Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
MoneyWatch
Latest News
Social Security Fairness Act could restore benefits, but policies still cause hardship
"In essence, this money has been stolen from all of us for all these years," said an 84-year-old woman whose late husband's Social Security benefits were slashed. "It's not fair."
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.
Sen. Warren pushes bill to make it easier to declare bankruptcy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Americans seeking debt relief face an overly complicated, costly bankruptcy system.
Here's what to expect from Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision
The Federal Reserve will announce a rate decision on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Economists are now expecting fewer cuts in 2025.
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.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
Japan's Honda and Nissan to begin merger talks, report says
The automakers are reportedly considering a merger to compete against large EV makers.
Walmart says it's testing body cameras on some store employees
Walmart says retailing giant is testing pilot in one market, and no longer-term decisions have been made.
Managing Your Money
More
What the Fed's December rate cut means for mortgage interest rates
Today's Fed rate cut could have an impact on mortgage rates — but there are other factors at play, too.
Which CD account should you open now that the Fed's cut rates again?
A CD can still be valuable even with the latest Fed rate cut. Here's how.
Are gold ETFs a good investment now that the price is dropping?
The price of gold has fallen recently, so does a gold ETF investment make sense right now?
Money Tech
AI voice scams are on the rise. Here's how to protect yourself.
Scammers are using AI-powered voice-cloning tools to prey on people. But experts say there's a simple way to protect you and your family.
YouTube TV again hiking its price — here's what a subscription will cost
The cost of YouTube TV has soared nearly 140% since the streaming platform launched in 2017.
Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Trump Media's stock is halted after sudden plunge in DJT shares
Trading in Trump Media, owner of Truth Social, was halted briefly on Tuesday after the stock suddenly plunged.
Trump's DJT stock is surging, lifting Truth Social. Here's why.
Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group, which trades under the DJT ticker, jumped 18% on Monday. Here's why.
TikTok sued by multiple states over app's impact on kids' health
The attorneys general of more than a dozen states and Washington D.C. claim TikTok falsely claims its platform is safe for children.
Water supplier American Water Works says systems hacked
American Water Works says it's investigating impact of breach; utility supplies drinking water to 14 million people.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
House Ethics Committee quietly voted to release Matt Gaetz ethics report
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
What's in the continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown?
The 1,500 page measure would do much more than prevent a government shutdown.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
What we know about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting
A student opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin on Monday, authorities said in a shooting that left two people and the suspected shooter dead and others injured.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Police issue warning after monkeys spotted roaming Florida city
Police have warned residents to avoid monkeys seen recently in Orange City, Florida.
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.
Charlotte Hornets apologize after a gift-giving skit went awry
The Charlotte Hornets' mascot appeared to award a fan a video game console, but the device was taken away when the cameras stopped.
Retirement
More
Planning to retire at 65? Most Americans have to stop working earlier.
Most Americans are forced to retire earlier than they had expected, often disrupting their financial planning.
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.
Seniors will pay more for Medicare in 2025. Here's what to know.
Medicare's Part B monthly premium is outpacing both inflation and Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment.
Here's what to know about House bill to expand Social Security benefits
Measure that would repeal so-called "government pensions offset" has been gaining support in House.
Some Social Security beneficiaries will get an extra November check
Some Social Security beneficiaries will receive an extra payment next month. Here's who will get the extra checks and why.
U.S.
More U.S.
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.
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.
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.
As climate change threatens Christmas trees, growers try to evolve
The effects of climate change have put stress on Christmas tree production in the United States. Some farmers are turning to genetics to adapt.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday moved to lower its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points. Here's what to know.
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.
Sen. Warren pushes bill to make it easier to declare bankruptcy
Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Americans seeking debt relief face an overly complicated, costly bankruptcy system.
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.
Social Security Fairness Act could restore benefits, but policies still cause hardship
"In essence, this money has been stolen from all of us for all these years," said an 84-year-old woman whose late husband's Social Security benefits were slashed. "It's not fair."
Politics
More Politics
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.
Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will take up a challenge to a new law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the U.S.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What are seed oils and do they pose health risks? Here's what to know
Seed oils are making headlines, prompting fears around whether they can have negative effects on your health. Here's what to know.
CDC confirms first severe bird flu case in the U.S.
A person in Louisiana has the first severe illness caused by bird flu in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
Congo says mysterious disease killing dozens of kids finally identified
"The mystery has finally been solved," Congo's health ministry says, after an unidentified disease outbreak started killing mainly women and children in a remote region.
2 sisters, 7 years apart in age, also receive heart transplants 7 years apart
The sisters share a special bond of getting a second chance at life, which they both received at the age of 38 years old.
Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
World
More World
Prominent pro-Putin ballet star Sergei Polunin says he's leaving Russia
Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.
China continuing nuclear buildup, strengthening ties to Russia, Pentagon says
A new Pentagon report says China is continuing to expand its nuclear force and has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past year.
Ancient inscription may rewrite Christianity's history, researchers say
The "Frankfurt Silver Inscription" shows the earliest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
The Grateful Dead, Kennedy Center honorees, reflect on the band's legacy
Surviving members of the Grateful Dead, Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart, revisit the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
Ben Schwartz, James Marsden on new "Sonic"
Ben Schwartz and James Marsden join "CBS Mornings" to discuss their roles in the highly anticipated sequel "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," distributed by Paramount Pictures.
Kennedy Center honors Grateful Dead
Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges and Derek Trucks led a star-studded tribute to the Grateful Dead at this year's Kennedy Center Honors. Anthony Mason spoke with the band's three surviving core members about their journey to becoming one of the most influential bands in American history.
Megan Thee Stallion asks for restraining order against Tory Lanez
Tory Lanaz, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet, is harassing her from prison through surrogates, the petition alleges.
How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
What's next for AI in 2025?
After a landmark year for AI advancements like chatbots and image generation, questions loom about the future. Generative AI expert Sam Gregory shares what's ahead.
Lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rise
FAA data shows lithium battery fires are up 388% on U.S. flights since 2015, happening nearly twice per week on average. The lithium batteries inside your tablet, laptop and phones can be flammable when they're damaged or they overheat. Passengers should never put a lithium battery in a checked bag, but it's also advised to keep an eye on your devices during your flight.
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.
Free ChatGPT search engine tool from OpenAI
OpenAI is rolling out its ChatGPT search engine for free to everyone with an OpenAI account after first making the service available for paying subscribers back in October. Will Knight, senior writer with Wired, joined CBS News to discuss the tool.
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Science
More Science
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.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.
U.K. court clears seizure of millions in unpaid taxes from Andrew Tate
A British court has cleared police to seize $3.3 million from misogynist social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother to cover unpaid taxes.
Explosion kills 2 soldiers in suspected booby trap by drug cartel
Before the blast, the soldiers had discovered the dismembered bodies of three people, officials said.
DA accused of firing at fugitive, hitting home with family inside
Chris Stanford is facing a reckless endangerment charge after shooting at a fugitive several times and hitting a home that had a family inside.
Space
More 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.
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
Here's when, where the Geminid meteor shower will be visible during peak
One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can catch the Geminids.
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.
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.
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.
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
ATF director on disrupting violent crime
Steven M. Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), joined CBS News with more on the agency's mission to disrupt violent crime. This comes after another deadly school shooting occurred in Madison, Wisconsin.
Federal Reserve cuts interest rate again
The Federal Reserve announced another interest rate cut, reducing its benchmark rate by .25 percentage points. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger has more on the move.
Trump, Bezos to meet in Florida
President-elect Donald Trump and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are meeting before a second term in the White House for the former president. This comes as other CEOs make attempts to connect with Trump. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Federal Reserve decision coming
The Federal Reserve is set to announce a potential reduction to the interest rate, its final potential move in 2024. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has more on what's expected.
Madison shooting suspect's family life
Records are providing more details about the Madison, Wisconsin, school shooting suspect and her family life. CBS News' Anna Schecter breaks down what's known as officials investigate the 15-year-old's motive.