The Trump verdict and aftermath; Michael Crichton & James Patterson's "collaboration"; Cyndi Lauper; and Olympian Katie Ledecky

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June 2, 2024

Missed "Sunday Morning" this week? Catch up now!

Trump's guilty verdict: A stress test for democracy

Being found guilty of 34 felony counts would normally mark the end of someone's political prospects. But this week's conviction is not stopping Trump (who has built his career, and brand, on grievances) from running for another term in the White House.

Swimmer Katie Ledecky on Chinese doping scandal and the Paris Olympics

Responding to reports that Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned substance just months before the 2021 Tokyo Games, Ledecky says, "Our faith in some of the systems is at an all-time low."

How James Patterson completed Michael Crichton's "Eruption"

When the "Jurassic Park" writer died in 2008, he left behind an unfinished novel about a volcanic eruption that imperils all life on Earth. Enter bestselling author James Patterson, tasked with completing Crichton's thriller.

Cyndi Lauper: Showing her true colors

She was a pop music dynamo and MTV-favorite singer who later won a Tony Award for her songs for the stage musical "Kinky Boots." But she wanted more than to just have fun. Anthony Mason talks with the subject of a new documentary on Paramount+ called "Let the Canary Sing."

"Illinoise" and the origin of an unlikely Broadway musical

The new Broadway show "Illinoise" - a choreographed indie-rock musical with no dialogue, based on Sufjan Stevens' 2005 concept album - has received four Tony Award nominations, including best musical.

Reality, as Trump supporters see it

In a visit to a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pa., Ted Koppel talks with Trump supporters to find out what they believe would be the consequences of another Trump election loss. He also visits the battlefield at Gettysburg, where a "war on memory" continues to be waged.

The Supreme Court case that could impact the homeless coast-to-coast

In 2018 a federal appeals court decided that Boise, Idaho's camping ban – used to deter the homeless from sleeping on the streets – was "cruel and unusual punishment." Grants Pass, Oregon, has now challenged that argument before the Supreme Court.

Douglas Brinkley and the lesson of Trump's guilty verdict

The historian notes the felony conviction of a former American president by a jury of peers, proving all are equal under the law, would never have taken place in countries ruled by authoritarians.

Book excerpt: "Eruption" by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

Michael Crichton's thriller about a massive volcanic eruption in Hawaii was unfinished when the "Jurassic Park" author died in 2008; more than 15 years later, James Patterson, the bestselling writer behind the Alex Cross series, has completed Crichton's work.

Web extra: Olympian Katie Ledecky on the Chinese doping investigation

Ledecky, author of "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life," talks with Elaine Quijano about recent reports that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned substance just months before competing at the Tokyo Games in 2021, and how the news affected her and her teammates.

Almanac: June 2

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

Passage: In memoriam

"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including NBA Hall of Famer and sportscaster Bill Walton.

Extended Nature Video: Orangutans in Borneo

We leave you this Sunday with orangutans, hanging out on the island of Borneo in southeast Asia. Videographer: Justin Grubb.

Watch the full June 2 broadcast!

Hosted by Jane Pauley.

The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (June 2)

This month's fiction and non-fiction titles include an unfinished thriller by "Jurassic Park" author Michael Crichton, completed more than 15 years after Crichton's death by bestselling writer James Patterson.

Book excerpt: "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley

A delightful mix of historical fact and science fiction, this debut novel is the story of a secret British agency that plucks doomed people from the past.

Book excerpt: "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham

The British journalist and author of "Midnight in Chernobyl" returns with his exhaustively-researched new book about the 1986 space shuttle disaster.

Book excerpt: "This Strange Eventful History" by Claire Messud

The bestselling author of "The Emperor's Children" returns with a multi-generational story of family secrets spanning World War II to the 21st century.

"Here Comes the Sun": Michael Douglas, and Stumpy

Actor Michael Douglas sits down with Mo Rocca to discuss his series "Franklin," now streaming on Apple TV+. Then, Faith Salie visits Stumpy the cherry tree in Washington, D.C. before it was removed due to a repair project that will raise sea walls.