Playwright and "Shakespeare in Love" screenwriter Tom Stoppard dies at 88
Stoppard was often hailed as the greatest British playwright of his generation.
Shakespeare
The modern appeal of Shakespeare
Why are the plays of William Shakespeare still so popular 400 years after his death? "Sunday Morning" talks with New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd and actor Patrick Page about the Bard's enduring tales – and the appeal of his villains.
The modern appeal of Shakespeare
Why are the plays of William Shakespeare still so popular four hundred years after the Bard's death? Correspondent Mo Rocca visits the newly-renovated Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington, D.C., home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's published First Folios; and talks with New York Times columnist and Shakespeare aficionado Maureen Dowd about the playwright's enduring appeal. Rocca also talks with actor Patrick Page, who travels the country with his one-man show of Shakespearean villains, "All the Devils Are Here"; and "This American Life" host Ira Glass, whose 2014 tweet declaring that "Shakespeare sucks" let slip the dogs of war.
"Gary" playwright Taylor Mac
As a followup to William Shakespeare's bloodiest play, "Titus Andronicus," Taylor Mac has penned an unlikely sequel: "Gary," a new Broadway comedy starring Nathan Lane as a servant hired to clean up the bloody mess of Shakespeare's tragedy. John Blackstone sits down with Mac, a playwright and performance artist best known for his 24-hour-long epic, "A 24-Decade History of Popular Music."
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal on their record-breaking "Othello"
The stars of a new Broadway production of Shakespeare's tragic tale about friendship and betrayal explain why they say they've worked their whole careers for this moment.
Judi Dench talks Shakespearean journey
In her seven-decade career, Dame Judi Dench has played nearly every female character in William Shakespeare's plays, from Juliet to Cleopatra. Dench and her late husband even used to refer to Shakespeare as "the man who pays the rent." That's also the title of her new book, written with her friend Brendan O'Hea. First on "CBS Mornings", she shares stories from a lifetime of iconic Shakespearean roles and much more with Anthony Mason.
Judi Dench revisits her Shakespearean legacy in new book
Judi Dench has tackled nearly every female role in William Shakespeare's plays, from Juliet to Cleopatra.
Book excerpt: Judi Dench's love letter to Shakespeare
In "Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent," the acclaimed actress shares conversations with friend and actor Brendan O'Hea about the unique relationship she has with the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Pulitzer winning "Fat Ham" debuts on Broadway
Actor Marcel Spears joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his Broadway debut in the highly-anticipated show, "Fat Ham," a modern reimagining of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
Mo Rocca stars in Off-Broadway's "Fairycakes"
Douglas Carter Beane's comic romp mixes the stories and messages of fairytales (such as Cinderella and Pinocchio) with Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream," and features "Sunday Morning" correspondent Mo Rocca as Geppetto. Rocca offers us a backstage pass.
Shakespearean punishment
An alternative-sentencing program in Massachusetts is giving juvenile offenders a choice: Go to jail, or take the stage with Shakespeare. Michelle Miller has more.
Julius Caesar decoded
Controversy is brewing over the Public Theater's depiction of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" as President Donald Trump. So, we asked Shakespeare scholars, actors and theater professionals to break down the classic text. Is the production really glorifying the assassination of the president? Or it all just one big misunderstanding?
Juvenile offenders & Shakespeare
Juvenile offenders in Massachusetts can choose to be part of an alternative sentencing program involving Shakespeare to earn a second chance. The program sends teens who've committed crimes to the stage instead of lockup. Michelle Miller reports.
Shakespeare co-credit
Oxford University Press announced its new edition of Shakespeare's complete works will name Christopher Marlowe as a co-author. CBSN's Elaine Quijano has more on why this happened.
The life and legacy of William Shakespeare was honored the world over yesterday on the 400th anniversary of his death. His timeless works are widely known, but there are still many mysteries connected to the historic playwright
The life and legacy of William Shakespeare was honored the world over yesterday on the 400th anniversary of his death. His timeless works are widely known, but there are still many mysteries connected to the historic playwright. Martha Teichner investigates the latest mystery involving the Bard - one 400 years in the making.
In this web exclusive, Michael Witmore and Heather Wolfe, of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., explain to Martha Teichner how the Bard of Avon found and borrowed the language he made immortal
In this web exclusive, Michael Witmore and Heather Wolfe, of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., explain to Martha Teichner how the Bard of Avon found and borrowed the language he made immortal.
In this web extra, theatre director Dominic Dromgoole talks to Martha Teichner about the relationship between actors and their audience in the theatre of William Shakespeare's day
In this web extra, theatre director Dominic Dromgoole talks to Martha Teichner about the relationship between actors and their audience in the theatre of William Shakespeare's day.
In this web exclusive, The Reverend Patrick Taylor explains the unusual inscriptions at the burial place of William Shakespeare, at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England
In this web exclusive, The Reverend Patrick Taylor explains the unusual inscriptions at the burial place of William Shakespeare, at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.
Four hundred years after the passing of William Shakespeare, an organization is bringing the playwright's work all around the world
Four hundred years after the passing of William Shakespeare, an organization is bringing the playwright's work all around the world. Charlie D'Agata has their story.
Glenda Jackson on her gender-bending "King Lear"
The legendary 82-year-old actress credits her work ethic for her appearance in the new Broadway production of Shakespeare's tragedy
Sir Laurence Olivier
Sir Laurence Olivier told Ed Bradley that as he ages he becomes more stubborn like King Lear in this rare interview from 1983.
What depicting Julius Caesar as Donald Trump really means
Amidst the public outcry over the Public Theater's depiction of Julius Caesar as President Trump, we ask Shakespeare scholars and actors to set the record straight
Juvenile offenders offered Shakespeare -- instead of jail
Some juvenile offenders in Massachusetts are offered an alternative sentence involving Shakespeare instead of jail time
Full episode of the CBS Evening News from August 18, 2013
On "Face the Nation," Senator Lindsey Graham said Egypt is a "disaster in the making" as calls for the U.S. government to stop sending aid to Egypt get louder; and, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner will return to work Monday as all nine members of the city council are demanding his resignation.
Jude Law talks intrigue of "The Young Pope"
In the HBO series, the actor plays a fictional American pontiff whose unpredictability shakes up the Vatican
Trump signs funding bill to end shutdown after package clears House
The House on Tuesday voted 217 to 214 to fund major parts of the government and end the partial shutdown.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Trump suggests Republicans should nationalize voting. Here's what to know.
President Trump has continued to claim without evidence that there is widespread fraud in U.S. elections.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
Watchdog shares whistleblower complaint involving Gabbard with Congress after delay
The complaint was closed administratively by the intelligence community inspector general's office in June 2025, under prior leadership, watchdog says.
Top Minnesota corrections official questions when immigration agencies will draw down forces
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
Clintons will testify in Epstein probe after contempt threat, House panel says
Hillary Clinton will appear for a deposition on Feb. 26, while former President Bill Clinton will appear on Feb. 27, according to the House Oversight Committee.
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
Judge skeptical of Pentagon's efforts to punish Sen. Kelly over "illegal orders" video
A federal judge expressed skepticism over the Pentagon's effort to downgrade the pay and rank of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly after he urged service members not to follow unlawful military orders.
U.S.
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Athletes to watch from Team USA at the Winter Olympics
American athletes are preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. These are some of the top Team USA competitors to watch.
Feds releasing 4th-grader who's from same suburb as Liam Ramos, officials say
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
Penny the Doberman pinscher wins best in show at Westminster Dog Show
A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Judge restricts use of tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland protests
The ruling comes just days after federal agents launched tear gas at a crowd of demonstrators, including young children, that local officials described as peaceful.
MoneyWatch
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More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
SBA shuts out non-U.S. citizens from its main lending program
Starting March 1, the SBA will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals, including green card holders.
PepsiCo cuts prices of Cheetos, Doritos and other snacks
PepsiCo said the price cuts are aimed at making its products more affordable as consumers struggle with affordability.
Disney names parks chief Josh D'Amaro to succeed CEO Bob Iger
Josh D'Amaro, who oversees Disney theme parks and dozens of resort hotels worldwide, will become the next Disney CEO.
Consumer Reports' top 10 vehicles for 2026 — see which cars made the list
For the first time, the top 10 cars on Consumer Reports' annual list of best new vehicles also include electric or hybrid models.
Politics
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Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
Feds releasing 4th-grader who's from same suburb as Liam Ramos, officials say
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
Top Minnesota corrections official questions when immigration agencies will draw down forces
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
Judge restricts use of tear gas, projectile munitions at Portland protests
The ruling comes just days after federal agents launched tear gas at a crowd of demonstrators, including young children, that local officials described as peaceful.
Sen. Mitch McConnell hospitalized with "flu-like symptoms"
A spokesman for Sen. Mitch McConnell said the Kentucky Republican's "prognosis is positive."
HealthWatch
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Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
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Greek coast guard ship and migrant boat collide, killing at least 15 people
A search and rescue operation involving patrol vessels, an air force helicopter and a boat carrying divers was underway for potentially missing passengers.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
Boat crew tosses 115 kilos of cocaine in Pacific while fleeing Colombian navy
The seizure was announced on the same day that Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with President Trump at the White House.
Russia hammers Ukraine on eve of peace talks
A day before Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. teams meet to talk peace, Putin's forces pounded Ukraine's energy infrastructure with dozens of drones and missiles.
U.S. shoots down Iranian drone that approached aircraft carrier, military says
U.S. Central Command said the drone "aggressively" approached the USS Abraham Lincoln as it was crossing through the Arabian Sea.
Entertainment
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Miranda Lambert sells entire music catalog
Country star Miranda Lambert's entire catalog now belongs to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group. Jem Aswad, executive editor for music at Variety, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Activists on inspiring next generation
Activist Gloria Steinem, who has fought for the rights of every woman, is on a mission to inspire the next generation. She is collaborating with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee, who helped end the civil war in Liberia, on a new children's book. They talk to "CBS Mornings" about their experiences in their fight for equality and deciding to collaborate.
Westminster dog show winners on preparation
Three former winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and their handlers join "CBS Mornings" ahead of this year's Best in Show title being awarded Tuesday. They talk about how they prepared to compete and what retirement is like now.
Gabrielle Union talks new film "Goat"
Gabrielle Union talks about starring in the new animated movie "Goat," working with her husband and the real life issues portrayed in the movie.
Technology
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More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
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.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Inside the new social media platform for AI
Moltbook was launched last week by a software developer and mirrors the template of Reddit, but it's not for humans. Instead, it allows artificial intelligence agents to post written content and interact with other chatbots through comments, up-votes and down-votes. Tyler Cowen, professor of economics at George Mason University, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Lawyers for alleged Charlie Kirk killer again ask to have prosecutors removed
Tyler Robinson's attorneys want the entire Utah County Attorney's Office disqualified because one of the prosecutors has a daughter who was present at the rally where Kirk was shot.
Details on Nancy Guthrie ransom note
The Pima County sheriff tells CBS News that they received a ransom note related to the apparent abduction of Nancy Guthrie. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez and Anna Schecter have more.
Study finds significant crime decrease in 2025
A new study from the Council on Criminal Justice finds that crime rates are dropping across the U.S., with some areas reaching their lowest levels in decades in 2025. Alex Piquero, professor of criminology at the University of Miami, joins to assess the findings.
Clintons push to testify publicly on Epstein
Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before lawmakers behind closed doors later in February about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House Oversight Committee was preparing to hold them in contempt for refusing to appear. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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
Teen boy recalls grueling swim to save family
A 13-year-old boy is credited with saving the lives of his mother and two younger siblings with an hourslong swim after the family was swept out to sea off the Australian coast. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Leaks delay Artemis II moon mission until March
NASA announced the long-awaited flight to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon was being delayed to March after a test launch ran into a variety of problems and ultimately was called off. Mark Strassmann reports.
First on CBS
Extended: Jane Doe in R. Kelly trial speaks
Reshona Landfair, who testified as Jane Doe at R. Kelly's 2022 federal trial, speaks to Jericka Duncan in her first TV interview about her new memoir, "Who's Watching Shorty?". Kelly is now behind bars after being convicted of racketeering and sex crimes in two separate federal trials in 2021 and 2022. But Kelly's legal troubles started long before that, including when a tape that he had filmed performing sex acts on a 14-year-old girl — now identified as Landfair — leaked in 2001.
Renee Good's brothers testify on Capitol Hill
Renee Good's brothers were among several people who testified on Capitol Hill about federal agents and their use of force. Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Federal presence in Bay Area for Super Bowl
Some Bay Area residents are concerned that there will be an increase in federal agents focused on immigration enforcement ahead of Super Bowl LX. CBS News correspondent Nidia Cavazos has the details.