Behind the Improv empire of Budd Friedman, "godfather of comedy clubs"
Breaks for comedy icons like Jay Leno and numerous others came at Friedman's now-legendary brick-walled club
Jay Leno
Jay Leno shows 60 Minutes’ Steve Kroft the house where Leno grew up in Andover, Mass.
Jay Leno shows 60 Minutes the house where he grew up — the same home where his older brother Patrick lived until his death in 2002. With 10 years of age separating them, Leno said his brother was the “smart” one, while he was the “kind of stupid” one. Leno decided to keep the house, and today it’s occupied by his buddy from high school.
Leno paid a visit to the site of his first gig as a teenager: flipping burgers at McDonald's in Andover
During a visit to his hometown with 60 Minutes, Jay Leno returned to the site of his first gig as a teenager: flipping burgers at McDonald’s
Jay Leno wanted to end his Tonight Show career with one interview, so he reached out to Steve Kroft, the correspondent who was there when Leno got his start
Leno wanted to end his Tonight Show career with one big interview, so he called Kroft to finish a conversation that started 22 years ago
Here's Jay Leno!
"Your first 'Tonight Show' is kind of like your first girl, you know?" That's how Jay Leno described the first time he appeared on the Tonight stage as host. "You weren't very good, but you never forget it." Steve Kroft profiles Leno who had to rise above early rejection to make it in show business.
President Obama speaks out against Russian gay ban
President Obama said he has "no tolerance" for Russia's recent decision to ban so-called "gay propaganda"
Conan Returns (on TBS)
As Conan O'Brien returns to television with the premiere of "Conan" on TBS, we take you back to his definitive interview with "60 Minutes." O'Brien sat down with us last spring, following his untimely departure from "The Tonight Show."
Jay Leno does surprise "Tonight Show" monologue
For a few minutes, it felt like old times back on NBC's "Tonight Show" on Tuesday night -- Jay Leno was telling jokes
Extra: Conan's Taurus
Conan O'Brien takes "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft for a spin around Los Angeles. The catch: he's driving a dust covered, 1992 Taurus that may or may not be street legal.
Extra: Conan's Not On TV Blues
Conan O'Brien hasn't been allowed on TV, so he's taken his act on the road. Here's a look at what you've been missing.
Extra: What's With Conan O'Brien's Hair?
Conan O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft how he styles his distinctive hairdo.
Extra: Conan O'Brien On "60 Minutes"?
Conan O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft why he could never work on "60 Minutes."
Extra: Conan's Crazy Life
Conan O'Brien says that in a strange way, the events of the last few months have been a dream come true.
Extra: Conan O'Brien, Star Of Stage & Twitter?
Conan O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft "that's what it's come to. I was the host of "The Tonight Show." Now I write tweets."
Extra: Jay Leno Says You Got Screwed
Even Jay Leno thinks Conan O'Brien got "screwed" when he lost his "Tonight Show" job.
Extra: Conan O'Brien & Jay Leno
Conan O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft how he feels about Jay Leno.
Extra: Conan On Cable
Conan O'Brien tells "60 Minutes" Correspondent Steve Kroft why he decided to do a show on the TBS cable network.
Conan O'Brien on His NBC Exit
Conan O'Brien talks to Steve Kroft about his exit from "The Tonight Show" and from NBC. The interview airs Sunday, May 2, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
"The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" to premiere Monday night
Jimmy Fallon takes over for Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show," plus "12 Years of Slave" took home top honors at Sunday night's Bafta awards
Jay Leno says Bill Cosby should come clean
The former late-night talk show host shared his thoughts on the Bill Cosby scandal
Calendar: Week of April 6
"Sunday Morning" takes a look at some notable events of the week ahead
Knoller's numbers: President Obama's late-night TV appearances
The president drops by "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Thursday
Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023
The Fed increased its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to battle resurgent inflation driven by surging energy prices.
Exclusive
Photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
Patrick Clancy in his own words, only on 60 Minutes
This Sunday on 60 Minutes, Patrick Clancy talks about his grief, his memories of his children, and the baseless conspiracy theories that flooded social media since his ex-wife's murder trial.
Exclusive
Family blames Texas' "merciless" abortion ban for woman's death, sues Paxton, others
The family of 37-year-old Tierra Walker filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and others, saying she was denied an abortion that could have saved her life.
Live
House speaker declares Iran nuclear issue "taken care of"
The Iran war has cost the U.S. military at least $33.4 billion — most of it on munitions — and not including hundreds of millions more spent by other agencies, the Pentagon says.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had a medical procedure at the Mayo Clinic earlier this week, CBS News first reported.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Investigation
A trusted seal made websites look legit. The weight-loss drug they sold wasn't.
Selling retatrutide commercially is prohibited by federal law. Yet, companies have promoted the drug on social media, thanks in part to being certified by LegitScript.
How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
U.S.
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Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Virginia fines a Microsoft data center for emissions violations
As part of the settlement with Microsoft, the tech giant has agreed to invest $2.4 million toward an environmental project underway in Loudoun County.
AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
Senate Democrats meet with El-Sayed, rallying around Michigan nominee
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats as they look to rally around his candidacy in the final sprint to November's election.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
MoneyWatch
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AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023
The Fed increased its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points to battle resurgent inflation driven by soaring energy prices.
Amazon raises starting pay to $20 an hour and adds Whole Foods perks
Amazon said it is increasing its minimum pay for operations workers by $1 an hour and adding grocery discounts for all U.S. employees.
Own a car? You're getting socked by higher prices, and not only for gas
Car ownership costs have soared 50% since 2020, according to new economic data. Here's where motorists are getting dinged.
OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Politics
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Virginia fines a Microsoft data center for emissions violations
As part of the settlement with Microsoft, the tech giant has agreed to invest $2.4 million toward an environmental project underway in Loudoun County.
Feds paid $9.5 billion in leave costs in 2025 due to DOGE buyout
According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published Tuesday, the use of paid administrative leave increased by 435% from 2023 to 2025.
Senate Democrats meet with El-Sayed, rallying around Michigan nominee
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed met with Senate Democrats as they look to rally around his candidacy in the final sprint to November's election.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress in Epstein probe
The committee accused Black of defying subpoenas as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
First on CBS
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles had a medical procedure at the Mayo Clinic earlier this week, CBS News first reported.
HealthWatch
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How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
Investigation
A trusted seal made websites look legit. The weight-loss drug they sold wasn't.
Selling retatrutide commercially is prohibited by federal law. Yet, companies have promoted the drug on social media, thanks in part to being certified by LegitScript.
Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
World
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Village votes to leave U.K. in symbolic protest of plan to house asylum seekers
Residents of Piddington voted overwhelmingly to leave the United Kingdom in a symbolic referendum over plans to house asylum seekers nearby.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Is the U.S. and China's mutual distrust the biggest risk as AI evolves?
Analysts tell CBS News that as the U.S. and China race for AI supremacy, they risk driving all of humanity "off a cliff."
U.S. adds sanctions on South Africa, alleging discrimination against White people
The Trump administration has announced that it will impose travel bans on officials it claims are responsible for discrimination against White people and other minority groups in South Africa.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ed Sheeran speaks out on Macklemore decision
Ed Sheeran spoke out Tuesday after facing backlash for dropping Macklemore from his tour following the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements onstage. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Ed Sheeran breaks silence amid controversy
The rapper Macklemore was bumped from Ed Sheeran's U.S. concert tour for pro-Palestinian comments that some say crossed a line into prejudice. Now, four additional supporting acts have quit in solidarity and the headliner has addressed the controversy. Carter Evans reports.
Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Food & Wine unveils list of "Best New Chefs"
Food & Wine reveals its list of "Best New Chefs" this week. One of those talents is Masako Morishita of Perry's Restaurant in Washington, D.C., who joins to discuss her career move from NFL cheerleader to D.C. food icon and share one of her favorite recipes.
Elin Hilderbrand and daughter on latest book
Elin Hilderbrand, who wrote hit summer reads like "The Perfect Couple" and "28 Summers," joins "CBS Mornings" with her daughter Shelby Cunningham to discuss the latest book in their co-written The Academy Series, titled "The Thoroughbreds."
Technology
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AI doesn't have rights or feelings, Microsoft's AI chief says
Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman said in an essay that trying to develop AI consciousness would be "catastrophic" for humanity.
AI is making it easier for adversaries to target U.S. military, experts say
An Iran-linked adversary used Claude AI to try to target U.S. naval forces, Anthropic revealed in a recent report.
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.
Is the U.S. and China's mutual distrust the biggest risk as AI evolves?
Analysts tell CBS News that as the U.S. and China race for AI supremacy, they risk driving all of humanity "off a cliff."
OpenAI chief on tech safety efforts
Chris Lehane, the chief global affairs officer for OpenAI, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss recent tech leaders' efforts to address AI safety and regulations.
Science
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Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy hires new lawyer for retrial
Lindsay Clancy has hired Martin Weinberg, one of Karen Read's attorneys, as she faces a retrial for the killings of her three children. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Family blames abortion ban for woman's death
Tierra Walker, 37, died of preeclampsia when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Her family filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other doctors, alleging that the state's abortion ban led to her death. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Navy vet's murder solved after suspect who gave DNA dies by suicide
A veteran's 1987 murder has been solved, after the now-deceased suspect's DNA matched evidence at the scene of the killing, authorities said.
Georgia execution delayed for hearing under new law that may reduce sentence
A Georgia judge has put an execution on hold to allow time for a hearing on whether the sentence should be reduced under a new state law that lets victims of abuse have their sentences reconsidered.
Man arrested for alleged ISIS plot
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man has been arrested for allegedly plotting what could have been a "mass casualty attack" inspired by ISIS, federal officials say. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX 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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Dow tumbles after first rate hike since 2023
The Dow Jones closed down around 1.2% on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate increase since July 2023. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady and Aaron Navarro report.
Susie Wiles announces she's cancer-free
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free after being diagnosed with breast cancer in March. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe reports.
Watch: Fed chair Kevin Warsh takes questions
Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh spoke to reporters Wednesday after interest rates were raised by 0.25 percentage points, the first raise since 2023.
U.S. deploys first space-based weapon
The U.S. has deployed its first space-based weapon, the Air Force says. Tara Copp, a national security correspondent for The Washington Post has more.
Potential cyberattack on Texas-bound tanker
Coast Guard personnel and FBI agents boarded a Texas-bound commercial oil tanker last month in the Atlantic after finding the ship's network may have been compromised by a foreign actor, the Coast Guard said Tuesday. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.