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.
Highlights from Trump's 2026 State of the Union speech
President Trump defended his first year back in office in his 2026 State of the Union address, touting his record on immigration, the economy, tariffs and more.
Fact checking Trump's 2026 State of the Union address and Democratic response
CBS News fact checked President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Democratic response.
Larry Summers resigning from Harvard over Epstein ties
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers will resign from his remaining roles at Harvard over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the university confirmed to CBS News.
Casey Means, Trump surgeon general nominee, grilled on vaccines
Casey Means is an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and an advocate for his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of "big lies"
Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.
New legislation in House would ban taxpayer money from going to Jan. 6 rioters
The bill would ban distribution of taxpayer money for any "January 6th compensation fund" and any further refund of damage payments made by convicted Capitol rioters.
What to know about Trump's new plan to help people save for retirement
About 50 million workers lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, a hurdle to setting aside money for old age.
Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline
The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, and it mixes pop, rap, metal, R&B and more.
U.S.
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Larry Summers resigning from Harvard over Epstein ties
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers will resign from his remaining roles at Harvard over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the university confirmed to CBS News.
Subscribing to digital apps has gotten a lot pricier, new data shows
Consumers today can easily spend more than $1,000 a year for streaming TV, music and other widely used apps, new analysis finds.
What to know about Trump's new plan to help people save for retirement
About 50 million workers lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, a hurdle to setting aside money for old age.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Man charged after shooting involving Border Patrol agent at Canada crossing
A New Hampshire resident has been charged after a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent at a Canada crossing, the DOJ says
MoneyWatch
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Subscribing to digital apps has gotten a lot pricier, new data shows
Consumers today can easily spend more than $1,000 a year for streaming TV, music and other widely used apps, new analysis finds.
Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff over Epstein ties
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has apologized to staff of his foundation over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
What to know about Trump's new plan to help people save for retirement
About 50 million workers lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, a hurdle to setting aside money for old age.
College majors with the highest earnings potential and lowest jobless rates
A college degree still provides an edge when it comes to finding a good job, but a person's major may be just as important to career stability, research suggests.
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums
Six in 10 employers want workers with AI skills, but few are offering higher base pay or bonuses for the know-how.
Politics
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Larry Summers resigning from Harvard over Epstein ties
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers will resign from his remaining roles at Harvard over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the university confirmed to CBS News.
Casey Means, Trump surgeon general nominee, grilled on vaccines
Casey Means is an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and an advocate for his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of "big lies"
Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.
New legislation in House would ban taxpayer money from going to Jan. 6 rioters
The bill would ban distribution of taxpayer money for any "January 6th compensation fund" and any further refund of damage payments made by convicted Capitol rioters.
Missed the 2026 State of the Union? See the transcript, full video
President Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Read the transcript and watch the full video.
HealthWatch
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Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
World
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Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
85-year-old kidnapped, murdered in apparent case of mistaken identity
Australian detectives arrested two men over the alleged kidnapping and murder of an elderly grandfather in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff over Epstein ties
Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has apologized to staff of his foundation over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of "big lies"
Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali "suitcase murder" is freed
Tommy Schaefer was sentenced for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury vacation.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Deon Cole on NAACP Image Awards
Actor and comedian Deon Cole is back to host the NAACP Image Awards. Cole joins CBS News with more on what to expect.
First look at "Survivor 50"
"Survivor" returns Wednesday for its 50th season, featuring fan-favorite contestants over the past 25 years. "CBS Mornings" has a preview of the historic season.
Martin Short grieves death of his daughter
Actor and comedian Martin Short has postponed upcoming dates of his comedy tour with longtime friend Steve Martin as he grieves the sudden death of his 42-year-old daughter, Katherine. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees revealed
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced 17 nominees for its class of 2026, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and Luther Vandross. The new members will be revealed in April.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Technology
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Subscribing to digital apps has gotten a lot pricier, new data shows
Consumers today can easily spend more than $1,000 a year for streaming TV, music and other widely used apps, new analysis finds.
Hegseth gives AI access demand to Anthropic
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei he had until the end of this week to give the military a signed document that would grant full access to its artificial intelligence model, a sources said. The demand came during a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday. Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
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.
Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline
The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.
AI-driven attacks are increasing, report says
CrowdStrike is reporting an increase in AI-driven attacks around the world. Adam Meyers, the head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike, joins CBS News with more details.
Science
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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.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Crime
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Crime
Reports of missing Epstein files
Reports are emerging about documents potentially missing from the Epstein files released by the Justice Department that may be linked to President Trump. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
85-year-old kidnapped, murdered in apparent case of mistaken identity
Australian detectives arrested two men over the alleged kidnapping and murder of an elderly grandfather in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
Man charged after shooting involving Border Patrol agent at Canada crossing
A New Hampshire resident has been charged after a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent at a Canada crossing, the DOJ says
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali "suitcase murder" is freed
Tommy Schaefer was sentenced for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury vacation.
4 people fatally stabbed outside home near Seattle, suspect shot dead by deputy
A man fatally stabbed four people before being shot dead by a sheriff's deputy outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, authorities said.
Space
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Mike Fincke reveals he was the astronaut who had medical issue on the ISS
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke said he was the crew member whose medical issue required a group of space station fliers to return to Earth earlier than planned last month.
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.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
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
Trump State of the Union most viral moments
Several moments from President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday are going viral. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Deon Cole on NAACP Image Awards
Actor and comedian Deon Cole is back to host the NAACP Image Awards. Cole joins CBS News with more on what to expect.
Sanders grills Trump's surgeon general pick
Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders questioned Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, on whether she believed vaccines caused autism. Sanders said studies showed no link between vaccines and autism, contradicting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s views. Means said "anti-vaccine rhetoric has never been a part of my message."
Reports of missing Epstein files
Reports are emerging about documents potentially missing from the Epstein files released by the Justice Department that may be linked to President Trump. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Trump demands on Iran's nuclear weapons
President Trump doubled down on his demands for Iran on its nuclear program during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports.