This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 12)
Guest host: Lee Cowan
WATCH THE FULL DECEMBER 12 EPISODE!
HEADLINES: More than 100 feared dead as tornadoes ravage central U.S. (Video)
Beginning early Friday night, as many as 30 tornadoes cut through Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. More than 100 people are feared dead, with perhaps the greatest loss of life at a candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., where dozens of workers were killed when the building collapsed. CBS News lead national correspondent David Begnaud reports.
COVER STORY: RFK's children speak on Sirhan Sirhan | Watch Video
After more than five decades, California's Parole Board has recommended that Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, now 77, be granted parole from his life sentence. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Chris and Kerry Kennedy, who are adamantly opposed to giving their father's killer his freedom.
SUNDAY PROFILE: Fran Lebowitz speaks her mind | Watch Video
Most writers write; Fran Lebowitz talks. The opinionated essayist and raconteur sits down with correspondent Mo Rocca to discuss the reaction of her parents to her outspoken manner; why she still smokes; and her thoughts on gay marriage.
For more info:
- franlebowitz.com
- "The Fran Lebowitz Reader" by Fran Lebowitz (Vintage), in Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon and Indiebound
- "Pretend It's a City" on Netflix
- Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, Conn.
- Argosy Book Store, New York City
'TIS THE SEASON: Answering letters to Santa Claus | Watch Video
For more than 90 years, letters from across the globe have found their way to the post office in Santa Claus, Indiana, where teams of elves keep up with the mail. Correspondent Nancy Giles reports.
For more info:
- Santa Claus, Ind.
- Letters to Santa will be answered by Santa's Elves if received by December 18, 2021. Send your letter to:
Santa Claus
P.O. Box 1
Santa Claus, Ind. 47579
MOVIES: Maggie Gyllenhaal in the director's chair | Watch Video
Oscar-nominated actress (and movie buff) Maggie Gyllenhaal is now at the helm, as director of her first feature, a psychological thriller called "The Lost Daughter," that is already winning awards. She talked with "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil about a story that tells both uncomfortable and liberating truths regarding motherhood, and of embarking on a whole new career.
To watch a trailer for "The Lost Daughter" click on the video player below.
For more info:
- "The Lost Daughter" opens in theaters December 17, and begins streaming on Netflix December 31.
PASSAGE: In memoriam (Video)
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including Michael Nesmith, a member of the 1960s rock band The Monkees.
SCIENCE: The James Webb Space Telescope: Looking back towards the beginning of time | Watch Video
It's the most ambitious, complex space observatory ever built – 100 times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope, capable of seeing stars so distant, their light has been traveling for nearly 14 billion years. Correspondent David Pogue looks at the revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope, an infrared observatory whose launch next week will usher in a new era in our understanding of the origin and evolution of the cosmos.
For more info:
POLITICS: Jill Biden on being first lady | Watch Video
Correspondent Rita Braver visits with Dr. Jill Biden for a rare interview at Camp David, and travels with the first lady as she helps promote the administration's work. Braver also talks with President Joe Biden and the first lady about their life together, and joins them as they pay tribute to service members, and celebrate the holidays at the White House,
For more info:
POLITICS: Rep. Ritchie Torres on "that triumph of hope" | Watch Video
The 15th Congressional District in New York's South Bronx – the bluest district in the country – is represented by Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, for whom fighting to support the social safety net isn't partisan; it's personal. CBS News' John Dickerson talks with Torres, the first Afro-Latino gay representative, about his journey, from a childhood in public housing to working the halls of Congress.
For more info:
NATURE: Pronghorn antelope (Extended Video)
"Sunday Morning" takes us among pronghorn antelope at play near Virginia City in Montana. Videographer: Brad Markel.
EXTRA:
"Follow the Suns": The "CBS Sunday Morning" 2022 Day-to-Day Calendar
Celebrate "Sunday Morning" every day of the week with this handy 365-day tear-off calendar featuring examples of our luminous "sun art," and quirky historical facts from our popular "Almanac" segment – a perfect holiday gift!
WEB EXCLUSIVES:
MOVIES: Sundance returns to Park City, Utah – and also to a laptop or VR device near you
The 2022 festival lineup includes 82 features from 28 countries (nearly half by first-time directors), and a slate of streaming and virtual reality presentations accessible from anywhere. Check out our preview.
PODCAST: "Unsung Science"
"Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue explores the origin stories behind some of the most mind-blowing advances in science and technology. Presented by CBS News and Simon & Schuster.
Listen to the episode, "Who Makes the Fake Languages for Hollywood?":
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.
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