A guide to the election's top ballot initiatives
Voters in 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will weigh in on more than 100 ballot initiatives this election.
America's Right To Vote
Judge rejects attempt to block nearly 127,000 drive-thru votes in Texas
The lawsuit filed by four Texas Republicans asked a judge to order that votes cast at Harris County drive-thru sites be rejected.
U.S. braces for possible Election Day violence and unrest
Officials will be monitoring events across the country from a command center at FBI headquarters.
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Why can't I vote on my phone?
Millions of Americans use mobile phones to bank, read sensitive work documents, and share personal photos with family and friends. So why can't we use them to cast ballots?
How do I vote in my state in the 2020 election?
COVID-19 is changing the way we'll cast our ballots this year, with many searching for absentee options. Here's CBS News' look at voting across the U.S. — America decides: States and dates.
Noose displayed near Missouri voting booths draws complaints
The acting chair of the Missouri Democratic Party said the "symbol's purpose is to stoke the fires of racial prejudice and strike fear in the hearts of people of color."
Texas early voting surpasses total turnout from 2016 election
As of Friday, the last day of early voting in Texas, over 9 million people have already voted in the state.
The Deciders: Two young voters pushing for change in this election
Lauren Ethredge and Ramon Contreras convey a sense of hope: a young generation leading others to create the change they want to see.
"We remain on high alert": Acting DHS secretary on election security
With just a week left until Election Day, Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview to discuss what Americans can expect and prepare for during and after November 3.
Texas Supreme Court limits ballot drop off sites to one per county
The order would drastically limit the number of drop off sites in the state's largest counties.
Former felons in Florida cast their first ballots in early voting
"It was amazing. When I put that pen to the paper, I finally got a voice."
Dozens of ballots destroyed after fire set at Boston dropbox
Officials called the alleged arson "a disgrace to democracy, a disrespect to the voters fulfilling their civic duty, and a crime."
Pa. court: Ballots with mismatched signatures to be accepted
The Trump campaign previously asked a federal district court judge to deem signature mismatches unconstitutional.
"Seinfeld" cast reuniting to raise money for Texas Democrats
The cast of the "show about nothing" is reuniting for "A Fundraiser About Something" — to turn Texas blue.
Miami officer facing discipline for wearing Trump mask at voting site
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez called the officer's behavior "unacceptable," and said disciplinary measures will be taken.
Threatening emails sent to Florida voters linked to overseas servers
The emails warned Florida residents to "vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you."
Opposing candidates for Utah governor release joint ad
"We can disagree without hating each other," Republican candidate Spencer Cox said.
Poll worker fired for turning away voters with "Black Lives Matter" shirts
"That was pretty bad," a county election commission spokeswoman said. "They were not supposed to be turned away."
Ballot drop box fire prompts investigation for suspected arson
More than 200 ballots were in the damaged ballot box, the mayor of Baldwin Park said.
SCOTUS nixes motion against Pennsylvania mail ballot extension
The court split 4-4, with Chief Justice John Roberts taking liberals' side.
"Vote like Trump": Campaign embraces mail-in voting in ad blitz
Despite the president's crusade against absentee voting, his campaign posted a flurry of ads encouraging supporters to do just that
California: GOP can no longer deploy "unauthorized" drop boxes
But the state GOP said Padilla and Becerra "didn't know the facts and didn't bother to learn them before accusing us" of wrongdoing.
Giuliani's daughter endorses Biden to end Trump's "reign of terror"
"I may not be able to change my father's mind, but together, we can vote this toxic administration out of office," Giuliani said.
Hundreds of election-linked lawsuits add to mail-in voting uncertainty
More than 300 lawsuits have been filed in 46 states contesting election rules, leading to questions over how early votes will be counted.
A behind-the-scenes look at how mail-in ballots are processed
After co-election commissioners Giblin and Stavisky receive a person's ballot comes the most consequential moment in its journey — signature verification.
Politics
South Carolina to hold first 2028 Democratic presidential primary
South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary will take place on Jan. 22, 2028. Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will also hold early Democratic nominating contests.
Army temporarily grounds Apache helicopter training flights after deadly crash
The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed earlier this week in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas.
First on CBS
Inside "the Pool": Fugitive arrested in alleged cross-border car trade scheme
Along the Texas-Mexico border, prosecutors say a group of businessmen found a way to monopolize the trade of used cars — a scheme called "the Pool." This week, authorities say they caught one alleged member.
First on CBS
Justice Department expands military's power to detain migrants near border
The Justice Department issued a legal opinion giving the U.S. military broader powers to detain migrants near certain areas along the southern border.
Feds charge woman for allegedly vandalizing World War II Memorial in D.C.
The top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., said a woman has been arrested and faces two felony charges related to vandalism of the World War II Memorial.
Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in White House ballroom legal fight
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal battle over President Trump's White House ballroom.
USS Washington aircraft carrier heads to Middle East to replace USS Lincoln
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier departed Vietnam last week and is headed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to a U.S. official.
Live
Iran strikes another ship in Strait of Hormuz as Israel steps up Lebanon attacks
Israel is being condemned by Lebanese leaders for strikes in the south that killed at least 11 people, including children, according to the health ministry.
Kennedy Center board votes to restore Trump's name on building
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted to add President Trump's name to the facade of the performing arts center, more than two months after a judge ordered its removal, according to a Democrat who sits on the center's board.
Trump administration's antisemitism lawsuit against Harvard dismissed
The lawsuit was one of many steps against Harvard that the Trump administration has taken since President Trump's return to office, in addition to attempting to cancel billions of dollars in federal funds.
DOJ leaves in place ruling that deregulates silencers, shotguns
A Texas judge earlier this month issued a ruling that deregulated silencers, shotguns and certain rifles.
Robert Gilman was on "death's door" before Russia freed him, advocate says
Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, was imprisoned in Russia for over four years and now faces a long road to recovery, says a hostage crisis expert who advocated for Gilman's release.
Tehran says Strait of Hormuz "under Iran's control" after Trump threat
Tehran has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is "under Iran's control and management" after President Trump said the U.S. might "keep it."
Democratic senators demand answers about conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
Senate Democrats are demanding answers about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during the aircraft carrier's record-setting deployment.
Trump's secret plane switch took place within a day of credible missile threat
President Trump secretly moved from Air Force One to another plane within a day of U.S. and Turkish intelligence picking up on an Iranian plot to fire a missile at the jet, CBS News has learned.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of telling donors and banks it was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The DOJ unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
Rubio, Bessent took decoy Air Force One, Hegseth flew on secret flight with Trump
Secretaries Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent were on the decoy flight last month when President Trump secretly switched to a different plane while Pete Hegseth was with Mr. Trump.
U.S.
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American Kate Douglass sets 50-meter freestyle world record at Pan Pacific
Kate Douglass, 24, is a five-time Olympic medalist.
5 people injured in shooting at Virginia State University
Five people were injured in the shooting involving multiple suspects. One person is currently listed in critical condition, the university said.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
Air traffic controller saves day when 2 jets with same call number converge
An air traffic controller's quick thinking helped avert a dangerous situation when two jets, one landing in Phoenix and the other simultaneously taking off, shared the same flight number and radio frequency.
Why freshmen at one high school give their mothers a goodbye kiss on their first day
For the last 26 years at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the seniors surround the cars of the incoming freshmen and don't let them out until they do one specific thing: give their mothers a goodbye kiss.
MoneyWatch
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Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
FDA upgrades egg recall linked to salmonella to highest risk level
U.S. food regulators say 1.6 million cartons of recalled eggs can "cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
How to get a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by Supreme Court
The U.S. has refunded more than $100 billion in illegal tariffs to businesses, and some of that money is going to consumers — here's what to know.
Walmart tomato soup kits recalled over Listeria risk, FDA says
The 14oz soup kits were distributed at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, according to the FDA.
See how much renters pay for a 2-bedroom home in 50 U.S. cities
Nearly half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Here's what it costs to rent a two-bedroom home in 50 U.S. cities.
Politics
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South Carolina to hold first 2028 Democratic presidential primary
South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary will take place on Jan. 22, 2028. Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan and Virginia will also hold early Democratic nominating contests.
Army temporarily grounds Apache helicopter training flights after deadly crash
The U.S. Army said Friday it is temporarily halting Apache helicopter training flights after two soldiers were killed earlier this week in a crash near Fort Hood, Texas.
First on CBS
Inside "the Pool": Fugitive arrested in alleged cross-border car trade scheme
Along the Texas-Mexico border, prosecutors say a group of businessmen found a way to monopolize the trade of used cars — a scheme called "the Pool." This week, authorities say they caught one alleged member.
First on CBS
Justice Department expands military's power to detain migrants near border
The Justice Department issued a legal opinion giving the U.S. military broader powers to detain migrants near certain areas along the southern border.
Feds charge woman for allegedly vandalizing World War II Memorial in D.C.
The top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., said a woman has been arrested and faces two felony charges related to vandalism of the World War II Memorial.
HealthWatch
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Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
World
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Liechtenstein moves to change succession laws, paves way for women on throne
The change shouldn't affect the top of the line of Liechtenstein's royal house succession in the immediate future.
Father and young sons rescued after 16 hours stranded off Thai island
The father and his two sons had rented a jet ski from a local operator, but failed to return it at the agreed time.
Construction workers find $10 million gold stash in renovations
Police issued a warning telling "gold prospectors" to stay away from the construction site
2 powerful earthquakes hit Indonesia on same day, at least 47 dead
With magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.4, two earthquakes struck different parts of Indonesia on the same day.
Ex-Cambridge professor dies week after resigning amid plagiarism allegations
Jason Arday, who was Cambridge's youngest Black professor, died in London on Friday, the school said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
8/15: CBS Saturday Morning
Rain floods the Midwest as Lala looms over Hawaii. We look inside a spy satellite company. Plus, Putin's meeting with President Trump, a year later.
Elizabeth Cook sings "Girls of Atomic City"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Girls of Atomic City."
Elizabeth Cook takes us to "Sunset Promenade"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Sunset Promenade."
Elizabeth Cook sings "Razorwire Wall"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Razorwire Wall."
Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris on new film
Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels stars as President Ronald Reagan and Jared Harris portrays Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in "The Brink of War," a film that portrays the two leaders at the 1986 Reykjavik Summit. Daniels and Harris share their experiences playing these two historical figures amid a period of high political tension.
Technology
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Technology
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority
France's social media ban, which was due to take effect on Sept. 1, would have barred younger users from networks such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Using AI in your romantic relationships
AI is making its way into people's love lives - some say it has helped to improve their conversations while others have used it to end a relationship. Dr. Sue Varma discusses how to use AI properly, set boundaries and identify warning signs of becoming too emotionally dependent.
Science
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Science
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Crime
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Crime
Mozart statuettes snatched in classical caper
To celebrate Mozart's 270th birthday this year, German artist Ottmar Hörl made 320 statuettes of the composer and his dog, Pimperl, placing them around Salzburg, Austria. However, the statuettes have been pilfered.
Italian art heist foiled
Five accused thieves are under arrest after police say they took $10 million worth of art from a private museum in an Italian villa.
Why did Luigi Mangione plead guilty?
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, reading a statement aloud to the court. Anna Schecter reports.
5 people injured in shooting at Virginia State University
Five people were injured in the shooting involving multiple suspects. One person is currently listed in critical condition, the university said.
Luigi Mangione's Guilty Plea, Explained
A major development in the Luigi Mangione case: after previously pleading not guilty to federal stalking charges, Mangione changed his plea to guilty and also admitted to shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal analyst Caroline Polisi and CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman examine what changed, why the plea change matters, and what comes next in the state murder case.
Space
More Space
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
8/15: CBS Saturday Morning
Rain floods the Midwest as Lala looms over Hawaii. We look inside a spy satellite company. Plus, Putin's meeting with President Trump, a year later.
Elizabeth Cook sings "Girls of Atomic City"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Girls of Atomic City."
Elizabeth Cook takes us to "Sunset Promenade"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Sunset Promenade."
Elizabeth Cook sings "Razorwire Wall"
Country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook has returned over 400 times to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. She appears with David Letterman in "The Easy Kind," a new film inspired by her life and rise in the music industry. Her new record, "Great Television," is out now. Here's Elizabeth Cook with "Razorwire Wall."
Janet Fash explains "Lifeguard: A Love Story"
Janet Fash made history when she became the first woman to serve as New York City's chief lifeguard. She joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to share stories from her new memoir, "Lifeguard: A Love Story."