This week on “Sunday Morning” (July 12)
Sunday Morning Program Highlights for July 12, 2026
This week on Sunday Morning July 12 – The celebrated program “CBS News Sunday Morning,” which has earned Emmy recognition, airs each Sunday morning on CBS starting at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Viewers can also catch the show streaming through the CBS News application beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. Tracy Smith serves as the guest host for this week’s broadcast.
Wilmington’s Historic Coup: A New Perspective
Lauren Collins, a journalist writing for The New Yorker, has published a compelling new work examining a pivotal moment in American history. Her book, titled “They Stole a City,” explores the events of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina. At that time, the city thrived as an integrated community where Black and white residents jointly held political influence and leadership roles. However, white supremacists seized control through force, overturning the multi-racial government and unleashing violence that claimed numerous Black lives.
Collins discusses this overlooked chapter with correspondent Lee Cowan, describing it as the sole successful coup in United States history. Readers can access an excerpt from her work through the program’s website.
Book Details: “They Stole a City: Wilmington’s White Supremacist Coup and the Families Who Live With Its Legacy” by Lauren Collins (Penguin Press). Available in hardcover, eBook, and audio formats starting July 14 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
Additional Resources:
- Lauren Collins, The New Yorker
- Lauren Collins on Instagram
- Lauren Collins’ Lettre Recommandee (Substack)
- WilmingtoNColor Heritage Shuttle Tours
- Latimer House Museum and Gardens, Wilmington, N.C.
- Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington, N.C.
- First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, N.C.
Contributors: New Hanover County Public Library, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, “American Coup: Wilmington 1898” (PBS), and 371 Productions.
Almanac: July 12 Historical Reflections
The program regularly examines significant events that occurred on this particular date throughout history.
Country Roads: A Song Without Borders
The beloved tune “Take Me Home, Country Roads” captures a universal yearning for home. Interestingly, one of its co-writers had never visited West Virginia when penning the lyrics. Despite this, the Mountain State has embraced the song wholeheartedly, and it has since become a global anthem for those seeking their own sense of belonging.
Correspondent Conor Knighton investigates the origins and worldwide influence of John Denver’s breakthrough hit. The segment also features country music star Brad Paisley, who shares why the song holds particular meaning for him. This portion originally aired on December 26, 2021.
For More Information: Brad Paisley, Bill Danoff, and “Take Me Home, Country Roads: Identity, (Be)Longing, and Imagined Landscapes” by Sarah L. Morris (West Virginia University Press), available in trade paperback and eBook formats through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Sarah Morris teaches in the Department of English at West Virginia University. Special acknowledgments go to West Virginia University and the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
Community Connection: One Wave at a Time
Steve Hartman presents the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a four-year-old boy from Concord, North Carolina. When passersby encounter Roman’s home, he greets them with an enthusiastic wave and a cheerful “hey.” What started as a simple friendly gesture evolved into something extraordinary—a neighborhood bond that brought residents together. Hartman chronicles how Roman constructed his own “family” through these daily waves.
Music Spotlight: Gracie Abrams Takes Center Stage
At just 26 years old, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams has garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences for her deeply personal compositions. Her whispered lyrics transform into powerful anthems, and the once-shy performer now commands sold-out stadiums. Correspondent Tracy Smith speaks with Abrams about her courage in sharing early recordings online. They also discuss her experience opening for Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, as well as recording her newest album, “Daughter From Hell.”
Listeners can enjoy Gracie Abrams performing “Hit the Wall” by accessing the video player on the program’s website.
Album Information: Pre-order Gracie Abrams’ latest album, “Daughter From Hell,” releasing July 17 on Interscope Records. Visit gracieabrams.com for more details. Special thanks to Elizabeth Street Garden in New York City, Apple Music, and Electric Lady Studios in New York City.
Passage: Remembering Those We’ve Lost
“Sunday Morning” honors several notable individuals who passed away this week.
Headlines: Washington D.C. Transformed
President Trump has sparked considerable legal challenges regarding his ambitious plans to reshape the nation’s capital. Proposals include building a 250-foot arch that would surpass the Lincoln Memorial in size and demolishing the White House East Wing to create a grand ballroom. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes examines these transformation efforts alongside those working to maintain the city’s historic character.
Additional Resources: The Cultural Landscape Foundation, D.C. Preservation League, and the Commission of Fine Arts.