Battleground Tracker: Biden leads, Trump needs Election Day surge to win
Biden holds a lead in the early vote, but two scenarios show how Election Day turnout could affect the outcome.
United States Electoral College
Considering possible election outcomes
The CBS News Battleground Tracker shows a tight presidential race in some key states. What happens if there's a tie in the Electoral College? Ben Sheehan, author of the book "OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?" joins CBSN to talk about the possibilities.
Four days to go until Election Day
With four days to go until Election Day, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett discusses the candidates' closing arguments to voters, what's at stake in Florida and each campaign's strategy to get to 270 electoral college votes.
A reality check on the presidential race
The CBS News Battleground Tracker shows six states are currently toss-ups for the presidential election and 96 electoral college votes. Democratic strategist and CBS News political contributor Joel Payne and Republican strategist and CBS News political analyst Leslie Sanchez join “CBS This Morning” to talk about where the race stands and what to expect on Election Day.
Does Trump care about winning popular vote?
President Trump won the Electoral College in 2016 despite getting 3 million fewer votes than Hillary Clinton. In his latest column for The New York Times, CBS News political analyst Jamelle Bouie argues that Trump doesn't appear to care about winning a wider base of support. Bouie joined CBSN to discuss.
What if Trump disputes the election?
President Trump won't say whether he'll accept the results of the 2020 presidential election. "I'll keep you in suspense," he said earlier this week. This comes amid his continued attacks on the legitimacy of mail-in ballots, which are expected to be heavily used by voters amid the coronavirus pandemic. CBS News political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns joins CBSN to discuss what would happen if a president disputed the election outcome.
Does Trump plan to change congressional seats?
For more than 200 years, the U.S. has apportioned congressional seats and Electoral College votes based on population. This includes unauthorized immigrants and noncitizens. But, President Trump could change that precedent. NPR national reporter Hansi Lo Wang joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with a closer look.
Preview CBS News' 2020 Battleground Tracker
CBS News is launching our 2020 Battleground Tracker this weekend to give insights into what's on voters' minds in each state as election day approaches. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News' director of elections and surveys, joined CBSN with details.
Supreme Court curbs "faithless electors"
CBS News legal analyst Kim Wehle joined "Red and Blue" to break down the Supreme Court's ruling. which allows states to enforce requirements that members of the Electoral College support their party's presidential nominee.
Supreme Court rules states can punish so-called "faithless electors"
The Supreme Court was unanimous in its ruling against so-called faithless electors.
Supreme Court rules on "faithless electors"
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can impose penalties to require members of the Electoral College to cast their vote for their party's presidential nominee. Ilya Shapiro, director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, joins CBSN to explain the ruling.
Nevada may join popular vote compact
Nevada could become the 15th state to enact legislation that would allow its electoral votes to be allocated based on the winner of the national popular vote in a presidential election. CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto joins CBSN's "Red and Blue" to explain this alternative to the Electoral College.
Ohioans anticipate battleground primary
In our series Three Meals, we travel to different states to break bread with voters and hear what’s on their minds. In this installment, Adriana Diaz goes to the battleground state of Ohio, which has a strong record of backing the winner in presidential elections.
Supreme Court weighs Electoral College case
The Supreme Court concluded its final day of remote oral arguments Wednesday. The final two cases the justices heard were about whether Electoral College members can diverge from their state's popular vote. Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson joined CBSN to discuss.
Supreme Court wraps up remote arguments with Electoral College cases
The cases out of Washington and Colorado involving the Electoral College and so-called "faithless electors" come as the 2020 presidential campaign is heating up.
Supreme Court hears two major controversies
The Supreme Court heard arguments via teleconference this week on two highly controversial issues: President Trump's tax records, and the Electoral College. Ilya Shapiro, director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, joins CBSN to explain the latest developments.
Supreme Court to hear "faithless elector" arguments
The case could have significant consequences in the 2020 presidential race
10 states set to lose congressional districts after 2020 census
Next year's census will determine how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state will have.
Nevada governor vetoes bill that would ignore Electoral College
The bill would have meant that Nevada would award its Electoral College votes to the candidate who won the popular vote nationally
How rural-urban divide puts Democrats at a disadvantage
New York Times reporter Emily Badger told CBSN Democratic hopefuls need to look at the suburbs if they want to win in 2020
Nevada could become 15th state to buck Electoral College
Several Democratic-leaning states have already adopted legislation to allow its electoral votes to go to the winner of the popular vote
Could U.S. abolish the Electoral College?
A group of Democratic senators is proposing a Constitutional amendment that would get rid of the Electoral College. Larry Sabato, the director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, joins CBSN to discuss the historical context of efforts to change or abolish the system – and how possible it would be.
Amendment introduced to abolish Electoral College
"In an election, the person who gets the most votes should win. It's that simple," said Sen. Brian Schatz
What to know about the Electoral College, and why some Democrats want to end it
"We can have national voting, and that means get rid of the Electoral College," Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Monday
Campaign 2020 latest
During a campaign rally in Mississippi Monday, 2020 Democratic hopeful Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed ending the electoral college. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joins CBSN to discuss her proposal and the latest campaign 2020 news.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.