Facts about the debt
CBSNews.com takes a look back at 70 years of debt, spending and default in the U.S. budget
America's Debt Battle
Debt debate furloughs FAA employees
Funding for the Federal Aviation Administration has expired, furloughing nearly 3,500 employees, and stopping construction projects in their tracks. Other government agencies may face a similar fate, reports Sharyl Attkisson.
Boehner debt bill delayed
A half hour before its scheduled vote, the debt reduction bill was tabled in the House. As Nancy Cordes reports, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says even if the House bill passes, it will be dead on arrival in the Senate.
Default could spike mortgage costs
Interest rate increases are nearly certain if Congress cannot reach a deal and the U.S. defaults on its debts. That could cause a spike adjustable rate mortgages, reports Dean Reynolds.
McCain: U.S. will not go into default
Bob Schieffer speaks to Republican Sen. John McCain and asks whether there has been any progress on the debt chaos in Congress, which he referred to as "bizzaro."
What has White House accomplished in debt talks?
Chief White House correspondent Norah O'Donnell asked White House Press Secretary Jay Carney on Thursday what victories have President Obama scored in debt talks.
GOP Freshman: Boehner's plan gives us heartburn
Freshman Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.) held a news conference on Thursday to express support for Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) debt plan although he deems it "less than perfect."
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The White House that stole Christmas?
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said on Thursday a short-term debt deal would hurt the economy during the busiest retail seasons.
LaHood blasts Congress for failing to pass FAA funding bill
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke to reporters Thursday during at the White House press briefing and urged Congress to put thousands of furloughed employees back to work.
Letterman, Fallon, Leno mock debt stalemate
As negotiations continue in congress over raising the debt ceiling, late night comics Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman and Jay Leno have taken to poking fun at the stalemate.
McCain & Wall Street Journal anger Tea Party
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) read an editorial from the Wall Street Journal on the Senate floor Wednesday that called Tea Party supporters, House members "hobbits."
Lawmaker struggles with debt decision
CBS News correspondent Whit Johnson reports from Capitol Hill on freshman Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), a fiscal conservative backed by the Tea Party, who is wielding his unexpected political power in the debt ceiling debate.
Boehner to GOP: "Get in line" on debt bill
With only five days left for Congress to cut a budget cutting plan, Speaker Boehner is calling for House Republicans to vote for his bill to raise the debt ceiling. Nancy Cordes reports.
Debt threat on Wall Street
With the debt crisis looming in Congress, business and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis reports on what a possible default or deal would mean on Wall Street.
Rep. Walsh on debt talks: Default is not an option
Tea Party Rep. Joe Walsh, R - Ill., speaks to Erica Hill about the upcoming vote for Speaker Boehner's debt ceiling bill and the pressure in Congress to cut a deal before the Aug. 2 deadline.
Can Boehner get his debt bill passed?
If Speaker Boehner can convince enough members of his own party to vote for his deficit reduction bill, there is a possibility that Congress could finally put an end to the debt debate. But, can he pull it off? Nancy Cordes reports.
Default's impact on credit card interest rates
The variable interest rate on consumer credit cards is likely to rise if Congress fails to reach a deal to raise the debt limit. As Chip Reid reports, rates could go up between one and five percent.
Uncertain economy hindering small business
Uncertainty about the economy is causing small businesses to hold back on hiring and expanding. Elaine Qujiano speaks to a furniture store owner whose business is up and hope is down.
Threat of U.S. credit downgrade rising
America's credit rating has never fallen below AAA, but with Congress unable to reach a debt deal and looking increasingly dysfunctional, economists see the threat of a downgrade as "high and rising," reports Anthony Mason.
Why does Obama want debt deal through 2012 election?
In Wednesday's press briefing, CBS News chief White House correspondent Norah O'Donnell asked press secretary Jay Carney why President Obama insists on a deal through the next presidential election and not in the short term.
McConnell: Obama worried about 2012
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said on the Senate floor Wednesday that President Obama does not support like a GOP debt plan because it does not guarantee his return to the White House.
Reid warns Boehner's debt bill is DOA in Senate
On the Senate floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) warned that top Republican John Boehner's short-term debt plan will die in the Senate.
"Raise the Debt Ceiling" rap goes viral
Erica Hill and Chris Wragge discuss the "Raise the Debt Ceiling" rap video by comedian, Remy, that is taking the internet by storm.
Boehner postpones his debt plan vote
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has postponed a vote on his debt limit plan - a bill that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office determined that his bill would cut only $850 billion in spending, not the $1.2 trillion promised. CBS News Congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes reports.
Debt ceiling debate: Short-term compromise?
CBS News senior White House correspondent Bill Plante reports on President Obama's wait for a debt limit compromise, which could lead to a short-term increase and a continuation of the debate into next year.
Politics
Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Transcript: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat of Delaware, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: H.R. McMaster on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Ret. Gen. H.R. McMaster, national security adviser in the first Trump administration, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Rand Paul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Transcript: Sen. Tammy Duckworth on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
Poll: Trump starts on positive note as most approve of transition handling
Democrats say they're concerned or scared Trump will threaten their rights, but fewer than half feel motivated to oppose him.
Fred Harris, former U.S. senator and presidential candidate, dies at 94
It fell to Fred Harris, chair of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and 1970, to help heal the party's wounds from the tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.
GOP senator blocks promotion of general involved in Afghanistan withdrawal
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue was slated to be promoted to a four-star rank and take command of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Trump picks former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the USDA
The sprawling U.S. Department of Agriculture controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition.
Trump meets with NATO head in Florida for talks on global security
In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID vaccine mandates, to head FDA
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
Trump selects Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor secretary
Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, who narrowly lost her reelection bid earlier this month, received strong backing from union members in her district.
Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
How a Trump Justice Department could shift legal positions at the Supreme Court
Trump's new lawyers will have to decide how to handle hot-button issues before the high court this term, including cases on treatments for transgender youth and on ghost guns.
The new missile Russia is using in Ukraine and why it has NATO on edge
Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile has NATO members on edge after the missiles were used in a strike on Ukraine early Thursday morning.
U.S.
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A team of researchers has warned about "pink cocaine" for over a year
The death of music star Liam Payne has thrust "pink cocaine," sometimes also called Tusi, into the national spotlight. The National Drug Early Warning System predicted its rise back in 2023.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
MoneyWatch
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Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says
A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.
Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.
Politics
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Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Sen. Rand Paul and Tammy Duckworth join Margaret Brennan.
Duckworth says Trump Pentagon pick is "flat-out wrong" about women in combat
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth said that Pete Hegseth is "flat-out wrong" in his view that women should not serve in the military in combat roles.
Transcript: Rep.-elect Sarah McBride on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 24, 2024
The following is a transcript of an interview with Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat of Delaware, on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that aired on Nov. 24, 2024.
HealthWatch
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A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak
Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.
E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2
More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.
World
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Former Israeli hostages mark 1 year since war's only release deal
The only truce in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war on Nov. 24, 2023 – fewer than two months after fighting began – led to the release of 80 Israelis held by militants in Gaza.
Gunmen in southeast Mexico open fire in a bar killing 6 and injuring 5
The shooting took place in the coastal province of Tabasco, which is struggling with a recent increase in violence.
Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier as Hezbollah fires 185 rockets at Israel
Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines.
Gazan chefs cook up hope and humanity for online audience
Ten-year-old Chef Renad (who's gained a following on Instagram) and Hamada Shaqoura (who relies on humanitarian aid and crude cooking arrangements) educate while preparing meals in war-torn Gaza.
U.S Air Force says drones spotted near 3 bases in England last week
The drones were spotted between Wednesday and Friday near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
Entertainment
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Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
What makes a martini a martini?
There are very few American inventions more American than the martini – a classic cocktail of gin and vermouth, garnished with lemon. But today, a martini's ingredients may be up for debate.
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
Last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed the Fleetwood Mac founder's club, Fleetwood's on Front Street. Today, Mick Fleetwood is determined to rebuild, saying, "There has to be music."
Mick Fleetwood plays to the future in Maui
As a young man, Fleetwood Mac founder Mick Fleetwood dreamed of a place – a club – where he could get his friends together. Twelve years ago, he made it happen in the west Maui city of Lahaina: Fleetwood's on Front Street. But last year's horrific wildfires turned Lahaina into a disaster zone, and destroyed his treasured club. Today, Fleetwood says he's determined to rebuild. Correspondent Tracy Smith reports.
"Sandwiches of History": Resurrecting sandwich recipes that time forgot
Every week on his blog, "Sandwiches of History," Barry Enderwick rescues sandwich recipes from the dustbin of history. He's now collected some of the unlikeliest (and even amazing) historical recipes in a cookbook.
Technology
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Technology
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?
Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.
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.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
Science
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Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Crime
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Crime
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
Fugitive Kaitlin Armstrong caught after answering ad for a yoga instructor
When cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson was murdered in Texas, U.S. Marshals assigned to the case used a unique tactic to track down her suspected killer in Costa Rica and bring the fugitive to justice.
$20 million settlement reached in death of woman fatally shot by officer
Teresa Gomez, 45, was fatally shot in 2023 after a Las Cruces police officer on a bicycle approached her while she sat in a parked car with another person, authorities said.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
11/24: The Takeout: Sen. Joe Manchin
Sen. Joe Manchin joins "The Takeout" to discuss his political career and the state of American politics in 2024. Manchin provides insight on his disagreements with Democrats during Biden's presidency, why he left the party and how it can move forward after falling short this past election.
60 Minutes returns to Notre Dame
Next Sunday, 60 Minutes returns to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, bringing viewers a unique first look at the rebirth of one of the world’s great treasures.
Texas pie shop sees huge lines for Thanksgiving
Houston's Flying Saucer Pie Company has a devoted following, with people camping out overnight and lines up to half a mile long to get dessert for Thanksgiving. Janet Shamlian takes a look at what makes this shop so special.
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Recall affects roughly 240,000 electric vehicles
Some 240,000 electric vehicles are being recalled because of the risk they could lose power while being driven. Some of the affected models include Kia vehicles and the Hyundai Genesis.