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.
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How Japanese mochi brings communities in America together
Mochi, a doughy cake made from steamed sweet rice, is more than just a nostalgic taste of Japan; the very act of making mochi – a "mochitsuki" – takes on special significance on New Year's Day. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports.
Top news headlines of 2024, month-by-month
From Boeing's turbulence and a catastrophic hurricane, to Trump's election victory, "Sunday Morning" host Jane Pauley looks back at key events of a year that was monumental.
Good news you may have missed in 2024
You may remember 2024 as a year of bad news – and you'd be right! But it was also a year of GOOD news, and not all of it made headlines. Correspondent David Pogue reports on some of the year's best underreported stories, from the eradication of murder hornets in the U.S., to how artificial intelligence is rewriting the study of proteins to help conquer diseases.
Nature: Northern Lights above Alaska
We leave you this Sunday morning in the spirit of Christmas, with the northern lights in skies above Alaska. Videographer: Michael Clark.
"Christmas Dance" by Darren Criss
In this web exclusive, Darren Criss and the Young People's Chorus of New York City help "Sunday Morning" celebrate the holiday in a performance of Criss' "Christmas Dance."
Reflections on the messages of Christmas and Hanukkah
Wednesday will mark both Christmas Day and the first night of Hanukkah. Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., and author and rabbi Steve Leder, of Los Angeles, offer their thoughts on what the holiday season means to us all.
Darren Criss on "Maybe Happy Ending"
Darren Criss became a fan favorite on the hit TV series "Glee," and won an Emmy for "American Crime Story." Now he's starring in the acclaimed musical "Maybe Happy Ending." He talks with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh about his road to Broadway, his blessings and losses, and his credo that "Life is a cabaret."
Israeli settlements, and the expanding divide of settlers and Palestinians
Inside the occupied West Bank, the Israeli settlement of Karnei Shomron is one of more than a hundred carved into Palestinian land. Today, upwards of 700,000 Israelis live in communities scattered inside the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the United Nations calls illegal. About 15% of settlers are Americans. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with two settlers, originally from West Virginia and Detroit, and with Palestinians in the West Bank now living on the other side of an Israeli security barrier.
Why drone hysteria has taken off
By most accounts, alleged drone sightings have been multiplying exponentially, with more than 5,000 reported in just the past few weeks. But experts say the majority of reports about unusual lights in the sky are probably anything but drones. Correspondent Tom Hanson reports.
Director Werner Herzog on filming the extreme
Visionary filmmaker Werner Herzog has made more than 20 features and more than 30 documentaries. But it wasn't movies that prompted the German-born director to move to Los Angeles; it was love. He talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his recent memoir, "Every Man for Himself and God Against All"; about the epic making of his 1982 classic, "Fitzcarraldo"; and why he enjoys acting – when he gets to play the villain.
More From Sunday Morning
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.
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.
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RFK Jr. says he'll work with agencies to wind down animal testing
Animal rights groups celebrate, but the Trump administration is light on specifics about phasing out federally funded medical testing on animals.
Everytown for Gun Safety stirs controversy with move into firearms training
When the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety announced it would introduce a new array of firearms training classes, it caught some longtime supporters off guard.
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.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden Fleet."
What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
MoneyWatch
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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.
What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?
Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.
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.
Trump admin says it's halting offshore wind projects over security risk
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the agency is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms "due to national security concerns."
Jim Beam to pause production at its main distillery on Jan. 1
The main distillery will be closed for site enhancements, the company said. The pause comes after whiskey production has dropped amid a challenging year.
Politics
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RFK Jr. says he'll work with agencies to wind down animal testing
Animal rights groups celebrate, but the Trump administration is light on specifics about phasing out federally funded medical testing on animals.
Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain free until at least next week
Kilmar Abrego Garcia — who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March — will remain free on supervised release until at least the end of the year.
Trump announces new "Trump class" of Navy battleships
President Trump announced plans to build a new "Trump class" of battleships, part of the Pentagon's new "Golden Fleet."
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in by Letitia James, Bernie Sanders
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in by two prominent Democrats on New Year's Day.
DOJ faces continued backlash over limited Epstein files release
The Justice Department is facing continued backlash over its partial releases of the Epstein files, with lawmakers and survivors denouncing the limited scope of the disclosures.
HealthWatch
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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)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
Flu cases surging nationwide
Flu cases are on the rise across the country with CDC data showing more than 4 million illnesses this season resulting in roughly 2,000 deaths, including two children. Dr. Benjamin Abella, chair of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, joined CBS News to discuss.
World
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British man charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his now ex-wife
Philip Young was charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to "stupefy" Joanne Young, his ex-wife.
Banksy unveils new art in London
The elusive street artist posted two photos of an artwork on his official Instagram account amid speculation that he was behind it. An identical image appeared elsewhere.
Chris Rea, British singer of "Driving Home for Christmas," dies at 74
Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."
Bondi Beach gunmen got firearms training together, police say
The man police say killed 15 people at Sydney's Bondi Beach along with his father obtained firearms training with him, documents show.
Denmark summoning U.S. ambassador after Trump names special envoy to Greenland
Denmark says it will summon the U.S. ambassador after President Trump appointed a special envoy to Greenland, the Danish autonomous territory he has often expressed interest in.
Entertainment
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Barry Manilow reveals lung cancer diagnosis, cancels concerts due to surgery
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
Chris Rea, British singer of "Driving Home for Christmas," dies at 74
Chris Rea found fame in the 1980s in Britain with hits such as "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "Let's Dance."
Actor James Ransone, known for his role in "The Wire," dies at 46
James Ransone, the actor who played Ziggy Sobotka in the HBO series "The Wire" and appeared in many other TV shows and movies, has died.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Jolly Toyland"
To mark the Christmas season, "Sunday Morning" presents a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City, of "Jolly Toyland," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez.
Young People's Chorus of NYC: "Deck the Halls"
"Sunday Morning" gifts to its viewers a Christmas tradition: a performance by the Young People's Chorus of New York City. They present "Deck the Halls," arranged by Francisco J. Nunez and Jim Papoulis.
Technology
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Technology
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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
New details about suspected Bondi Beach gunmen
Australian police released new documents Monday showing the father and son who are accused of killing 15 people at Bondi Beach undergoing firearms training just weeks before the attack. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
DOJ's Epstein files redactions draw criticism
The Justice Department is under scrutiny for heavily redacting the initial batches of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
British man charged with repeatedly drugging and raping his now ex-wife
Philip Young was charged with 56 sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape and administering a substance with the intent to "stupefy" Joanne Young, his ex-wife.
Former classmate on Brown shooting suspect
More details are emerging about Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Brown University before allegedly targeting an MIT professor. CBS News Boston has more.
Lates on Epstein files released
At least a dozen files initially released by the Justice Department by the Dec. 19 deadline were removed from the website, CBS News has found. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
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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.
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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
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Family awaits news after fishermen vanish
The family of 57-year-old Randall Spivey and his nephew, 33-year-old Brandon Billmaier, are praying for answers after the two experienced fishermen were reported missing. The two set sail from Fort Myers, Florida, and never came home. Cristian Benavides reports.
"60 Minutes" postpones report on CECOT
CBS News postponed a "60 Minutes" report about the Trump administration's decision to send Venezuelans and others it says entered the U.S. illegally to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi said in an internal email to colleagues that the story was "factually correct," but CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss said in a statement that holding stories that "lack sufficient context" or are "missing critical voices happens every day in every newsroom," and she looks "forward to airing this important piece when it's ready."
Russia investigating killing of senior general
In Moscow, authorities are investigating what appears to be a targeted killing of a senior Russian general, who died when an explosive device was detonated beneath his car. Holly Williams has more.
Trump warns Maduro after another tanker seizure
An elite unit of the Coast Guard seized control of a second tanker the U.S. said was carrying sanctioned oil in the waters off the coast of Venezuela. President Trump said he will not back down from his pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Willie James Inman reports.
Plane lands itself after cockpit emergency
A plane landed at Colorado's Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport without a pilot's help in what appears to be the first real-world use of new safety technology. Kris Van Cleave has details.