"The Handmaid's Tale" author Margaret Atwood: "I have never believed it can't happen here"
The Canadian author says her sequel, "The Testaments," which continues the saga of the women of the dystopian society of Gilead, offers "tons of hope"
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Margaret Atwood on "The Testaments"
Canadian author Margaret Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel, "The Handmaid's Tale," about a United States taken over by Christian zealots who force women to serve as sex slaves and child bearers for a powerful elite, became a bestseller and an Emmy-winning TV series. It has also introduced the iconography of Gilead into today's political discussions. Now, Atwood has penned a sequel, "The Testaments," which has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She tells correspondent Martha Teichner that while she wrote the books as a warning, she does not see herself as a prophet.
Almanac: Blondie
On September 8, 1930, a favorite of the funny pages made its debut, heralding almost nine decades of marital bliss, jaw-breaking sandwiches, and steamrolled mailmen
Almanac: Blondie
The perennially popular comic strip featuring Chic Young's blonde heroine and her husband, Dagwood, made its debut on September 8, 1930. Jane Pauley reports.
Food fight: Milk and their plant-based alternatives
While Americans today are drinking 37% less milk than they did 50 years ago, the market for plant-based milks has skyrocketed – but is a beverage derived from almonds or oats "milk," or "juice"?
The rise of plant-based "milk"
Americans today are drinking 37% less milk than they did 50 years ago, while the market for plant-based milk has skyrocketed in recent years. But is the beverage derived from plants like almonds and oats "milk," or is it "juice"? As the FDA takes a closer look at just what makes milk "milk," Serena Altschul talks with the CEO of Oatly, a plant-based milk alternative, and with a New York organic dairy farmer who is feeling the pinch of a declining market for cow's milk.
Margaret Atwood on the TV version of "The Handmaid's Tale"
Margaret Atwood's classic dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" has been adapted into an award-winning TV series, now in its third season. She has also written a sequel, "The Testaments." In this web exclusive video, she talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about how the TV series has colored her work.
Why the "Marthas" in "Handmaid's Tale"?
Correspondent Martha Teichner has a question for author Margaret Atwood, whose classic novel "The Handmaid's Tale" features characters named Martha comprising a lower social class in the Republic of Gilead.
Margaret Atwood's advice to voters
Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel "The Handmaid's Tale" contains powerful warnings about the misuse of political power. In this web exclusive she tells correspondent Martha Teichner that voters should realize, in politics, "We live in the world of least worst," and that abstaining from the ballot box must not be an option.
Nature up close: Beavers, the master engineers
A keystone species for animals and plants, beavers are crafty builders who continually reshape parts of Wyoming's Snake River
Margaret Atwood on "The Handmaid's Tale" and its sequel: "It is a warning"
Preview: The author tells "Sunday Morning" that the atrocities described in her dystopian classic, and her new novel "The Testaments," were taken from real-life events: "The human race made it up, unfortunately"
Margaret Atwood: "The Testaments" contains "tons of hope"
In this preview of an interview to be broadcast on "CBS Sunday Morning" September 8, Margaret Atwood, author of the dystopian classic "The Handmaid's Tale," talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about her latest novel, a sequel about the women of Gilead, "The Testaments."
Book excerpt: "The Testaments" by Margaret Atwood
In her sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale," shortlisted for the Booker Prize, the author writes of attempts to wipe away the "corrupt and blood-smeared fingerprints of the past"
This week on "Sunday Morning" (September 8)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the #1 Sunday morning news program
Calendar: Week of September 2
From Labor Day to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, "Sunday Morning" takes a look at some notable events of the week ahead
Live
Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again
Iran swiftly reversed course on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. said the move would not end its blockade.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
How the dispute between Trump and Pope Leo escalated
President Trump has lobbed insults at Pope Leo XIV in response to his criticisms of the war in Iran, marking an unusually pronounced rupture between the leaders of the world's most powerful country and the world's largest Christian denomination.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Trump signs short-term extension of surveillance law passed by Congress
President Trump's signing comes after Congress passed a 10-day extension for the controversial warrantless surveillance law.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Cleanup underway in Midwest after tornadoes leave path of damage, destruction
Communities across the Midwest were starting the cleanup process Saturday after multiple tornadoes touched down and severe weather struck areas from the Great Lakes to Texas.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
U.S.
More U.S.
Investigators team up to solve mystery of missing Iowa teen
After Jade Colvin, a missing Iowa teenager, is tracked to a remote farm, photos discovered on an old cellphone reveal important clues.
Skydiver rescued after crashing into scoreboard during Virginia Tech game
A skydiver crashed into the scoreboard before Virginia Tech's spring football game.
Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
2 soldiers attacked by bear during training at Army base in Alaska
Two soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, were injured in a brown bear attack on Friday during a training session.
Record U.S. drought sparks fears about wildfires, water and food prices
Meteorologists said the drought is a bad sign for the upcoming wildfire season, food prices and existing water issues.
MoneyWatch
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Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Airlines cut routes in response to rising jet fuel costs amid Iran war
Rising jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut routes and trim schedules.
Oil prices plummet after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is "completely open"
Prices dropped after Iran's foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz is "completely open" for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Here's who is spending money on AI subscriptions, and how much they cost
Households are starting to make room in their budgets for spending on generative AI subscriptions, new data shows.
Ford recalls nearly 1.4 million pickup trucks due to gearshift issue
The recall affects F-150 vehicles quipped with a six-speed automatic transmission produced between March 12, 2014, and Aug. 18, 2017, according to NHTSA.
Politics
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Obama meets Mamdani in New York City ahead of a preschool reading event
Former President Barack Obama met privately with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani before joining together to read to preschoolers at a child care center in the Bronx.
Lawyer who led effort to overturn 2020 election will oversee probe of ex-CIA director
Joseph DiGenova, a conservative attorney, is being tapped by the U.S. Justice Department to lead an ongoing criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan.
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Appeals court allows all White House ballroom construction to resume
An order earlier this week blocked most above-ground construction on the project.
Judge blocks Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna until antitrust suit resolved
The deal, approved by the FCC, would create a company that owns 265 television stations in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
HealthWatch
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Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
World
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Life jacket worn by Titanic passenger who survived auctioned for $900,000
The item is believed to be one of only a handful of Titanic life jackets still in existence, the auction house said.
6 killed after gunman opens fire in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say
The head of Ukraine's Interior Ministry said the gunman took hostages and spoke to negotiators for 40 minutes before he was shot dead.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. police probe arson attack on building formerly housing Jewish charity
There were no injuries reported in connection with the attack, police said Saturday.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Breaking down the unlikely rise of the PWHL
New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and Professional Women's Hockey League executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford sit down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss the league's recent increase in popularity.
"Schmigadoon!" prepares for Broadway debut
Cinco Paul, the screenwriter behind hit movies like the "Despicable Me" series and "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!", sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest project: adapting the hit Apple TV+ series "Schmigadoon!" for Broadway.
The Lone Bellow performs "You Were Leaving"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "You Were Leaving."
The Lone Bellow performs "No Getting Over You"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "No Getting Over You."
The Lone Bellow performs "I Did It For Love"
The Lone Bellow began playing more than 10 years ago and gained a following for their folksy, Brooklyn sound. Now, out with their latest album, "What a Time to Be Alive," here's The Lone Bellow performing "I Did It For Love."
Technology
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Technology
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Experts have warning for AI-generated podcasts
Millions of Americans get health information from podcasts. Now, some medical experts are warning about the harmful impacts of misinformation on these programs. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
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.
AI "agents" can do your shopping. Should you let them?
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
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Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Investigators team up to solve mystery of missing Iowa teen
After Jade Colvin, a missing Iowa teenager, is tracked to a remote farm, photos discovered on an old cellphone reveal important clues.
Over 1,000 bone fragments found in Mexico City ahead of World Cup
Mexico City and Guadalajara are preparing to host World Cup games in June, with protesters denouncing the government's failure to properly investigate the disappearances.
Former chef facing 14 murder charges to plead guilty to aiding suicide
Abetting suicide carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, according to the Canadian Criminal Code.
U.K. man pleads guilty to hacking scheme that stole $8 million
Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Scotland, pleaded guilty in California federal court.
What we know about d4vd's arrest
David Burke, a singer who performs under the name d4vd, is behind bars on suspicion of murder. He was arrested after the body of a 14-year-old girl was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Matt Gutman reports.
Space
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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.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
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Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
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The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
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Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
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Who is Alix Tichelman?
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Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Jade Colvin is Missing
Photos discovered on an old cellphone help solve the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
Skydiver crashes into stadium scoreboard
A skydiver was safely rescued after accidentally crashing into a scoreboard during a Virginia Tech spring football game.
Young surfing phenom pivots to jiu-jitsu
14-year-old surfing phenom tells Carter Evans about his pivot to jiu-jitsu and the lessons he's learned about choosing your path.
Can Allbirds take flight as an AI company?
The struggling shoe brand Allbirds announced it is exiting the footwear business and re-inventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Max Darrow has more from San Francisco.
Pope Leo pushes back on claims of Trump feud
Pope Leo pushed back on claims that he is feuding with President Trump. Chris Livesay has more details.