Perle Mesta, the renowned social queen of Washington
Socialite Perle Mesta used her fortune to host inclusive dinner parties in Washington, D.C., becoming one of the most famous women in the world – "The Hostess with the Mostes' on the Ball."
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Perle Mesta, the renowned social queen of Washington
The widow of a steel magnate, socialite Perle Mesta used her fortune to host inclusive dinner parties in Washington, D.C., in the 1940s and '50s, becoming known as "The Hostess with the Mostes' on the Ball" (after Irving Berlin celebrated her in the musical, "Call Me Madam"). Mesta became one of the most famous women in the world, and her influence – on politics and on the social scene – is examined by Meryl Gordon in her new biography, "The Woman Who Knew Everyone." CBS News' Erin Moriarty talks with Gordon; with 99-year-old former journalist Marie Ridder, who attended some of Mesta's parties; and with Washington insider Sally Quinn, who doubts that any power broker today could pull off what Mesta once did so brilliantly: getting Democrats and Republicans to sit down at a dinner table and see eye-to-eye.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including director David Lynch, the visionary behind "Blue Velvet," "Twin Peaks" and "Mulholland Drive"; and Milwaukee Brewers sportscaster and actor Bob Uecker.
Inside "Beyond the Gates," TV's newest soap opera
In the world of daytime network TV, only a handful of long-running soap operas have survived. But in February, CBS is launching a new one: "Beyond the Gates," which traces a prominent African American family living in a gated community outside of Washington, D.C. Correspondent Nancy Giles goes behind the scenes of the new series, and talks with the creatives and actors who say you've never seen a soap like this.
Tamara de Lempicka's vibrant life and art
A giant of early 20th century art, whose glamorous figurative paintings of women played an important role in defining Art Deco, is now the subject of her first-ever U.S. retrospective, currently at the de Young Museum of San Francisco.
Tamara de Lempicka's vibrant life and art
Tamara de Lempicka (1894–1980), one of the giants of early 20th century art, is now the subject of the first-ever U.S. retrospective of her works. Correspondent Faith Salie visits the de Young Museum of San Francisco, to learn how Lempicka's glamorous figurative paintings of the modern woman played an important role in defining the aesthetic of Art Deco, and why Lempicka herself is so little-known compared to other modern masters.
Writing the first draft of President Biden's legacy
President Biden leaves office this week with significant legislative and policy achievements, the effects of which may not be seen for years. But in spite of those successes, Biden's legacy likely rests largely in the hands of his successor: Donald Trump. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes talks with Atlantic staff writer Franklin Foer, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, about how history will remember Joe Biden.
Writing the first draft of President Biden's legacy
President Biden leaves office this week with significant legislative and policy achievements, the effects of which may not be seen for years. But his legacy likely rests largely in the hands of the man he tried to keep from returning to the White House.
Almanac: January 19
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire goes into effect in Gaza
Israel is gripped, waiting for Hamas to begin releasing hostages under the terms of the new ceasefire agreement, which began early Sunday morning in Gaza. Hamas and some of its supporters celebrated the ceasefire as a victory, but it's come at a devastating price. Correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reports.
Book excerpt: "Time to Thank: Caregiving for My Hero" by Steve Guttenberg
In his memoir the actor writes of his father and the relationship they shared, through their final years together, when Guttenberg dedicated himself to becoming a caregiver after his dad was diagnosed with kidney failure.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (January 19)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Book excerpt: "The Party: A Guide to Adventurous Entertaining" by Sally Quinn
In her 1997 book, the Washington Post columnist writes about the social imperatives for entertaining, and how the role of host and hostess in the nation's political capital has remained vitally important.
Book excerpt: "Fire Weather" by John Vaillant
This 2023 National Book Award finalist recounts the rise of climate science and the increasing dangers from climate change, including the devastation brought by today's wildfires.
Book excerpt: Washington hostess Perla Mesta, "The Woman Who Knew Everyone"
Bestselling author Meryl Gordon's biography tells the story of the socialite and political savant, whose gift for hosting parties in the nation's capital made her one of the most famous women in America.
Federal agents fatally shoot another Minneapolis resident, officials say
Federal agents in Minneapolis shot and killed a 37-year-old man in south Minneapolis Saturday morning.
Latest forecast maps show fresh predictions for winter storm
As millions of Americans hunker down for the winter storm, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency.
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Videos, witness accounts of deadly shooting at odds with official statements
Bystander videos verified by CBS News show the scene from multiple angles before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Prett in Minneapolis.
Man killed by federal officer in Minnesota worked as ICU nurse, his parents say
The 37-year-old man killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis is identified by his family as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was "very upset with what was happening" in the ICE crackdown.
What we know about latest shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis
A man is dead after a shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday involving federal immigration agents from Customs and Border Protection. Here's what we know so far.
Flights canceled, states of emergency declared as winter storm bears down
More than 200 million people are under winter storm threats as officials brace for power outages and travel difficulties.
Minneapolis business owners react to deadly shooting: "A neighbor was murdered"
Minneapolis business owners and community members were among the crowd of protesters in sub-zero temperatures following the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
U.S.
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Videos, witness accounts of deadly shooting at odds with official statements
Bystander videos verified by CBS News show the scene from multiple angles before the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Prett in Minneapolis.
Daughter defends loving dad now accused in her mom's cold case murder
For more than 30 years the murder of Debe Atrops in suburban Oregon remained unsolved. Then, an Oregon cold case team took a fresh look at the case and thought there was enough to prosecute Bob Atrops, Debe's estranged husband at the time. Their daughter thinks they have the wrong man.
Did a secret obsession lead a "genius" to murder a Yale grad student?
Kevin Jiang, 26, a Yale graduate student and former Army National Guardsman, was gunned down in New Haven, Connecticut. What appeared to be a road rage incident soon unraveled into a story of obsession and premeditation.
NTSB to rule on cause of midair collision that killed 67 people near D.C. airport
Thursday marks a year since an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair with an American Airlines plane. The NTSB is expected to rule on the probable cause.
Minneapolis business owners react to deadly shooting: "A neighbor was murdered"
Minneapolis business owners and community members were among the crowd of protesters in sub-zero temperatures following the deadly shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
MoneyWatch
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Here's what it takes to achieve an 800 credit score
Only one in four Americans has a credit score above 800, which is considered exceptional, according to industry data.
Bank of America may introduce credit card with 10% APR
Facing pressure from President Trump, credit card issuers are exploring ways to ease borrowing costs.
How to heat your home safely as fierce winter storm grips the U.S.
Federal safety regulators warn that home heating equipment can spark fires or emit carbon monoxide. Here's what to know.
What to know about EVs as the winter storm brings bone-chilling temps
Cold weather can reduce the efficiency of electric vehicles, shortening their driving range. These tips can help.
Tesla Cybertruck sales plunged 48% in in 2025
Other Tesla vehicles also struggled to attract buyers, with sales of its X, S and Y models all sinking from the previous year.
Politics
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Rep. Maxwell Frost says he was assaulted at Sundance Film Festival
Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Florida Democrat, said a man told him "Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face."
Senate Democrats will not provide votes to advance DHS funding bill, Schumer says
Sens. Chris Murphy and Alex Padilla have spent the past two days calling colleagues to whip opposition to the DHS funding bill, according to a source familiar with the process.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns U.S. as warships head toward Middle East
Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison accuses White House of "politics and retribution"
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he has seen "no evidence" of a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month.
HealthWatch
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Heart failure threatened her pregnancy. A first-of-its-kind procedure saved it.
Cassandra King was thrilled to be pregnant after years of fertility struggles and multiple miscarriages. Then a sudden cardiac event threatened everything.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
World
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Climber Alex Honnold free solos Taipei 101 skyscraper
Alex Honnold also famously climbed Yosemite's El Capitan without any ropes or safety gear in 2017.
Peace talks end constructively, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says, with more possible
The talks are the first known instance that officials from the Trump administration have sat down with Russia and Ukraine.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warns U.S. as warships head toward Middle East
Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests.
Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal
Canada this month negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products.
Australian boy dies days after being bitten by shark in Sydney Harbor
The Sydney shark attack that killed Nico Antic was one of four recorded in the span of two days.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Kermit the Frog gets a new home
A 900-pound Kermit the Frog took a journey from Hollywood to Atlanta. Brian Unger has the story.
Lily Fitts performs "Beat Me To It"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Beat Me To It."
Lily Fitts performs "Brown Eyed Baby"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Brown Eyed Baby."
Lily Fitts performs "Lose You Now"
Massachusetts-based Lily Fitts originally gained a following for her viral song covers, which were shared by artists like The Lumineers and Noah Kahan. Her debut album "Getting By" captured attention for its honest and raw lyrics, and she's got more coming soon. Here's Lily Fitts performing "Lose You Now."
Madison Beer opens up about music journey
Madison Beer says music has always been her escape since she started writing songs at just 6 years old. But the 26-year-old has had to navigate ups and downs in her journey to stardom. Anthony Mason reports.
Technology
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Microsoft says outage affecting several services has been resolved
Microsoft services were down for thousands of users, according to tracking service Downdetector.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
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.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos
YouTube says it wants to get rid of fake AI videos flooding social media feeds on its platform. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what's driving the change.
Science
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Science
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Daughter defends loving dad now accused in her mom's cold case murder
For more than 30 years the murder of Debe Atrops in suburban Oregon remained unsolved. Then, an Oregon cold case team took a fresh look at the case and thought there was enough to prosecute Bob Atrops, Debe's estranged husband at the time. Their daughter thinks they have the wrong man.
Did a secret obsession lead a "genius" to murder a Yale grad student?
Kevin Jiang, 26, a Yale graduate student and former Army National Guardsman, was gunned down in New Haven, Connecticut. What appeared to be a road rage incident soon unraveled into a story of obsession and premeditation.
Official: Feds blocked shooting scene access
Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Prevention, spoke after federal agents killed a Minneapolis man on Saturday. Evans said federal investigators blocked his agency's access to the shooting scene.
Officials on 5-year-old boy detained by ICE
Trump administration officials are denying accounts from witnesses who say they saw what occurred during a Minnesota ICE raid where a 5-year-old boy and his father were detained.
Jury selection date set in Mangione trial
At a pretrial hearing on Friday, a judge set the date for jury selection in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman was in the courtroom and has the details.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Mother I Wish I Knew
A daughter whose mother was murdered is convinced her father is innocent. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales reports.
The Ivy League Murder
A newly engaged Yale graduate student is gunned down by an unknown attacker after a fender bender. Was it extreme road rage or was he targeted? "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports.
Kermit the Frog gets a new home
A 900-pound Kermit the Frog took a journey from Hollywood to Atlanta. Brian Unger has the story.
Trump shocks allies with comments about veterans
President Trump shocked NATO partners in an interview with Fox News this week about U.K. veterans and fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. He walked back the comments on Truth Social. Haley Ott has more details.
President Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canada
President Trump insults the Canadian prime minister, calling him "Governor Mark Carney," as he threatens new tariffs against the country. Willie James Inman has the details.