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.
Live
Trump threatens Oman, Iran war in stalemate as 60-day talks window ends
The 60-day deadline for the U.S. and Iran to negotiate a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz expired, with no agreement in sight.
DOJ asks court to reinstate criminal charges against Abrego Garcia
In May, a federal judge dismissed a criminal indictment against Abrego Garcia, who had been accused of smuggling immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
Judge blocks plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that the Trump administration's move to divert funding and cancel a plan to move the FBI to Maryland was "arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law."
Baby with heart defect at center of surrogate dispute receives first surgery
The baby was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which requires a series of surgeries. The parents had asked the surrogate to get an abortion when they learned of the diagnosis.
Penn State frat brothers charged with running cocaine trafficking ring
Two Penn State fraternities are at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring bust, leading to charges against 14 people, authorities said.
Tupac Shakur was murdered in "act of revenge," prosecutor tells jury
The long-unsolved drive-by shooting gripped the hip-hop community, partly because no one was charged until Duane "Keffe D" Davis was indicted in 2023.
Homes destroyed by mudslide brought by Lala on Hawaii's Big Island
"The boulders that were coming down were so heavy they were like shaking the ground," resident Alice Birnbaum told CBS News.
BBC asks court to subpoena Trump family members for defamation defense
After failing to deliver subpoenas itself, the BBC has asked a Florida court to compel three of President Trump's family members to testify over the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Hayden Panettiere, known for "Heroes" and "Remember the Titans," dies at 36
Hayden Panettiere, who starred in "Remember the Titans" as a child actor and rose to fame in the sci-fi series "Heroes," has died at the age of 36.
U.S.
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DOJ asks court to reinstate criminal charges against Abrego Garcia
In May, a federal judge dismissed a criminal indictment against Abrego Garcia, who had been accused of smuggling immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
Homes destroyed by mudslide brought by Lala on Hawaii's Big Island
"The boulders that were coming down were so heavy they were like shaking the ground," resident Alice Birnbaum told CBS News.
Judge blocks plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that the Trump administration's move to divert funding and cancel a plan to move the FBI to Maryland was "arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law."
Key moments from the Lindsay Clancy trial as the defense starts to make its case
Lindsay Clancy has pleaded not guilty to murdering her children, but her attorneys don't deny that she caused the deaths of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan.
Baby with heart defect at center of surrogate dispute receives first surgery
The baby was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which requires a series of surgeries. The parents had asked the surrogate to get an abortion when they learned of the diagnosis.
MoneyWatch
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Stellantis recalls nearly 850,000 vehicles over rearview camera issue
The car manufacturer is also recalling another 107,000 vehicles outside the U.S. over the same issue.
Has your license plate been tracked by Flock? Here's how to check.
The website HaveIBeenFlocked has compiled a database of 4.6 million license plate records that have appeared in roughly 242 million Flock searches.
Trump family crypto firm granted conditional approval to establish a bank
The plan has sparked criticism from Democrats, who argue that granting bank status to a business affiliated with the Trump family poses a conflict of interest.
CBS News poll on whether Democrats split over socialism
Americans think more young people in office would make politics better.
Hormuz chaos highlights risks for other global trade chokepoints
The war in Iran has underscored how disruptions to a key shipping route thousands of miles away can have a material impact on American consumers.
Politics
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DOJ asks court to reinstate criminal charges against Abrego Garcia
In May, a federal judge dismissed a criminal indictment against Abrego Garcia, who had been accused of smuggling immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
Judge blocks plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that the Trump administration's move to divert funding and cancel a plan to move the FBI to Maryland was "arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law."
House Ethics investigating Rep. Gomez for alleged sexual misconduct
The allegations include "engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer," according to the committee.
Trump welcomes 16-year-old lifeguard and boy he rescued to the Oval Office
President Trump praised lifeguard Ryder Williams for his bravery, saying his rescue of a 10-year-old boy in treacherous waters was "incredible."
First on CBS
Hegseth to go to Iowa to campaign for GOP candidates, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was scheduled to head to Iowa on Monday to give remarks, speak to veterans and campaign, sources told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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School vaccination rates inch down again to record low
U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates have declined again, with exemptions reaching a record high for the 2025-2026 school year
RFK Jr.'s hunt for autism culprits stalls amid Trump's baseless vaccine order
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s closed-door research has yet to produce evidence linking vaccines and autism.
Mom-to-be had 2 signs of rare complication: "Everything kept getting worse"
Candice Davis' first pregnancy was going smoothly until she began feeling some nausea and pain one afternoon.
My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
World
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Senior Israeli official calls for killing of "30 to 40" Gazans every night
Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calls for nightly "targeted assassinations" in Gaza: "They're not even people."
CENTCOM commander tries to ease concerns about USS Abraham Lincoln
President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have disputed concerns about conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
BBC asks court to subpoena Trump family members for defamation defense
After failing to deliver subpoenas itself, the BBC has asked a Florida court to compel three of President Trump's family members to testify over the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Thousands waiting for help as Indonesia earthquake death toll nears 70
Thousands of people are still waiting for aid on Indonesia's Flores island days after a powerful earthquake killed at least 68 people.
U.K. prime minister messages with impersonator of top Trump staffer
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messaged with someone pretending to be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Hollywood grieves Hayden Panettiere
With no signs of foul play or trauma, authorities said the investigation into actor Hayden Panettiere's death is just beginning. The former child star was on "Guiding Light" and also had breakout roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville." She died at 36 years old. Mark Strassmann reports.
First witnesses speak in Tupac murder trial
Opening statements were delivered in Tupac Shakur's long-awaited murder trial on Monday. Nearly 30 years ago, the iconic rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, a pivotal moment in music history. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman reports.
Extended interview: Becky G
Becky G speaks with Gayle King about the latest developments in her career, her new music, the intersection of advocacy and art in her latest videos and more.
Opening statements in Tupac Shakur murder trial
The trial has begun for the man accused of ordering the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, Duane "Keffe D" Davis. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Hayden Panettiere remembered by co-stars and friends after her death
Co-stars and friends of Hayden Panettiere are remembering her for her friendship, intelligence and talent after her shocking death on Sunday.
Technology
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Technology
How this school uses AI instead of teachers
Alpha School is a private school that teaches students subjects like math and reading with artificial intelligence apps. Mackenzie Price, co-founder of Alpha School, joins CBS News to discuss.
States crack down on misleading home listings
More home listings are using AI to add furniture, repaint walls, spruce up landscaping and even add windows. But when does virtual staging cross the line into deception or even fraud? CBS News' Evyn Moon explores.
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.
The iNaturalist app – Mixing science with fun
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species. (Originally broadcast March 22, 2026.)
The silent spy game orbiting above Earth's skies
Above Earth's atmosphere, an arms race is unfolding. Thousands of miles above the ground, satellites from different companies and nations are observing us and each other. To learn more, Olivia Gazis traveled to Vantor, a Colorado-based satellite technology company.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Crime
Search for retiree who disappeared in Vegas
After a 63-year-old woman in Las Vegas didn't return from a trip to the drugstore, her family said they started getting text messages from the woman's phone. The family spoke with Nicole Valdes.
Lindsay Clancy's mom and sister testify
The defense began its work on Monday in the case of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts woman on trial for killing her three children. Her mother and sister took the stand and Shanelle Kaul has the details.
14 charged in alleged Penn State cocaine ring
Thirteen former and current Penn State students, and one student's father, are facing charges related to an alleged cocaine ring. Prosecutors allege drugs were cut and packaged at two frat houses, sometimes by pledges. Michael George reports.
First witnesses speak in Tupac murder trial
Opening statements were delivered in Tupac Shakur's long-awaited murder trial on Monday. Nearly 30 years ago, the iconic rapper was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, a pivotal moment in music history. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman reports.
Key moments from the Lindsay Clancy trial as the defense starts to make its case
Lindsay Clancy has pleaded not guilty to murdering her children, but her attorneys don't deny that she caused the deaths of 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 8-month-old Callan.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Hawaii begins cleanup process after Lala
Lala battered Hawaii as a hurricane, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds and mudslides. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
Blanche and DOJ independence from White House
Attorney General Todd Blanche is refusing to put up a wall between the Justice Department and the executive branch. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Status of Iran war, 60 days after MOU
It has been 60 days since the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that called for negotiations to reach a larger peace deal. Despite that, the war continues. CBS News national security contributor Joseph Zacks has more.
Lightning strike causes gas tanks to explode
Lightning struck a natural gas tank south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sparking a massive fire that spread to nearby tanks. Jason Allen has new developments.
Search for retiree who disappeared in Vegas
After a 63-year-old woman in Las Vegas didn't return from a trip to the drugstore, her family said they started getting text messages from the woman's phone. The family spoke with Nicole Valdes.