel "Where Are the Children?" Since then the New York Times bestselling author has written more than 50 books, from mysteries and historical novels to short stories, children books and a memoir. The "Queen of Suspense" talks with Erin Moriarty about her career, and how she never takes her readers for granted.
Louise Penny on Armand Gamache
In this web extra, New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny explains to correspondent Martha Teichner the qualities that went into her development of the character of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, the central figure in her successful series of murder mysteries which began with her 2005 novel "Still Life."
Mystery author Louise Penny
Louise Penny's immersive murder mysteries, set in her home province of Quebec, have drawn a large and loyal fan base. But writing came as a second career for the New York Times bestselling author, a former broadcaster who faced a debilitating struggle with alcoholism before taking up writing fiction. Martha Teichner visits Penny in the small town of Knowlton, which could be a stand-in for her fictional town of Three Pines, where too often there is murder afoot.
Crime author Linda Fairstein
As a prosecutor in Manhattan's District Attorney's Office, Linda Fairstein pioneered the use of DNA evidence in cases against sexual offenders. She was even the inspiration for some of the tough prosecutors you see on TV. But Fairstein has made a second career for herself as an award-winning writer of crime novels featuring prosecutor Alex Cooper, including her 19th, "Deadfall." Lesley Stahl talks with Fairstein about the truth behind her fiction.
Kids' book author Dav Pilkey
Rita Braver talks with writer and illustrator Dav Pilkey on the 20th anniversary of the first book in his wildly successful "Captain Underpants" series, and learns how an early experience with ADHD played a role in Pilkey's rise as a cartoonist and bestselling author.
The evolution of Dan Brown
The author of the popular "Da Vinci Code" has been vilified by the Catholic Church. Though he claims not to be anti-religion, Dan Brown will surely face more controversy with his latest novel featuring Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, "Origin," in which God Himself is on the edge of extinction. Correspondent Tony Dokoupil visits Brown at home in New Hampshire, where his experiences at the prestigious prep school, Phillips Exeter Academy, shaped his life views.
A Mark Twain tale is reborn
Thanks to the work of literary scholars and a husband-and-wife team of children's book illustrators, fragments of an unfinished Samuel Clemens story have been transformed into a new Mark Twain book, "The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine." Martha Teichner reports on the latest work by the humorist, published just 107 years after his death.
Ta-Nehisi Coates on race
Ta-Nahesi Coates, a mild-mannered, even shy writer for The Atlantic, has become a celebrity intellectual as his books about race have become bestsellers. The recipient of a National Book Award and a so-called MacArthur "genius grant," Coates talks to correspondent Martha Teichner about his latest book, "We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy"; about white supremacism; and about writing of today's conflicted America without offering the comfort of happy endings.
Ta-Nehisi Coates on the writing process
In this web exclusive, author Ta-Nehisi Coates ("We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy") talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about his calling, how the music of Marvin Gaye influences the language of his writing, and how he chooses the words to characterize President Donald Trump's rise to power.
Entertainment
Entertainment
Almanac: September 13
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Celine Dion overcomes rare neurological disorder to perform first concert in 6 years
Celine Dion's return to the stage underscored a remarkable comeback after stiff-person syndrome, an incurable condition that causes stiffness and cramps, forced her to cancel shows and cast years of uncertainty over whether she would ever perform again.
9/12: Saturday Morning
President Trump's trip to Ireland, the artist who sketched Ground Zero, a travel expert's top honeymoon destinations and much more.
Jason Scott & The High Heat play "Fast As I Can Crawl"
Hailing from Oklahoma City, roots-driven country band Jason Scott & The High Heat is on the rise. Headliner Jason Scott spent years training as a preacher until he experienced a crisis of faith, an experience that shaped his songwriting. The band's upcoming album "Playboy" captures their electrifying sound. Here's Jason Scott & The High Heat with "Fast As I Can Crawl."
Jason Scott & The High Heat play "When Love Tries To Hurt You"
Hailing from Oklahoma City, roots-driven country band Jason Scott & The High Heat is on the rise. Headliner Jason Scott spent years training as a preacher until he experienced a crisis of faith, an experience that shaped his songwriting. The band's upcoming album "Playboy" captures their electrifying sound. Here's Jason Scott & The High Heat with "When Love Tries To Hurt You."
Jason Scott & The High Heat play "Too Good, Too Bad"
Hailing from Oklahoma City, roots-driven country band Jason Scott & The High Heat is on the rise. Headliner Jason Scott spent years training as a preacher until he experienced a crisis of faith, an experience that shaped his songwriting. The band's upcoming album "Playboy" captures their electrifying sound. Here's Jason Scott & The High Heat with "Too Good, Too Bad."
Nashville airport one step closer to being renamed for Dolly Parton
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board voted 6-0 on Friday to begin the process of changing the name and said a final name has not been chosen.
Dolly Parton's sister on Dolly's marriage
Dolly Parton's younger sister sat down with Gayle King for a conversation that included Dolly's makeup routine and her decades-long love affair with her husband Carl.
Sandra Bullock, Lee Pace on "Practical Magic 2"
Sandra Bullock and Lee Pace sat down with Adriana Diaz to discuss "Practical Magic 2," which premieres Friday.
Exclusive
Stella Parton says her sister Dolly was prepared and at peace when she died
Stella Parton gives insight into her sister Dolly Parton's marriage, makeup habits and views on death in an exclusive CBS News interview.
Dolly Parton's sister on star's life, death
Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, sits down with Gayle King for her first interview since Dolly's death to discuss her sister's legendary life. Stella Parton says the country star was "definitely prepared" and at peace when she died last month.
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte shares new pieces
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte joins "The Daily Report" to discuss pieces in his new collection as New York Fashion Week kicks off.
Dolly Parton's sister on the private funeral
Two weeks after her death at 80, a new song from Dolly Parton was released called "Bound to Ride," as part of an upcoming tribute album to the Stanley Brothers. Gayle King spoke exclusively with Dolly Parton's younger sister in an interview that will air on "CBS Mornings" on Thursday.
New documentary profiles 9/11 generation
A new Netflix documentary is out about those who were children in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. "Turning Point: Generation 9/11" profiles people whose parents died on that day, as well as soldiers who joined the military because of 9/11. Director Brian Knappenberger joins "The Takeout" to discuss the making of the film.
Alice Cooper, Joe Perry on Hollywood Vampires
Rock stars Alice Cooper and Joe Perry of Aerosmith formed the supergroup Hollywood Vampires. They join "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss how the band came together.
U.S.
More U.S.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
2026 midterm election races to watch
CBS News has identified nine key Senate and 42 House races that will likely decide the majority — all of which can change during the midterm campaign.
Missile crisis: The hard truths about America's military arsenal
In the early days of the war against Iran, the U.S. fired off thousands of long-range, precision-guided missiles. Now, with a depleted arsenal, the Pentagon seeks to replenish its stockpiles, an effort that will cost billions and take years.
Wisconsin Congressman suffers minor injury after lake emergency landing
The congressman thanked the pilot and first responders for coming to their aid, and expressed his gratitude at only having sustained minor injuries.
Deputies respond to trespasser at Malibu home of Kamala Harris
A trespasser was reported at former Vice President Kamala Harris' Malibu, California, home.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
See how your income tax bracket could change for 2027
The adjustment could provide financial relief for taxpayers who find that more of their income is taxed at lower rates, a Bloomberg analysis suggests.
How lower-paid workers are getting their biggest pay raise in years
Some workers are seeing stronger wage growth by switching jobs, while others are "job-hugging" because of AI, research shows.
Fed rate hike likelihood jumps to nearly 90% after hotter CPI report
Investors believe the Fed will raise borrowing costs as it works to tame inflation, which has risen a full percentage point since the Iran war started.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
Politics
More Politics
2026 midterm election races to watch
CBS News has identified nine key Senate and 42 House races that will likely decide the majority — all of which can change during the midterm campaign.
Deputies respond to trespasser at Malibu home of Kamala Harris
A trespasser was reported at former Vice President Kamala Harris' Malibu, California, home.
Former Army secretary praises Ukraine in 1st public appearance since resigning
During his 18 months as Army secretary, Dan Driscoll pushed the U.S. military to apply lessons from the war in Ukraine.
President Trump's childhood home sells after renovation
The president lived at the Tudor-style Queens estate until age 4.
Trump says he would "love" a unified Ireland as he kicks off visit
President Trump's visit to Ireland mixes official talks with Irish leaders and attendance at the Irish Open at a golf course that the president owns.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
Coroner releases details on 2 infant deaths in Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Neither infant was old enough to be vaccinated. The first dose of the measles vaccine is typically given at around 1 year of age.
How donating blood could reveal clues about your own health
Amid a national blood supply crisis, Dr. Courtney Lawrence sat down with Norah O'Donnell to talk about donating blood, health myths and more.
World
More World
Pope Leo commemorates 9/11 attacks, calls for renewed commitment to peace
The Chicago-born pope made his first public comments to commemorate 25 years since the attacks, speaking in English at the end of his traditional Sunday noon blessing.
Search underway for 130 people after Indonesian passenger ship overturns
Indonesian rescuers launched a search operation after authorities lost contact with a passenger ship carrying more than 240 people in the Java Sea.
Celine Dion overcomes rare neurological disorder to perform first concert in 6 years
Celine Dion's return to the stage underscored a remarkable comeback after stiff-person syndrome, an incurable condition that causes stiffness and cramps, forced her to cancel shows and cast years of uncertainty over whether she would ever perform again.
Putin warns Europe against sending troops to Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that sending European troops into Ukraine would amount to direct conflict with Russia.
Former Army secretary praises Ukraine in 1st public appearance since resigning
During his 18 months as Army secretary, Dan Driscoll pushed the U.S. military to apply lessons from the war in Ukraine.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Almanac: September 13
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Celine Dion overcomes rare neurological disorder to perform first concert in 6 years
Celine Dion's return to the stage underscored a remarkable comeback after stiff-person syndrome, an incurable condition that causes stiffness and cramps, forced her to cancel shows and cast years of uncertainty over whether she would ever perform again.
9/12: Saturday Morning
President Trump's trip to Ireland, the artist who sketched Ground Zero, a travel expert's top honeymoon destinations and much more.
Jason Scott & The High Heat play "Fast As I Can Crawl"
Hailing from Oklahoma City, roots-driven country band Jason Scott & The High Heat is on the rise. Headliner Jason Scott spent years training as a preacher until he experienced a crisis of faith, an experience that shaped his songwriting. The band's upcoming album "Playboy" captures their electrifying sound. Here's Jason Scott & The High Heat with "Fast As I Can Crawl."
Jason Scott & The High Heat play "When Love Tries To Hurt You"
Hailing from Oklahoma City, roots-driven country band Jason Scott & The High Heat is on the rise. Headliner Jason Scott spent years training as a preacher until he experienced a crisis of faith, an experience that shaped his songwriting. The band's upcoming album "Playboy" captures their electrifying sound. Here's Jason Scott & The High Heat with "When Love Tries To Hurt You."
Technology
More Technology
Missile crisis: The hard truths about America's military arsenal
In the early days of the war against Iran, the U.S. fired off thousands of long-range, precision-guided missiles. Now, with a depleted arsenal, the Pentagon seeks to replenish its stockpiles, an effort that will cost billions and take years.
The biggest real-world risks of AI
A number of tech insiders have voiced concerns and given dire warnings in recent days about the rapid growth of AI. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent and Maya Blackstone have more.
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.
Are bioweapons a looming AI threat?
Some tech insiders are sounding the alarm on the dangers of artificial intelligence, which could be used to disable critical infrastructure or create biological weapons. Dr. Céline Gounder weighs in.
AI could "kill us all," researcher says
Two tech insiders are sounding the alarm on artificial intelligence. Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warns that AI could "kill us all," and now former Google DeepMind researcher Alex Turner warns that society is "just not prepared."
Science
More Science
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Lindsay Clancy juror speaks out
Paula Devlin, a juror in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, sat down with Shanelle Kaul to share her experience with the high-profile case and tense deliberations that ultimately ended in a mistrial.
Man arrested in death of Tasia Fortune, woman found hanging from tree
Mississippi police have arrested a man in the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging from a tree last month.
State of al‑Qaeda 25 years after 9/11 attacks
25 years after 9/11, we rarely hear about the state of the organization responsible for the attacks. The Atlantic recently put out a piece on al-Qaeda that says in part, "analysts can't decide if the terrorist organization is all but defunct or more threatening than ever." The article's author, Graeme Wood, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
New terror threats against U.S. post 9/11
The FBI is warning of potential attacks on 9/11 remembrance ceremonies as terrorist groups call for new strikes on U.S. soil. Anna Schecter has more.
Suspects in $6 million romance scam targeting women extradited to U.S.
The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the FBI.
Space
More Space
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
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.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Shipwrecks and the tantalizing allure of the sea
Shipwrecks have long fascinated oceanographer Robert Ballard, who became renowned for locating the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985. He talks with correspondent Lee Cowan about how that discovery 12,000 feet beneath the Atlantic changed him, and about the efforts of his research vessel Nautilus to map the ocean floor. Cowan also talks with Sophie Elmhirst, author of the bestseller "A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck," about human beings at their most vulnerable.
Almanac: September 13
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Missile crisis: The hard truths about America's military arsenal
The war with Iran was launched more than six months ago, and shows no signs of ending. In the early days of the conflict, the United States fired off thousands of long-range, precision-guided missiles. Now, with its arsenal depleted, the Pentagon is faced with the stark prospect of not having enough high-tech weapons to sustain a conflict against a true military power like China, and has ordered the defense industry onto a "wartime footing" to replenish its stockpiles. That will cost billions of dollars and require years of manufacturing. CBS News national security correspondent David Martin visited some of the plants now ramping up production to rebuild America's military arsenal.
Anthropic CEO calls for third-party AI checks
In an interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei encouraged the artificial intelligence industry to come together in the pursuit of safeguards. Watch the interview on "CBS Sunday Morning" on Sept. 13.
Anthropic CEO on the speed of AI development
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News that he didn't fully anticipate the effects of rapid artificial intelligence development, while also encouraging the public not to panic. Watch the interview on "CBS Sunday Morning" on Sept. 13.