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.
Exclusive
Cassidy says he passed a note to Witkoff during heated Trump meeting
Sen. Bill Cassidy said that after his exchange with the president, he passed a note to Steve Witkoff, saying he would consider changing his war powers vote.
Live
Iran strikes vessel in Strait of Hormuz amid debate over "transit fees"
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a cargo ship near Oman on Thursday, further complicating the Iran-U.S. negotiations.
Reflecting Pool liner was cut with knife or razor, parks official says
National Park Service official Frank Lands also said at least 70 fence post tops were thrown in to the Reflecting Pool.
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
Trump's obsession with SAVE America Act drives Congress into standoff
The president and his conservative allies have stymied other legislation as they unsuccessfully try to pass a voting regulations bill that lacks even simple majority support in the Senate.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Mangione's attorneys discussed possible plea deal but talks fell apart, sources say
Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, hundreds dead or injured
Venezuela's acting president said the death toll from powerful twin earthquakes was likely to rise, as USGS modeling suggested thousands may have been killed.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
U.S.
More U.S.
LA investigating construction at warehouse involved in massive fire
Los Angeles building inspectors have launched an investigation into alleged unpermitted construction at a warehouse that erupted in flames last week — its second fire in two years.
Mangione's attorneys discussed possible plea deal but talks fell apart, sources say
Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Supreme Court sides with Monsanto in case over cancer risks from weedkiller
The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto cannot be held liable under state laws for failing to warn consumers about the alleged cancer risks of its weedkiller Roundup on its label.
Fed's preferred inflation gauge hits 3-year high
Inflation continued to rise in May, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising at an annual rate of 4.1%.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
Politics
More Politics
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
Just 2 votes separate candidates in mayoral race: "Every vote matters"
Christine Erickson is two votes ahead of Jamie Smith, the Minnehaha County Auditors and Elections Office said.
Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
Trump's obsession with SAVE America Act drives Congress into standoff
The president and his conservative allies have stymied other legislation as they unsuccessfully try to pass a voting regulations bill that lacks even simple majority support in the Senate.
HealthWatch
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Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
World
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Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Heat waves push more Europeans to embrace air conditioning
Only 20% European homes have AC, compared to 90% in the U.S., but as the climate changes, that vast gulf may be set to shrink.
Poland's deputy prime minister warns of possible Russian "false flag operation"
Poland's deputy prime minister tells CBS News he "wouldn't exclude the Russians doing some kind of false flag operation" to justify an attack on NATO.
Venezuela quake survivors describe devastation: "Everything collapsed"
A Caracas resident told CBS News that he "started to pray" when he felt the first earthquake hit Venezuela.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
New NYT reporting on Taylor Swift's wedding
The New York Times is reporting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might tie the knot at Madison Square Garden. She has reportedly booked out the arena for the Fourth of July weekend, the rumored wedding date.
Taylor Swift wedding venue speculation fueled by MSG permit
There appear to be new clues about the location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Essential American songs of last 250 years
For the United States' 250th birthday, Sunday Morning asked dozens of notable Americans, from Jason Alexander and Ken Burns to Misty Copeland, what they considered to be our country's essential songs. This is the Essential American Songbook: 90 contributors and 250 songs. Here's a sample.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Technology
More Technology
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
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.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
U.S. aims to break AI reliance on China
The U.S. is trying to break the West's reliance on Chinese artificial intelligence supply chains with an international accord called Pax Silica. Its goal is to shore up supplies of essential components used in high-end computer chips, which power advanced AI models. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Science
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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
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Crime
Lions player arrested on kidnapping charges
Terrion Arnold, a 23-year-old defensive player for the Detroit Lions and a former first-round pick and all-American at the University of Alabama, has been arrested on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He is denying it all. Tom Hanson reports.
Report of possible plea deal in Mangione case
Attorneys for Luigi Mangione are accusing prosecutors of trying to manipulate public opinion against him, and calling a report of a possible plea deal "troubling." CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Mangione's attorneys discussed possible plea deal but talks fell apart, sources say
Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Prosecutors drop Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge
New York prosecutors said they are dropping a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying him for a fourth time.
Space
More Space
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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
Full interview: Poland's Radek Sikorski
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sikorski speaks with CBS News' Aidan Stretch about the Russia's war in Ukraine, state of NATO, Ukraine-Poland relations and more.
Experts break down the Venezuela earthquakes
Geoscientists and other scientific and humanitarian experts spoke with CBS News about the deadly earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday.
Supreme Court rules on 2 immigration cases
The Supreme Court issued two major immigration decisions Thursday, including one that lifts deportation restrictions for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks them down.
Geo-technical expert on Venezuela earthquakes
Emergency crews are searching for survivors amongst the rubble after deadly back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela. Martin Hudson, a geo-technical engineering expert, joins CBS News to discuss the rarity of the event.
Venezuelan airport outside Caracas reopens
People in northern Venezuela are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble of collapsed buildings after a pair of powerful earthquakes hit the country on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has the latest from Bogotá, Colombia. Then, CBS News meteorologist Darren Peck joins to examine the risk of aftershocks.