This week on “Sunday Morning” (June 21)
CBS News Sunday Morning: A Weekend Spotlight on June 21
This week on Sunday Morning June 21 – CBS News Sunday Morning, the Emmy Award-winning weekly program, debuts every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. ET on CBS. In addition to its traditional broadcast, the show is also available via the CBS News app, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. This week’s episode features a special segment led by guest host Lee Cowan, who guides viewers through a mix of historical reflections, nature documentaries, and cultural conversations.
Birthright Citizenship in Question
The show’s cover story dives into the debate surrounding birthright citizenship, a constitutional right enshrined in the 14th Amendment. This amendment ensures that anyone born or naturalized in the United States automatically gains citizenship, regardless of their parents’ legal status. However, President Trump’s executive order in January 2025 aims to alter this provision, potentially stripping children of undocumented parents of their birthright. According to Pew Research Center, this could impact over 250,000 minors annually.
“You Are Not American: Citizenship Stripping from Dred Scott to the Dreamers,” a book by Amanda Frost, professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, explores this issue in depth. Frost’s work examines the historical roots of the policy and its modern implications for immigrant communities.
During the segment, correspondent Mo Rocca interviews constitutional experts to discuss the nation’s long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants and the broader consequences of denying birthright citizenship. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges facing the order, as the Supreme Court deliberates on its constitutionality.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Legacy Revisited
This date in history marks a milestone for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens in the Badlands of North Dakota on July 4, 2026. The library, located in Medora, ND, offers an immersive journey into the life and philosophy of the 26th president. Lee Cowan visits the site, highlighting how the rugged landscape of the region shaped Roosevelt’s vision of America and his environmental policies.
Complementing the library’s opening is a visit to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the natural beauty of the Badlands continues to inspire. The episode’s almanac segment connects these two landmarks, framing them as a testament to Roosevelt’s enduring influence on both national identity and conservation efforts.
Marine Wonders: Seahorses and Their Kin
Nature enthusiasts will find the episode’s focus on seahorses and seadragons particularly intriguing. These creatures, often overlooked in the vast ocean, possess unique adaptations that make them stand out. Seahorses have a horse-like head, a kangaroo-like pouch for carrying eggs, and a monkey-like tail that allows them to grasp onto seaweed. Their ability to blend into their surroundings, much like chameleons, further cements their status as nature’s marvels.
Correspondent Conor Knighton explores the fascinating world of these marine animals during a visit to the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California. The documentary delves into the evolutionary quirks of seahorses, such as the male’s role in nurturing fertilized eggs, and contrasts them with their seadragon relatives, which share similar traits but differ in appearance and behavior.
Legacy of Music: Shooter Jennings and Outlaw Country
The music segment highlights the work of Shooter Jennings, the son of legendary country musician Waylon Jennings. Shooter is revitalizing his father’s legacy by rediscovering and producing long-lost recordings that were once hidden away. His second album, Diamonds, set for release later this year, showcases a blend of traditional outlaw country and modern production techniques.
Correspondent Robert Costa interviews Shooter at Sunset Sound Studio in Hollywood, Calif., discussing the emotional connection he feels while working on his father’s music. The conversation also explores the ethos of outlaw country, a genre defined by its rebellious spirit and storytelling depth, and how it continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
In Memoriam: Art, History, and Personal Reflections
The episode’s Passage segment pays tribute to notable figures who have passed away recently. Among the highlights is an exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art that celebrates the artistic collaboration between Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot. Manet, a pioneer of Impressionism, and Morisot, a trailblazing female painter, influenced each other’s styles, creating a bond that redefined 19th-century art.
Lee Cowan visits the exhibition, which runs through July 5, and discusses how their friendship bridged the gap between male and female artists in a male-dominated field. The exhibit’s accompanying catalog, Manet and Morisot by Emily A. Beeny, provides further insight into their dynamic relationship and its impact on art history.
John Mulaney: Embracing Sobriety and Fatherhood
In a heartfelt Sunday Profile, comedian John Mulaney reflects on his journey from standup success to personal growth. The Emmy Award-winning performer shares his experiences with sobriety, including a 2020 intervention he describes as “star-studded.” He also discusses how his role as a father, alongside his wife Olivia Munn, has reshaped his perspective on life and art.
“Comedy was always my destiny,” Mulaney says. “But fatherhood has given me a new sense of purpose, one that’s rooted in vulnerability and connection.”
The segment also revisits his earlier work as a writer for Saturday Night Live, highlighting how his comedic style evolved with age and responsibility. Mulaney’s reflections underscore the balance between professional achievement and personal transformation, a theme that resonates across generations of entertainers.
Connecting the Past and Present
Throughout the episode, the show weaves together themes of heritage, identity, and resilience. From the legal battles over citizenship to the historical significance of Roosevelt’s legacy, the segments emphasize how past decisions continue to shape the present. The nature and music features add a sense of wonder, reminding viewers of the planet’s diversity and the power of art to transcend time.
As the episode concludes, it leaves audiences with a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of societal values, cultural expressions, and personal stories. Each segment, whether exploring legal history, marine biology, or comedic evolution, contributes to the program’s mission of offering thoughtful, in-depth content that informs and inspires.
For more details on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, visit its official website. Fans of seahorses can learn more about their habitat and behavior through the Birch Aquarium’s resources. Shooter Jennings’ new album, Diamonds, will be available soon via major music retailers. And those interested in the Manet and Morisot exhibition can purchase the catalog from Amazon or Bookshop.org.