Concerns over government pressure on universities took center stage on the "Sunday Morning" broadcast. Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers discussed what he described as a pressure campaign on higher education institutions.
Summers, a former Harvard president, told national correspondent Robert Costa that tactics targeting universities, including Harvard, amounted to "extortion." The segment explored the implications for research funding, the safety of foreign students, tax-exempt status, and academic freedom. larrysummers.com provides further information on Summers' activities.
Beyond the academic funding debate, the broadcast covered a range of topics, from arts and culture to global events and business trends.
An arts segment visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute exhibit, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." The exhibit examines the history of Black dandyism, inspired by fashion journalist André Leon Talley and featuring items from Fredrick Douglass to Pharrell Williams. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute hosts the exhibition.
The program featured the story of Enoteca Maria, a New York restaurant employing international grandmothers ("Nonnas") to cook traditional dishes from around the world. This unique culinary approach inspired a recent Netflix film starring Vince Vaughn. Enoteca Maria is located in Staten Island.
Broadway was highlighted with a report on "Oh, Mary!", a farce about Mary Todd Lincoln. Playwright and actor Cole Escola discussed the show and his path to two Tony nominations. The show is running at the Lyceum Theatre. Oh, Mary!, provides show information.
Following the recent death of Pope Francis, a segment explored the Vatican and the renewed interest in the film and book "Conclave." Author Robert Harris and actor Ralph Fiennes discussed the drama surrounding a papal election. Conclave is available for viewing.
The broadcast also marked the 100th birthday of Malcolm X. Correspondent Mark Whitaker, author of a new book, examined the ongoing influence and legacy of the civil rights leader. The book, "The Afterlife of Malcolm X: An Outcast Turned Icon's Enduring Impact on America," explores his impact on American identity and politics.
Other stories included a look at the Wegmans grocery chain's business model, the moving of a bookstore with community help in Michigan, and a segment on artist Henri Matisse's great-grandson, Alex Matisse, and his East Fork Pottery. Wegmans is known for its customer loyalty. East Fork Pottery operates out of Asheville, N.C.
