This week on “Sunday Morning” (July 19)
Highlights from Sunday Morning’s July 19 Broadcast
This week on Sunday Morning July 19 – The celebrated program “CBS News Sunday Morning,” which has earned an Emmy Award for its excellence, continues to air each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the CBS network. Viewers who prefer digital viewing can access the show through the CBS News application, where it becomes available starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. This week’s edition features guest host Lee Cowan, who guides audiences through a diverse lineup of stories and segments.
Political Coverage and Historical Reflections
Robert Costa delivers an in-depth examination of congressional gridlock in the cover story segment, providing viewers with analysis of the current political landscape. The program also includes its traditional almanac feature, which takes audiences back through significant historical moments that occurred on July 19 throughout the years.
Sports: Engineering Grass for Global Competition
FIFA regulations mandate that World Cup matches take place on natural grass surfaces. However, this year’s tournament presented unique challenges, as several games were planned for venues equipped with artificial turf. To meet these requirements, specially cultivated grass varieties were deployed to endure both the physical demands of play and varying climate conditions across different host cities.
Conor Knighton investigates the scientific approach behind this endeavor, exploring how engineered sod was installed in various settings, including domed stadiums, to guarantee durability throughout the tournament. For additional insights, viewers can reference Dr. John Sorochan, a professor within the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as the FIFA Pitch Research Project and Crossroads Sod Farm located in Belvidere, Tennessee.
Arts: Sculptures That Invite Exploration
At New York’s Guggenheim Museum, Carol Bove’s distinctive steel sculptures command attention with their bent and warped forms rising above museum visitors. Faith Salie, a correspondent for the program, engages in conversation with the artist about how her creations encourage audiences to enter a space characterized by curiosity and playful interaction. The exhibition titled “Carol Bove” runs through August 2, with an accompanying catalogue edited by Katherine Brinson available through various retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. The Gagosian Gallery and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive also contributed to this feature.
Commentary: Embracing Aging with Purpose
Research indicates that maintaining an optimistic perspective on aging, combined with strong social connections, yields meaningful health advantages ranging from reduced memory decline to extended lifespan. Actor Ted Danson shares four practical strategies for approaching the aging process creatively, offering viewers inspiration on how to welcome this natural phase of life with enthusiasm and grace.
In Memoriam: A Judge’s Resilience
The program honors notable individuals who passed away recently, including Judge Ronald Gould of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Seattle. At seventy-nine years old, Gould continues to manage a complete caseload while navigating progressive multiple sclerosis. He discusses his journey with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, describing how he confronts the condition with determination and humor. Dr. LaPook also speaks with Karla Gilbride, a former law clerk who has been blind since birth and now practices as an attorney.
Music: Shania Twain’s Journey
Shania Twain’s remarkable career trajectory is explored in a segment featuring her new biographical album, “Little Miss Twain.” Growing up in poverty in rural Ontario, she performed country music in bars as a child. Despite experiencing family difficulties, divorce, and losing her voice to Lyme disease, Twain did not secure a record deal until her late twenties. She ultimately became the best-selling female country artist in history. Correspondent Seth Doane interviews Twain about reflecting on her life with warmth and appreciation. The album will be released on July 24 and is available for pre-order at shaniatwain.com.
Television and Additional Commentary
A fresh HBO Max comedy series titled “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” expands the universe of “The Big Bang Theory.” Kevin Sussman portrays comic book shop owner Stuart Bloom as he becomes an unexpected hero attempting to mend a crumbling multiverse. Luke Burbank converses with Sussman, co-star Lauren Lapkus, and creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady, and Zak Penn about bringing these beloved characters into new territory. The series premieres on July 23.
Finally, Rolling Stone contributor Barry Walters, author of the music history book “Mighty Revolution,” offers commentary on Sam Smith and the gentle transformation captured in the song “My Guy,” rounding out this week’s rich programming.