Books
2025: The year's top books
"Sunday Morning" checks out the bestselling fiction and non-fiction of the past year.
Books
The Book Report: Ron Charles' picks from 2025
The Washington Post book reviewer offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his picks for fiction and non-fiction titles to add to their New Year's reading lists.
The Book Report: Ron Charles' books of the year for 2025
The Washington Post book reviewer offers "Sunday Morning" viewers his picks for fiction and non-fiction titles to add to their New Year's reading lists.
Book excerpt: "Guilty by Definition" by Susie Dent
This debut novel is a mystery in which a dictionary editor at Oxford turns to word-sleuthing in order to unravel a family member's long-ago disappearance.
Book excerpt: "Black Moses" by Caleb Gayle
The award-winning journalist's latest book recounts the rise of Edward McCabe, an activist who, during Reconstruction, lobbied for a Black-governed state in the Oklahoma Territory.
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.
Jane Austen at 250
Her enduring romances, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," made British writer Jane Austen one of the brightest names in literature – and the beloved subject of a yearlong celebration marking the 250th anniversary of her birth. Seth Doane visits Bath, England, the setting for two of the Regency Era author's six novels, and talks with Devoney Looser, author of "Wild for Austen." Doane also visits the set of a forthcoming miniseries inspired by Austen's characters, "The Other Bennet Sister."
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."
Elvis and the Colonel
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book, "The Colonel and the King," is the story of a partnership that rocked popular culture, and how Colonel Parker's marketing savvy and enduring loyalty helped the King get his crown.
Elvis and the Colonel
Elvis Presley biographer Peter Guralnick's latest book, "The Colonel and the King," is the story of a partnership that rocked popular culture. Anthony Mason talks with Guralnick at Graceland about how Colonel Parker's marketing savvy and enduring loyalty helped the King get his crown. Mason also talks with Parker's friend, actor George Hamilton, who witnessed Parker's gambling addiction that threatened his partnership with Presley.
"Family of Spies": Christine Kuehn discovers her grandfather's Nazi past
In 1994 Christine Kuehn received a letter that revealed a family history from which her father had tried to shield her: Christine's grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who was the only person tried and convicted for the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Book excerpt: "Family of Spies" by Christine Kuehn
Christine Kuehn uncovered a devastating family secret long hidden by her father: her grandfather, Otto, was a Nazi spy who passed military information on to the Axis powers in the run-up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"To Die For": Beloved recipes etched in stone
When Rosie Grant launched a TikTok channel, GhostlyArchive, as a testament to gravestones, she discovered a niche form of memorial: cemetery markers that bear beloved recipes of the dearly departed. Her new cookbook collects headstone recipes that are "To Die For."
More From Sunday Morning
Rep. Jim Clyburn on protecting democracy: "I don't think the American people are doing enough"
In recent decades, South Carolina has become the Democratic Party's make-or-break proving ground for White House hopefuls - and Jim Clyburn, the state's sole Black Democrat in the House, is one of the party's most important voices.
Kacey Musgraves on writing lyrics: "There is no greater drug"
A couple of years ago, the Grammy-winner went home to East Texas to heal from a breakup. She talks about how her "Dry Spell" led to a creative monsoon – her latest album, "Middle of Nowhere."
Artist Jenny Saville on the body as landscape
The curious gaze of artist Jenny Saville upon the female body, including her own, has made her one of the most celebrated of modern British painters. She talks about her bold work, and about figurative painting as "communication of the unspoken."
The long history of America's conflict with Cuba
The small island nation, 90 miles from Florida, has played an outsized role in American foreign policy for nearly 70 years. As President Trump talks of "taking Cuba," tensions between Washington and Havana have outlived even the late dictator Fidel Castro.
Book excerpt: "The First Eight" by Jim Clyburn
The South Carolina Democrat, the ninth Black man to represent his state in the House of Representatives, writes of his predecessors who helped direct the course of America during and after Reconstruction.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (April 26)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
"Proof": Don Cheadle and Ayo Edebiri make their Broadway bows
The celebrated actors are both making their Broadway debuts in a revival of David Auburn's Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winner "Proof," about a brilliant mathematics professor with mental-health issues, and his daughter with issues of her own.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Crafting a legacy out of wood
George Nakashima (1905-1990), considered a giant of 20th century furniture design, was a leader of the American craft movement. His legacy continues through his daughter, Mira, who took the reins of the company he founded, Nakashima Woodworkers.
Former judges speak out on Trump admin's immigration court purges
Following President Trump's promise of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, more than 200 immigration judges have been fired, forced out or retired, and are being replaced by what are advertised as "deportation judges."
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Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
OpenAI sued by families of school shooting victims in Canada's Tumbler Ridge
Several families of victims of a mass shooting in Canada are suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company's generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, played a role in the February shooting.
U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
MoneyWatch
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Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Powell to stay on Federal Reserve board as policy makers hold rates steady
Fed chief Jerome Powell said he will remain as a governor on the central bank's board after his term as chair ends on May 15.
TSA PreCheck offers discount to younger travelers. Here's what to know.
TSA is trying to encourage young travelers to enroll in its PreCheck program before summer travel kicks off.
Politics
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Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
In crowded CA gubernatorial debate, Democrats spar while Republicans blame incumbents
The primary election in California's gubernatorial contest is just over a month away, and the race remains wide open.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
World
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As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Press freedom worldwide is at lowest level in 25 years, watchdog group warns
Press freedom across the globe has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, Reporters Without Borders warned.
U.S. charges 10 Mexican officials, including Sinaloa governor, with drug trafficking
The U.S. government has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses in a federal indictment.
Trump says U.S. may cut the number of American troops in Germany
President Trump said Wednesday he is considering reducing the number of U.S. forces in Germany, amid a spat with Germany's chancellor and the NATO alliance over Iran.
How Ukraine's demining robots could help U.S. open the Strait of Hormuz
Ukraine has perfected demining techniques in the Black Sea over four years of war against Russia.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
FCC reviewing ABC licenses amid Kimmel feud
The Federal Communications Commission says it wants the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations. The announcement comes one day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins with analysis.
FCC reviewing Disney licenses over DEI practices
One day after President Trump called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC said it will begin reviewing eight broadcasting licenses owned or managed by Disney due to the company's diversity policies. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
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Crime
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Nick Reiner appears in court
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, several weeks after pleading not guilty in the grisly death of his famous parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. Carter Evans has more details.
New evidence released in D.C. shooting
Cole Allen, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, took a mirror selfie, allegedly gearing up for battle, officials said. Matt Gutman reports.
James Comey makes court appearance
Former FBI Director James Comey made his first court appearance in Virginia on Wednesday, charged with threatening President Trump. A grand jury indicted Comey yesterday over a social media post he made last year. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
Space
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SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
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.
Latest Galleries
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Highlights of King Charles' visit to U.S.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's first trip to the U.S. as monarchs kicked off in Washington, D.C., for a state visit, where he delivered a historic speech to a joint meeting of Congress and presented President Trump with a WWII-era submarine bell. Here are some highlights of the monarchs' visit.
Highlights from Pete Hegseth's testimony
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other top officials testified on Wednesday as the Defense Department seeks a $1.5 trillion budget from Congress. Hegseth got into heated exchanges with Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee and claimed those who oppose the war in Iran are enemies. Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst also revealed that the conflict has cost the U.S. about $25 billion.
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Breaking down Louisiana voting rights case
The Supreme Court handed down a ruling on Wednesday, weakening the Voting Rights Act. The case was about a Louisiana congressional map that added a second majority-Black district to the state. In a three-to-six decision, the court said the new map constituted racial gerrymandering. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and David Becker break down the ruling and Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana shares his reaction.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.