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
U.S. received assurance from Iran it wasn't actively trying to assassinate Trump
The U.S. received written assurance from Iran before the presidential election that its leadership was not actively trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, CBS News confirmed
Fellow National Guardsman told superiors Hegseth might be "insider threat"
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth is President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary.
Why Trump's tariff proposals have some business owners worried
President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on implementing a blanket tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports, along with an additional 60% or more on goods from China.
Woman told House Ethics Committee she saw Gaetz having sex with a minor
The House Ethics Committee hasn't decided if it will release its findings on allegations Matt Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and bribery.
Anti-abortion groups divided over RFK Jr. after Pence objects
Former Vice President Mike Pence said Kennedy "should be deeply concerning to millions of pro-life Americans."
Trump's win could sharply raise the cost of electric vehicles. Here's why.
Americans looking to purchase EVs may want to do so quickly, as the incoming administration is likely to axe a $7,500 tax credit.
Democratic senators ask DOJ, Pentagon to investigate any Musk contact with Putin
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has taken on a large role in President-elect Donald Trump's orbit.
Elon Musk recently met with Iran's ambassador to U.N.
Elon Musk's meeting comes as the Iranians seek a channel into President-elect Donald Trump's orbit.
Can Trump dismantle the Department of Education? It won't be easy, experts say
"One thing I'll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington, D.C.," President-elect Trump vowed in 2023.
Mike Johnson wants Ethics panel to keep Matt Gaetz report secret
The Republican leader argued releasing the report about Trump's attorney general pick would set a "terrible precedent."
Book excerpt: "Citizen: My Life After the White House" by Bill Clinton
The former president writes about his life after leaving office, when he was determined to "live in the present and for the future."
What to know about RFK Jr.'s stances on key health issues
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has raised controversy on topics ranging from vaccines to fluoride to food.
What unified government means for Trump's Cabinet and agenda
Even with unified GOP control of government, Trump's agenda and some of his more controversial nominees may run into some opposition.
Trump's defense secretary pick was probed for alleged sexual assault in 2017
President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary in his second term, Pete Hegseth, was investigated for alleged sexual assault in 2017, officials in Monterey, Calif. confirm.
U.S. military suicides rose in 2023, persisting despite prevention efforts
The Pentagon expects to spend about $250 million on suicide prevention in 2025, the largest amount of funds the Defense Department has ever invested.
FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
What to know about recess appointments as Gaetz faces Senate headwinds
A recess appointment would allow Trump to install some officials and sidestep lengthy hearings and a floor vote.
Trump will nominate RFK Jr. for HHS secretary
Kennedy has a long record of criticizing vaccines, including spreading misleading claims about their safety.
Elon Musk's DOGE is hiring. Here's the kind of person he's looking for.
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency said it is already recruiting people to work on the new initiative to cut federal spending.
Annual UFO report finds 21 cases of more than 700 received need more analysis
Among the 757 reports received, 4% had unusual descriptions, like "green fireball" or "a jelly fish with [multicolored] flashing lights."
U.S.
More U.S.
Gunfire strikes Southwest plane on tarmac of Dallas airport, officials say
No one was hurt when Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 was struck by gunfire while preparing to depart Dallas Love Field for Indianapolis.
Jake Paul wins fight against Mike Tyson by unanimous decision
Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated fight that ended in a win for the YouTuber-turned-pro-boxer.
U.S. received assurance from Iran it wasn't actively trying to assassinate Trump
The U.S. received written assurance from Iran before the presidential election that its leadership was not actively trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, CBS News confirmed
Fellow National Guardsman told superiors Hegseth might be "insider threat"
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth is President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary.
Son gifts father a restored Camaro decades after he let one go to raise a family
Jared Guynes spent three years scouring the internet for parts and putting together a 1967 Chevy Camaro piece by piece, which he gifted his father on his 65th birthday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump's win could sharply raise the cost of electric vehicles. Here's why.
Americans looking to purchase EVs may want to do so quickly, as the incoming administration is likely to axe a $7,500 tax credit.
Social Security bill to expand benefits is in the hands of the Senate
The Social Security Fairness Act, which would increase benefits for 2.8 million retirees, has bipartisan support but time running out.
How much money did Mike Tyson and Jake Paul make for their big fight?
Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, and Jake Paul, a social media legend, threw down Friday in Dallas. Financially, they both came out winners.
Some U.S. women are being asked to prepay for their baby
Pregnant women say health care providers are billing them to deliver their babies earlier than expected. Patient advocates say that's unethical.
After two stamp hikes, the USPS lost nearly $10 billion in 2024
The U.S. Postal Service's loss widened in fiscal 2024, although revenue rose slightly after two stamp hikes this year.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. received assurance from Iran it wasn't actively trying to assassinate Trump
The U.S. received written assurance from Iran before the presidential election that its leadership was not actively trying to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, CBS News confirmed
Fellow National Guardsman told superiors Hegseth might be "insider threat"
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth is President-elect Donald Trump's pick to be defense secretary.
Why Trump's tariff proposals have some business owners worried
President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on implementing a blanket tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports, along with an additional 60% or more on goods from China.
Woman told House Ethics Committee she saw Gaetz having sex with a minor
The House Ethics Committee hasn't decided if it will release its findings on allegations Matt Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and bribery.
Anti-abortion groups divided over RFK Jr. after Pence objects
Former Vice President Mike Pence said Kennedy "should be deeply concerning to millions of pro-life Americans."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What to know about RFK Jr.'s stances on key health issues
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has raised controversy on topics ranging from vaccines to fluoride to food.
Now's the perfect time for your flu and COVID shots. Here's why.
If you still haven't gotten your COVID or flu shot, now is the time so you'll stay protected throughout the season, according to doctors.
Some U.S. women are being asked to prepay for their baby
Pregnant women say health care providers are billing them to deliver their babies earlier than expected. Patient advocates say that's unethical.
What to know about Trump's HHS pick, RFK Jr.
Public health expert and CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss President-elect Donald Trump's choice for HHS secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a long record of criticizing vaccines and has spread false and misleading claims about their safety.
FDA vaccines chief hopes for common ground with RFK Jr.
The FDA's Dr. Peter Marks says he hopes to keep his job under a second Trump term, and urges Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to "keep an open mind."
World
More World
Heavy turbulence forces flight bound for Miami to return to Europe
The pilots of Scandinavian Airlines Flight 957 chose to make a U-turn and fly about five hours back to Copenhagen, where the plane was inspected for damage.
Elon Musk recently met with Iran's ambassador to U.N.
Elon Musk's meeting comes as the Iranians seek a channel into President-elect Donald Trump's orbit.
Rights group says weapons from U.S. allies fueling Sudan's forgotten war
Amnesty International says there are weapons from the U.S.-allied UAE and even France in Sudan's civil war, helping fuel the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Tropical Storm Sara pounds Central America with heavy rains
Mexican authorities warned the storm could cause "intense rains" over the resort-studded Yucatan Peninsula.
Oldest member of Japan's royal family, Princess Yuriko, dies at 101
Princess Yuriko became the sister-in-law of Japan's World War II-era Emperor Hirohito when she married his brother Prince Mikasa.
Entertainment
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Ali Larter on unexpected chemistry with Billy Bob Thornton in "Landman"
Set in the world of West Texas oil rigs, "Landman" explores big oil's impact on communities and the complex relationship between Angela and Tommy, played by Ali Larter and Billy Bob Thornton.
How much money did Mike Tyson and Jake Paul make for their big fight?
Mike Tyson, a boxing legend, and Jake Paul, a social media legend, threw down Friday in Dallas. Financially, they both came out winners.
How to watch the Tyson vs. Paul fight tonight
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are set to fight in a major professional boxing match tonight. Here's how to watch and what time the bout starts.
Ali Larter talks "Landman"
Ali Larter stars as Angela in the Paramount+ series ""Landman,"" created by Taylor Sheridan. Set in the intense world of West Texas oil rigs, Larter navigates the life as the ex-wife of Billy Bob Thornton's character in West Texas.
Mike Tyson to take on Jake Paul
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is returning to the boxing ring Friday against social media star Jake Paul. Tyson, who retired in 2005, last fought in 2020 during an exhibition with former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr.
Technology
More Technology
"Human … Please die": Chatbot responds with threatening message
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
Meta facing courtroom battle
On Wednesday, a judge allowed a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit to move forward that accuses Meta of creating an illegal monopoly with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
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 Guardian to stop posting on X, calling it "a toxic media platform"
The Guardian says benefits of being on Elon Musk's social media platform X are outweighed by its "often disturbing content."
Amazon debuts Amazon Haul with "crazy low prices." Here's what to know.
Amazon rolls out a new shopping service, dubbed Amazon Haul, that sells items for $20 or less.
Science
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Science
How climate change impacts the economy
2024 is on pace to be the hottest year on record worldwide. CBS News Los Angeles meteorologist and climatologist Marina Jurica reports that extreme weather events cost the global economy over $2 trillion in the last 10 years.
Scientists say biggest coral in the world discovered in the Pacific
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Surfboards with lights could deter shark attacks: "Invisibility cloak"
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Site of ancient, key battle in Iraq found using spy satellite images
1970s-era U.S. spy satellite imagery has led archeologists to what they believe is the site of a seventh-century battle that was decisive in the spread of Islam in the region.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Opening statements heard in Laken Riley trial
A Georgia jury heard opening statements Friday in the trial of the man accused of killing nursing student Laken Riley. Jose Ibarra is charged with killing the 22-year-old in February. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Trial begins in murder of Georgia nursing student
A murder trial is underway in Athens, Georgia, for a Venezuelan man accused of killing 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley. The suspect was in the U.S. illegally, and his arrest helped put the immigration debate front and center during the presidential campaign. Mark Strassmann is covering the trial.
Texas court clears way for Roberson execution
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday cleared the way for 57-year-old Robert Roberson to become the first person in the U.S. to be executed for a "shaken baby syndrome" murder. A jury convicted Roberson of killing his 2-year-old daughter in 2002. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian has more.
Laken Riley murder suspect was "hunting for females," prosecutor says
Jose Ibarra, who entered the U.S. illegally, is charged with murder in the February killing, which helped fan the immigration debate during this year's presidential campaign.
Testimony begins in Laken Riley murder trial
The murder trial has begun for Jose Ibarra, the man accused of killing Laken Riley while she was on a run back in February. Her murder became a hot-button topic on the campaign trail after it was revealed that Ibarra had entered the country illegally. CBS News reporter Jared Eggleston has more.
Space
More Space
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.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Cargo ship brings science gear, holiday treats to space station crew
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
The Taurid meteor showers will peak a week apart in November
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Photos from Helene
A woman from the Ashville area aims to reconnect victims of Hurricane Helene with the family photos they lost in the storm. David Begnaud surprises a selfless woman, known for giving rides to those in need, with a brand new car. Plus, more heartwarming stories.
Eye on America: Chef's nutritious workshops
In Illinois, we meet a chef whose hands-on workshops teach kids and families how to boost nutrition at home. And in California, we examine the increasing number of families who are juggling raising kids while caring for their aging parents. Watch these stories and more on "Eye on America" with host Michelle Miller.
Biden says South Korea, Japan alliance is key
President Biden met with South Korea's president and Japan's new prime minister at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. He said cooperation with the allies is integral to countering North Korea and Russia's cooperation. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Dad surprised with Camaro years after selling one
For Earl Guynes and his son, Jared, cars have always been their love language. And through the years, the one thing they've talked about most is the 1967 Chevy Camaro Earl used to own, but had to sell when he started a family. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" to learn about the touching gift Jared gave his dad to pay it back all these years later.
How inflation is impacting social lives
Inflation affects all areas of American life from grocery shopping to choosing where to live. A survey found that 37% of Americans are even neglecting their social lives due to high prices. Lifestyle expert Maureen Petrosky joins CBS News to discuss.