This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 29)
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the newsworthy men and women who passed away this year, who touched us with their creativity and humanity.
Archives
Nature: Northern Lights above Alaska
We leave you this Sunday morning in the spirit of Christmas, with the northern lights in skies above Alaska. Videographer: Michael Clark.
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Reflections on the messages of Christmas and Hanukkah
Wednesday will mark both Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah. Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and author and rabbi Steve Leder, of Los Angeles, offer their thoughts on what the holiday season means to us all.
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Darren Criss on counting his lucky stars
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks about his road to Broadway, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Bob Dylan's enduring love affair with the movies
The iconic singer-songwriter has long been a silver screen presence – as an actor, a subject of documentaries, and the figure in biopics. But Bob Dylan's love of movies has been a recurring theme in his art and his persona.
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in settlements which the U.N. calls illegal. "Sunday Morning" talks with two settlers and with Palestinians in the West Bank living on opposite sides of an Israeli security barrier.
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Inside the occupied West Bank, the Israeli settlement of Karnei Shomron is one of more than a hundred carved into Palestinian land. Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in communities scattered inside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the United Nations calls illegal. About 15% of settlers are Americans. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with two settlers, originally from West Virginia and Detroit, and with Palestinians in the West Bank now living on the other side of an Israeli security barrier.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
Alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
Werner Herzog keeps working, predicts: "You'll have to carry me out from a set feet first"
The visionary director talks about his recent memoir, "Every Man for Himself and God Against All"; the epic making of his 1982 classic, "Fitzcarraldo"; and why he likes playing villains.
Director Werner Herzog on filming the extreme
Visionary filmmaker Werner Herzog has made more than 20 features and more than 30 documentaries. But it wasn't movies that prompted the German-born director to move to Los Angeles; it was love. He talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his recent memoir, "Every Man for Himself and God Against All"; about the epic making of his 1982 classic, "Fitzcarraldo"; and why he enjoys acting – when he gets to play the villain.
In Asheville, N.C., gingerbread houses reflect community spirit
For more than three decades, Asheville, North Carolina and the Omni Grove Park Inn have hosted the National Gingerbread Contest, a celebration of Christmas, creativity and carbohydrates. The flooding brought by Hurricane Helene this past fall cancelled the contest, but what had been a destination event for bakers and spectators has become an ad hoc celebration of Asheville. Forty-one gingerbread creations have been placed around town to help bring holiday cheer (as well as attract donations and tourist dollars) to the struggling city. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports.
Almanac: December 22
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Live
U.S. to unveil "economic D-Day" sanctions on Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the new measures will be the "greatest financial offensive" ever.
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.
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.
Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew significantly throughout the day, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.
Sean Grayson, convicted in killing of Sonya Massey, dies in prison, attorney says
Grayson, 32, was found guilty last October of second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonya Massey and was serving a 20-year sentence.
U.S. destroys alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific, killing 2 people
Since then, more than 200 people have been killed in U.S. strikes in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
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.
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.
Ex-NBA center ejected from WNBA game after being confronted by player
The WNBA has been the subject of recent debates on whether transgender women should be allowed to participate in the league.
U.S.
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Ex-NBA center ejected from WNBA game after being confronted by player
The WNBA has been the subject of recent debates on whether transgender women should be allowed to participate in the league.
U.S. destroys alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific, killing 2 people
Since then, more than 200 people have been killed in U.S. strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
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.
MoneyWatch
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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
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U.S. destroys alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific, killing 2 people
Since then, more than 200 people have been killed in U.S. strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
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.
HealthWatch
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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.