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
Israel's 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon begins
The leaders of Lebanon and Israel agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire starting at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
US intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct, which he denies
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna told CBS News that Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego was the previously unnamed senator whom she accused of "very disturbing" conduct. Gallego has denied all wrongdoing.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
Musician D4vd arrested on suspicion of murder in death of Celeste Rivas, LAPD says
Singer and songwriter d4vd has been arrested on suspicion of murder for the death of a 14-year-old whose dismembered body was found last year in a Tesla belonging to the singer.
Democrat Analilia Mejia projected to win New Jersey House seat
The Associated Press has projected Democrat Analilia Mejia as the winner of the special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, a seat formerly held by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
U.S.
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Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
US intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Dozens of safety violations found at Tenn. munitions factory after deadly blast
A munitions company that handles explosives for the U.S. military is facing a fine of over $3 million after an explosion killed 16 people last year.
MoneyWatch
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This is the fastest-growing job for young workers, LinkedIn says
Hint: It involves AI, and a LinkedIn economist says employers are clamoring for people to fill these roles.
NPR gets $113 million in gifts, including $80 million from Connie Ballmer
NPR said the donation from Ballmer, the largest to the public radio network by a living donor, will help offset the loss of federal funding in 2025.
Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
S&P 500, Nasdaq hit record highs as investors shrug off Iran war fears
With another round of U.S.-Iran peace talks on the horizon, investors are optimistic that the war will wind down.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized big concert venues, jury rules
The lawsuit involved dozens of states that alleged Live Nation undermined competition and drove up ticket prices.
Politics
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Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Gallego of misconduct, which he denies
GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna told CBS News that Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego was the previously unnamed senator whom she accused of "very disturbing" conduct. Gallego has denied all wrongdoing.
Exclusive
ICE head Todd Lyons planning to leave agency this spring
Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is planning to leave the federal government later this spring.
US intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Cuban leader says country will "be ready" for possible U.S. attack
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight back.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, kicking off an expected sprint of seven budget hearings he'll attend over the next week.
Trump announces he's nominating Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director
CBS News reported Wednesday that Dr. Erica Schwartz was emerging as the president's top pick for the role.
Exclusive
Trump to sign executive order on psychedelic drug used abroad to treat PTSD
Ibogaine is used in Mexico and the Caribbean to treat depression, anxiety, addiction and brain trauma.
As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
World
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US intelligence detects signs China is weighing giving Iran advance radar systems
The technology would enhance Iran's ability to detect and track incoming threats, like low-flying drones and cruise missiles.
Cuban leader says country will "be ready" for possible U.S. attack
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel says that while Cuba does not want military aggression from the United States, his country is prepared to fight back.
Latest effort to rein in Trump on Iran falls short in House vote
Few Republicans have been willing to distance themselves from the president as the war's end remains uncertain.
Caine warns "we will use force" if Iran does not comply with blockade
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday thatthe U.S. military can "make the transition" from the blockade to "major combat operations."
Setback for ex-U.S. Marine pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators
An Australian judge turned away an appeal by former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan to avoid extradition to the U.S. over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military aviators more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Surprise twist in "Survivor 50" elimination
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) "CBS Mornings" reveals a surprising twist in Wednesday's "Survivor 50" episode that led to a historic trial council ceremony.
More on Live Nation, Ticketmaster ruling
A jury ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly. Variety's Jem Aswad joins CBS News with more.
Simon Helberg on "The Audacity"
Simon Helberg, known for his role as Howard in "The Big Bang Theory," talks about the new show "The Audacity." Helberg plays a developer who is creating an AI companion. He explains what drew him to the role and discusses the show's messages about humanity and technology.
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Technology
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Technology
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Key takeaways on Anthropic's new AI model
More concerns are emerging about Anthropic's new Mythos AI model. Matt Shumer, a former AI company founder and CEO, joins CBS News with more details.
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 hackers are using AI to breach networks
U.S. officials are warning of Iranian cyberattacks on businesses and consumers. It comes as a new FBI report shows losses from cybercrime reached nearly $21 billion last year. Ash-har Quraishi shows how hackers are using artificial intelligence, and how you can protect yourself.
New report on utility companies and AI
U.S. utility companies are planning to invest $1.4 trillion over the next five years to help strengthen the nation's power grid, according to a new report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan nonprofit consumer education organization PowerLines. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more details.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Crime
Police: Politician killed wife, himself
Police in Virginia say the former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax died after he shot and killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself. Nicole Sganga reports.
Divorce battle preceded Fairfax murder-suicide
Just after midnight on Thursday, police say former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then himself in their home. Both of their teenage children were home at the time of the incident. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
Sharp increase in ICE detention deaths
New JAMA network research data shows a sharp increase in the number of people who died while in ICE detention last year. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
ICE agent accused of assault for pulling gun on 2 people on highway, charges say
Gregory Morgan Jr. of Temple Hills, Maryland, was charged Thursday morning with two counts of second-degree assault in the Feb. 5 incident.
Damon Jones expected to plead guilty in pair of alleged gambling cases
Damon Jones was among dozens of people, including alleged mafia figures and athletes, charged last year in connection with a pair of gambling schemes.
Space
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Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
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
4/16: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Ceasefire begins between Israel and Lebanon; U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues for a fourth day.
Gas prices show signs of dropping
After weeks of enduring high gas prices, drivers appear to be seeing some relief at the pump. Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
Bond forms between grandmother, dog next door
A 150-pound Newfoundland dog named Chewy helps his 96-year-old neighbor garden by digging where she points. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Actor Val Kilmer died last April, and yet he is starring in a new movie, made after his death. Jo Ling Kent reports on how filmmakers resurrected his voice and image by using artificial intelligence.
Artemis II astronaut on far side of the moon
The Artemis II astronauts spoke with Tony Dokoupil in one of their first interviews since returning from the far side of the moon.