Politics aside, here's how the U.S. economy is really doing
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have their own takes on how the country is faring, and both stray from reality
Unemployment
New jobless claims slide again, reach July low
The latest week saw 252,000 new applications for unemployment benefits, the 81st consecutive week below 300,000
Jobless claims slide again as layoffs remain muted
The latest weekly figure shows a drop of 4,000 to 259,000 -- pushing the streak to 79 straight weeks below 300,000
What to expect from Janet Yellen's Jackson Hole speech
Federal Reserve chief must walk a fine line between talking up the U.S. economy and soft-pedaling the risks
Applications for unemployment benefits slipped last week
Claims below 300,000 for a 77th consecutive week, with the longest such streak since 1970 evidence the job market remains healthy
Applications for U.S. unemployment aid slip to a low 266,000
Claims below 300,000 for 75 consecutive weeks, the longest-such stretch since 1973, when the labor force was much smaller
Evening News Online, 12.04.10
Saturday: Senate Republicans blocked another attempt by Democrats to let the Bush-era tax cuts expire for high earners; Also, governments across the world are coming after Julian Assange and WikiLeaks; And, a pet store owner decides to end sales of pure-breds and set-up an adoption facility.
Global stocks rise following strong U.S. jobs data
Healthy employment growth in U.S., better industrial numbers in Germany offset signs of weakness in China
How July jobs report affects Fed's plan to hike interest rates
Investors could find themselves wrong-footed after a surge in hiring last month and signs of firming inflation
Shrugging off worries, U.S. job market surged in July
Employers added 255,000 jobs last month, as hiring remained strong despite economic headwinds
Is the economy too hot, too cold, or just right?
The Fed using interest rates to steer economy is like cooking on an electric stove -- it takes time to feel a change in heat
Let's face it -- the U.S. economy is going nowhere fast
Sure, the country might steer clear of a recession in the next few months, but that still doesn't leave much to cheer about
New jobless claims rise but keep record streak intact
Total below 300,000 for the 73rd consecutive week, while separate report has wages and benefits up in 2nd quarter
eHarmony's new love: matching job-seekers with jobs
Dating site's 81-year-old founder is stepping down as it focuses on revamp that includes an employment-matchmaking service
Is U.S. economy as horrible as Donald Trump says it is?
Here's what the data show -- and don't show -- about the Republican presidential nominee's grim assessment of the economy
Steel workers could sway Democratic Ohio town to the right
In presidential elections, the steel town of Lorain, Ohio has been reliably Democratic -- but that could change this election year
From dealing death to herding cattle, robots are on the job
Killing the Dallas gunman with an explosives-toting robot is just the starkest sign of how the technology is entering society
Jobs report suprises to the upside: U.S. added 287K jobs
Helping to dispel prior disappointing months, employment jumps the most since October; unemployment rate rises to 4.9 percent
A new tipping point for the American workforce
For the first time, workers with college degrees are in the majority, outpacing high-school grads
Weekly jobless claims rise but remain at low level
Unemployment claims have remained below 300,000 for 69 straight weeks, longest such streak since 1973
Applications for U.S. jobless aid fall, a sign of low layoffs
Numbers from the Labor Department offer evidence that employers are holding onto their staffs and may even step up hiring
Jobless claims climb, but not to the danger zone
Last week 13,000 more people signed up for unemployment benefits, which still keeps the total well below 300,000
Fewer Americans applied for jobless benefits last week
Weekly jobless claims have come in below the historically low level of 300,000 for 66 straight weeks, the longest such streak since 1973
Why the jobs slowdown is a big deal
It's the latest signal that further obscures the economy's direction, complicating the Fed's and stock market's outlooks
5 things we learned from the startlingly weak job numbers
Experts were shocked by the government's May labor market report -- are the wheels coming off the recovery?
DOJ releases trove of Epstein files including photos, grand jury testimonies
The Justice Department has released records from the Epstein files, the first documents to come to light under a new law signed by President Trump.
Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
Major outage leaves more than 130,000 customers in San Francisco without power
About 30% of San Francisco was without power at the height of the outage, according to utility provider PG&E.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Over 500 pages in initial Epstein files release were entirely blacked out, CBS finds
The Justice Department released thousands of new photos and records on Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, but at least 550 pages in the documents were fully redacted.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
Rob Reiner's friends and colleagues share fond and funny memories
Friends and colleagues of Rob Reiner sat down with CBS News to share personal anecdotes and fond memories of him following the news of his tragic death.
U.S.
More U.S.
Winning numbers announced for estimated $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot
Saturday's jackpot has an estimated cash value of $686.5 million, Powerball said. It's the game's seventh-largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
Three officers injured after responding to domestic violence call, police say
The suspect was killed, and the man who called law enforcement was also injured, officials said Saturday.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
MoneyWatch
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Rome introduces tourist fee for some Trevi fountain visitors
Tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain are now going to pay more than just the legendary coin toss over their shoulder.
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Trump reaches deal with 9 major drugmakers to lower prices
Nine drug manufacturers will offer their drugs to Medicaid recipients at most-favored-nation discounts in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Judge in nursing home bankruptcy case gives families fresh hope
A bankruptcy judge blocked an attempt by a nursing home chain's primary investor to shield himself from settlement payments and liability in lawsuits over allegations of poor care.
Politics
More Politics
Americans weigh in on cost of living, Trump, expectations for 2026 in poll
More see Trump's policies responsible for economy today than Biden's; there are also concerns about AI impact on jobs.
At least 15 newly-released Epstein files have disappeared from DOJ's website, records show
The episode has deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department's much-anticipated document release.
Trump endorses Bruce Blakeman in New York governor's race after Stefanik's exit
President Trump initially signaled he would not make an endorsement at this stage, but Rep. Elise Stefanik's exit cleared the way for him to show his support for Bruce Blakeman.
"Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" guests for Dec. 21, 2025
This week's guests include Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who led the push for Friday's release of the Epstein files.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
HealthWatch
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This professional Santa's dream of spreading holiday cheer fuels stroke recovery
Brent Rasmussen had a massive stroke in 2023. Getting his "ho ho ho back" helped motivate his recovery.
Here's how much ACA costs would have risen this year without subsidies
Millions of people with an Affordable Care Act health plan face a massive jump in premiums next year — this chart shows just how much.
Inside the FDA's vaccine uproar
A memo from Dr. Vinay Prasad, the head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, may signal an effort to to rewrite the rules governing the U.S. vaccine system.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
World
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Thousands of mourners gather at Bondi Beach to honor attack victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose government earlier this year recongized a Palestinian state, was booed by the crowd.
At least 9 killed, 10 wounded in shooting in South Africa, authorities say
"Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen," the police said of the incident.
U.S. seizes a second vessel off the coast of Venezuela
It's the second time in recent weeks that the United States has interdicted a tanker, and it comes amid a large U.S. military build-up in Latin America.
A rare look inside LEGO's own secret shrine to the hugely popular toy
To what does LEGO owe its remarkable half-century success story? CBS News visits the toy giant's Denmark headquarters to find out.
Syria monitor group says at least 5 ISIS members killed by U.S. strikes
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in the U.S. air strikes "targeting several ISIS positions in southern Syria."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Pentatonix sings "Christmas Time Is Here"
In this web exclusive, the a capella group Pentatonix (Matt Sallee, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin Olusola) performs for "Sunday Morning" viewers a holiday standard: "Christmas Time Is Here," by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson.
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Corn Whiskey Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Corn Whiskey Christmas."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Jolly Man"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Jolly Man."
Old Crow Medicine Show performs "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Two-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show are best known for their smash hit "Wagon Wheel" and their classic Americana sound. This year, the band is out with a new holiday album, "OCMS XMAS," which features both Christmas classics and new holiday songs. Here's Old Crow Medicine Show performing "Holly Jolly Christmas."
Technology
More Technology
Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
Rapid emergence of AI will foster demand for new types of workers, including "explainers" and bias auditors, according to economist Robert Seamans.
DraftKings hopes to score big with new prediction markets app
Sports betting companies face mounting competition from rapidly growing prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
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.
Japanese woman marries AI boyfriend
People are starting to develop lasting connections with artificial technology. Melissa J. Perry, the dean of the College of Public Health at George Mason University, joins CBS News with more details.
TikTok nears deal to avoid U.S. ban
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors in America, a source familiar with the deal tells CBS News. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Science
More Science
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Police seek motive in deadly shootings
Authorities are seeking motive after the man responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor was found dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday.
Epstein survivor on partial files release
The Justice Department released a new batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. Epstein survivor Sharlene Rochard joins with her reaction. Then, Spencer Kuvin, an attorney who represents some Epstein survivors, provides further analysis.
New photos in initial trove of Epstein files
The Justice Department on Friday released a batch of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Erica Brown and Katrina Kaufman report.
Investigators struggled to ID Brown suspect while gunman went on to kill again
The manhunt for the Brown University shooter was complicated by the early misidentification of a person of interest and limited, low-quality video footage.
Search for motive in Brown and MIT shootings
The manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's deadly shooting at Brown University is finally over. Police discovered 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente dead in a New Hampshire storage unit on Thursday night. CBS News' Anna Schecter explains what led to the discovery.
Space
More Space
Space
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Pentatonix sings "Christmas Time Is Here"
In this web exclusive, the a capella group Pentatonix (Matt Sallee, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado and Kevin Olusola) performs for "Sunday Morning" viewers a holiday standard: "Christmas Time Is Here," by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson.
From the archives: A New Mexico monastery meets the internet
The purpose of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, in Northern New Mexico, is to be a place where people can experience the divine. But as Charles Osgood reported in this May 19, 1996 "Sunday Morning" report, it was also branching out to the internet, as both a business and to educate others about the Benedictine monks' mission. Life magazine photographer Tony O'Brien also talks about capturing the monks' spiritual quest.
From the archives: A visit to Seneca Falls
In this Dec. 25, 2011 "Sunday Morning" report, Bill Geist visited Seneca Falls, N.Y., a small town which claims it's the inspiration for Bedford Falls, the setting of Frank Capra's holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" – and who could argue?
"The Sound of Christmas"
What's Christmas without a rousing holiday song? "Sunday Morning" correspondent David Pogue created the music and lyrics of "The Sound of Christmas." Hear it performed by Tess Lobell. Arrangement by Steven M. Alper; mix by Scott Jacoby.
Three Days Before Christmas
"48 Hours" Live to Tell: Two sisters who survive a deadly home invasion share their journey to hell and back.