HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

Ansel Adams: Capturing the majesty of nature

The photographer who created unparalleled images of the American West is the subject of a new exhibition, "Ansel Adams: In Our Time," currently on view in San Francisco.

The history of Ferris wheels: What goes around comes around

In 1893 engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. created an attraction for the world's fair in Chicago: A giant, steam-powered wheel that gently lifted passengers 250 feet in the air for a spectacular view. Today, Ferris wheels (or observations wheels) continue to spin delight.

Tom Bodett crafts his third act

He was young when he almost died, in an accident involving an electric utility cable and a considerable height. But Tom Bodett went on to become a writer, NPR essayist, and Motel 6 spokesman. And now, at 68, he has found another calling, as a woodworker.

An unprecedented week at the Supreme Court

The Atlantic's Adam Harris says rulings on affirmative action, student loan forgiveness, and the right to discriminate based on religious beliefs show conservatives advancing their political objectives through the courts.

A trumpet call against Alzheimer's

About three years ago Larry Kingsley's wife, Georgeanne, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Using music to stay connected with her, the North Carolina man dug out his old trumpet and began playing for strangers on the street, with Georgeanne at his side. Every dollar he collected was donated to Alzheimer's research. Steve Hartman reports on how one man's love prompted him to make a difference.

Celebrating July 2, America's other Independence Day

On July 2, 1964, President Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act, ending our nation's apartheid. Mark Updegrove, president & CEO of the LBJ Foundation, looks back on a watershed moment in American democracy when segregation was finally made illegal.

Passage: Remembering Alan Arkin

Jane Pauley looks back on the career of Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin, who died Thursday at age 89.

From the archives: Alan Arkin on "Little Miss Sunshine"

Academy Award-winning actor Alan Arkin, who won acclaim for performances both comedic and heartfelt, died on Friday, June 30 at the age of 89. In this profile that aired on February 11, 2007, the character actor talked with Jerry Bowen about his start in music; how joining the Second City improv comedy group "saved" his life; and about the Sundance hit "Little Miss Sunshine," for which Arkin would win the Oscar that year for best supporting actor.

Essay: "Life at the Workhouse" by Tom Bodett

The writer and radio essayist prefers spending time in his shop, and says the true goal of any woodworking project is: Leave with the same number of fingers you started with.

Almanac: July 2

"Sunday Morning" looks at important historical events on this date.

Extended Nature Video: John Muir Wilderness

We leave you this Sunday amidst the solitude of the John Muir Wilderness in California. Videographer: Scot Miller.

Watch the full July 2 broadcast!

Hosted by Jane Pauley.

Gallery: Notable Deaths in 2023

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

"Here Comes the Sun": Mark Hamill, and "The Book of Charlie"

Actor Mark Hamill sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his years playing Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series and what the future looks like for the character. Then, Luke Burbank meets with author David Von Drehle who wrote a book on his 102-year-old neighbor, Charlie White.