This week on "Sunday Morning" (Aug. 23)

This week on "Sunday Morning," which aired on August 23, 2026, the program featured a range of topics spanning public health, art, design, literature, and remembrance. Hosted by guest host Steve Hartman, the show opened with a focus on a growing environmental and medical concern: the surge in tick populations and the associated rise in Alpha-gal syndrome. Emergency room visits related to tick bites had risen sharply this year, coinciding with an increase in cases of Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition triggered by a single bite from a Lone Star tick. Those affected develop a severe and potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat. The segment included interviews with experts such as Thomas Mather, director of the Center for Vector-Borne Disease at the University of Rhode Island, and Sam Telford III, director of the Tufts New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory. Residents of Martha’s Vineyard were highlighted as they work to combat the issue through education and prevention efforts. Local resources, including the TickEncounter Resource Center and the Tick Center at Martha’s Vineyard Medical, were also discussed. The episode also looked back at historical moments, revisiting the iconic 1958 photo "Harlem 1958" by Art Kane. Taken on a Harlem street corner, the image captured a gathering of jazz legends, including names like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. The segment featured conversations with Jonathan Kane, the photographer’s son, and bassist Ron Carter, who had performed alongside many of the artists in the photograph. The discussion touched on the cultural significance of the image and its lasting impact on music and visual arts. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library was cited as a resource for further exploration of the subject. In another segment, the show explored the creative world of artist Ricky Boscarino, whose home in Sandyston, New Jersey, has become a unique destination known as Luna Parc. Over three decades, Boscarino transformed his property into a vibrant space filled with sculptures, ceramics, and mosaics. The segment offered a glimpse into his artistic vision and the whimsical atmosphere of his outdoor “electric garden.” Visitors to Luna Parc can experience the blend of personal expression and community engagement that defines the space. The program also featured a conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and author of the best-selling books Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry. Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, spoke with correspondent Martha Teichner about her philosophy of coexistence with nature, emphasizing the value of integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern science. Her insights on planting trees, sustainability, and reciprocity with the environment resonated throughout the discussion. The episode concluded with a tribute to notable figures who passed away during the previous week. Among them was Giuseppe Verdi, the renowned Italian composer whose works continue to influence classical music globally. The segment briefly touched upon his contributions to opera and his enduring legacy in the world of music. As the show wrapped up, viewers were encouraged to explore additional resources, including the official website of Art Kane’s archive, the Luna Parc tour schedule, and links to Kimmerer’s publications. The diverse programming reflected the breadth of interests covered by "Sunday Morning," offering both informative content and cultural reflection.