The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (April 17)
Recommendations from our book reviewer of new fiction and non-fiction titles for the spring.
Archives
Book excerpt: "Young Mungo" by Douglas Stuart
The Booker Prize-winning author of "Shuggie Bain" returns with a devastating novel about a 15-year-old boy in a violently homophobic community.
The Book Report: New fiction and nonfiction
Washington Post book critic Ron Charles offers his picks of new spring titles, including Jennifer Egan's novel "The Candy House," the follow-up to her Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Visit From the Goon Squad."
Book excerpt: "The Candy House" by Jennifer Egan
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "A Visit From the Goon Squad" is back with a sequel, in which a tech giant develops a means for users to externalize and share every memory they're ever had.
Book excerpt: "Mecca" by Susan Straight
The acclaimed novelist's latest book dramatizes an epic panorama of a multiethnic southern California facing social and environmental conflagrations.
Book excerpt: "The Rule of Five," on arguing climate change before the Supreme Court
Harvard Law professor Richard J. Lazarus writes about the most important environmental cases ever decided by the nation's highest court: restricting greenhouse gas emissions from new cars.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 17)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the #1 Sunday morning news program
Alicia Keys, Ricky Martin, Queen among additions to National Recording Registry
Music by Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Max Roach, The Four Tops and Wu-Tang Clan, speeches by FDR, and a Marc Maron-Robin Williams podcast are among recordings to be preserved by the Library of Congress. Listen to audio here.
"Crypto for dummies": The how, what and why of using virtual currency
What can you actually use crypto for? As of now, not much! David Pogue looks at the ins and outs of cryptocurrency, which has proven a boon for speculative investors, but problematic for people who just want to pay for lunch.
Nature: Wood frogs
"Sunday Morning" takes us among wood frogs spawning in the Sourland Mountain Preserve near East Amwell, New Jersey. Videographer: Jeff Reisly.
Woody Guthrie and the songs of America
A New York City exhibit at the Morgan Library & Museum, "Woody Guthrie: People Are the Song," showcases the folk singer-songwriter whose plain words and simple melodies continue to tell the story of a nation.
A blind drag racer's singular vision
In 2012 drag racer Dan Parker, of Columbus, Ga., suffered a traumatic brain injury so severe it blinded him. But that didn't stop him from pursuing a world record. And his efforts have inspired correspondent Steve Hartman's 12-year-old nephew, Ted, who says sometimes his blindness feels insurmountable.
Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis and Gillian Anderson on playing first ladies
A new 10-part series on Showtime, "The First Lady," explores the private lives of some of the most revered public figures in American politics. CBS News' Lesley Stahl sits down with Michelle Pfeiffer (who plays Betty Ford), Viola Davis (Michelle Obama), and Gillian Anderson (Eleanor Roosevelt) about how they approached the roles of women who used the often-hidden power of their positions to change the course of history.
The Randy Rainbow Story: How his satirical songs went viral
His music videos lampooning politicians and culture warriors have made the comedian (truth: his real name) a social media sensation.
Randy Rainbow: Mixing show tunes, politics and comedy
His music videos lampooning politicians and culture warriors have made comedian Randy Rainbow (truth: his real name) a social media sensation. Correspondent Rita Braver goes behind the scenes of Rainbow's viral videos, produced in his bedroom with a cast of one (joined by presidents, lawmakers and media figures), that are renowned for their musicality and political bite.
Milions brace for flooding after heat, storms damper July 4th celebrations
While millions of Americans across the Northeast experienced record-setting temperatures, thunderstorms in the Midwest downed trees, ruptured power lines and made transportation treacherous.
NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Trump touts American "golden age," attacks communism in July 4th speech
In a speech delayed by a two-hour evacuation of the National Mall due to severe weather, President Trump mixed politics with history.
Live
Massive funeral for Iran's slain supreme leader enters second day
The dayslong funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by U.S.-Israeli strikes, has been marked by chants for revenge.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old female is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are juveniles between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Delta Air Lines flight hit by firework while landing at Midway International Airport
A Delta Air Lines flight landing in Chicago was hit by a firework as it was coming to land at Midway International Airport on Saturday.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce married in ceremony officiated by Adam Sandler
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, Miki Sudo is women's champion
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
U.S.
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NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Fire up the grill for a yearly ritual: Communing over BBQ skills (or lack thereof)
Do you have the "right stuff" when it comes to barbecuing? Lots of people believe they do, and they're more than happy to share their wisdom with you, even if unsolicited. Luke Burbank is not one of those people.
The battle over Stars and Stripes
The newspaper for the American military has long taken pride in its editorial independence. But under the Trump administration, restrictions have been imposed, and the Pentagon's chief spokesman has vowed to rid the paper of "woke distractions."
8 people, including 4 children, injured in July 4th shooting
A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition, and 4 of the injured are children between the ages of 6 and 14, according to he police.
Pope Leo spends July 4th at migrant cemetery in Italy, meets with U.S. ambassador
After the pope's visit to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, the U.S. Embassy said the ambassador to the Holy See gave Leo a commemorative baseball, an apple pie and a U.S. World Cup jersey.
MoneyWatch
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More than 100,000 fireworks recalled ahead of July 4
Federal safety regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled fireworks and return them for a full refund.
How to save money on air conditioning as electric bills climb
As Americans endure another bout of extreme heat, experts say small thermostat adjustments and other energy-saving steps can help reduce soaring cooling costs.
Here's who won — and lost — under Trump's "big, beautiful bill"
A year after President Trump signed the sweeping tax and spending package, its effects on households, businesses and federal programs are increasingly evident.
U.S. says it's monitoring oil markets for price-fixing, urges states to do same
Antitrust regulators suggested that state attorneys general could assist in investigating unlawful conduct by companies.
What's open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.
Major retail stores will be open on Friday, although some may have modified hours on Saturday, July 4.
Politics
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Transcript: NASA administrator Jared Isaacman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with NASA administrator Jared Isaacman that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026.
Transcript: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
NCAA president says he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting
NCAA President Charlie Baker said he hopes to "dramatically limit" prop betting at the collegiate level and beyond.
Transcript: NCAA President Charlie Baker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2025.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
HealthWatch
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1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
World
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Transcript: NASA administrator Jared Isaacman on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with NASA administrator Jared Isaacman that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026.
U.S. military suspends search for sailor who went missing in Arabian Sea
The U.S. military said it has suspended the search for a missing sailor who was aboard a helicopter that went down in the Arabian Sea last week.
Transcript: Former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
Transcript: NCAA President Charlie Baker on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 5, 2026
The following is the full transcript of an interview with NCAA President Charlie Baker, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. This interview was taped on July 1, 2025.
Trump holds separate calls with Putin and Zelenskyy on ending Ukraine war
President Trump held separate calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war.
Entertainment
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"Little House on the Prairie": The beloved books are back on screen
Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical book series, which inspired a classic 1970s TV show, is returning to screens this summer in a new adaptation.
A return to "Little House on the Prairie"
Laura Ingalls Wilder's semi-autobiographical "Little House on the Prairie" series, which inspired a classic 1970s TV show, is returning to screens this summer in a new adaptation of Wilder's beloved books. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with stars Alice Halsey, Skywalker Hughes, Crosby Fitzgerald and Luke Bracey; writer-showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine; and executive producer Joy Gorman Wettels, about myth-making and pioneers in the American West.
J.K. Simmons: A real character
The Oscar-winning "Whiplash" star talks about being a character actor; his new mob series "The Westies"; and the difficult early days of his career – and an unexpected kindness from an actor friend.
J.K. Simmons: A real character
J.K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning star of "Whiplash," relishes being a character actor. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about his role as a mob leader in the new MGM+ series "The Westies," and recalls the difficult early days of his career – and how an unexpected kindness from an actor friend helped him when he needed it most.
Reclaiming the lost art of listening to music
Digital music gave us the technology, and the freedom, to listen to whatever we want, whenever we want. But more and more people are going back to older, analog ways of listening.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Crime
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Rep. Nancy Pelosi's husband suspected in Napa County hit-and-run
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is suspected of crashing into a parked car and driving away from the scene Friday afternoon in Northern California.
Trump announces 6 new pardons
The four presidents carved into Mount Rushmore collectively issued over 1,100 pardons. President Trump, who is visiting there tonight, has outdone them all and is now adding more. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump considering pardons and clemency
President Trump is considering pardons for a group of people convicted of emissions and clean-air-related violations and has discussed potential clemency for Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to sources familiar with his plans. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump weighing Diddy clemency, sources say
President Trump is considering pardons for a slew of individuals, including potential clemency for disgraced music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs and some offenders with pollution-related convictions, sources say. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.
Olympian charged over alleged D.C. vandalism
U.S. Olympian David Hearn is facing a felony charge after being accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. CBS News senior Justice Department reporter Sarah Lynch has the details.
Space
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Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Face the Nation: Baker, Houry
Missed the second half of the show? NCAA President Charlie Baker and former CDC medical officer Dr. Debra Houry join.
Full interview: Reps. Espaillat, Gimenez
Watch Ed O'Keefe's full interview with Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Democrat of New York, and Carlos Gimenez, Republican of Florida. A portion of this interview aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026. Editor's note: This interview was taped on July 2, 2026.
Full interview: Dr. Debra Houry
Watch Margaret Brennan's full interview with former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry, a portion of which aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2025. Editor's note: This interview was taped on July 1, 2026.
NASA administrator on space race
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the U.S. is "very much in a space race right now" against China, adding that the "Chinese are moving at incredible speeds."
NCAA's Charlie Baker on player compensation
NCAA President Charlie Baker tells Ed O'Keefe on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that despite the "messy" rollout of player compensation in collegiate sports, he thinks "it's a good thing."