This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 20)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Archives
From the archives: Martin Cruz Smith on writing mysteries
Martin Cruz Smith, author of such bestsellers as "Gorky Park" and "Polar Star," died on July 11, 2025, at age 82. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that aired Oct. 20, 2002, Smith talked with correspondent Anthony Mason about how he continued writing mysteries featuring Moscow detective Arkady Renko, despite being blacklisted by the Soviet Union. He also discussed the "boring" aspects of writing, and the research he conducted in Japan for his novel "December 6," set in Tokyo on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Nature: Pumas in Patagonia
We leave you this Sunday Morning stalking the elusive Pumas at Chile's Patagonia National Park. Videographers: Michael Clark and Justin Grubb.
7/13: New York Times bestseller lists
Check out this week's top-selling titles on The New York Times fiction and non-fiction lists.
Cracking the code: Using genetic genealogy to unmask serial criminals
Barbara Rae-Venter never anticipated that her genealogy hobby would lead to the capture of one of California's most notorious criminals, the Golden State Killer. Her pioneering use of genetic genealogy has since helped solve numerous cold cases.
Cracking the Code: The hunt for sexual predator John Doe #147
In 1997, a nine-year-old Ohio boy was sexually assaulted, but his assailant could not be found. Using genetic genealogy, a recent tool for tracing family histories through DNA, Cuyahoga County prosecutors, aided by researcher Barbara Rae-Venter, were able to solve the nearly-three-decade-long crime. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
These United States: The Louisiana Purchase
Correspondent Lee Cowan reports on a moment in American history that changed our nation like no other before or since.
Billie Eilish on finding her voice
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is just beginning to know herself. With her latest album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," and her current tour (her first without brother Finneas and her parents), the 23-year-old music superstar is discovering parts of herself she didn't know were there. She describes to correspondent Anthony Mason finding a new voice as a songwriter, and about stretching her singing after starting vocal lessons. (This story was originally broadcast Dec. 8, 2024.)
Student's unique talent that's for the birds
Eleven-year-old Samuel Henderson, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, wanted to compete in a school talent show, but no student from special education had ever participated. Yet, he had a unique talent that he wanted to share: He can perfectly imitate about 50 birds. Steve Hartman reports.
The secret to a successful cherry crop? Helicopters
Central Washington's long, sunny summer days and cool evenings make the region ideal for growing sweet cherries. But summer rainfall can cause cherries to become waterlogged and rupture. To protect their crops, farmers use an unusual method to blow-dry their cherry trees: helicopters. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports on a fruitful alliance of agriculture and aviation.
Richard Kind is quite happy being just a little famous
You may not know his name, but there's a good chance you've seen Richard Kind – acting on TV, in films, on Broadway, or as the announcer-sidekick of "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney" – and he's fine making everyone else look good.
Extended interview: Richard Kind
In this web exclusive, actor Richard Kind – known for such shows as "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Only Murders in the Building" – talks with CBS News' Dr. Jon LaPook about his comfort level with fame. He also discusses being recruited as the announcer-sidekick for the Netflix talk show "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney"; his experience with improv at The Second City; and playing an imaginary friend in the animated feature "Inside Out."
Richard Kind: Quite happy being just a little famous
You may not know his name, but there's a good chance you've seen Richard Kind – on TV, in films or on Broadway. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook finds out how the Tony-nominated actor (recognizable from shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Only Murders in the Building") measures success, and goes behind-the-scenes of the Netflix show, "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney," where Kind serves as announcer and sidekick.
Joop Sanders, last of the original Abstract Expressionists
The Dutch-American painter was the last surviving member of the Abstract Expressionist movement when he died at 101. Now, his granddaughter Isca Greenfield-Sanders has curated a retrospective in New York City that brings light to the artist's work.
Joop Sanders, last of the original Abstract Expressionists
The Dutch-American painter Joop Sanders was the last surviving member of the Abstract Expressionist movement when he died in 2023 at the age of 101. Now, his granddaughter Isca Greenfield-Sanders has curated a retrospective in New York City that brings light to the artist's work. Correspondent Serena Altschul reports.
Live
Trump defends war with Iran as conflict widens
Israel sent troops into Lebanon as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran widened, and some of Iran's Gulf neighbors warned that Iran's retaliatory fire could draw them into the spreading conflict.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Whatley, Cooper projected to win North Carolina primaries, teeing up key Senate contest
Former Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley are set to face off in November in what's expected to be among the most competitive Senate races of the cycle.
Polls start closing in today's primaries in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas
Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, marking the start of the 2026 midterm cycle.
Noem slammed by senators as Tillis calls her leadership of DHS "a disaster"
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced skepticism from both sides of the aisle at a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
Social media believed to be shooter's is full of antisemitic, anti-Christian posts
The attacker who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, over the weekend appears to have posted antisemitic, anti-Christian and misogynistic messages on social media.
FBI agents Patel fired worked in counterintel, including on cases involving Iran
Many of the agents who were fired last week by FBI Director Kash Patel were assigned to a squad that worked on global counterintelligence cases, including those involving Iran, sources said.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
The DOJ has been taking down Epstein files. Here's what remains.
The massive tranche of files the Justice Department currently maintains is more than 65,000 pages shorter than what the agency initially released.
U.S.
More U.S.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
Howard Lutnick agrees to interview with House committee in Epstein probe
Documents released by the Justice Department provided a look into Howard Lutnick's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
FBI agents Patel fired worked in counterintel, including on cases involving Iran
Many of the agents who were fired last week by FBI Director Kash Patel were assigned to a squad that worked on global counterintelligence cases, including those involving Iran, sources said.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
United Airlines can now boot passengers who refuse to use headphones
United said it could permanently ban travelers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content on its flights.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
Gas prices across the U.S. jump 11 cents per gallon, AAA says
Crude oil prices are surging due to the Iran war, pushing up prices at the pump across the U.S., according to AAA.
Target to invest $2 billion in AI, stores, staffing as it seeks to reverse slump
Target will invest another $2 billion in its business this year to spruce up stores, remodel locations and invest in workers, the retailer said Tuesday as it outlined plans to try to reverse a persistent sales malaise and reclaim its footing in fashion and home categories.
Stocks pare losses as Trump says U.S. will insure ships in the Persian Gulf
U.S. financial markets rebounded after shedding more than 1,200 points in earlier trading on Tuesday.
Politics
More Politics
Whatley, Cooper projected to win North Carolina primaries, teeing up key Senate contest
Former Gov. Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley are set to face off in November in what's expected to be among the most competitive Senate races of the cycle.
Polls start closing in today's primaries in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas
Voters are heading to the polls Tuesday in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas, marking the start of the 2026 midterm cycle.
CBS News poll analysis on Hispanics, a key group, as primary season kicks off
A year into Trump's second term, most Hispanics continue to rate the nation's economy badly and don't feel their incomes are keeping up with inflation.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
World
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Americans trying to evacuate Middle East frustrated with government response
The U.S. Department of State has urged Americans to leave 14 countries across the Middle East amid the widening Iran war, but most flights have been canceled.
Pentagon releases names of first U.S. service members killed in Iran war
Six American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. Central Command said.
Most say Trump admin. still hasn't explained Iran goals, CBS News poll finds
Many see the Iran conflict lasting at least months. A majority oppose it, and more say it makes the U.S. less safe.
Witkoff: Iran said it had enough enriched uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs
President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said Iran had the "inalienable right to enrich all their nuclear fuel."
Beijing braces for economic impact as Iran war threatens Chinese oil
China is the largest importer of energy in the world, and the disruption to oil imports caused by the conflict could be a potential Achilles' heel for Beijing.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How families can change their habits
Bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff offers science-backed tips on how families can curb their screen time and cut back on ultraprocessed foods. She explains how her new book, which is aimed at rewiring children's brains, began with a personal revelation.
Luke Grimes on "Marshals"
Actor Luke Grimes talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Marshals." Grimes reveals why he was hesitant to join the cast at first and what it was like to have his new song "Haunted" to play in the premiere episode.
Preview of UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira
UFC commentator Laura Sanko joins "CBS Mornings" to preview Saturday's UFC fight where defending champion Max Holloway will take on Charles Oliveira for the BMF title.
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
OpenAI changing Pentagon deal after backlash
Hours after the Trump administration ditched Anthropic over the dispute about AI use, OpenAI struck its own deal with the Pentagon. Now the details of that agreement appear to be changing after backlash. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, has more.
Amazon says drones hit 3 of its Middle East data center
Drones struck two facilities in the United Arab Emirates directly, and damaged a data center in Bahrain, Amazon said.
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.
Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
More Crime
Social media believed to be shooter's is full of antisemitic, anti-Christian posts
The attacker who opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, over the weekend appears to have posted antisemitic, anti-Christian and misogynistic messages on social media.
Durbin presses Noem on Pretti, Good killings
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about her comments after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during immigration protests in Minneapolis.
Alleged school shooter's dad convicted
A jury found Colin Gray, the father of the Apalachee High School student accused of shooting and killing two students and two teachers, guilty of all charges, including second-degree murder, on Tuesday. This marks the third time a parent has been charged for connection to a mass shooting. CBS News' Skyler Henry has the latest.
Noem's opening statement before Senate panel
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blasted the current funding lapse affecting her department during her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Noem also touted the operations at DHS under the Trump administration despite mounting scrutiny over her handling of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Colin Gray: Jury finds father of accused Georgia school shooter guilty on all charges
The jury has found Colin Gray, the man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, guilty of second-degree murder and all other charges.
Space
More Space
Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
Trump says almost all of Iranian military hit
The U.S. and Israel have launched ferocious new attacks on Iran, with President Trump saying "just about everything's been knocked." Yet, Iran is still hitting back. Tony Dokoupil has the latest.
Man arrested outside Ken Paxton event
A man with magazines was taken into custody outside of a Ken Paxton election event in Dallas, Texas, Tuesday night. CBS News' Nidia Cavazos reports.
Marco Rubio on Dubai drone strike
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a drone hit a U.S. consulate in Dubai, but that no one was hurt. Semafor Gulf editor Mohammed Sergie joins CBS News to discuss.
Alleged shooter's father convicted of murder
A Georgia jury has found Colin Gray, the man whose teenage son is accused of killing two students and two teachers in a shooting at Apalachee High School, guilty of second-degree murder and all other charges. Skyler Henry has details.
Primaries kick off with high-stakes races in Texas
Voters in three states headed to the polls, with a four-term incumbent Republican senator in Texas seeking to fend off a primary challenge from his state's starkly conservative attorney general. Texas Democrats will be choosing their own candidate in hopes of breaking their decades-long losing streak in the state. Ed O'Keefe reports.