Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, Milwaukee Socialism and James Stewart Featured on Sunday Program
The weekly broadcast hosted by Jane Pauley explores a diverse lineup of cultural, historical, and scientific subjects, ranging from unverified aerial phenomena and political history to stage productions and cinematic biographies.
Luke Burbank reports on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), drawing insights from Matthew Szydagis, an associate professor in the Department of Physics at the State University of New York at Albany, the UAP Science Advisory Council, and Harvard astronomy professor Avi Loeb, alongside Americans for Safe Aerospace. In political coverage, Robert Costa examines campaign developments in Texas ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
Looking back at historical milestones, the program’s almanac segment revisits November 1. Correspondent Mo Rocca explores Milwaukee’s municipal history, examining the era of “sewer socialism” that began in 1910 when the city elected three socialist mayors who prioritized parks, public housing, and sanitation. The segment features commentary from historian John Gurda, author of “The Making of Milwaukee.”
On Broadway, vampire lore takes center stage as correspondent Tracy Smith speaks with actors L.J. Benet and Ali Louis Bourgzui alongside director Michael Arden regarding “The Lost Boys,” a musical production that adapts the blood-sucking theme for the stage at the Palace Theatre in New York City. Smith also discusses cinematic portrayals of vampires with film professor Rebekah McKendry, author of “Pretty Evil.”
In cinema and history, Lee Cowan profiles legendary actor James Stewart, examining how the Academy Award-winning performer left Hollywood to serve as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War, flying 20 successful missions and returning home permanently changed. The film “Jimmy,” opening in theaters November 6, explores Stewart’s fight to serve despite his celebrity and his emotional post-war return in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Cowan interviews actors K.J. Apa, who portrays Stewart, and Max Casella, who plays director Frank Capra, as well as Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart Hardcourt, and biographer Sam Wasson.
Turning to the arts, Jane Pauley introduces an exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts titled “Georgia O’Keeffe: Architecture,” which runs through January 3, 2027. The showcase steps away from the artist’s famous floral and desert depictions to examine her paintings of man-made buildings, capturing light, atmosphere, and texture in urban and rural structures.
In international features, correspondent Holly Williams visits 10 Downing Street in London to profile Larry, a 19-year-old tabby cat holding the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. The feline political fixture has outlasted five British prime ministers during his tenure.
The broadcast also pays tribute to notable figures who passed away during the week, including stage and screen actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who died on October 28 at age 86, and memorializes Linda Mason. Archival segments revisit Patrick Stewart’s past profiles discussing his return to Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: Picard” and his friendship with Ian McKellen, alongside a marathon of Halloween-themed reports exploring horror films, maritime mysteries, ghost towns, and cemetery tourism.
