Wealth inequality in America just hit its widest gap in 3 decades
Nearly one-third of U.S. household wealth was held by the top 1% in the third quarter of 2025.
Income Inequality
California could impose a billionaire tax. Here's how it would work.
Proposed California ballot initiative would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires, with the revenue funneled toward health care and education.
Nearly a quarter of households live paycheck to paycheck, report finds
The percentage of Americans just scraping by financially is rising as wage growth slows and inflation flares, Bank of America finds.
You're living in a "K-shaped" economy. Here's how that affects you.
The shape of economic growth this year highlights the widening gap between wealthy Americans and everyone else, economists say.
Pediatrician who helped expose Flint's water crisis now fighting poverty
Dr. Mona Hanna created Rx kids, a program that gives cash to pregnant moms with no strings attached.
Outgoing Ford Foundation president on new book
The new book "The Idea of America" hopes to narrow growing divisions among Americans. Author Darren Walker, outgoing president of the Ford Foundation, joins "The Takeout" to discuss how there is more that unites us than divides us.
Financial burden rises for transportation
America's affordability crisis is getting worse. Average Americans are struggling to afford rent, groceries and transportation. Elise Preston reports on the economic struggle many face to even leave their home.
These are the faces of the affordability crisis in the U.S.
A teacher, a police officer and a senior job seeker share the stress and frustration of trying to stay afloat amid surging costs.
Reporter's Notebook: Tax plan gamble
A new tax proposal backed by President Trump would give the biggest benefits to the top earners, while cutting support for the poor. If the promised growth doesn't come, the most vulnerable will pay the price. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Police officer shares struggle to buy first home
Americans are sharing their struggles to make ends meet in CBS News' series, "The Cost of Living." A rookie cop in Connecticut talks about the challenges of buying his first home.
Teacher on $37,000 salary fights to stay afloat
In a recent CBS News poll, two out of three Americans said they're stressed about their own finances, while three out of four said their incomes are not keeping up with inflation. A single mom of three shows what it's like to make ends meet on a teacher's salary of $37,000.
Almost 98% of nation's wealth is owned by top half of Americans
Top households are grabbing a larger share of the nation's wealth, a trend experts say could accelerate due to tax cuts and tariffs, experts say.
Homelessness surged a record 18% in 2024
Homelessness in the U.S. jumped 18.1% this year, hitting a record level, with the dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing and devastating natural disasters, officials say. Lilia Luciano has the story.
The more wealth you have, the happier you get, research finds
Multimillionaires are much happier than the merely well off, suggesting life satisfaction continues to improve the wealthier you are.
Growing divide in Wyoming as billionaires send prices sky-high
Teton County's $108,000 median income is still not enough to afford the $7 million average cost for a home in Jackson Hole.
Here's how much income it takes to be considered rich in your state
The income needed to join your state's top earners can vary considerably, from a low of $329,620 annually in West Virginia to $719,253 in Washington D.C.
Here's how much money you need to be in the 1%
It takes substantially more money to be considered an ultra high net worth individual.
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.
Young Americans and the economy
38% of Gen Z and millennials say they are having a harder time growing financial wealth compared to their parents at the same age, according to a new survey from Bankrate. Sarah Foster, an analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss the findings.
Taraji P. Henson says "the math ain't mathing" on pay equity in entertainment
It's not the first time Henson has spoken out on this topic, revealing that she only made $150,000 for her Academy Award-nominated role in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
How much are houses in big cities?
There is a disconnect in most U.S. markets of how much money people are earning, and how much it would cost to buy a home. CBS MoneyWatch associate managing editor Aimee Picchi joins CBS News with data on how much houses cost in major cities around the country.
Richest 20% now richer than before COVID: Fed
Americans were able to save more money during the pandemic because they were spending less due to lockdown restrictions, but new data from the Federal Reserve shows that excess money has now run out for most people. Alex Tanzi, a senior editor for the U.S. economy team at Bloomberg, joined CBS News to discuss how the rich have gotten richer and everyone else has, at best, what they had before the coronavirus pandemic.
The economy's long, hot, and uncertain summer — CBS News poll
High prices and interest rates are still weighing on personal budgets.
Geography of American poverty: "Internal colonies" where life is short
The most disadvantaged communities around the U.S. are rural and suffer from a history of injustice, a new book finds.
Ivy colleges favor rich kids, but middle-class students face obstacles
Students from middle-income families are the least likely to gain admission to elite universities in the U.S., Harvard researchers say.
Live
Iran's supreme leader gives first statement as oil prices go up, markets down
Iran's relentless attacks on Gulf states and infrastructure appear to be overshadowing interventions by the U.S. and its allies aimed at easing energy prices.
Police respond to report of active shooter at Michigan synagogue
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says law enforcement is responding to an "active shooter situation" at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
Gunman opens fire at Old Dominion University, injuring 2; suspect killed
A shooter was killed after opening fire in a building on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the university said.
Senate voting again on funding DHS as tempers flare over impasse
The Senate is voting again on a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security as an impasse over how to reform immigration enforcement agencies has grown ugly, nearly a month into a partial shutdown.
Iran shares first statement attributed to its new supreme leader
Iranian state media say the country's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement, has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain shut.
Misty Copeland fires back at Timothée Chalamet ballet, opera comments
Ballerina Misty Copeland responded to controversial comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet when he appeared to dismiss the significance of ballet and opera, saying, "No one cares."
Iran won't surrender "in a million years," analyst says
The U.S. and Israel had a "flawed assumption" that the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would lead to the collapse of the regime, said an expert on the region.
Officer took ambulance sent for man dying from police shooting, report says
The report raised questions about what took place after the shooting, which left Dyshan Best bleeding with fatal injuries.
Trump weighs Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices, White House says
Easing the century-old shipping law could help lower fuel prices as the Iran war pushes crude oil near $100 a barrel, experts say.
U.S.
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Misty Copeland fires back at Timothée Chalamet ballet, opera comments
Ballerina Misty Copeland responded to controversial comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet when he appeared to dismiss the significance of ballet and opera, saying, "No one cares."
Trump weighs Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices, White House says
Easing the century-old shipping law could help lower fuel prices as the Iran war pushes crude oil near $100 a barrel, experts say.
Lawsuit alleges David Protein understates calories and fat of its bars
Plaintiffs claim that David Protein bars contain "way more" calories and fat than what's displayed on the label.
Senate passes sweeping bipartisan housing bill, but House roadblocks remain
The Senate approved a package of bills aimed at lowering housing costs, the most sweeping housing legislation in decades and a rare point of bipartisan consensus in an election year, with the issue of affordability top of mind for many voters.
Gunman opens fire at Old Dominion University, injuring 2; suspect killed
A shooter was killed after opening fire in a building on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the university said.
MoneyWatch
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Trump weighs Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices, White House says
Easing the century-old shipping law could help lower fuel prices as the Iran war pushes crude oil near $100 a barrel, experts say.
Lawsuit alleges David Protein understates calories and fat of its bars
Plaintiffs claim that David Protein bars contain "way more" calories and fat than what's displayed on the label.
Massive emergency oil release fails to stem investor fears
Attacks on shipping traffic and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf temporarily pushed oil back above $100 a barrel, stoking investor fears.
As pennies begin to disappear, states grappling with "rounding" problem
As pennies begin to disappear, states are grappling with a "rounding" problem for cash purchases that would have included them in the past.
Will Iran war-linked leap in gas prices boost EV sales?
Whether the Iran war-linked leap in the price of gas will give a shot in the arm to EV sales will depend on a variety of factors, experts say, so the answer isn't clear-cut.
Politics
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Senate passes sweeping bipartisan housing bill, but House roadblocks remain
The Senate approved a package of bills aimed at lowering housing costs, the most sweeping housing legislation in decades and a rare point of bipartisan consensus in an election year, with the issue of affordability top of mind for many voters.
Dad of 3 felt forced to quit TSA job amid shutdown: "Family has to come first"
More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the partial government shutdown began last month, according to agency statistics obtained by CBS News.
Clyburn, 85-year-old South Carolina Democrat, running for reelection
Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina announced Thursday he will seek an 18th term in Congress.
Exclusive
U.S. imposes sanctions over North Korean scheme to fund weapons program
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday sanctioned six individuals and two companies accused of aiding North Korea in running a global scheme using remote IT workers to fund their weapons program.
First week of Iran war cost U.S. over $11 billion, military told lawmakers
The first week of the U.S.'s war with Iran cost around $11.3 billion, military officials told members of Congress in a briefing this week, according to sources familiar with the meeting.
HealthWatch
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Disease once linked to mining hits workers in countertops industry
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone for kitchen countertops, can scar human lungs beyond repair.
"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over norovirus risks
Food containing norovirus may smell and taste normal but still cause serious illness if consumed, FDA warns.
More kids are in ERs for tooth pain. Budget cuts and fluoride fights aren't helping.
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.
World
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Iran shares first statement attributed to its new supreme leader
Iranian state media say the country's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement, has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain shut.
How do other countries view the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran?
CBS News journalists offer international perspectives from leaders and citizens in a number of countries as the Iran war nears the two-week mark.
Paralympian Oksana Masters "on top of the world" after winning 22nd medal
Oksana Masters said she was shocked to win her 22nd Paralympic Medal in Milan.
Giant underground pipe mysteriously rises over 30 feet in Japan
The pipe, with a diameter of 11.5 feet, towered as high as 42 feet at one point, according to the Osaka construction department.
Strike in Strait of Hormuz may be message to U.S., analyst says
The strike appears to have come without warning, and shows that Iran and its proxies can target ships even without mining the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
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Misty Copeland fires back at Timothée Chalamet ballet, opera comments
Ballerina Misty Copeland responded to controversial comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet when he appeared to dismiss the significance of ballet and opera, saying, "No one cares."
John Grisham on his first-ever spy novel
John Grisham, who has written 52 bestsellers, reveals the name of his new novel on "CBS Mornings" and talks about how writing about espionage compares to his legal thrillers.
Spoiler alert! Latest "Survivor elimination
The fourth contestant eliminated from "Survivor: In the Hands of the Fans" joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss being voted off and playing the game again.
Misty Copeland on Timothée Chalamet comments
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, said Timothée Chalamet "wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium." Her response comes after Chalamet's comments on ballet and opera sparked backlash.
Oscars 2026: Behind the scenes with the best supporting actor nominees
Watch scenes from the performances nominated for best supporting actor at the 98th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees.
Technology
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Technology
Memory chip shortage could raise tech prices
An explosion in artificial intelligence data centers and cloud computing is shrinking the supply of memory chips, which is having a major impact on the price consumers pay for everyday tech. CNET editor-in-chief David Katzmaier joins CBS News to discuss.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
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.
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Details on Pentagon removal of Claude
CBS News exclusively obtained a Pentagon memo from earlier this month that went out to several senior defense leaders and commanders. It ordered the removal of Anthropic's AI technology from key national systems. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
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Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
Old Dominion University confirms shooting
Two people were injured Thursday during a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, according to an alert. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Gunman opens fire at Old Dominion University, injuring 2; suspect killed
A shooter was killed after opening fire in a building on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the university said.
Cops on potential bomb near Mamdani's home
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro are being lauded for their actions during a tense encounter outside Gracie Mansion involving a potential explosive device. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
NYPD cop who chased down bomb suspect had just one thought: "Catch the bad guy"
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards hopped a metal barrier to chase down a suspect accused of throwing IEDs during clashing protests outside Gracie Mansion.
Officials downplay risk of attacks off West Coast
Officials are downplaying the risk of Iranian drone attacks against California after an FBI memo said the regime "allegedly aspired" to target the Golden State. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports. Then, former FBI Special Agent Jeff Harp joins with analysis.
Space
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Space
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
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
Sheriff gives update on Michigan temple shooting
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says authorities responded Thursday to an "active shooter situation" at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Tony Dokoupil anchors CBS News' special report.
Clyburn announces reelection campaign
85-year-old Democratic South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn has announced his reelection campaign. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
How to help teens cut down screen time
Parents concerned about long screen time among teens are turning to these tools to help them curb the habit. CBS News' Meg Oliver has more.
Reports of "active shooter" at Michigan temple
Police are responding to an "active shooter situation" at a synagogue in West Bloomfield, MIchigan. CBS News Detroit reports.
Service members suffer injuries in Kuwait
More details are emerging about the dozens of U.S. service members injured during an Iranian attack at a Kuwait tactical operations center. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports.