Book excerpt: How Los Angeles in 1974 ruled the pop culture universe
Ronald Brownstein's "Rock Me on the Water" explores how in the mid-1970s L.A. produced a sustained burst of innovation in the worlds of music, film and television.
Books
Book excerpt: "American Baby," on the shadow history of adoption
Gabrielle Glaser writes a story familiar to millions of Americans – one of loss, love, and a search for identity – about a woman who lost her first born, and the child wondering where he had come from.
Lady Bird Johnson, first lady and diarist
Julia Sweig's new book, "Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight," examines the first lady's surprisingly powerful role in LBJ's life and political career, and her little-known contribution as an audio diarist documenting every moment of his presidency.
Book excerpt: "LifeLines" by Melissa Bernstein
The co-founder of Melissa & Doug writes a revealing and hopeful testimonial about her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how she learned to deal with a crushing depression.
Book excerpt: "Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight"
Author Julia Sweig recounts the life of the former first lady and her surprisingly powerful role in LBJ's political career.
"Dear Bob": Bob Hope's correspondence with GIs at war
For decades the comedian was a true war hero to American military stationed overseas, entertaining troops with his USO Tour. A new book highlights his lesser-known role as a correspondent, answering some of the thousands of letters he received from service members.
Book excerpt: Walter Isaacson's "The Code Breaker"
The latest book from the bestselling biographer of geniuses from da Vinci and Franklin to Einstein and Jobs tells the story of Jennifer Doudna and the creation (and moral questioning) of the gene-editing technology CRISPR.
The Book Report: Reviews from Washington Post critic Ron Charles (February 28)
Recommendations of new fiction and non-fiction titles.
Book excerpt: "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro
The latest novel by the Nobel Prize-winning author of "Never Let Me Go" is a science-fiction story of artificial intelligence, manufactured companions, and the meaning of love.
Book excerpt: "Under a White Sky" by Elizabeth Kolbert
The New Yorker magazine writer examines the seemingly futile efforts we human beings must engage in to address our species' depredation of the planet.
Book excerpt: "Fake Accounts" by Lauren Oyler
A woman discovers her boyfriend's online persona of anonymous conspiracy theorist, and responds by creating fake online identities of her own in this acclaimed comic novel.
Book excerpt: "The Committed" by Viet Thanh Nguyen
This sequel to the author's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Sympathizer" follows his communist spy protagonist as he arrives in 1980s Paris to take up a new persona: drug dealer.
Suleika Jaouad's journey "Between Two Kingdoms"
After overcoming leukemia (and documenting her nearly-four-year chemotherapy in a New York Times column, "Life, Interrupted"), Jaouad embarked on a 15,000-mile road trip to meet 22 of the many strangers who had written to her with their own stories of survival.
Book excerpt: "Between Two Kingdoms" by Suleika Jaouad
The New York Times columnist's memoir recounts her years-long chemotherapy, and the 15,000-mile road trip she took to meet some of the people who'd shared their stories with her.
Book excerpt: "Entangled Life," on how fungi shape our future
Biologist Merlin Sheldrake's book explores the fascinating relationships between humans and the fungal organisms upon which so much of life on Earth depends.
More From Sunday Morning
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 21)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
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.
U.S.
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Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
Anthony Joshua defeats Jake Paul by knockout
Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua defeated YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul by knockout in the sixth round of their much-anticipated bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami late Friday night.
Third inmate who escaped from southern Louisiana jail captured, officials say
The three men had escaped the jail by removing concrete blocks from an upper wall area, and then used sheets and other materials to scale an exterior wall.
Over 500 pages in Epstein files were entirely blacked out, CBS News finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents are fully redacted.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Politics
More Politics
Stefanik drops out of New York governor's race after Trump stays neutral
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's decision to drop out came after President Trump signaled he would not make an endorsement in the race at this stage.
Over 500 pages in Epstein files were entirely blacked out, CBS News finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents are fully redacted.
Justice Dept. appealing decision tossing out James Comey and Letitia James cases
A federal judge ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor who secured the indictments against them, was unlawfully appointed to her role as interim U.S. attorney.
How to view the Epstein files, and initial takeaways from the first documents
The Justice Department has disclosed thousands of files and photos related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following years of pressure from lawmakers and abuse survivors.
U.S. strikes ISIS targets in Syria, after killing of 2 soldiers and interpreter
The airstrikes on ISIS targets are being conducted in response to the killing of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian contractor by a lone terrorist in Palmyra, Syria.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
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."
World
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U.S. strikes ISIS targets in Syria, after killing of 2 soldiers and interpreter
The airstrikes on ISIS targets are being conducted in response to the killing of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian contractor by a lone terrorist in Palmyra, Syria.
3 killed in knife attack in Taiwan, suspect falls to his death from store
Police said the suspect was declared dead at a hospital after jumping from the building's sixth floor, the Central News Agency reported.
Ukraine claims strike on oil tanker as Putin plays down peace prospects
Putin claims no "willingness from Ukraine" to negotiate a peace deal as he touts battlefield gains, and Kyiv claims a brazen strike on a ship far from Russia.
Australia announces gun buyback plan just days after Bondi Beach attack
Australia will use a sweeping buyback scheme to "get guns off our streets," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday.
TikTok signs deal for sale of U.S. operations to American investors
TikTok's China-based parent company ByteDance must sever ties with TikTok or lose access to U.S. app stores and web-hosting services
Entertainment
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Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
Kiefer Sutherland recalls "extraordinary" day on set with Rob Reiner
Kiefer Sutherland recalls Rob Reiner's reaction to filming Jack Nicholson's famous scene in "A Few Good Men."
Albert Brooks remembers his "oldest friend" Rob Reiner
Albert Brooks said he's still in shock over the death of his friend Rob Reiner, whom he met at 14 years old.
Kathy Bates says Rob Reiner "changed the course of my life" with "Misery" role
Kathy Bates rose to prominence with her Oscar-winning breakout role in Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery" in 1990.
Jelly Roll pardoned by Tennessee governor for robbery, drug convictions
Jelly Roll had said a pardon would make it easier for him to travel internationally for concert tours and to perform Christian missionary work without requiring burdensome paperwork.
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
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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
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Crime
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
New Epstein files: What we've learned so far
The Department of Justice has released hundreds of thousands of files related to the criminal prosecutions of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.
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
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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.
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
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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.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
Trump holding North Carolina rally on economy
President Trump is holding a rally in North Carolina on Friday as he works to turn around public opinion on the economy. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Doctor joins Secret Santa to surprise strangers
As you've no doubt heard, Santa Claus is coming to town. In fact, he's already been to Baltimore. Steve Hartman met him "On the Road."
Trump announces deals to lower drug prices
President Trump announced new agreements on Friday with nine pharmaceutical companies aimed at making certain prescription drugs cheaper. CBS News reporter Karen Hua has the details.