The U.S. debt now exceeds the country's GDP. Should we worry?
Federal debt held by the public now surpasses the total value of the nation's economic output. Here's why experts say that's a concern.
National Debt
U.S. debt beats GDP for first time since WWII
The U.S. debt is exceeding the country's gross domestic product for the first time since World War II. CBS News contributor Javier David has more.
A new buy now, pay later option from Affirm will help tenants cover rent
A new BNPL pilot from financial technology company Affirm will give renters the option to break up their rent into two equal payments.
U.S. debt tops $38 trillion for first time, worsened by government shutdown
The national debt is rising faster than ever and threatens to undermine confidence in the economy, experts warn.
Trump spending law deficit concerns
A new Congressional Budget Office report projects President Trump's tax and spending law will add more than $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
How Trump's new spending law will impact taxes
Does President Trump's new economic law really wipe away taxes on Social Security and tips? CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady dives into the fine print.
Reporter's Notebook: Crying wolf on budgets
Elon Musk has challenged President Trump's budget plans over fears of runaway spending. Are his fiscal concerns, and those of some other politicians, performative? "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Economic impacts of ballooning national debt
A recent analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says the legislation that just passed the Senate will add more than $3.9 trillion to the national debt. Kelly O'Grady joins to discuss what that means.
Senate debates Trump's budget bill
Senate lawmakers are rushing to meet President Trump's Independence Day deadline for the Republican's sweeping budget bill amid concerns over Medicaid cuts and the national debt.
Breaking down CBO report on Trump budget plans
The political headwinds stalling President Trump's massive tax extension and budget cuts were hit by a powerful dose of accounting. The Congressional Budget Office reports the current budget package would add more than $2 trillion to the national debt over 10 years. Marc Goldwein, senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins to discuss.
Ro Khanna on Musk's budget bill criticism
What do Democrats think about Elon Musk's call to kill the Trump agenda budget bill? Rep. Ro Khanna of California joins "The Takeout" with his reaction.
CBO: Trump budget bill would increase deficit
The Congressional Budget Office released new numbers on the monetary impacts of President Trump's budget bill and tariffs on Wednesday. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Musk calls on Congress to "kill" budget bill
As the Senate forges ahead on President Trump's budget plan, Elon Musk is ramping up his criticism of the legislation, calling on lawmakers to "kill the bill." CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has more.
House Budget chair on Musk's bill criticism
House Republicans keep warning their Senate GOP counterparts: Don't tinker with the economic bill they passed with one vote to spare. The Senate, however, is doing just that. House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas joins "The Takeout" to discuss where that could leave the Trump economic agenda.
How the national debt reached $36.2 trillion
The national debt stands at about $36.2 trillion, and economists are concerned aboutthe growing deficit's impact. Here's what to know.
Budget bill slammed as "fiscal failure"
The Trump administration is touting the spending cuts in the House-approved budget bill, but a nonpartisan analysis calls the legislation a "fiscal failure." Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Budget bill could add trillions to deficit
Divisions among House Republicans remain as they race to try and pass President Trump's legislative agenda. A new estimate from the Congressional Budget Office found the bill, in its current form, would raise the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over ten years, mostly from the president's proposed tax cuts. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Impact of Moody's U.S. credit downgrade
The international credit agency Moody's has downgraded the U.S.' credit rating from its highest AAA rating to Aa1. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent explains what the move could mean for the average American.
Will GOP come together on Trump's budget?
President Trump may have his budget plan, but he's got to get House Republicans in lockstep after Friday's failed committee vote. Former Republican Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, ex-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, joins "America Decides" to discuss what it'll take to get the conference on board and more.
Understanding cycle of deficit spending, debt
The U.S. economy is the largest globally, but its debt outweighs that distinction by trillions. Maya MacGuineas, president of the nonpartisan nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins "America Decides" to explain why that's a problem, and how increasing that debt with the latest budget proposal could hurt average Americans.
Despite Trump's promised cuts, U.S. spent more than $200 billion more so far than last year
Despite President Trump's promise of cuts, the federal government has spent more than $200 billion more in his first 100 days than the same time period last year.
Government spending is up, data shows
One of President Trump's campaign promises was to get rid of what he described as waste and fraud in the government to save money. CBS News dug into these claims to see if that's happened so far. CBS News vice president of data journalism John Kelly breaks down the numbers on government spending.
Ex-USAID chief blasts gutting of agency
Nearly all staff for the U.S. Agency for International Development, also known as USAID, will be placed on leave Friday amid President Trump and Elon Musk's plans to restructure the federal government. Andrew Natsios, former USAID administrator from 2001 to 2006, joins "America Decides" with his reaction.
House passes government funding bill
The House passed a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown Friday night. The legislation heads to the Senate next. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Zak Hudak have more details.
Rep. Andy Barr on Elon Musk
Even with a new agreement that would avoid a government shutdown, lawmakers are still focusing on billionaire Elon Musk and the major influence he wields on Capitol Hill. Republican Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
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Iran says strait won't open until the U.S. "corrects" behavior
The United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said one of its ships was targeted while transiting the strait on Saturday.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In Idaho, new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana. An investigation raises hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
Mother, 5-month-old die in New York Harbor after boat capsized; Captain arrested
A 46-year-old man was arrested on reckless endangerment charges, and authorities are investigating whether the boat was an illegal charter.
Don Nelson, former NBA coach and 5-time champion as a player, dies at 86
Don Nelson was one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises — Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State.
Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
U.S.
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Don Nelson, former NBA coach and 5-time champion as a player, dies at 86
Don Nelson was one of two coaches in NBA history to have at least 250 wins with three different franchises — Milwaukee, Dallas and Golden State.
Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders join Margaret Brennan.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
First on CBS
Sanders calls on Democrat leaders to ban "corrupt" super PAC donations
Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted the hundreds of millions of dollars spent by outside organizations during the 2026 midterm cycle.
MoneyWatch
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A quandary for the Fed: Dealing with hot inflation and cool job growth
A sudden slump in hiring has dramatically changed the outlook for the Federal Reserve's September interest rate decision.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Americans got their biggest raises in 40 years. Inflation took most of it.
The typical American's paycheck has grown faster since 2019 than in any stretch since the early 1980s. But prices climbed nearly as fast, swallowing about 80% of the wage increase.
July jobs report reveals unexpected loss of 23,000 jobs
Friday's jobs report showed employers shed jobs last month, rather than adding 95,000 new hires that had been forecast by economists.
Warren presses U.S. companies to share tariff refunds with customers
Companies receiving billions in refunds for U.S. tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court should return money to consumers, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.
Politics
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Bhattacharya says "I trust the science" on childhood vaccines
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, said "I trust the science" on vaccines as measles cases have risen to their highest levels in 35 years.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 19, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders join Margaret Brennan.
Sen. Bill Cassidy says his decision to confirm Todd Blanche wasn't "black or white"
"If you're looking for a black or white decision here, you're not going to find it," GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy said about his decision to support Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general.
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Dr. Stephen Patrick on drug testing new mothers
In this web exclusive, Dr. Stephen Patrick, a newborn ICU doctor and researcher on how the opioid crisis affects pregnant women and infants, talks with CBS News' Erin Moriarty about what happens after a mother tests positive for a substance during pregnancy. Patrick argues that automatically referring mothers to child welfare or law enforcement over a single drug test - even for substances like marijuana, which are legal in much of the country - can create more harm than it prevents: driving women away from prenatal care, disproportionately affecting Black and Native American families, and separating moms from newborns without evidence of harm.
How THC tests have landed new mothers onto child abuse registries
In more than 40 states, marijuana is now a legal method of relieving pain. But in Idaho, more than a thousand new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana – following childbirth. In other states, women have even been sent to jail. The findings of a joint investigation by "CBS Sunday Morning" and the Marshall Project raise hard questions about who gets punished, and who doesn't. Erin Moriarty reports. [This story was produced in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system.]
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Some meat products with jalapeños may be linked to salmonella outbreak, USDA says
Federal officials issued a public health alert for meat products containing jalapeños that may be linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least 27 states.
Hunter Biden says his father's cancer has spread
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
World
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Suspected Irish crime boss extradited from Dubai
Daniel Kinahan, 49, faces charges of directing an organized crime group.
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bernie Sanders on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent of Vermont, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026
The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy, Republican of Louisiana, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Aug. 9, 2026.
Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan, vows no military withdrawal until Hamas disarms
President Trump hailed the peace plan as a "historic agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other groups in Gaza."
Entertainment
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Tales from Gay Talese
A legend among writers and reporters, and a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism," Gay Talese talks of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous, from Frank Sinatra, to aging sports figures, mobsters and nudists.
Tales from Gay Talese
For more than six decades, Gay Talese has been a celebrated legend among writers and reporters – a leading practitioner of the "New Journalism." At 94, he talks with New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh of a career writing about the famous and not-so-famous (including mobsters, aging sports figures and nudists), and why his renowned 1966 Esquire article about Frank Sinatra didn't require his actually talking to the Chairman of the Board.
The life and mystique of Tim Curry
In 50 years on screen, Tim Curry, star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Clue" and "It," has played roles campy, comical, and menacingly sinister, yet his most inscrutable role is still Tim Curry. The actor talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about his memoir "Vagabond" (which is decidedly not a Hollywood tell-all); the stroke he suffered in 2012, and learning how to speak again; and why he never sought to curry stardom. (Originally broadcast Oct. 19, 2025.)
8/9: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Seth Doane. Featured: Saving a candlepin bowling alley; THC tests jeopardize young mothers; writer Gay Talese; actor Tim Curry; protecting the habitat of Venus fly traps; and the world's largest truck stop.
Phillip Jeffries turns walls into artwork
A family-owned wallpaper company made luxury design their booming business. Meg Oliver takes a look inside Phillip Jeffries, the decor business turning walls into works of art.
Technology
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Technology
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Meta must pay nearly $1B in fines, court says
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and others, must pay nearly $1 billion after a court found the social media giant to have put children and teen users at risk. A New Mexico judge ruled that Meta must pay $567 million into a fund to pay for harm prevention and awareness, in addition to $375 million in civil penalties previously decided by a jury.
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.
Energy company sues data center over who should pay for AI buildout
At issue is who pays to expand energy infrastructure when a data center needs as much electricity as a midsize city.
Meta fined $567M over child safety issues
Meta, the tech giant that operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms, faces another financial penalty for allegedly failing to keep kids safe. A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $567 million for its failure to warn the public about the dangers its products pose to children.
Science
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Science
Protecting the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world. (Originally broadcast April 26, 2026.)
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Crime
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Crime
2 killed in New York Harbor boat capsize
The captain of a boat that overturned in New York Harbor was charged with reckless endangerment. Twelve people were saved, but a mother and her 5-month-old daughter died. Michael George reports.
Family of murdered photographer wonders if his killer acted alone
Joe Shymanski, a, well-known Washington D.C. photographer, was murdered and dismembered in 2023. His ex-wife's former boyfriend, Brandon Holbrook, was convicted in the case. Shymanski's family still wonders if anyone else was involved.
Survivor's testimony key in helping convict ex-boyfriend of murder
C.C. Opanowski says it's still difficult to process the fact that a person she once loved was convicted of murder. She hopes that others can learn from her story.
Police release video of In-N-Out shooting
Three people were killed during a shooting that began at an In-N-Out restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho. The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Investigators have now released security footage as they probe the motive for the shooting.
Police warn of "video game style" driving
Driving like a "Grand Theft Auto" player in real life is both illegal and highly dangerous, police warn. Kris Van Cleave went on a ride-along to see what the California Highway Patrol is dealing with.
Space
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Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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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.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show 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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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D4vd Charged with Murder
Following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains in a vehicle registered to D4vd last fall, what were the key developments that led to charges this week? On this episode of "Case by Case," we examine all of the new details coming out of the case against singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, who professionally goes by D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales and CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman break down what we know so far about Celeste's death and the alleged abusive relationship she had with the singer.
The Au Pair Affair: Banfield Sentenced to Life
On Friday, June 5, Brendan Banfield was sentenced to life in prison without parole for orchestrating an elaborate plot to murder his wife, Christine Banfield, while carrying on an affair with the family's au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhães. The scheme involved luring an unsuspecting man, Joseph Ryan, to the Banfield home and attempting to frame him for the crime. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green and "48 Hours" producer Michelle Sigona share the most passionate moments from victim impact statements. You'll also hear from Brendan Banfield in court as he maintained his innocence.
Inside D4vd's Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case
A preliminary hearing offers the clearest look yet at the case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green is joined by Los Angeles Times investigative crime writer Richard Winton to unpack the latest courtroom developments, the prosecution's strategy, the defense's response, and the evidence that could determine whether the case advances to trial.
Disturbing New Allegations Against D4vd
On April 29, prosecutors released a brief outlining their case against singer-songwriter D4vd, who has been charged in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On this episode of "Case By Case," we examine the state's timeline of events, including the allegation that D4vd stabbed Celeste and went to great lengths to cover up the crime. Plus, an update on Nick Reiner who appeared in the same court just hours before D4vd. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty and Los Angeles Times crime writer Richard Winton dig into the new details on both stories.
Prison program has inmates train service dogs
At a state prison in Stockton, California, some inmates train service dogs that will go on to help people with disabilities. Max Darrow has the story.