The Book Report: Ron Charles' favorite novels of 2023
The Washington Post book reviewer offers his picks for the best fiction of the year.
Books
How white evangelicals' support of Trump is creating schisms in the church
In his new book, "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory," journalist Tim Alberta, son of a born-again Christian pastor, writes of an "age of extremism" in which white evangelicals have become embroiled by politics and their support of Donald Trump.
Book excerpt: "Nobody Needs to Know," an intersex individual's memoir
Activist Pidgeon Pagonis writes of the experience of being one of the .05 to 1.7% of the world's population having external or internal sexual organs that are not clearly male or female.
Book excerpt: "Devil Makes Three" by Ben Fountain
The award-winning author of "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" returns with a political thriller involving an American entrepreneur caught amid a coup in Haiti.
Book excerpt: "North Woods" by Daniel Mason
The author of "The Piano Tuner" and "The Winter Soldier" returns with a novel that spans centuries, set in the woods of Massachusetts and a homestead that is a site of mystery and wonder.
Book excerpt: "Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein" by Anne Eekhout
In her new historical novel the Dutch author recreates the fabled 1816 weekend when an 18-year-old Mary Shelley, trapped by a storm at Lord Byron's rented Swiss estate, conjured the horror tale "Frankenstein."
Book excerpt: "Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward
The latest novel from the two-time National Book Award-winner, about an enslaved Black girl in the American South, is thick with ghosts, history and searing poetry.
The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (October 22)
With Halloween creeping up on us, our book reviewer recommends some new novels haunted by ghosts and monsters of one kind or another.
Book excerpt: "Romney: A Reckoning" by McKay Coppins
A new biography of the Republican Senator's career describes his determination to speak out on January 6, 2021 against President Trump's lies about his election loss, just as violent Trump supporters broke into the Capitol.
David Brooks on his mission: To counter our nation's spiritual crisis
The New York Times columnist believes it's not naïve to trust in others. In his new book, "How to Know a Person," he aims to help people divided by partisanship and social media better see and understand one another.
Rachel Maddow on "Prequel" and the rise of the fascist movement in America
Prior to World War II, antisemites and Nazi sympathizers in the U.S. plotted to set up a Hitler-style dictatorship in America. Rachel Maddow says we are seeing another threat to democracy from the ultra-right today.
Book excerpt: "Prequel" by Rachel Maddow
In her latest book, the bestselling author and MSNBC host writes about the rise of fascist sympathizers in the U.S. prior to World War II, and their goal to create a dictatorship in America.
Book excerpt: Sly Stone's memoir, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"
The pop-rock-funk legend has written a family history (of Sly and the Family Stone), and the story of his relationship with music that extends to his earliest memories.
"Trust" author Hernan Diaz on his love for "the music of English"
The novelist's Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller is a kaleidoscopic look at the world of the stratospherically rich. He talks about the influence of Edith Wharton on his work, and the miracle of validation that came after years of writing without recognition.
Cassidy Hutchinson on the price of speaking out
In her first TV interview the former Trump loyalist and White House advisor, who was "disgusted" upon witnessing the attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters, talks about the price of telling the truth, as detailed in her new book, "Enough."
More From Sunday Morning
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
This week on "Sunday Morning" (July 5)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Douglas Brinkley on America at 250: History tells us hoping for unity is not futile
In these fiercely-polarized times, the presidential historian reminds us that Americans' freedom has been tested – and has survived – much worse.
Larry David on "Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness"
The comic icon behind "Curb Your Enthusiasm" brings his own perspective to America's storied past in a new HBO sketch comedy series – finally making use of his history major from college.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A promise unfulfilled
An Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – guaranteeing rights to all Americans regardless of sex – was first proposed to Congress in 1923. More than a century later, the ERA still has not become a formal part of our nation's bedrock of laws.
Only in America: The rise of Viet-Cajun cuisine
Chef Trong Nguyen came from Vietnam as a teenager in the 1980s, and discovered that the clean bright flavors of Vietnamese food he grew up with paired perfectly with, of all things, the earthy, smoky spice of Cajun cuisine.
U.S.
More U.S.
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
More MoneyWatch
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
More Politics
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.
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.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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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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.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
"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
More Technology
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
More Crime
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
More Space
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
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
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."
America's space story on the nation's 250th birthday
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a look at the major events in NASA's history from John F. Kennedy's speech proclaiming America's intention to go to the moon to the doomed Challenger mission and today's return to space.