Book excerpt: "The Road Taken" by Senator Patrick Leahy
After eight terms in the U.S. Senate, the Vermonter writes about his path through the upper house of Congress, which he says once acted as "the nation's conscience" – and could one day again.
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This week on "Sunday Morning" (August 21)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the #1 Sunday morning news program
Nature: Red-headed woodpeckers
"Sunday Morning" takes us this week among some red-headed woodpeckers at Knox Farm State Park in western New York. Videographer: Carl Mrozek.
"Omar," an opera illuminating a Muslim slave's life in America
The new opera tells a largely-forgotten story, about a 19th century Muslim scholar stolen from Senegal and sold into slavery in America, who left behind a remarkable autobiography, written in Arabic, that informs the history of our multicultural nation.
The opera "Omar," on a Muslim slave in America
"Omar," an opera that recently had its world premiere, tells the story of Omar Ibn Said, a 19th century Muslim scholar stolen from Senegal and sold into slavery in America, who left behind a remarkable autobiography written in Arabic. Correspondent Martha Teichner talks with Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels about how their opera tells a largely-forgotten story, informing the history of our multicultural nation.
The fallout from Donald Trump's unparalleled legal problems
As the former president's legal problems grew after classified documents were seized from his Florida home, Trump loyalists denounced the FBI and called for retaliation – and America's democracy entered uncharted waters.
Donald Trump's worst week: The fallout
As the former president's legal problems cascaded this week – an unprecedented search warrant obtained for classified documents stored at his Florida home; a court decision regarding his tax returns; and his pleading the fifth during a deposition in a civil case against his company – his supporters denounced the FBI, and spoke openly on social media about retaliation. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett reports about America's democracy entering uncharted waters.
Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda on acting, aging and activism
On the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" the two play feisty octogenarians who see old age not as a death sentence, but as a victory lap – a belief they've always pursued in real life.
Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda on "Grace and Frankie"
On the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie," Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin play two feisty octogenarians who see old age not as a death sentence, but as a victory lap. The two old friends talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about aging, working together, and how Fonda, who raised millions as an exercise entrepreneur, gave most of it away. (This story was originally broadcast April 24, 2022.)
A small town dreams big, with very big things
Conor Knighton visits Casey, Illinois, home to the World's Largest Rocking Chair, World's Largest Golf Tee, World's Largest Pitchfork, and World's Largest Wind Chime, among many other over-sized objects. It's a collection that has helped the tiny town halfway between St. Louis and Indianapolis loom large on the map of world records. (This story was originally broadcast August 20, 2017.)
A visit to Andy Griffith's "Mayberry," a town that never was
Mount Airy, N.C., the inspiration for Mayberry in the 1960s comedy "The Andy Griffith Show," has reinvented itself as a destination for hundreds of thousands of fans of the show who visit each year – nostalgic for a town that never really existed.
Fans return to Mayberry, a town that never was
Andy Griffith was born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina, a community that was the inspiration for Mayberry in the classic comedy "The Andy Griffith Show" and its spinoff, "Mayberry, R.F.D." Now, Mount Airy has reinvented itself as a destination for fans who come by the hundreds of thousands each year. Senior contributing correspondent Ted Koppel visits Mount Airy to find out what attracts so many nostalgic for a show created more than 50 years ago. (This story was originally broadcast September 19, 2021.)
"La dolce Riva": Italy's classic wooden motorboats
During Italy's post-war boom years, Riva's glamorous runabouts were the pinnacle of "la dolce vita" – the Ferraris of motorboats, owned by movie stars, tycoons and royalty. Today, in an era of super-yachts, the company is working to keep Riva's spirit alive.
Riva boats: An Italian "Cadillac on the water"
During Italy's post-war boom years, Riva's glamorous wooden boats were the pinnacle of "la dolce vita" – the Ferraris of motorboats, owned by movie stars, tycoons and royalty. Correspondent Seth Doane takes a spin on the water in a classic Riva; checks out a new edition of the famed Aquarama boat; and learns how the company is working to keep Riva's spirit alive.
The assault on Salman Rushdie: "An attack on freedom of expression"
The attempted murder of the renowned author, long targeted by Islamic extremists over his novel "The Satanic Verses," is the latest sad chapter in the life of a quiet but dedicated hero of free speech.
Live
Witkoff, Kushner to take part in second round of Iran peace talks in Pakistan
While the U.S. sends representatives to Islamabad, Israel's fight with Hezbollah continues despite a ceasefire.
Arrest made in case of missing USF doctoral students, 1 found dead
Zamil Limon's remains were found on the Howard Franklin Bridge in Tampa. His roommate was in custody, officials said.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover
President Trump is open to some type of federal action, several sources told CBS News, and he has said publicly he'd "do it to save the jobs."
Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's "TrumpRx" website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
As U.S. re-arms during ceasefire, long-term concerns emerge about munitions supplies
The Trump administration has sought to project confidence in the U.S. military's munitions stocks after more than a month of war with Iran, but long-term supply questions remain.
DOJ reinstates firing squads, pentobarbital for federal executions
The Justice Department announced Friday it would readopt the death penalty protocols for lethal injection and firing squads.
U.S.
More U.S.
How a 9-year-old girl found a confidence-changing role model in a Denver soccer star
"I didn't want to be known as the girl with one arm that plays soccer," Denver Summit FC player Carson Pickett told CBS News. "I just wanted to be known for the girl that plays soccer."
The Iran war's economic hit could linger through 2026, economists say
Economists say Americans should expect elevated prices at the pump and rising grocery costs in the months to come.
Exclusive
White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover
President Trump is open to some type of federal action, several sources told CBS News, and he has said publicly he'd "do it to save the jobs."
Trader Joe's customers sue over coffee's caffeine levels
Consumers allege that Trader Joe's improperly advertised a coffee product as fully caffeinated when it was not.
Appeals court blocks Trump's asylum crackdown at U.S.-Mexico border
A three-judge appellate panel agreed with a lower court ruling that the Trump administration can't put aside laws allowing individuals to apply for asylum.
MoneyWatch
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Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
The Iran war's economic hit could linger through 2026, economists say
Economists say Americans should expect elevated prices at the pump and rising grocery costs in the months to come.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for another 90 days
The waiver lets international ships carry goods between U.S. ports and is aimed at lowering energy prices.
Trader Joe's customers sue over coffee's caffeine levels
Consumers allege that Trader Joe's improperly advertised a coffee product as fully caffeinated when it was not.
IEA says Iran war will keep the natural gas market tight for two years
The conflict is expected to crimp global natural gas supplies due to damage to liquefied natural gas facilities in Qatar.
Politics
More Politics
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for another 90 days
The waiver lets international ships carry goods between U.S. ports and is aimed at lowering energy prices.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
Exclusive
White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover
President Trump is open to some type of federal action, several sources told CBS News, and he has said publicly he'd "do it to save the jobs."
Appeals court blocks Trump's asylum crackdown at U.S.-Mexico border
A three-judge appellate panel agreed with a lower court ruling that the Trump administration can't put aside laws allowing individuals to apply for asylum.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
World
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Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
Netanyahu says he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the successful operation for prostate cancer happened 18 months ago and that he is now in "excellent physical condition."
Live
Witkoff, Kushner to take part in second round of Iran peace talks in Pakistan
While the U.S. sends representatives to Islamabad, Israel's fight with Hezbollah continues despite a ceasefire.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: Don Cheadle
Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows. But it had been a quarter-century since he appeared on stage in the Off-Broadway hit "Topdog/Underdog," until he made his Broadway debut this spring in a revival of "Proof." In this web exclusive, he talks with Tracy Smith about the lessons of his parents; catching the "theater bug" as a child; the "hamster wheel" of an actor's career; and his emotional investment in works like "Hotel Rwanda."
Rob and Michele Reiner's son, Jake, speaks out about his parents' deaths: "My world, as I knew it, had collapsed"
Jake was at the funeral for one of his closest friends when he learned of his parents' deaths, he said.
Ellen Burstyn reflects on impact of poetry
Ellen Burstyn, known for her Oscar-winning role in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," has spent seven decades in Hollywood, but she tells "CBS Mornings" that poetry has also shaped her life as she discusses her new book "Poetry Says It Better."
"Survivor" castaway on elimination from game
(Spoilers ahead) "CBS Mornings" speaks with the latest eliminated contestant from "Survivor 50" about exiting the game, strategy and transitioning to the jury.
"Giant" explores Roald Dahl scandal
"Giant," which is now on Broadway, dramatizes a real-life scandal that stained the legacy of world-famous children's author Roald Dahl. Anthony Mason spoke to John Lithgow, who stars in the play, and playwright Mark Rosenblatt.
Technology
More Technology
Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Why phone-free parties are gaining popularity
Some young people are opting to go phone-free to live in the moment. USA Today youth mental health reporter Rachel Hale went to an underground, phone-free party in New York City and wrote about her experience. She tells "The Daily Report" about it.
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.
Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
Science
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Science
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Crime
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Crime
Mom charged after son injures Vietnam vet
A California teen on an electric motorcycle critically injured a pedestrian, and now the boy's mother could now face years in prison. Jonathan Vigliotti explains.
DOJ permits death by firing squad
Death by firing squad is now reinstated in U.S. federal cases, according to a new policy announced on Friday by the Trump administration.
Polymarket on soldier arrest: "The system works"
A U.S. special forces soldier was arrested Thursday for allegedly using confidential government information to make more than $400,000 off the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Polymarket. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details. Then, Dennis Kelleher, CEO of financial regulation nonprofit Better Markets, joins with analysis.
Missing Florida student found dead, arrest made
One of two missing University of South Florida doctoral students was found dead, and a roommate was taken into custody, police said on Friday.
Louisiana mall shooting, Jazz Fest plot
One person died, and five others were injured after a shooting at a Louisiana mall, officials said. This comes as more details emerge about an apparent mass shooting plot at New Orleans' Jazz Fest. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Watch tornadoes swirl through Oklahoma
On Thursday night, at least six tornadoes whipped through Oklahoma, causing chaos and destruction. Videos show them spiraling through the state. Some footage does not contain audio.
Employers boosting entry-level hiring: data
After years of steady decline, a new survey finds employers expect to boost new graduate hires by more than 5% this spring compared to the same time last year. LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Soccer star inspires young girl just like her
Nine-year-old Hayden Stine was born without most of her right arm. When she went to a Denver Summit women's soccer home opener, she saw a player, Carson Pickett, just like her. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with a story about the importance of role models.
Why phone-free parties are gaining popularity
Some young people are opting to go phone-free to live in the moment. USA Today youth mental health reporter Rachel Hale went to an underground, phone-free party in New York City and wrote about her experience. She tells "The Daily Report" about it.
Iran war tolling weapons stockpiles: analysis
An analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies finds the U.S. "may have expended more than half of the prewar inventory" of at least four key munitions, including Tomahawk missiles. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.