Things That Matter - Episode Guide

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D-Md.), a rising star in the Democratic party, sits down with CBS News senior correspondent Norah O'Donnell for a wide-ranging discussion about key issues impacting the nation, in CBS News Things That Matter: A Town Hall with Governor Wes Moore. Gov. Moore, widely considered a contender for the 2028 presidential race, will also speak about the critical 2026 midterm elections and his vision for the future of the Democratic party.

The town hall, recorded before a studio audience in Maryland, will feature local residents across the political spectrum sharing their questions with Gov. Moore on topics spanning cost of living, public safety, education and more.

Vice President JD Vance (R-Ohio) will sit down with CBS EVENING NEWS anchor Tony Dokoupil to talk about the economy, foreign policy, the state of the Republican Party, and the 2028 race for the White House in a March edition of CBS News Things That Matter: A Town Hall with Vice President JD Vance. 

The town hall will be recorded before an audience in North Carolina. With so many urgent issues facing Americans and honest debate being more challenging than ever, local residents and people from across the political spectrum are invited to openly ask the Vice President about the things that matter to them.

Gen Z is struggling, with everything from finances to mental health. But why? Liberal commentator Harry Sisson and conservative commentator Isabel Brown face off on the many issues facing young Americans, from climate change to housing prices. 

Former Sen. Ben Sasse, now battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, answers questions about his faith, his experimental treatment, the country and more in this town hall moderated by Scott Pelley. 

The town hall, and our ongoing series THINGS THAT MATTER, will connect the Artemis II crew with an audience of the next generation of space explorers. With a focus on families and kids, the astronauts will field questions from the students of NEST+m and M.S. 255 Salk School of Science, along with 2026 NASA HUNCH competition finalists from Frontier Central High School, Bergen County Technical School and others.

As Democrats and Republicans battle for control in the high-stakes midterm elections, Vice President JD Vance speaks with CBS EVENING NEWS anchor Tony Dokoupil in Michigan about the race for Congress and issues impacting voters at the polls, including affordability, tariffs, immigration, healthcare, artificial intelligence, the war with Iran and the state of our democracy. Michigan is home to a battleground Senate race and several competitive House contests. The results of these elections could decide the party in control of Congress. Voters will also elect the state's first new governor in eight years.

As Americans head to the polls, CBS News presents the town hall with Vice President Vance in front of an audience of Michigan voters from across the political spectrum. They will ask questions on the biggest issues facing them and share how those issues are impacting their daily lives.