Ron Chernow on the life of Mark Twain
The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer's latest book delves into the life, complexities and sardonic humor of a man who remains a vital presence in American culture.
Archives
Ron Chernow on the life of Mark Twain
Writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, not only redefined American literature in the 1800s; he helped create the very idea of what it meant to be an American. "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa visits Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri, and sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow to discuss his latest book, "Mark Twain," which delves into the life, complexities and sardonic humor of a man who remains a vital presence in American culture.
Inside "Jaws": Making the film classic
Fifty years ago, a monumental movie premiered that forever changed Hollywood. Ben Mankiewicz talks with actors Richard Dreyfuss and Lorraine Gary and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb about filming the Steven Spielberg blockbuster.
Extended interview: Richard Dreyfuss on filming "Jaws"
In this web exclusive, actor Richard Dreyfuss talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about fighting for the role that would launch his career into the stratosphere: the shark expert Matt Hooper in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws." He also discusses the notoriously problem-plagued production; his awe of co-star Robert Shaw; and the most valuable lesson he learned during the film's 159-day shoot on Martha's Vineyard.
Inside "Jaws": Making the film classic
Fifty years ago, a monumental movie premiered that forever changed Hollywood: Steve Spielberg's "Jaws," adapted from Peter Benchley's bestselling novel, which became the highest-grossing film of its time. Richard Dreyfuss returned to Martha's Vineyard, which hosted the film production in 1974, and talked with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about the notoriously difficult shoot that nonetheless birthed a blockbuster. Mankiewicz also talks with actress Lorraine Gary and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb about their experiences working with Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and a young director making his first big-budget studio film.
A museum that truly cuts the mustard
In 1991, Barry Levenson quit his job as an assistant attorney general in Wisconsin to follow his true passion: mustard. Founder of the National Mustard Museum, in Middleton, Wis., Levenson's collection of mustards has grown to more than 7,000 varieties from around the world. Correspondent Luke Burbank meets a man captivated by a beloved condiment.
The world of Rubik's speed cubing
There are 43 quintillion possible permutations on a Rubik's cube – that's 43 billion BILLION! But for some, solving a cube is child's play, as correspondent David Pogue discovered when he met with some speed cubers – including a pair of remarkable world-record holders who are only eight years old.
Extended interview: Sabrina Carpenter
In this web exclusive, correspondent Tracy Smith sits down with Sabrina Carpenter to discuss the music superstar's career path; her "Short n' Sweet" tour; and how her mother influenced her approach to artistic choices and to dealing with fame.
Sabrina Carpenter on the biggest misperceptions about her
"Manchild," the new single from Sabrina Carpenter's upcoming album "Man's Best Friend," debuted last month at #1. It's the latest milestone for the singer-songwriter, whose road to superstardom exploded, in part, because of COVID. Carpenter talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her "Short n' Sweet" tour; the advice her mother gave her; and how she deals with pressure (caffeine helps). [An earlier version of this story originally aired October 6, 2024.]
Ketchup's sweet and sour history
There's a lot you don't know about that most popular of condiments, ketchup - its origin, its manufacture, and (as correspondent Luke Burbank finds out) why some people who spot a ketchup bottle see red. [Originally aired Nov. 19, 2017.]
How Lady Liberty became a beacon for immigrants
The Statue of Liberty, France's gift to the U.S., was originally viewed as a tribute to the end of slavery. But poet Emma Lazarus reimagined Lady Liberty as a "mother of exiles," welcoming immigrants to the shores of America.
How Lady Liberty became a beacon for immigrants
The Statue of Liberty, France's gift to the United States, was originally viewed as a tribute to the end of slavery. But poet Emma Lazarus reimagined Lady Liberty as a "mother of exiles," welcoming immigrants to the shores of America. Correspondent Mo Rocca looks at how the opening of Ellis Island, the end of restrictive immigration quotas, and John F. Kennedy's evocation of the United States as "a nation of immigrants" transformed our country, in this entry in the "Sunday Morning" series "These United States."
Almanac: July 6
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues
Search-and-rescue operations are expected to continue Sunday as the death toll continues to rise from Friday's flash flooding in central Texas, with authorities confirming at least 50 deaths so far, 15 of those children. Among the missing are girls from a Christian summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Correspondent Jason Allen reports from Hunt, Texas, and talks with witnesses to the raging floodwaters.
From the archives: Charles Kuralt on the Statue of Liberty
The reopening of Ellis Island to the public during America's bicentennial year prompted CBS News' Charles Kuralt to offer his thoughts on the sight of Lady Liberty as viewed by generations of immigrants, and on the diversity of a nation that welcomed those from every land seeking a safe haven and opportunity. For these new Americans, Kuralt said, "They carried our greatness in their baggage." (Originally broadcast May 28, 1976.)
Live
U.S. and Iran strike ceasefire, launching 2-week diplomatic push
President Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the war that was contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House
Republican Clay Fuller faced Democrat Shawn Harris in a Georgia runoff election after Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from her House seat.
One hospice doctor. One year. $71.7 million worth of Medicare claims.
A CBS News investigation found one Los Angeles County hospice physician's name, Dr. Rajiv Bhuva, on Medicare claims for nearly 2,800 patients across 126 hospices in a single year.
Trump announces "double sided" ceasefire with Iran, says Strait of Hormuz must reopen
President Trump said he has agreed to a "double sided CEASEFIRE" with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to either cut a deal with the U.S. or face massive strikes on its power plants.
U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson released after kidnapping in Iraq
American journalist Shelly Kittleson is being released on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately, an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq says.
All DHS workers to be paid by end of week for past 6 weeks of shutdown
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said DHS employees affected by the government shutdown will be paid through the recent pay periods by the end of the week.
Few Republicans condemn Trump's Iran threat, Democrats call for removal
Republicans in Congress largely stayed silent, while dozens of Democrats called for President Trump to be removed from office after he threatened "a whole civilization will die tonight."
Lawsuit challenges DOJ memo finding presidential records law unconstitutional
A pair of organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the Justice Department's determination that a presidential records law is unconstitutional.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House
Republican Clay Fuller faced Democrat Shawn Harris in a Georgia runoff election after Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from her House seat.
Daughter of missing American in the Bahamas seeks answers as search continues
Lynette Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, described her mother as an experienced swimmer who has been sailing for over 10 years.
Trump announces "double sided ceasefire" with Iran, says Strait of Hormuz must reopen
President Trump said he has agreed to a "double sided CEASEFIRE" with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to either cut a deal with the U.S. or face massive strikes on its power plants.
All DHS workers to be paid by end of week for past 6 weeks of shutdown
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said DHS employees affected by the government shutdown will be paid through the recent pay periods by the end of the week.
AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
Average cost to raise a child now tops $300,000, study finds
Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.
Lawmakers call for CFTC crackdown on prediction markets
Prediction market bets on the fate of U.S. service members are "morally corrupt and completely unacceptable," one lawmaker said.
Gas prices could top $5 if Strait of Hormuz stays shut, J.P. Morgan says
Gas prices in the U.S. could near a record high later this month if the Strait of Hormuz remains sealed, energy industry experts warn.
Delta hikes bag check fee by up to $50 as jet fuel prices soar
Delta is the third major U.S. carrier to hike its bag fees, as airlines face surging jet fuel costs and other headwinds from the Iran war.
Politics
More Politics
Mullin visits town devastated by Hurricane Helene, promises reforms to FEMA
In his first official visit to a tiny North Carolina town devastated by Hurricane Helene, new Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin reassured locals he intends to reform FEMA — not eliminate it.
Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House
Republican Clay Fuller faced Democrat Shawn Harris in a Georgia runoff election after Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from her House seat.
Few Republicans condemn Trump's Iran threat, Democrats call for removal
Republicans in Congress largely stayed silent, while dozens of Democrats called for President Trump to be removed from office after he threatened "a whole civilization will die tonight."
Trump announces "double sided ceasefire" with Iran, says Strait of Hormuz must reopen
President Trump said he has agreed to a "double sided CEASEFIRE" with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to either cut a deal with the U.S. or face massive strikes on its power plants.
All DHS workers to be paid by end of week for past 6 weeks of shutdown
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said DHS employees affected by the government shutdown will be paid through the recent pay periods by the end of the week.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Exclusive
2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
World
More World
Few Republicans condemn Trump's Iran threat, Democrats call for removal
Republicans in Congress largely stayed silent, while dozens of Democrats called for President Trump to be removed from office after he threatened "a whole civilization will die tonight."
Trump announces "double sided ceasefire" with Iran, says Strait of Hormuz must reopen
President Trump said he has agreed to a "double sided CEASEFIRE" with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to either cut a deal with the U.S. or face massive strikes on its power plants.
U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson released after kidnapping in Iraq
American journalist Shelly Kittleson is being released on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately, an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq says.
Kanye West barred from entering U.K. after criticism over antisemitic remarks
A major music festival featuring the rapper formerly known as Kanye West was canceled after the U.K. government blocked Ye from entering the country.
Family missing for 7 days found alive by U.S. Coast Guard in Pacific
A family of three was found alive by the U.S. Coast Guard, seven days after they went missing on a small boat in the western Pacific Ocean.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Extended interview: Billy Idol
Billy Idol speaks with Anthony Mason about his music career, his life, his stage persona and more.
Kanye West barred from entering U.K. after criticism over antisemitic remarks
A major music festival featuring the rapper formerly known as Kanye West was canceled after the U.K. government blocked Ye from entering the country.
Extended interview: Mumford & Sons
Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, members of Mumford & Sons, talk to Anthony Mason about their new album, "Prizefighter," moving forward without Winston Marshall in the band and their upcoming tour.
Referees honor "Hoosiers" decades later
The movie "Hoosiers" was released nearly 40 years ago, but its legacy lives on through a group of Indiana referees and a basketball icon in the state. Omar Villafranca reports.
Controversy surrounding the movie "The Drama"
(Spoilers ahead): The new film "The Drama," which stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is stirring controversy and even some criticism over a shocking admission made by Zendaya's character. Nigel Smith, a senior news editor with People, breaks down the big reveal and if he thinks the backlash is warranted.
Technology
More Technology
AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
H-1B visa program changes impact global talent
Trump administration changes to the U.S. H-1B visa program have impacted the global talent coming to the U.S. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports from India.
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.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Science
More Science
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.
Artemis II astronauts speak during historic lunar mission
On Monday, the astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft will loop around the Moon's far side, part of a mission pushing human beings farther from Earth than anyone has ever been. Correspondent Mark Strassmann talked with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as the crew was about 180,000 miles from home, preparing for their historic lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
CBS News tracks down doctor connected to fraud
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced a widening federal crackdown on fraud on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Adam Yamaguchi tracked down a doctor whose practice raised multiple red flags.
Update on CA hospice care investigation
CBS News' Adam Yamaguchi is seeking answers from a hospice doctor who submitted claims for more than 20 times the number of patients that the average California doctor cares for in a year.
Shooting near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
Local officials confirmed a shooting near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
LA's most connected hospice doctor
CBS News is investigating red flags and possible fraud in the hospice industry. A hospice doctor submitted claims for more than 20 times the number of patients the average California doctor cares for in a year. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
Decorated soldier charged with committing 5 war crime murders
Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross in 2011, a medal reserved for only the most courageous wartime exploits.
Space
More Space
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.
Artemis II crew on path back to Earth after historic trip around the moon
The Artemis II crew flew farther from Earth than any humans in history as they passed over the far side of the moon on Monday night.
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
Artemis II crew take new photo of far side of the moon
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission captured a new image of the far side of the moon, which the agency released Sunday.
Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Extended interview: Billy Idol
Billy Idol speaks with Anthony Mason about his music career, his life, his stage persona and more.
Ex-astronauts react to Artemis II's lunar flyby
On Monday, the Artemis II crew traveled farther from Earth than any human before. As the Orion capsule made its lunar flyby, the four astronauts aboard became the first humans to see some parts of the moon's far side with the naked eye. Several former NASA astronauts joined CBS News to weigh in on the historic moment.
Details on Iranian proposal at center of ceasefire
President Trump has announced that he will suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab, Courtney Kealy and Aaron MacLean have the latest.
Antonio Villaraigosa on California governor bid
The crowded field of Democratic candidates running for governor of California is splitting the liberal vote so much that two Republican candidates are regularly polling at the top in the blue state. Democratic candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins "The Takeout" to discuss his campaign.
Artemis II astronauts on Day 7
With the Artemis II crew making its way back home to Earth, NASA has released stunning photos the astronauts took during their historic lunar fly-by. CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.