Candidates face off tonight in key showdown
President Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney will face each other on stage for the first of three presidential debates. CBS News' Jan Crawford reports.
The 2012 Election
Romney will keep Obama's immigration policy
The Republican presidential candidate softened his stance on the president's directive regarding undocumented youth
Obama debate prep details? Mum's the word
Mr. Obama's press secretaries' lips are sealed when asked about what the president's doing to get ready for Wednesday's debate
Gov. Chris Christie: Romney "had a tough couple of weeks"
N.J. governor admits Romney "had a tough couple of weeks" but predicts major turnaround following first presidential debate
Rove-backed group launches $11 million ad buy
The ad criticizes Obama on unemployment and the debt and charges him with breaking his promises
Ryan pressed for specifics on tax plan, economy
Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan says a Romney administration will close loopholes and eliminate deductions for the wealthy
Romney's sons' unique debate prep routine
Their goal: lighten the mood before the big event
Romney: Debate about more than just winning
While he lowers expectations, Mitt Romney says the debate is an opportunity to get his message across
Five weeks out: Clock ticks on Romney and Obama
President Obama holds a small lead in polls, but Mitt Romney still has time to make a comeback - just not that much
Romney sees opportunity in debates
GOP nominee says debates are a chance for both candidates to describe the pathway forward
Obama preps for debate in Vegas
President says debate practice is fun but also a little tedious
The debates: What each candidate needs to do
James Fallows from the Atlantic magazine on the candidates' strength and weaknesses
Obama defectors waiting for details from Romney
Undecided voters are open to voting for Romney, but they want to hear economic specifics
Polls: Obama better than "OK" in 2008 debates
The Obama campaign continues to set a low bar for the president's debate performances - but 2008 polling showed he did well in debates against John McCain
Advice overload precedes Romney's debate
The advice Romney receives from former candidates, the conservative media, fundraisers and staff could prove distracting for the candidate
Gingrich: Romney must "move to clarity"
Former Speaker - never shy about giving Romney advice - offers tips on how GOP nominee must "move to clarity" in presenting alternative to Obama during debates
Romney plans big foreign policy speech
GOP challenger plans to give a major foreign policy address next week to present "stark contrast" between his foreign policy vision and Obama's
Romney paid 14.1 percent tax rate in 2011
Candidate has paid roughly 20 percent tax rate over two decades; made $13.7 million in 2011
Ryan won't call for Rice to resign
Vice presidential candidate says it's still unclear what the U.N. ambassador knew when she attributed Libya murders to protests against Internet video
Obama holds slight lead ahead of debate
New polls show the president up nationally before the first presidential debate on Wednesday
Eight House races to watch
A look at some of the key races as Republicans attempt to fend off a Democratic takeover of the House on Election Day
Great presidential debates
As the first Obama-Romney debate approaches, CBS News senior Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer talks with presidential debate veteran Jim Leher about the importance of these showdowns, and recall moments from previous debates that changed the course of elections.
Memorable presidential debate moments from campaigns past
As the 2012 presidential debates approach, Anthony Mason and Rebecca Jarvis speak with presidential historian Douglas Brinkley about good and bad moments in previous debates.
Campaign 2012: Quiet before the debate storm
Neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney are campaigning this weekend -- both are deep into debate prep. Chip Reid reports.
Letterman begs Romney to come on "Late Show"
CBS "Late Show" host: If Romney doesn't come on my show before the election, "don't vote for him"
Politics
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak
ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
Cuomo sues woman who accused him of sexual harassment for defamation
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit Thursday against a former aide, Charlotte Bennett, who alleged he sexually harassed her in 2020.
Manchin predicts Senate will go along with House on shutdown negotiations
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" he expects the tense negotiations on funding the government will end without a shutdown.
IRS whistleblowers jab at Hunter Biden pardon in lawsuit filing against his lawyer
Two IRS agents have accused Hunter Biden's lawyer of defamation.
Why Trump wants Congress to abolish the debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump added a wrinkle to negotiations over a deal to fund the government when he called for an increase to the debt ceiling.
Trump shakes up spending talks with call to eliminate debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump Trump said lawmakers should oppose any sweeping spending measure that includes "traps" and abolish the debt limit before he takes office next year.
How a U.S. government shutdown could impact your benefits and services
The U.S. government could face a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Here's what could be impacted.
How Trump and Elon Musk derailed bipartisan plans for a funding bill
"My phone was ringing off the hook," Republican Rep. Andy Barr said. "The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk."
House GOP's new funding bill to avoid shutdown fails in fast-track vote
House Republicans are trying to pass a new plan to keep the government funded through the spring.
Georgia appeals court removes Fani Willis from Trump 2020 election case
The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the 2020 election case against President-elect Donald Trump.
Biden sets new climate goal for slashing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The new goal is part of the Paris Agreement, under which member nations must update their emission cut targets every five years.
O'Malley, in bid for DNC chair, says Democrats need to learn from "very bad loss"
Democrats elect a new party chair on Feb. 1, following the loss of the presidency and the Senate and the narrow failure to win the House in 2024.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
Senate set to vote on bill that would expand Social Security to millions
Senators advance bill that would expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans with public pensions.
Shutdown looms after House GOP turns against spending bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a revolt from fellow Republicans over a last-minute measure to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
Paris Hilton's bill to protect minors at residential treatment facilities heads to president's desk
The 43-year-old heiress and actor has testified about her own experience as a teenager at treatment facilities.
U.S. begins to retaliate against China over hack of telecom networks
The Commerce Department's action is a direct response to China's infiltration of telecom networks earlier this year.
Migrants with temporary legal status ask Biden for help before Trump takes office
Migrants in the U.S. under what's known as Temporary Protection Status are worried that Trump will revoke the program upon taking office.
Senate passes $895 billion defense bill with gender-affirming care restriction
The Senate approved the mammoth National Defense Authorization Act despite concern from some Democrats over a controversial gender-affirming care policy.
Supreme Court takes up South Carolina's effort to defund Planned Parenthood
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to consider whether South Carolina health department's can cut off funding from Planned Parenthood because it performs abortions.
U.S.
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In Alaska, Santa's helpers work around the clock to deliver holiday packages
During the holidays, there are 33 delivery planes a day which fly in and out of Anchorage, Alaska, carrying about 80,000 packages.
Communities facing air pollution threats worry about EPA rollbacks under Trump
In the U.S., the biggest polluters are often concentrated in underserved, mostly minority communities.
Officials say mystery drones are not tracking missing radioactive material
The viral theory circulated even after the material was recovered last week.
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak
ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
Norovirus outbreaks reported on 3 cruise ships this month
Just over 300 passengers and crew members fell ill during norovirus outbreaks on three cruise voyages in December.
MoneyWatch
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He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Big Lots is planning "going out of business" sales at all of its stores
The bankrupt discount retail chain plans to liquidate after a deal with a prospective buyer collapsed.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
Capybaras are the "it" animal inspiration for toys this holiday
The large semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig is having a big moment.
How a U.S. government shutdown could impact your benefits and services
The U.S. government could face a shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Here's what could be impacted.
Politics
More Politics
Deportations by ICE jumped to 10-year high in 2024, surpassing Trump-era peak
ICE deported more than a quarter-million unauthorized immigrants in fiscal year 2024, the highest tally in a decade.
Cuomo sues woman who accused him of sexual harassment for defamation
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo filed a lawsuit Thursday against a former aide, Charlotte Bennett, who alleged he sexually harassed her in 2020.
Manchin predicts Senate will go along with House on shutdown negotiations
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" he expects the tense negotiations on funding the government will end without a shutdown.
IRS whistleblowers jab at Hunter Biden pardon in lawsuit filing against his lawyer
Two IRS agents have accused Hunter Biden's lawyer of defamation.
Why Trump wants Congress to abolish the debt ceiling
President-elect Donald Trump added a wrinkle to negotiations over a deal to fund the government when he called for an increase to the debt ceiling.
HealthWatch
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He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
Frito-Lay recalls some Lay's chips over "life-threatening" allergy risk
Some 13 oz. bags of Lay's Classic Potato Chips may contain an undeclared allergen, according to the snack company.
"Sleepmaxxing" trend has young adults optimizing their sleep
Sleep optimization, or "sleepmaxxing," is a popular trend among a younger demographic, but experts share a few words of caution.
Liquid-burning firepits behind 2 deaths, dozens of injuries, fed agency warn
Products sold as tabletop firepits, firepots, miniature fireplaces or portable fires for indoor use are "extremely dangerous," consumer agency warns.
Latest on H5N1 bird flu outbreak
A Louisiana patient is critically ill with severe respiratory symptoms from H5N1 bird flu, marking the 61st U.S. human case this year. California has declared a state of emergency. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder explains the public health risks.
World
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Rare look inside Gaza shows challenges of humanitarian crisis
In a rare moment of access to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, CBS News visited a critical aid distribution center just inside the Gaza Strip.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Putin laments top general's killing, says he'll meet Trump "any time"
Russia's Vladimir Putin, in his annual marathon news conference, laments "serious blunders" by his security forces and says he'll meet Trump "any time" about Ukraine.
2 highway crashes in Afghanistan leave dozens dead, dozens more hurt
Two highway crashes in southeastern Afghanistan killed a combined total of 50 people and injured 76, a government spokesman says.
Mayotte cyclone survivors plead with visiting French president for help
"Mayotte is demolished," an airport security agent told President Emmanuel Macron as he arrived in the remote French territory five days after Cyclone Chido.
Entertainment
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Alicia Keys surprises students at her former high school
The 16-time Grammy winner returned to the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, where she first began her career, and shares advice with current students.
Quirky Guinness World Records of 2024 include a skateboarding cat
As 2024 comes to a close, we took a look at some of the oddest Guinness World Records of the year.
Apollo Theater honored by Kennedy Center
For 90 years, the Apollo Theater has shaped American culture, launching icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. This year, it became the first institution honored by the Kennedy Center, cementing its legacy as a hub of innovation.
Alicia Keys surprises students at alma mater
Sixteen-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys celebrates her Broadway musical "Hell's Kitchen" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. In an exclusive interview, she revisits her alma mater to honor the teacher who inspired her and surprises students.
Inside Variety's acclaimed "Actors on Actors"
Since 2014, Variety's "Actors on Actors" has showcased one-on-one conversations between Hollywood stars, offering unique insights into their craft. Co-editor-in-chief and executive producer Ramin Setoodeh joins us to discuss the series' impact.
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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Science
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
"Murder hornets" eradicated in the U.S., agriculture officials say
Giant hornets, dubbed "murder hornets," have been eradicated in the U.S., five years after the invasive species was first detected in Washington state.
Coal use hitting record in 2024, which is likely hottest year yet, report says
World coal use is set to reach an all-time high in 2024, the International Energy Agency says, in a year all but certain to be the hottest in recorded history.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
Crime
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Crime
Trump's impact on Republicans in 2024
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett analyzes President-elect Donald Trump's influence on his party and how it will impact the next four years. Garrett also breaks down Democratic losses and political polarization in the U.S.
New details on Madison school shooting suspect
The 15-year-old shooter who killed two people at a Wisconsin school Monday was found to have been in contact with a California man plotting his own attack, according to authorities and court documents. CBS News' Ian Lee has more.
What to know about Mangione's extradition
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione, is in New York City where he faces federal murder charges. He was extradited from Pennsylvania on Thursday. CBS News crime and public safety unit coordinating producer Anna Schecter has more.
Mangione appears in New York federal court
The suspect in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson appeared in a federal courtroom Thursday in New York after being extradited from Pennsylvania. Along with the state charges, he now also faces federal murder charges. Lilia Luciano has details.
Luigi Mangione appears in federal court
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared before a federal judge Thursday in New York. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
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.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
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.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
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
Delivering Tomorrow: talabat's Evolution in the Middle East
From a startup to a transformative tech leader, discover how talabat champions innovation, sustainability, and community connections in the MENA region
"CBS Evening News" headlines for Dec. 19, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell."
Trump-backed spending bill fails in House vote
A new government funding bill proposed by Republican lawmakers and supported by President-elect Donald Trump failed Thursday in a House vote after a previous bipartisan agreement was scuttled Wednesday amid opposition from Trump. A Friday midnight deadline is looming to pass the bill, known as a continuing resolution, in order to avoid a government shutdown. Nikole Killion has the latest from Capitol Hill.
Trump's impact on Republicans in 2024
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett analyzes President-elect Donald Trump's influence on his party and how it will impact the next four years. Garrett also breaks down Democratic losses and political polarization in the U.S.
Why Trump, Ramaswamy are fighting remote work
President-elect Donald Trump said he will challenge a Biden-era deal allowing federal employees to work hybrid or remotely through 2029. Indeed Hiring Lab economist Allison Shrivastava joins "The Daily Report" to discuss why.