The story of Handel's "Messiah"
Since its premiere in 1742, George Frideric Handel's 3.5-hour oratorio for chorus, soloists and orchestra has become a timeless message of hope, and a Christmas tradition.
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The story of Handel's "Messiah"
Since its premiere in 1742, George Frideric Handel's "Messiah," a 3.5-hour work for chorus, soloists and orchestra that includes the "Hallelujah Chorus," has become one of the most-heard pieces of classical music on Earth. Correspondent David Pogue looks back on the creation of this masterwork with author Charles King and conductor-musicologist Jane Glover, and examines how Biblical passages assembled by a wealthy English landowner suffering from doom and despair would, in the hands of the German-British opera composer, become a timeless message of hope, and a Christmas tradition.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 22)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Nature: Penguins in Antarctica
We leave you this Sunday morning in snowfall at the bottom of the Earth, with Gentoo penguins in Antarctica. Videographer: Lee McEachern.
Maggie Rogers on her long-form music: "I've always loved art that takes time"
The singer-songwriter went from being an NYU music student wowing Pharrell Williams in a viral video, to selling out Madison Square Garden. She talks about musical obsessions, and her appreciation for listeners with patience.
Singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers went from being an NYU music student wowing Pharrell Williams in a viral video, to sharing a stage with Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Coldplay, to selling out Madison Square Garden. The Grammy-nominee talks with correspondent Luke Burbank about her musical obsessions; taking a break from music to enroll in a Harvard program on religion and public life; and her appreciation for listeners with patience.
Jim Gaffigan on the gifts no one should give for the holidays
Holiday shopping can be stressful. So as a public service, comedian Jim Gaffigan offers his advice on what NOT to give those on your list – and some very welcome advice on what would be an acceptable gift for anyone (but most of all, for him).
Jim Gaffigan on the gifts no one should give for the holidays
Holiday shopping can be stressful. So as a public service, comedian Jim Gaffigan offers his advice on what NOT to give those on your list – and some very welcome advice on what would be an acceptable gift.
Nicole Kidman on the challenges of filming "Babygirl"
In her latest film, Nicole Kidman plays a successful CEO who takes up with a much younger intern. She talks about how she chooses such intense and challenging roles.
Extended interview: Nicole Kidman
In this web exclusive, Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the challenges of her latest film, "Babygirl"; compares the process of acting with what boxers experience; and talks about the benefits of working with women writers and directors. She also discusses the recent loss of her mother, dealing with grief, and why she almost gave up acting.
Nicole Kidman on filming "Babygirl"
In the new film "Babygirl," directed by Halina Reijn, Nicole Kidman plays a successful CEO who seeks fulfillment from an unsatisfying marriage by taking up with a much younger intern. Kidman talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about how she chooses such intense and challenging roles. She also talks about family life with husband Keith Urban, and navigating grief over the recent death of her mother.
Secret Santa delivers dollars, and hope, to North Carolina
Residents of Avery County, North Carolina, whose lives were turned upside-down by the flooding of Hurricane Helene three months ago, were visited recently by the anonymous, wealthy businessman who goes by the name Secret Santa, making his annual deliveries of kindness. Correspondent Steve Hartman accompanied him as he spread comfort among those still displaced or affected by the storm.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the strength of a diverse military
The nation's first African American Secretary of Defense talks about the responsibilities of the job, and the importance of a diverse fighting force.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the strength of a diverse military
Lloyd Austin spent more than four decades in uniform, and has led America's military for the last four years, since President Biden picked him to become the nation's first African American Secretary of Defense. During a visit to West Point (his alma mater), Austin talked with CBS News national security correspondent David Martin about the responsibilities of a defense secretary, and the importance of a diverse fighting force.
Audra McDonald on "Gypsy" and playing the mother of all stage mothers
In the new Broadway revival of "Gypsy," six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald takes on one of musical theater's most demanding roles: stage mother Rose, who pushes daughter Gypsy Rose Lee into becoming a striptease artist.
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.
Out-of-control Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada keeping tens of thousands evacuated
Shifting winds challenged firefighters battling the out-of-control Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada, that was keeping tens of thousands of people evacuated.
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.
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.
More U.S.
Out-of-control Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada keeping tens of thousands evacuated
Shifting winds challenged firefighters battling the out-of-control Hawk Fire in Reno, Nevada, that was keeping tens of thousands of people evacuated.
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.
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
More Politics
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
More HealthWatch
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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4 arrested after world champion boxer shot dead in South Africa
Zolani Tete made history in 2017 when he took just 11 seconds to knock out his opponent with his first punch to retain his WBO bantamweight crown.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
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
More Technology
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
More Science
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
More Crime
4 arrested after world champion boxer shot dead in South Africa
Zolani Tete made history in 2017 when he took just 11 seconds to knock out his opponent with his first punch to retain his WBO bantamweight crown.
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.
Space
More Space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
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.