Sequester threatens exhibits at National Zoo
Very little in Washington is safe from the potential budget cuts, including the animals
The Sequester
Economic impact of sequester cuts
Editor-at-large for CBS MoneyWatch on impact of blunt budget cuts on economic recovery, stock market
Job loss warnings ahead of sequester
FAA, defense department warn of furlough, loss of tens of thousands of jobs
What will happen if the sequester takes place?
If the government doesn't reach an agreement on looming massive spending cuts, how will that affect the country?
The sequester: A Q&A
What you need to know about the across-the-board federal spending cuts set to take effect March 1
Sequester cuts could hurt food inspections
USDA estimates across-the-board cuts would force them to furlough all food inspectors
Sequester cuts threaten Sandy relief
The mayor of Seaside Heights is overseeing a recovery that is challenging even by the standards of superstorm Sandy
Sequestration poses threat to government agency budgets
The FBI says the sequester would require all employees, including special agents, to be furloughed for up to 14 days
Sequester cuts would be a "catastrophe" for DOD civilians
DOD civilians, manage the flow of supplies to troops in Afghanistan, overhaul army tanks, and provide medical care wounded warriors
Why don't Americans trust government?
CBS News Elections Director Anthony Salvanto digs through the polls to explain American's skepticism about government
Poll: Obama's approval stands at 52%
In a new CBS News poll, 40% of Americans think the country is headed in the right direction, a 10-point increase since last summer
Poll: On deficit, immigration, guns, public in sync with Obama
As Obama readies his State of the Union address, a new CBS News poll shows he receives public support for many of his policies
Poll: 71% support ending Saturday postal delivery
The percentage of Americans who almost never use the post office has doubled since June, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: 45% approve of Obama's handling of the economy
As the president readies his economic-focused State of the Union speech, more disapprove of how he's dealing with the economy
Poll: Most support women in combat
Americans overwhelmingly support a new Pentagon policy change regarding women in combat, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: Most have a good image of New Orleans
As the city prepares to host another Super Bowl, a majority are optimistic about New Orleans' future
Poll: Most support letting working illegal immigrants stay
51 percent back allowing them to stay and apply for citizenship
Poll: Americans optimistic about Obama's next four years
In spite of the daunting fiscal challenges ahead, a new CBS/New York Times poll shows most Americans feel good about Obama's second term
Poll: Americans want compromise over debt ceiling
CBS/New York Times poll: Americans overwhelmingly want the debt ceiling raised, and most want it done with spending cuts
Obama enters second term with 51 percent approval
Forty-one percent disapprove of the job the president is doing in new CBS News/New York Times poll
Poll: Majority of Americans back stricter gun laws
A new CBS News/New York Times poll found that Americans back the central components of President Obama's new gun proposals
Michelle Obama: It's her birthday, and she's still popular
On the first lady's birthday, a new CBS News/NYT poll shows half of Americans still have positive views of her
9 in 10 back universal gun background checks
CBS News/NY Times survey finds wide support for Obama proposal; 3 in 4 back say armed guards in public places would help
Poll: Nearly half support legalization of marijuana
The shift in public opinion was reflected on Election Day in Colorado and Washington state
Most predict "major problems" if "cliff" isn't averted
CBS News poll: More than half of Americans say there will be "major" economic problems if Washington fails to reach a deal
Politics
Live
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Ghislaine Maxwell asks court to toss out her conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell asked a federal judge on Wednesday to vacate her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges, just two days before the federal government is expected to release a massive trove of documents on Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge blocks ICE from requiring lawmakers to provide notice before jail visits
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that sought to require members of Congress to submit requests a week before visiting ICE detention facilities.
U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Poll: Americans say holidays are costing them more, some are scaling back
Negative views of the nation's economy persist as 2025 draws to a close.
Dan Bongino leaving post as FBI deputy director next month
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will be leaving his role in January, he announced in a social media post on Wednesday.
Exclusive
Over a dozen Navy SEALs disciplined for racist memes earlier this year
Military investigators found more than a dozen Navy SEALs had been in a group chat containing racist memes targeting a Black SEAL.
Trump installs partisan plaques for past presidents at White House
President Trump added plaques with disparaging comments about Biden and Obama on a "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House.
Trump expected to sign order reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III drug
President Trump is expected to sign an order that would reschedule marijuana to a lower drug classification, according to two sources, in one of the most significant changes to drug policy in decades.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Democrats' push to limit boat strikes and attacks on Venezuela fails in House
The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
Senate passes NDAA, sending $900 billion defense policy bill to Trump
The Senate approved a $900 billion defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act, sending it to the president's desk for his signature.
Trump participates in dignified transfer honoring U.S. soldiers killed in Syria
Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in Syria on Saturday — Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard.
Jack Smith defends Trump prosecutions in closed-door House testimony
Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecutions of President Trump in a closed-door deposition with lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
Bessent unveils new Trump Accounts website — and a new IRS form
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said Ray Dalio, the founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, will donate to the Trump accounts initiative.
DOJ investigating more than a dozen cases of sexual harassment by landlords
The Justice Department is suing more than a dozen landlords on allegations of sexual harassment, a problem one top department official called "traumatic for the victims" and "inappropriate and illegal."
Exclusive
Trump administration sanctions Mexican cartel and its leader for oil theft
The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a violent Mexican fuel-theft cartel and its imprisoned leader, amid the Trump administration's crackdown on cartels backing operations through stolen oil and gas.
House passes GOP health care bill without ACA subsidy extension
The House has passed a GOP health care bill that does not include an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
U.S. labels Colombian cartel a terror group, opening door to military action
The U.S. State Department said Clan del Golfo is a "violent and powerful criminal organization" that uses cocaine trafficking to fund violent activities.
U.S.
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U.S. government admits fault in deadly midair collision that killed 67 near D.C.
The Justice Department said in court filings that an Army Black Hawk helicopter and air traffic controller may be at fault for the deadly crash.
Live
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
Meg Ryan honors Rob Reiner and his wife Michele
Meg Ryan starred in Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally...," a breakout role that catapulted her career in romantic comedies.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
Poll: Americans say holidays are costing them more, some are scaling back
Negative views of the nation's economy persist as 2025 draws to a close.
Recalled ice cream sold nationwide could contain "small stones," FDA says
The recall affects So Delicious Dairy Free's Salted Caramel Cluster ice cream with best by dates of Aug. 8, 2027.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
How will the stock market perform in 2026? Wall Street pros weigh in.
Wall Street analysts expect another strong year in stocks in 2026, propelled by continued AI sector gains and additional Fed interest-rate cuts.
Politics
More Politics
Live
Trump claims he's brought down prices, touts military bonuses in year-end address
President Trump's speech Wednesday night looked back on his first year and ahead to the next three. He touted new military bonuses, his tariffs and economic policies in a brief address.
Ghislaine Maxwell asks court to toss out her conviction
Ghislaine Maxwell asked a federal judge on Wednesday to vacate her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges, just two days before the federal government is expected to release a massive trove of documents on Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge blocks ICE from requiring lawmakers to provide notice before jail visits
A federal judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy that sought to require members of Congress to submit requests a week before visiting ICE detention facilities.
U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Poll: Americans say holidays are costing them more, some are scaling back
Negative views of the nation's economy persist as 2025 draws to a close.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
World
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U.S. government lawsuit accuses Virgin Islands of obstructing Americans' gun rights
A Second Amendment clash has erupted between the federal government and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Democrats' push to limit boat strikes and attacks on Venezuela fails in House
The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
U.K. police tout "more assertive" approach to antisemitism at protests
After Bondi Beach attack, Britain's two biggest police forces indicate they will arrest people who use "phrases causing fear in Jewish communities."
Arctic temperatures rising twice as fast as elsewhere, NOAA report says
Temperatures in the Arctic continue to follow a long-term warming trend, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Funerals begin for Bondi Beach attack victims: "It's our 7th of October"
The suspect in the Bondi Beach terror attack is charged in a hospital after waking from a coma, as Sydney's Jewish community mourns "our 7th of October."
Entertainment
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Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Meg Ryan honors Rob Reiner and his wife Michele
Meg Ryan starred in Rob Reiner's "When Harry Met Sally...," a breakout role that catapulted her career in romantic comedies.
CBS News special celebrates Rob Reiner's life and legacy
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
Rob and Michele Reiner's children speak out after brother's arrest
Jake and Romy Reiner released a statement on Wednesday, remembering their parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, as their best friends.
The Oscars is moving to YouTube starting in 2029
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
Technology
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Technology
How artificial intelligence grew in 2025
In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence into the U.S. economy and people's everyday lives grew to historic levels. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent joins to recap how the transformative technology expanded over the past year, and what we can expect in 2026.
OpenAI, Amazon in talks over $10B investment
OpenAI, the developer for ChatGPT, and Amazon are in talks over a possible $10 billion investment. Mark DeCambre, editor-in-chief for MarketWatch, joins with more.
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.
Local pushback grows against AI data centers
A frenzy of development to support the artificial intelligence boom is prompting pushback from communities who say they don't want data centers in their backyards. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
These are the most popular internet services of 2025, as AI gains traction
Global internet traffic rose 19% this year as people rely more on tech for daily communication and entertainment, a new report finds.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Crime
Police call for public help in Brown probe
The manhunt for the gunman who killed two students and wounded nine others at Brown University last weekend is now in its fifth day. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest from Providence, Rhode Island.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Nick Reiner makes first court appearance
Nick Reiner made his first court appearance on Wednesday since being arrested for the killings of his parents, Rob and Michele. CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Police ask public for footage in Brown manhunt
Investigators remain stymied in the hunt for the Brown University gunman. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Officials give update on Brown shooting manhunt
Officials gave an update Wednesday on the investigation into the Brown University shooting. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman and Anna Schecter have the latest.
Space
More Space
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Made with love
Visit a Uyghur restaurant in Southern California, where culture is shared and the food is made with love. Plus, a man who wanted to save his friends life by donating a kidney ends up saving his own life.
Takeaways from Trump's year-end address
President Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Wednesday night in a speech looking back on the first 11 months of his second term. Political strategists Joel Payne and Kevin Sheridan join with analysis. Then, CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes joins to unpack Mr. Trump's remarks further.
Trump delivers year-end address to nation
President Trump delivered a prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday night, touting the administration's actions during the first 11 months of his second term and outlining his goals for the next three years. CBS News' Norah O'Donnell anchors a special report.
Measles entrenching in U.S., doctor says
A measles outbreak in South Carolina is worsening with 138 cases reported in the state. CBS News' Skyler Henry and Dr. Céline Gounder have more.
Iowans mourn National Guardsmen killed in Syria
President Trump participated in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday, honoring two members of the Iowa National Guard and an interpreter who were killed in Syria last weekend. CBS News correspondent Lana Zak has more from Iowa City.