What can revive the American starter home?
Only one-third of American families can afford a starter home in just 10 of the 100 largest cities in the U.S., CBS News found.
Homeowners
What can revive the American starter home?
Americans are increasingly unable to afford starter homes in many cities across the U.S. Among the problems, there's a shortage of about 5 million homes for sale or rent, and that's driving up prices. Mark Strassmann reports on the crisis and what's being done to try to fix it.
The Climate Election: Home insurance costs
The cost of insuring your home is going up, and some homes are "essentially uninsurable" due to rising climate change risks. In Nebraska, the most expensive state for premiums, the cost is nearly $3,400 above the national average to insure a home. And it's all happening as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, jeopardizing people's homes and their ability to financially recover afterward.
A quarter of U.S. homeowners unprepared for costs of extreme weather
As climate change whips up wilder weather, more Americans must deal with "hazards they have not faced in the past," expert says.
Realtor group agrees to cut commissions. Here's the financial impact.
The landmark deal, which goes into effect Saturday, could cause real estate fees to drop by as much as 30%, experts say.
New rules for buying a home
Americans will soon be able to negotiate how much they want to pay realtors in commission as part of a National Association of Realtors settlement with a nationwide group of homeowners. Medora Lee, a money and personal finance reporter with USA Today, joins CBS News with more details.
How zombie mortgages haunt homeowners
Zombie debt refers to long-forgotten or old debts that resurface, often with accumulated interest and fees, threatening the financial stability of unsuspecting homeowners and sometimes leading to foreclosures. CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-har Quraishi reports.
California mom had no idea she owed thousands
Teresa modified her home mortgage back in 2009 during the financial crisis, and thought she was making payments on her second mortgage every month. She's discovered she's overdue on thousands of payments for this "zombie debt," and fears losing her home.
Man says zombie mortgage led to foreclosure
Jose Arzate of Santa Maria, California, says he was taken by surprise when sheriff's deputies evicted him. He says he never knew he owed tens of thousands of dollars in "zombie mortgage" debt.
Veteran could lose home due to zombie mortgage
Laverne Simmons of Inglewood, California, says she never got bills for a decade-old debt. Now this "zombie mortgage" could cost her the home she loves.
How to protect your home from a hurricane
With meteorologists predicting an above normal hurricane season, here's what residential construction experts say you can do to harden your home.
Amid flooding, many in Minnesota lack flood insurance
Heavy flooding has inundated several parts of Minnesota over the past two weeks. However, a vast majority of Minnesotans lack flood insurance, leaving some with extensive property loss and an uncertain future. Tom Hanson reports.
Minnesota homeowners react to historic flooding
Some Minnesota homeowners have lost everything in this week's severe flooding and more rain remains in the forecast. Tom Hanson has more.
How property owners and lawmakers are turning the tables on squatters
New anti-squatting laws in several states are giving more power back to homeowners, but the issue persists.
Owners enlist "Squatter Hunter"' to get back homes
"Squatters' rights" laws often protect those who are illegally occupying a property. Carter Evans shows who some property owners are turning to when the law is no help.
Some homeowners left in limbo waiting on anti-squatting laws
Squatters' rights go back to the British legal system, but good intentions have led to some modern-day nightmares.
How property owners are dealing with squatters
Squatters' rights were designed to make sure vacant property didn't go to waste, but many property owners say the laws are hurting them and preventing them from clearing out their own land. Carter Evans takes a look at what's being done about the issue.
Many burdened by spiking home insurance rates
As U.S. home prices remain stubbornly high and many parts of the nation are seeing more extreme weather, homeowner insurance premiums have spiked in response. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Here's how much you have to make to afford a starter home in the U.S.
The annual income needed to afford even a basic home in the U.S. has risen sharply since the pandemic, a new report shows.
State Farm won't renew homeowners coverage for 72,000 California dwellings
State Farm says it will discontinue coverage for 72,000 houses and apartments in California starting this summer, nine months after announcing it wouldn't issue new home policies there.
Changes to real estate agent commissions
The National Association of Realtors' agreement to resolve all claims against the group by home sellers related to broker commission may lead to homeowners paying a lot less to sell their homes. Tomasz Piskorski, a professor at Columbia Business School, joins CBS News with more.
New data on minority homeownership
Homeownership among minority groups in the U.S. rose in 2022, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors, but headwinds remain for all people trying to buy a home. Jessica Lautz, vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, joined CBS News to discuss the report and the hurdles stopping people from buying a home.
Mortgage rates expected to fall slightly
Mortgage rates are expected to fall slightly this year, according to real estate experts looking at the data. Jessica Lautz, the deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of REALTORS, joins CBS News to discuss if homeowners should refinance their mortgages.
Rents fall nationwide for third straight month as demand cools
Rent across the U.S. is dipping as vacancies rise and property managers struggle to fill homes, new data shows.
Single women in the U.S. own more homes than single men
American women have pulled ahead of men when it comes to building wealth through homeownership, according to LendingTree.
Analytics firm connects bets made on war with signs of insider trading
More than $1 billion has been bet online on military decisions and outcomes this year on Polymarket. Some wagers have been suspiciously timed, with information seemingly coming from insiders.
Live
Trump says "Clock is Ticking" for Iran as shaky ceasefire continues
President Trump said "there won't be anything left of them" if Iranian leaders do not "get moving, FAST."
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Video shows rescuers treating mountain climber who fell 50 feet
Rescuers airlifted an injured hiker who fell about 50 feet from the summit of Washington state's Mount Si on Saturday.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
Letlow, Fleming advance to runoff in Louisiana GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects
Incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who had occasionally broken with the Trump administration, lost his bid for a third term.
Fighter jets crash in midair during air show at Idaho Air Force base
The Mountain Home Air Force Base said in a social media post that it was locked down following an incident during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
U.S.
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At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Aaron Rai wins PGA Championship for his first major title
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Fighter jets crash in midair during air show at Idaho Air Force base
The Mountain Home Air Force Base said in a social media post that it was locked down following an incident during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
Video shows rescuers treating mountain climber who fell 50 feet
Rescuers airlifted an injured hiker who fell about 50 feet from the summit of Washington state's Mount Si on Saturday.
MoneyWatch
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Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, filling a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive.
CBS News poll finds many voice frustration with Trump's economic approach
Gas prices, inflation weigh on Americans. Many see lack of clarity on what's happening in Iran.
Ice cream sold in 17 states recalled for potential metal fragments
No injuries have been reported because of the issue, the Food and Drug Administration said.
Trump talks up trade deals with China, but experts see no big wins for U.S.
President Trump's trip to China could bolster economic relations, but failed to deliver a breakthrough deal, some trade and energy experts said.
Which college majors offer the best long-term return on investment?
College grads outearn people without a degree within 15 years, even after paying for tuition, study finds.
Politics
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Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's Representative to the U.S., join Margaret Brennan.
Senate GOP revising White House ballroom security funds plan
The Senate's rulemaker delivered a blow to GOP plans to fund security for President Trump's overhaul of the East Wing of the White House.
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
WHO: Ebola outbreak a global health emergency
Outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus in two African countries have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Version of hantavirus behind deadly outbreak matches known strain, France says
Genomic analysis showed the virus found aboard the MV Hondius shows no evidence of new characteristics so far.
Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
A hospital worker felt healthy. Then he had 3 heart attacks in 4 days.
Tommy Bell thought he was in good shape. But a series of heart attacks painted a more complicated picture.
World
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At least 6 Americans in Congo were exposed to Ebola virus, sources say
The World Health Organization this week declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern."
Transcript: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican of Pennsylvania, and Tom Suozzi, Democrat of New York, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Taiwan representative to U.S.: "We're not the ones creating all this trouble"
Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui said on Sunday that "we want peace and stability" as Taiwan became among the most closely-watched issues in last week's summit.
Transcript: Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 17, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Ambassador Alexander Yui, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on May 17, 2026.
Irish researchers find oldest English poem in medieval book in Rome
Researchers in Dublin discovered the oldest surviving English poem in a Roman library.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland's Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy
"Call Her Daddy" host Alex Cooper said on Instagram that she and husband Matt Kaplan are expecting their first child.
Director Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought the father-son relationship of Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen.
Extended interview: Jon Favreau
In this web exclusive, Jon Favreau, the creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," and director of the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu," talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the myth of "Star Wars," the influences on the story (including Japanese samurai films), and expanding the universe for a new audience. He also talks about working with Robert Downey Jr. on his film "Iron Man," and about cooking, the subject of his 2014 movie, "Chef."
Jon Favreau on "The Mandalorian and Grogu"
Director Jon Favreau, creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," has now brought Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and his charge "Baby Yoda" to the big screen. He talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about the handmade feel of the "Star Wars" universe, and how father-son relationships have always been at the heart of the stories set in a galaxy far, far away. He also discusses bringing his improv roots to directing Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."
Technology
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Technology
An adobe renaissance
For thousands of years, civilizations around the world have built houses out of earth – whether it be mud brick, wattle and dab or rammed earth. But adobe (the practice of making mudbricks) has now become today's "it" building material, from museums around the world designed using adobe, to do-it-yourselfers constructing homes from the very dirt beneath their feet. Correspondent Conor Knighton looks at the history of adobe, and how ancient adobe materials are being merged with 3-D printing techniques.
Atlanta residents report Waymo traffic jams
Atlanta residents say they're waking up to traffic jams of self-driving Waymo vehicles confused by neighborhood signage.
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.
Waymos get in Atlanta traffic jam
Atlanta residents woke up to Waymo traffic jams on Friday. The driverless cars took over a quiet cul-de-sac. Skyler Henry has more details.
Oklahoma becomes latest state to sue Roblox over child safety concerns
Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, making it the latest state to take legal action against the popular gaming platform over child safety concerns.
Science
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New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Crime
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One man with two identities behind crimes from Monaco to New Mexico
In New Mexico, a man is charged with forgery & larceny – and convicted of putting out a hit on his estranged wife. Twenty-six years earlier, a fire in Monaco kills a billionaire and his private nurse. At the center of that mystery was the very same man — with a different name.
A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered
"Survivor" 48 and 50 contestant Joe Hunter believes his sister Joanna, whose death was ruled a suicide, was murdered. He and their mother are working to be Joanna's voice and advocate for others who have experienced domestic violence.
Details on charges against Mohammad Al-Saadi
Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national, is facing federal charges for his alleged terror plots targeting Jewish institutions around the U.S.
Terror plot foiled, suspect under arrest
A terror plot targeting Jewish institutions in New York, California and Arizona has been foiled, and a man linked to the alleged scheme is under arrest on Friday. Prosecutors say the Iraqi suspect is tied to other global attacks and claim he wanted payback for the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran. Tom Hanson reports.
Iraqi man charged with terror plot: officials
An Iraqi national was arrested and charged with planning to carry out several terror attacks in the U.S., including at a New York City synagogue and other prominent Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Space
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SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
5/17: CBS Weekend News
Fighter jets collide in midair at Idaho air show; Trump's approval ratings on the economy continue to fall in latest CBS News poll.
School using AI to reimagine learning
Alpha, a new school in San Francisco, isn't just embracing AI, it's letting it take the lead. Itay Hod has more.
WHO: Ebola outbreak a global health emergency
Outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus in two African countries have prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Imtiaz Tyab reports.
Swatch pocket watch causes shopping frenzy
A special edition Swatch pocket watch triggered crowds reminiscent of past Black Fridays. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
What a Raúl Castro indictment could mean for Cuba
The United States is ramping up pressure on Cuba with a potential indictment of former President Raúl Castro. Cristian Benavides has more.