12/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: the town that inspired "It's a Wonderful Life"; Sean Ono Lennon on his parents' legacy; the a capella group Pentatonix; a New Mexico monastery; remembering Rob Reiner; and the Rockettes.
Latest Videos
Latest Videos
Psychic Tyler Henry, Hollywood's biggest medium
At the age of 28, Tyler Henry has become one of the best-known psychics anywhere, with a TV show, a road show and, he says, a 600,000-plus waiting list of people who want him to help them connect with their departed loved ones. Correspondent Tracy Smith sits down with Henry to discuss how he first recognized his ability at the age of 10; why he welcomes skepticism; and how he believes his talent helps people deal with grief.
The fallout from Arkansas' "right to mine" bitcoin law
The peace and quiet of rural Bono, Arkansas, has been shattered by a loud and incessant mechanical buzzing sound created by a bitcoin mine. What exactly is a "bitcoin mine," and how does it work? Who owns them? And what can the residents of Bono do about them? Correspondent David Pogue investigates this very loud problem. [A previous version of this report incorrectly stated that “at least 50 bitcoin mining plants are planned” in Arkansas. In fact, as of April 14, 2024, when this story originally aired, at least 50 counties in Arkansas had passed ordinances to restrict the sound level emitted by bitcoin mines.]
The history of Waterford Crystal
Founded in 1783 in Ireland's oldest city, Waterford Crystal has produced glassware whose superiority is crystal clear. Correspondent Conor Knighton explores the history of the company whose eye-catching crystal is renowned around the world.
Public domain, where art lives after copyright
Expiration dates on intellectual property were written into our Constitution, "to promote the progress of science and useful arts." And every year, more and more books, music and films enter the public domain and help to inspire new creative ideas. Correspondent Lee Cowan looks at how some works that fall into public domain (like F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, and Walt Disney's original Mickey Mouse) are being revived in new forms.
Iran declares its attack on Israel "concluded," for now
Israel's military says that on Saturday Iran launched more than 200 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles towards Israeli territory, the vast majority of which were intercepted. The assault – a retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier this month – is the most serious escalation in an already unstable Middle East. Correspondent Imtiaz Tyab reports the latest from Tel Aviv.
Nature: Prairie chickens in South Dakota
We leave you this Sunday among prairie chickens doing their dance in South Dakota. Videographer: Kevin Kjergaard.
A young eclipse fan ready for a cosmic show
Correspondent Steve Hartman's son, George, has long been an astronomy buff, and thrilled at witnessing the solar eclipse in 2017. So, it's no surprise that he's anxious to see Monday's spectacle in its totality.
How a loophole deprives foster children of benefits
In many states, young people in foster care who are entitled to survivor and disability benefits are having those benefits taken by state agencies that apply for the benefits themselves without giving notice to the child or his or her relatives. More than 25,000 children nationwide are affected by this practice. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty talks with young people who were denied tens of thousands of dollars; and with experts and officials trying to correct a situation which, though not illegal, is depriving those in foster care of their rightful benefits.
"The Wiz" eases on down to Broadway
The '70s Tony Award-winning musical "The Wiz," a soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," is back on Broadway. Contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with members of the cast (including Wayne Brady, who is stepping into the shoes of the Wiz), and with director Schele Williams and writer Amber Ruffin, who are revising the show for today's audience.
The controversial legacy of Captain James Cook
The British explorer Captain James Cook, who sailed the uncharted Pacific Ocean in the 1700s, created detailed maps of places he was the first European to visit, including New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands (which still bear his name), and the islands of Hawaii. But Cook's legacy – initiating a period of colonization that obscured the histories of Native Islanders – is being reexamined today. Correspondent Ben Tracy looks back on Cook's voyages and imperial ambitions with historian Hampton Sides, author of a new book, "The Wide Wide Sea." He also visits the Big Island of Hawaii, and talks with native islanders about efforts to teach the history of Pacific island cultures.
More From Sunday Morning
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 28)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
A New Mexico monastery where the silence calls
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is home to 15 Benedictine monks, some livestock, and a guesthouse for people looking for a little quiet in this turbulent world. "Sunday Morning" pays a visit.
Sean Ono Lennon on being caretaker of the legacy of John Lennon & Yoko Ono
The musician-songwriter-producer, who says he feels a responsibility to promote his parents' legacy, talks about the animated short inspired by their anti-war anthem, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," and the new HBO documentary "One to One: John & Yoko."
Pentatonix: Friendships and harmonies
The a cappella quintet has won three Grammys and sold 10 million albums. Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee talk about bringing their heavenly voices to the sounds of Christmas.
Remembering the treasured films of Rob Reiner
Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz looks back at the work of actor and director Rob Reiner, whose films became part of our shared cinematic language because of their humor, drama, and aching belief in humanity.
The enduring message of "It's a Wonderful Life"
Ted Koppel visits Seneca Falls, the Central New York town that's said to have inspired the 1946 Jimmy Stewart classic "It's a Wonderful Life," a film that celebrates smalltown virtues and happy endings, and which still has a powerful hold on our imagination.
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.
U.S.
More U.S.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 28)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
U.S. stocks hover at record highs after the Christmas holiday
Stocks are mostly flat in quiet morning trading on Friday as investors return from the Christmas holiday.
Here's what is open on the day after Christmas, from retailers to banks
With President Trump declaring Dec. 26 a federal holiday, here's what's open and closed on Dec. 26.
5 money moves to make in 2026, according to financial experts
As many Americans head into 2026 with mounting money worries, reviewing your finances now could help put you on firmer footing next year.
Is anything open on Christmas Day 2025? See which businesses are operating.
Most major retail stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, with some exceptions.
NHTSA investigating Tesla Model 3 emergency door handles
Traffic safety regulators are reviewing a motorist's complaints that the manual door handles on some Model 3 cars are hard to find, a potential hazard in a crash.
Politics
More Politics
Trump calls for release of any Epstein files naming Democrats: "Embarrass them"
As prosecutors contend with a massive trove of Epstein files, President Trump suggested Friday the Justice Department is spending too much time on the issue — but said Democrats should be named.
Karoline Leavitt announces she is pregnant with her second child
Karoline Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, also named Nicholas, in July 2024.
Veterans Affairs Department reimposing near total abortion ban
The Veterans Affairs Department is reimposing a near total ban on abortions for veterans and their families that was modified in 2022.
U.S. launches strikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria, Trump says
Strikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria come after President Trump spent weeks accusing the West African country's government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
World
More World
Israeli police say 2 killed in car-ramming and stabbing attack by Palestinian
The attack began Friday afternoon in the northern city of Beit Shean, where the Palestinian man crashed his vehicle into people, killing one man and injuring a teenage boy.
8 killed, 18 wounded in mosque bombing in Syria
Images shared by Syria's state-run news agency showed blood on carpets, holes in the walls, shattered windows and fire damage.
Endangered wild cat seen in Thailand for the first time in 30 years
Flat-headed cats are among the world's most threatened wild felines.
Iran seizes oil tanker smuggling fuel on Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran seized a foreign oil tanker as it traveled the strategic Strait of Hormuz carrying some 25,000 barrels of smuggled fuel, state media said.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, dies after "short illness" at 65
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Former "Big Brother" houseguest Mickey Lee died on Christmas, family says
Mickey Lee, a former "Big Brother" houseguest known for her vibrant personality and bold gameplay, has died, her family announced in a social media post shared Friday.
Kimmel skewers Trump, tells U.K. viewers that "tyranny is booming" in U.S.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
King Charles and royal family, minus Andrew, gather for Christmas
King Charles III led his family to church on foot ahead of his annual Christmas Day speech that is expected to focus on pilgrimage.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
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
What's next on the Epstein files release?
Lawmakers may take action against the Department of Justice for the delayed release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson weighs in.
Two police officers injured, suspect killed during child custody exchange
Police were called to a shopping center late Friday morning. Two officers were shot and are in critical condition.
Broadway actress Imani Smith stabbed to death in New Jersey, police say
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
15 hurt in stabbing, chemical liquid attack in Japan tire factory
More than a dozen people were injured in a stabbing attack in a factory in central Japan in which a liquid believed to be bleach was also sprayed, authorities said.
Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach 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.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Returning unwanted gifts may now come with fees
Hassle-free returns may be a thing of the past, and if you're staring at a stack of unwanted Christmas gifts, you may have to think twice before mailing them back. Dave Malkoff reports.
How to save on energy bill as heating costs surge
The cost of heating a home is going through the roof, but there are steps you can take to try to keep your energy bills down. Ash-har Quraishi has details.
Doctor hopes flu peak is near as cases surge
Flu season is in full swing, with close to 5 million cases and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Kati Weis reports.
Details about U.S. strikes on ISIS in Nigeria
Details are emerging about the Christmas Day military strikes in northern Nigeria. The U.S. launched what President Trump called a "powerful and deadly" strike on ISIS targets in the West African nation. Willie Inman has more.
California homes buried in mud after record rain
The soggy California landscape is preparing for even more rain. Los Angeles, which started the year with the costliest fires in U.S. history, is ending it with the most rain the city has ever seen over Christmas. Andres Gutierrez reports.