How America became "The Land of the Fee"
The middle class pays nearly $1.5 trillion annually to lenders and insurers, eating away at income and mobility
Student Debt
Game show pays off winners' college loans
Conceived by a comedian, "Paid Off" gives contestants a chance to shed student debt, though some call it cruel
Women's student debt loads nearly twice men's
A gender gap in student loans -- women grads owe $2,700 more than men grads do -- creates a financial disadvantage
Shady industry finds new way to charge student borrowers
Consumers promised student loan relief are instead saddled with additional debt to cover dubious fees
Why the robust economy doesn't reflect the reality for many Americans
From families bearing heavier child care costs to couples struggling to afford a home, people across the U.S. are straining to succeed despite the economy's gains
Millennials playing financial catch-up
Weighed down by student debt, millennials are in worse shape financially than Gen Xers were at same age.
Is the cost of a graduate degree worth it?
Attending graduate school is a big decision, and also an expensive one. Most students borrow large sums of cash for their graduate degrees. Tax and business finance expert Dan Geltrude joins CBSN to discuss if a graduate degree is worth the cost.
The "radical" case for abolishing student debt
Wiping away the $1.4 trillion owed by 44 million Americans would boost GDP and create 1 million new jobs a year
Defrauded by schools, students now suing feds
Students say Education Secretary Betsy Devos is ignoring the government's own rules in refusing to erase their debts
Making your money matter
CBSN anchor Vladimir Duthiers joins a panel of experts to tackle personal finance challenges including student debt, salary negotiations and retirement
Paying off student loans early doesn't always pay
In some cases, it's better to stick to your scheduled payments than dashing to the finish line
Study: For-profit college students twice as likely to default
A federal study found half of students who attended for-profit schools defaulted, compared with 17 percent for public colleges
How to avoid surprise debt during college
As many as half of first-year college student underestimate their debt. Here's how to keep a handle on yours
Should you pay off student loans early?
No one likes owing money, but not all debt is created equal -- here's how to think of your student loans
11 ways to trim your student loan payments
No matter how much you owe, you have several options for making your monthly payments more affordable
A short course on repaying student debt
You've borrowed and graduated, and you'll soon begin making payments -- so here are some key survival tips
Consumers' total debt climbs to a fresh record
And so does the category that includes credit card balances, which are now well over $1 trillion
State attorneys general sue Education Department over debt rules
They say Secretary DeVos' decision to put a freeze on "borrower defense" rules violates federal law
Promised college loan forgiveness, borrowers wait and wait
Tens of thousands who studied at failed for-profit colleges were told their federal loans would be forgiven by now
Student loan servicing giant takes on state regulatory moves
Industry leader Navient is lobbying to block legislation that would increase state oversight and borrower protections
The college trap ensnaring women and minorities
Their surging college enrollment is a success story, but deep student debt and paltry pay can lead to financial struggles
What millennials really want in the workplace
Despite the image of job-hopping across the gig economy, they actually "prefer steady employment to higher pay"
A surprising way to get rid of debt: pick up and move
Moving to a different location can be an effective way to pulverize debt -- here are three people it's worked for
Americans have never owed more money than they do now
Total household debt has surpassed the record it set in 2008, but Americans today are in better financial shape
5 ways college grads can get jobs outside their majors
Sure, many grads with tech degrees get high-paying jobs, but you can still do well -- even if you didn't do well in math or science
Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.
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.
Here's who Trump has picked for Cabinet and other top jobs
Here's a list of people President-elect Donald Trump has chosen for critical Cabinet posts and top White House jobs.
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 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.
Fearing deportation, some Haitian migrants are leaving Springfield, Ohio
Most Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, live there legally through Temporary Protected Status, which President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end.
Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."
$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.
Dartmouth sorority, fraternity members charged in student's drowning death
Police in New Hampshire, where Dartmouth is located, announced that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house.
U.S.
More U.S.
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.
North Dakota Badlands national monument proposed with tribes' support
This would be North Dakota's first national monument, a proposal several tribal nations say would preserve the area's indigenous and cultural heritage.
$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.
Dartmouth sorority, fraternity members charged in student's drowning death
Police in New Hampshire, where Dartmouth is located, announced that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
Supreme Court takes up FCC fund dispute over subsidies for rural telecom services
The Universal Service Fund was created by Congress in 1996.
Politics
More Politics
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.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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.
What to know about the newly identified chemical in U.S. drinking water
Researchers have identified a chemical in certain tap water across the United States as chloronitramide anion. Here's what to know.
Whole Foods organic carrots and celery recalled amid E. coli outbreak
Whole Foods Market stores in five states sold recalled carrots and celery sticks that could contain E. coli.
World
More World
Nations at COP29 climate talks agree on $300 billion a year for poor countries
The $300 billion will go to developing countries who need the cash to wean themselves off coal, oil and gas.
Russia bans child adoption from countries that allow gender transition
The adoption ban would apply to at least 15 countries, most of them in Europe, and Australia, Argentina and Canada.
Kayaker's leg amputated after 20-hour rescue to free him from rocks
Officials said the man, a tourist in his 60s, was kayaking with friends in the Franklin River when he slipped and became trapped.
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 in Beirut as diplomats push for cease-fire
The strikes, which destroyed an eight-story building and left a crater in the ground, were the fourth in Beirut in less than a week.
A craving for good food flips gender roles in Italy
Around the world, women cook more meals per week than men, but Italy serves as the exception to the rule.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Singer-songwriter Khalid comes out as gay after being outed
The Grammy nominee, 26, posted a rainbow flag emoji and short statement, then added in another post that he had been "outted."
Jonathan Majors' ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit
Lawyers for actor Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice, according to a joint filing in Manhattan federal court.
The Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Early Shirley."
The Coward Brothers on new album
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.
The Coward Brothers perform "Tipsy Woman"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Tipsy Woman."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
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.
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.
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.
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.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
More Science
Science
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.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Crime
More Crime
$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.
U.S. accuses former Colombia general of extrajudicial killings
Former general Mario Montoya and his family are barred from traveling to the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
4.78 tons of cocaine, $193,000 in cash found in shipping containers
Prosecutors said eight people were detained following searches carried out in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month.
84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Space
More Space
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
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 Coward Brothers perform "Early Shirley"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Early Shirley."
The Coward Brothers on new album
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. The pair opened up to CBS Saturday Morning about their fictional personas and that long hiatus earlier this week.
The Coward Brothers perform "Tipsy Woman"
The Coward Brothers — better known as Elvis Costello and T Bone Burnett — began playing together more than 40 years ago, but until this week, the duo hadn't released any new music since 2006. Now, their new, self-titled album is earning critical acclaim. Now, from "The Coward Brothers," here are the Coward Brothers with "Tipsy Woman."
Behind the wheel of priceless car collection
This morning, we travel to Los Angeles to explore an American entrepreneur's priceless car collection. It's a thing of beauty fittingly built by a cosmetics empire — and the collection is now so large it can't fit under one roof.
The Dish: Andrew Zimmern
Today in a special Thanksgiving edition of the Dish, Dana Jacobson sits down with chef, cookbook author and social activist Andrew Zimmern. He's made a name for himself with his activist persona and versatile cooking, earning recognition and awards — including an Emmy. But when it comes to Thanksgiving, Zimmern takes time to reflect on the darker times of his life — and celebrates where he is now.