Book excerpt: "The World and All That It Holds" by Aleksandar Hemon
The author of "The Lazarus Project" returns with a bold and sweeping novel about a young apothecary in Sarajevo who witnesses a world exploding into the calamity of World War I.
Books
Book excerpt: "The Sense of Wonder" by Matthew Salesses
The author of "Disappear Doppelgänger Disappear" is back with the story of an Asian American NBA star, in a novel that jumps between tragedy and comedy.
The Book Report: New fiction and nonfiction (Feb. 12)
Washington Post book critic Ron Charles offers his picks from this month’s new fiction and nonfiction titles, including the latest work from acclaimed novelist Salman Rushdie, “Victory City.”
Book excerpt: "Saying It Loud," on the Black Power movement
Journalist Mark Whitaker's latest book explores the year 1966 as a turning point in the march for civil rights and the growth of calls for Black self-determination.
"The Nazi Conspiracy": The WWII plot to kill FDR, Churchill and Stalin
In their latest bestseller, Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch write of an assassination plot aimed at Allied leaders attending a 1943 summit in Tehran – a conspiracy that, if successful, could have changed the outcome of the war.
Book excerpt: "The Nazi Conspiracy"
Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch's New York Times bestseller examines an alleged Nazi plot to assassinate Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Josef Stalin as they attended a 1943 summit meeting in Tehran.
"Master Slave Husband Wife": A startling tale of disguise to escape slavery
In 1848 Ellen Craft, an enslaved woman in Macon, Georgia (whose father was her White enslaver), embarked on a remarkable ruse: Fleeing the South with her enslaved husband, she masqueraded as a male White slaveowner accompanied by "his" slave.
Excerpt: "Master Slave Husband Wife," a tale of an escape from slavery
Author Ilyon Woo recounts a remarkable 19th century story of deception, in which a fair-skinned enslaved woman and her husband flee the South masquerading as a male slave owner and "his" property.
The Book Report: Ron Charles' favorite novels of 2022
The Washington Post book reviewer shares his top fiction titles of the year.
Michael Weintrob's instrumental photography
Instruments are front-and-center in the Nashville photographer's portraits of musical artists, as part of his project, "InstrumentHead."
The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (November 13)
Recommendations from our book reviewer of new fiction and non-fiction titles for the fall, including works by Barbara Kingsolver and Booker Prize-winner Shehan Karunatilaka.
Book excerpt: "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver
The bestselling novelist is back with her take on Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" – a story equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, about an irrepressible boy nobody wants.
Book excerpt: "Chuck Berry: An American Life"
A big, new biography of the father of rock 'n' roll explores what author R.J. Smith calls "the often triumphant, sometimes anguished details" of Berry's career and personal life.
Book excerpt: "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" by Shehan Karunatilaka
The Booker Prize-winning comic novel is narrated by the ghost of a war photographer who's granted seven days to figure out who killed him.
Book excerpt: "Dr. No" by Percival Everett
It's not James Bond; it's a clever comic romp about a math professor who specializes in the study of nothingness, whose work attracts the attention of a supervillain.
More From Sunday Morning
A guide to "Made in America" holiday gifts, state by state
The Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, promoting products made in the U.S., includes more than 150 companies from all 50 states. For small business owners, being included in this year's gift guide feels close to a Christmas miracle.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on the musical alchemy of "Song Sung Blue"
In their new movie, "Song Sung Blue," Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson play Mike and Claire Sardina, the real-life musical impersonators from Milwaukee who sang as the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder.
Fear of flying: Faith Salie on Secretary Duffy and the pajama resistance
When Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admonished air travelers who didn't "dress up" for their flights, flyers responded – by wearing pajamas. Faith Salie looks at what travelers think of the Secretary's flight of fancy.
What are the prospects for laid-off workers?
In 2025, more than 1.1 million Americans were laid off from their jobs, the most since the COVID pandemic, even as corporate profits remain high. Business experts discuss the reasons why companies resort to layoffs.
Steps of Faith: How "Ted Lasso" star Jason Sudeikis and friends brought hope and charity to amputees
An annual fundraiser in Kansas City called Thundergong! has helped more than 2,000 amputees around the country pay for prosthetic limbs through the Steps of Faith Foundation.
Jane Austen at 250: Celebrating a writer who still inspires new chapters
Enduring romances such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma" made the British writer one of the brightest names in literature – and the beloved subject of a yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of her birth.
What makes for a great Christmas song?
Musicologist Joe Bennett explains the common components of the most enduring Christmas songs, from "Jingle Bells" to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" – which inspires David Pogue to compose his own new holiday song.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 14)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Book excerpt: "The Colonel and the King" by Peter Guralnick
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book traces the relationship between the King and Colonel Tom Parker, a manager whose marketing savvy helped launch a rock 'n' roll revolution.
Author Jan Karon on returning to Mitford: "I know that we don't have forever anymore"
The bestselling author had said she would no longer write novels set in the make-believe mountain village of Mitford. After the death of her daughter, she wrote through her grief – which led to her 15th Mitford book, "My Beloved."
U.S.
More U.S.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.25 billion Powerball jackpot
Wednesday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $572.1 million, Powerball said.
U.S. government admits role in deadly midair collision that killed 67 near D.C.
The filing states that the crew of the Army Black Hawk helicopter failed to establish and maintain proper and safe visual separation with a regional American Eagle flight that was approaching Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
Poll: Americans say holidays are costing them more, some are scaling back
Negative views of the nation's economy persist as 2025 draws to a close.
Recalled ice cream sold nationwide could contain "small stones," FDA says
The recall affects So Delicious Dairy Free's Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream with best by dates of Aug. 8, 2027.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
How will the stock market perform in 2026? Wall Street pros weigh in.
Wall Street analysts expect another strong year in stocks in 2026, propelled by continued AI sector gains and additional Fed interest-rate cuts.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says
The U.S. military says it has conducted 26 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific or Caribbean since early September, killing at least 99 people.
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Ghislaine Maxwell asks court to toss out her conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell asked a federal judge on Wednesday to vacate her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges, just two days before the federal government is expected to release a massive trove of documents on Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge blocks ICE from requiring lawmakers to provide notice before jail visits
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that sought to require members of Congress to submit requests a week before visiting ICE detention facilities.
U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
World
More World
U.S. strikes another alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, killing 4, Pentagon says
The U.S. military says it has conducted 26 strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific or Caribbean since early September, killing at least 99 people.
U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Democrats' push to limit boat strikes and attacks on Venezuela fails in House
The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
U.K. police tout "more assertive" approach to antisemitism at protests
After Bondi Beach attack, Britain's two biggest police forces indicate they will arrest people who use "phrases causing fear in Jewish communities."
Arctic temperatures rising twice as fast as elsewhere, NOAA report says
Temperatures in the Arctic continue to follow a long-term warming trend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Meg Ryan honors Rob Reiner and his wife Michele
Meg Ryan starred in Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally...," a breakout role that catapulted her career in romantic comedies.
CBS News special celebrates Rob Reiner's life and legacy
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
Rob and Michele Reiner's children speak out after brother's arrest
Jake and Romy Reiner released a statement on Wednesday, remembering their parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as their best friends.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
How artificial intelligence grew in 2025
In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence into the U.S. economy and people's everyday lives grew to historic levels. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent joins to recap how the transformative technology expanded over the past year, and what we can expect in 2026.
OpenAI, Amazon in talks over $10B investment
OpenAI, the developer for ChatGPT, and Amazon are in talks over a possible $10 billion investment. Mark DeCambre, editor-in-chief for MarketWatch, joins with 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.
Local pushback grows against AI data centers
A frenzy of development to support the artificial intelligence boom is prompting pushback from communities who say they don't want data centers in their backyards. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
These are the most popular internet services of 2025, as AI gains traction
Global internet traffic rose 19% this year as people rely more on tech for daily communication and entertainment, a new report finds.
Science
More Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Police call for public help in Brown probe
The manhunt for the gunman who killed two students and wounded nine others at Brown University last weekend is now in its fifth day. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest from Providence, Rhode Island.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Nick Reiner makes first court appearance
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday since being arrested for the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Police ask public for footage in Brown manhunt
Investigators remain stymied in the hunt for the Brown University gunman. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Officials give update on Brown shooting manhunt
Officials gave an update Wednesday on the investigation into the Brown University shooting. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman and Anna Schecter have the latest.
Space
More Space
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Made with love
Visit a Uyghur restaurant in Southern California, where culture is shared and the food is made with love. Plus, a man who wanted to save his friends life by donating a kidney ends up saving his own life.
Takeaways from Trump's year-end address
President Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Wednesday night in a speech looking back on the first 11 months of his second term. Political strategists Joel Payne and Kevin Sheridan join with analysis. Then, CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins to unpack Mr. Trump's remarks further.
Trump touts policies in year-end address
President Trump delivered remarks Wednesday night looking back at his first year back in office. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump delivers year-end address to nation
President Trump delivered a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday night, touting the administration's actions during the first 11 months of his second term and outlining his goals for the next three years. CBS News' Norah O'Donnell anchors a special report.
Measles entrenching in U.S., doctor says
A measles outbreak in South Carolina is worsening with 138 cases reported in the state. CBS News' Skyler Henry and Dr. Céline Gounder have more.