U.S. debt has surpassed GDP, here's why
For the first time since World War II, the U.S. national debt has surpassed the size of its economy. CBS News MoneyWatch associate managing editor Aimee Picchi has more.
Social Security
Americans say this is their "magic number" to retire comfortably
Most people fall far short of the savings they say they will need to maintain their standard of living in retirement, data shows.
$100,000 in Social Security benefits? New proposal would cap them.
With Social Security's trust fund sliding toward insolvency, one group wants to cap benefits for the wealthiest U.S. couples.
Social Security could run dry earlier than expected, analysis finds
The Social Security Administration wouldn't stop issuing benefits once its trust funds are exhausted, but it could be forced to cut benefits.
The typical American worker has $955 saved for retirement
Millions of Americans lack access to any type of retirement plan, hampering their ability to save for old age.
What to know about student loans default
The U.S. government is sending notices to borrowers who may have defaulted on student loans. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger breaks down how your wages and tax returns could be at stake.
How the Medicare premium hike could impact your Social Security check
A higher Medicare Part B premium in 2026 could erode next year's cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients, experts say.
How a change to Social Security could impact retirement in 2026
Social Security's full retirement age is changing next year, affecting when the youngest baby boomers and Gen Xers can collect 100% of their benefits.
How could a government shutdown affect Social Security recipients?
The U.S. government shut down on Wednesday after Congress failed to approve funding for federal agencies. Here's how that could affect Social Security recipients.
Social Security sets its COLA increase for 2026 at 2.8%
Social Security's annual cost-of-living adjustment is aimed at helping the program's 75 million beneficiaries keep pace with inflation.
Here's what economists say to expect from Friday's inflation report
Economists think inflation around the U.S. continued to climb in September, edging farther away from the Fed's 2% annual target.
6/23/2024: "The Capital of Free Russia;" "Our Mistake is Your Responsibility;" "Law of the Sea"
First, Putin’s courageous Russian critics speak out. Then, a look at what happens when Social Security mistakenly overpays. And, U.S. fails to ratify treaty for ocean mining.
90% of Americans plan to skip the No. 1 piece of Social Security advice
Financial pros recommend waiting as long as possible to claim your Social Security benefits. Most Americans say they're ignoring that advice.
New Social Security scam features fake U.S. Supreme Court letter
A new scam involves fake letters that appear to be from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts — but it's a ploy to trick seniors, agency warns.
Government shutdown delays Social Security's cost-of-living announcement
Citing the shutdown, the Social Security Administration postponed its announcement of the annual payment bump beneficiaries will receive in 2026.
Government shutdown's impacts on U.S. economy
The government shutdown could affect parts of the U.S. economy and the decisions Americans make on taxes and other financial matters. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger has more.
Social Security to shift to fully electronic payments starting Sept. 30
The Social Security Administration is transitioning to electronic payments next week after 85 years of issuing paper checks to U.S. retirees.
New home sales hit 3-year high
Data shows sales of newly-built homes have jumped to the highest level in three years. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what's driving the jump.
Social Security COLA could increase 2.7% in 2026, new estimate shows
A 2.7% COLA increase would raise the average monthly Social Security payment by about $54.
As Social Security turns 90, its problems are only mounting with age
As Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary, concerns are growing over its funding and recent staffing cuts.
Social Security 2026 cost-of-living adjustment predicted to increase 2.7%
One advocacy group estimates that Social Security recipients will get a 2.7% cost-of-living increase in 2026.
How safe is our Social Security safety net?
The Social Security Administration was already at its smallest size in 50 years when, earlier this year, Elon Musk's DOGE team eliminated another 14% of its employees. Former Social Security Administration commissioner Michael Astrue says those in the Trump administration trying to drive change don't understand the system and could put benefits at risk. Correspondent David Pogue reports. [Originally broadcast April 13, 2025.]
When Social Security mistakenly overpays
Each year, about two million people are told they owe the Social Security Administration money because the agency miscalculated their benefits and paid them too much.
Social Security backs away from plan to eliminate paper checks
The Social Security Administration had planned to eliminate all paper checks by Sept. 30. Now the agency says it will continue issuing checks as needed.
Growing share of retirees lean heavily on Social Security, AARP says
More than three-quarters of Americans fear Social Security won't provide enough to live on when they retire, AARP study finds.
Live
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
Blanche: Obama's concerns about DOJ targeting Trump critics are "extraordinarily rich"
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied to CBS News that the Justice Department is engaging in a retribution campaign against President Trump's critics, pushing back on criticism from Barack Obama.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
Rudy Giuliani out of ICU after hospitalization for pneumonia
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has now left the intensive care unit, his spokesperson said, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
Ted Turner, media tycoon who founded CNN, dies at age 87
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Suspect arrested in Oklahoma party shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Police said they have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a shooting Sunday during a party that left one woman dead and 22 other people wounded.
Kentucky Derby winner skipping Preakness Stakes, won't make Triple Crown run
The last time a horse won the Triple Crown was in 2018.
U.S.
More U.S.
Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
Suspect arrested in Oklahoma party shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Police said they have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a shooting Sunday during a party that left one woman dead and 22 other people injured.
Retired special forces soldier accused of shooting wife in Tennessee found dead
Craig Berry, 53, was found dead on Wednesday of an apparent gunshot wound, the Stewart County Sheriff's Office said.
Kentucky Derby winner skipping Preakness Stakes, won't make Triple Crown run
The last time a horse won the Triple Crown was in 2018.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Food manufacturer Cento is committing "tomato fraud," lawsuit alleges
In a new lawsuit, two California residents allege that Cento Fine Foods doesn't use real San Marzano tomatoes in one of its products.
Gas prices top $4.50 a gallon, reaching highest level since July 2022
Gas prices are now 52% higher than prior to the Iran war, with drivers paying $1.56 more per gallon, data shows.
Ted Turner, media tycoon who founded CNN, dies at age 87
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
Politics
More Politics
Rudy Giuliani out of ICU after hospitalization for pneumonia
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has now left the intensive care unit, his spokesperson said, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
Blanche: Obama's concerns about DOJ targeting Trump critics are "extraordinarily rich"
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied to CBS News that the Justice Department is engaging in a retribution campaign against President Trump's critics, pushing back on criticism from Barack Obama.
Judge denies Fulton County's request to return 2020 ballots seized by FBI
A federal judge in Georgia denied a motion by officials in Fulton County, Georgia, to return ballots and other materials from the 2020 election that were taken by the FBI earlier this year.
FBI searches office of Virginia lawmaker who helped lead redistricting effort
An FBI spokesperson said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing and there is no threat to public safety.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
What's the hantavirus risk to the public?
A deadly strain of hantavirus broke out aboard a cruise ship for the first time, with more than 150 people on board. With three deaths among eight confirmed cases so far, Dr. Céline Gounder discusses the wider risks.
What's next for those aboard cruise ship?
Investigators are racing to control a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, the first ever recorded on a cruise ship. More than 140 people are still on board, including 17 Americans. Tom Hanson reports.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
What we know about cruise hantavirus outbreak
A rare form of hantavirus is believed to have spread person-to-person on board a cruise ship. Three people are dead, four more are ill and nearly 150 others are stranded aboard the ship, where they will stay potentially for months until they are cleared to leave. Tom Hanson has more.
World
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3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Live
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
3 killed in U.S. strike on suspected drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says
The attack came a day after U.S. forces struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two people.
Trump pauses Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz to see if Iran deal can be struck
President Trump said Tuesday he has paused Project Freedom, a U.S. effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
How Ted Turner changed TV
Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, joins with more.
Anthony Mason launches YouTube show
CBS News' Anthony Mason is launching a new YouTube show called "Alchemy with Anthony Mason." It's a long-form interview program celebrating artists and the creative process.
Obama tells Colbert what he worries about in today's politics
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," former President Barack Obama had some pointed words about the power of the executive branch.
Nathan Lane on fulfilling lifelong dream
Actor Nathan Lane, who stars in the play "Death of a Salesman," was nominated for his seventh Tony Award. He spoke to "CBS Mornings" about why it was a lifelong dream for him to star in the play and his personal connection to his character.
Technology
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Technology
Autonomous cars to be ticketed in California
Autonomous cars in California will no longer be immune to traffic tickets once a new law takes effect in July. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other top technology stories of the day.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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.
Employers are demanding AI skills. What's the best way to learn them?
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
OpenAI co-founder's diary surfaces in Musk trial
The high-stakes trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI now involves testimony about a co-founder's personal diary. Vanity Fair contributor Tom Dotan joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Possible Epstein suicide note released
A judge on Wednesday ordered the release of an apparent suicide note possibly written by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News has not independently verified the note. Anna Schecter has the latest.
Retired special forces soldier accused of shooting wife in Tennessee found dead
Craig Berry, 53, was found dead on Wednesday of an apparent gunshot wound, the Stewart County Sheriff's Office said.
Driver accused of chasing child on sidewalk
A woman in Washington state is accused of trying to run over a child on an e-bike. Police say she later attempted to break into a home. The child was not harmed in the incident and the woman is now facing felony charges.
New development in Lynette Hooker case
Authorities are looking for the owners of a sailboat as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, the American who went missing in the Bahamas while sailing last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Space
More Space
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
5/6: CBS Evening News
Health officials work to contain deadly hantavirus outbreak on cruise; President Trump threatens Iran with more attacks if it doesn't agree to a deal.
Former CNN president on Ted Turner's life
Ted Turner, a businessman and philanthropist who launched CNN, died on Wednesday at 87. Jonathan Klein, the president of CNN from 2004 to 2010, joins "The Daily Report" to remember Turner's life.
Trump calls Iran conflict a "skirmish"
President Trump touted U.S. actions against Iran on Wednesday. The comments came one day after he paused the Project Freedom initiative to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz to allow peace negotiations to move forward. CBS News' Holly Williams reports, and Samuel Helfont, an associate professor of strategy and policy at the Naval War College, has more.
Breaking down Spirit's liquidation process
A lawyer for bankrupt Spirit Airlines said the rising cost of fuel "engulfed" the airline, drained its liquidity, and derailed its restructuring efforts. There's a sense of urgency to expedite the liquidation process because lawyers say it would benefit creditors and customers. Bob Allen, managing editor of Nomadic Aviation Group, which handles private flight operations for the aircraft leasing industry, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Possible Epstein suicide note released
A judge on Wednesday ordered the release of an apparent suicide note possibly written by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News has not independently verified the note. Anna Schecter has the latest.