Replacing a derelict pier on the Hudson River, Little Island is a new public space and performance venue constructed on top of concrete pilings shaped like tulips. Correspondent Martha Teichner talks with billionaire Barry Diller and his wife, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, about their $260 million present to New York City. Source

Amusement park rides and sideshows, hot dogs, and mermaid parades: Coney Island, a tiny stretch of beachfront in Brooklyn, has left an indelible mark on the world’s popular imagination for nearly 150 years. Correspondent David Pogue rides a rollercoaster of history in exploring the allure of the New York seaside resort. Source

While the art world was celebrating abstract expressionism and other avant-garde movements, American artist Alice Neel (1900-1984) captured humanity in her radical figurative paintings that revealed the complexity and dignity of her often-overlooked subjects. Correspondent Faith Salie visits an exhibit of Neel’s work, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, that spotlights the artist’s humanism. Source

When inventor Lonnie Johnson took a simple squirt gun and ramped it WAY up, he had no idea what a hit it would be. Since the early 1990s, the Super Soaker has soaked up more than $1 billion in toy sales. But Johnson hasn’t stopped there. Correspondent Mo Rocca reports on how Johnson, a former engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, continues to make a big splash. Originally broadcast on May 21, 2017. Source

The only national park devoted to the performing arts, Wolf Trap in northern Virginia is once again showcasing great performances surrounded by the great outdoors, just in time for its 50th anniversary season. Source

Hosted by Jane Pauley. In our cover story, Lee Cowan tells an extraordinary tale of survival by a man who experienced locked-in syndrome. Plus: Tracy Smith talks with Geena Davis about her advocacy to increase opportunities for women in media; Conor Knighton visits Wolf Trap, the only national park devoted to the performing arts; Faith Salie explores the work of artist Alice Neel; Martha Teichner steps onto Little Island in the Hudson River, New York City’s newest island; David Pogue checks out Brooklyn’s fabled Coney Island; Dr. Jon LaPook, who lacks navigation skills, finds out how people can hone a sense of direction; and Mo Rocca meets the inventor of the Super Soaker. Source

Rushed to a Massachusetts emergency room four years ago, 28-year-old Jacob Haendel exhibited signs of stroke. Doctors thought Haendel was in a vegetative state and would soon die, but the one-time chef was very much awake and conscious, suffering from locked-in syndrome – a purgatory between life and death. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with Haendel about his extraordinarily rare medical trauma, and about his remarkable recovery. Source

But reigning Olympic champion Simone Biles topped the all-around and teammate Sunisa Lee came in second. Source

The opening ceremony is taking place Friday morning, marking the official start of the Games. Source

The swimming team won six medals in their first day of competition. Source