Sequester threatens exhibits at National Zoo
Very little in Washington is safe from the potential budget cuts, including the animals
The Sequester
Economic impact of sequester cuts
Editor-at-large for CBS MoneyWatch on impact of blunt budget cuts on economic recovery, stock market
Job loss warnings ahead of sequester
FAA, defense department warn of furlough, loss of tens of thousands of jobs
What will happen if the sequester takes place?
If the government doesn't reach an agreement on looming massive spending cuts, how will that affect the country?
The sequester: A Q&A
What you need to know about the across-the-board federal spending cuts set to take effect March 1
Sequester cuts could hurt food inspections
USDA estimates across-the-board cuts would force them to furlough all food inspectors
Sequester cuts threaten Sandy relief
The mayor of Seaside Heights is overseeing a recovery that is challenging even by the standards of superstorm Sandy
Sequestration poses threat to government agency budgets
The FBI says the sequester would require all employees, including special agents, to be furloughed for up to 14 days
Sequester cuts would be a "catastrophe" for DOD civilians
DOD civilians, manage the flow of supplies to troops in Afghanistan, overhaul army tanks, and provide medical care wounded warriors
Why don't Americans trust government?
CBS News Elections Director Anthony Salvanto digs through the polls to explain American's skepticism about government
Poll: Obama's approval stands at 52%
In a new CBS News poll, 40% of Americans think the country is headed in the right direction, a 10-point increase since last summer
Poll: On deficit, immigration, guns, public in sync with Obama
As Obama readies his State of the Union address, a new CBS News poll shows he receives public support for many of his policies
Poll: 71% support ending Saturday postal delivery
The percentage of Americans who almost never use the post office has doubled since June, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: 45% approve of Obama's handling of the economy
As the president readies his economic-focused State of the Union speech, more disapprove of how he's dealing with the economy
Poll: Most support women in combat
Americans overwhelmingly support a new Pentagon policy change regarding women in combat, according to a new CBS News poll
Poll: Most have a good image of New Orleans
As the city prepares to host another Super Bowl, a majority are optimistic about New Orleans' future
Poll: Most support letting working illegal immigrants stay
51 percent back allowing them to stay and apply for citizenship
Poll: Americans optimistic about Obama's next four years
In spite of the daunting fiscal challenges ahead, a new CBS/New York Times poll shows most Americans feel good about Obama's second term
Poll: Americans want compromise over debt ceiling
CBS/New York Times poll: Americans overwhelmingly want the debt ceiling raised, and most want it done with spending cuts
Obama enters second term with 51 percent approval
Forty-one percent disapprove of the job the president is doing in new CBS News/New York Times poll
Poll: Majority of Americans back stricter gun laws
A new CBS News/New York Times poll found that Americans back the central components of President Obama's new gun proposals
Michelle Obama: It's her birthday, and she's still popular
On the first lady's birthday, a new CBS News/NYT poll shows half of Americans still have positive views of her
9 in 10 back universal gun background checks
CBS News/NY Times survey finds wide support for Obama proposal; 3 in 4 back say armed guards in public places would help
Poll: Nearly half support legalization of marijuana
The shift in public opinion was reflected on Election Day in Colorado and Washington state
Most predict "major problems" if "cliff" isn't averted
CBS News poll: More than half of Americans say there will be "major" economic problems if Washington fails to reach a deal
Politics
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
How Trump could undo portions of Biden's climate legacy
Biden's most recent climate initiatives are all but certain to be short-lived, mostly thanks to an obscure law that tends to come into play every four years.
Biden's top hostage envoy travels to Syria to ask for help in finding Austin Tice
Hostage envoy Roger Carstens traveled to Syria Friday, making the first known U.S. in-person contact with the caretaker government, and seeking help in finding missing American Austin Tice.
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 have impacted benefits and services
The U.S. government faced the threat of a shutdown if Congress didn't pass a spending bill before Dec. 21, 2024. Here's a look at the potential impact.
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."
Senate passes bill to avert government shutdown
The stopgap measure to fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief passed the Senate and now goes to President Biden for his signature.
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.
Social Security Fairness Act passes key hurdles in the U.S. Senate
Senators advance House-passed bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans with public pensions.
U.S.
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Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
Here's what the anticipated record number of holiday travelers should know about how a government shutdown could affect trips.
Politics
More Politics
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
Here's a fact check on Trump's recent comments about the history of U.S. tariffs
Historians say Trump falsely said he was the only president to collect revenue from tariffs on Chinese goods, among other claims.
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Mayorkas warns of "serious" consequences for Homeland Security if government shuts down
The warning came before the House passed a last-minute stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support Friday night, sending it to the Senate.
Biden issues likely last round of student debt forgiveness before leaving office
The Biden administration is canceling federal student loans for another 55,000 workers to the tune of $4.28 billion in what's expected to be the last such round before he leaves office.
HealthWatch
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Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
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.
World
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8 convicted of terrorism charges in teacher's 2020 beheading in France
Samuel Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist outside his school, days after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a debate on free expression.
Car slams into Christmas market in Germany in suspected attack
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least 2 people and injuring dozens.
Hip-hop star reportedly shot dead in parking garage in Sweden
In a video, seemingly filmed with a camera worn by the shooter, a person carrying a handgun can be seen firing multiple shots in a parking garage.
7 killed in prison riot as officers try to transfer 2 dangerous inmates
One of the inmates with a gun held out for about three hours, protected by 20 fellow prisoners, officials said.
7-year-old killed, 6 other people wounded in stabbing attack at Croatia school
A 7-year-old girl was killed and at least five other students and a teacher were wounded in a knife attack at a school in Croatia, police said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The untold WWII story of "Six Triple Eight"
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington team up on the film "Six Triple Eight," spotlighting the only all-Black women's battalion in Europe during WWII. Washington stars as Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer.
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.
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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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
German Christmas market attack update
At least two people were killed and over 60 were injured after a car crashed into a Christmas market in eastern Germany. Authorities arrested a suspect, saying they believe he acted alone in the deliberate act. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more details.
Toddler killed in German market attack, police say
At least two people, including a toddler, were killed, and at least 60 more hurt, after a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in what authorities said appeared to be a deliberate attack. German police said a Saudi man has been arrested, but a motive has not yet been determined. CBS News reporter Anna Noryskiewicz has more.
Details on suspect in crash at German market
More than 60 people were injured and at least two killed Friday after a driver rammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The driver is in custody and local government officials say they suspect the crash was deliberate. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has the latest details.
JonBenét Ramsey's dad on key evidence
John Ramsey, JonBenét Ramsey's dad, says he thinks DNA technology will lead to an answer in his daughter's brutal murder. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty breaks down her latest reporting on the case.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
A unique spin on the classic holiday eggnog
It's the time of year when we indulge in some favorite holiday treats and drinks like eggnog. Chef JJ Johnson, the founder of fast-casual restaurant Field Trip NYC, joins CBS News to showcase several holiday recipes.
Sports' biggest moments in 2024
2024 marked a sensational year in the world of sports. Some highlights included another Super Bowl win for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rise of women's sports on the college and professional level. Cbssports.com writer Austin Nivision breaks it all down.
Drone expert unpacks mysterious sightings
A string of drone sightings across parts of the Northeast has prompted federal officials to ban drone flights temporarily in 22 towns throughout New Jersey and some neighborhoods around airports in New York City. Michael Innella, drone photographer and founder of North Jersey Drone Shots, joins CBS News to discuss the logistics behind the aircraft.
Kids inspired by Secret Santa hand out money
An Arizona elementary teacher uses Steve Hartman's "On the Road" stories to teach kindness and character. One about a Secret Santa that gives out money to random strangers has inspired his students to do the same over the holidays -- and this year was no different.
Why Starbucks and Amazon workers are striking
Employees at Starbucks stores started a five-day strike in several U.S. cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, workers are on strike at more than a half dozen Amazon facilities, with more locations expected to join. Carter Evans has details.