It could take years for kids to recover from pandemic learning gap, research shows
Students struggled with remote learning, leading to many to fall behind in their education.
Back To School
School year begins with relaxed COVID measures
"Keeping students in school has really helped with mental health and emotional well-being."
Surging school supply costs affect families
Back-to-school spending in total is expected to match the record high set in 2021: $37 billion.
Thousands of teaching positions remain vacant as the country faces teacher shortage
Nationally, there are more than 280,000 fewer public-school teachers than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. schools struggling amid severe teacher shortage
Nationwide, there are at least 280,000 fewer public school teachers than there were before the pandemic, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As back-to-school nears, the fight over cellphones in classrooms rages on
Many teachers, school leaders and state legislators have been pushing for tighter cellphone restrictions — but in some instances, they've been met with fierce opposition.
Database tracks all U.S. school shootings
The Washington Post has spent years compiling a database of all known U.S. school shootings since Columbine in 1999, and found that more than 311,000 children have been exposed to gun violence in school. John Woodrow Cox, one of the reporters who worked to gather that data and the author of "Children Under Fire: An American Crisis," joined Tanya Rivero to discuss the findings and why the federal government does not track school shootings.
Nonprofit aims to recruit more Black male teachers
A nonprofit is trying to recruit more Black men into the profession to give more students of color a sense of belonging.
Moms push back against book bans
Typically quiet school board meetings have turned hostile across in many communities, with heated debates over hot-button political issues like critical race theory, book bans and mask mandates. A nationwide group of women called "Red Wine and Blue" is working to change the national conversation. The group's chief content officer Beverly Batte joined CBS News' Anne-Marie Green and Vladimir Duthiers with more.
Pause on student loan repayments extended
On Wednesday, President Biden extended the pause on federal student loa repayments another 90 days, until May 1, 2022. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett and CBS News' Elise Preston discuss the extension and the pressure the president is facing to address student loan debt on a larger scale.
Schools nationwide experience staff shortage
Across the nation, schools are experiencing a shortage of teachers and critical staff. Janet Shamlian speaks with some of the educators forced to take on multiple roles.
Universal pre-K in focus amid spending showdown
There are new signs that congressional Democrats may be nearing an agreement on President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. A key part of that plan is universal pre-kindergarten. A CBS News poll shows that two-thirds of Americans support it. Nancy Cordes has more.
Educators turn failing New Jersey school into success story
Camden Prep was struggling until a group of educators led by principal Susanna Tagoe stepped in. It's now the highest performing school in the area.
Managing back-to-school anxiety
This year, typical back-to-school jitters combined with the uncertainties of the pandemic are leaving some families more anxious than usual. Ericka Souter, a parenting expert and author of "How to Have a Kid and a Life: A Survival Guide," joined CBSN to discuss some tips for managing the stress.
National Guard to drive kids to school amid bus driver shortage
Up to 250 personnel have been made available in the state to help with the staffing shortage.
New York City schools reopen for in-person learning
New York City, which has the largest school system in the country, reopened for in-person learning. Meg Oliver shares more on what's being done to keep students and staff safe amid the pandemic.
NYC schools reopen without vaccine mandate for students
The chancellor in the nation's largest school district says the city will avoid COVID closures seen in other states because of New York's higher vaccination rates.
Public schools see massive drop in enrollment due to pandemic
Nationwide, it is estimated that up to 3 million children stopped attending school or online classes after the pandemic shutdowns last year.
Helping students cope with the pressure to succeed
Experts say adolescent wellness is as vulnerable to academic pressure as it is to poverty, trauma and discrimination – and that students from high-achieving schools are at greater risk of substance abuse, depression and anxiety than the national norm.
Florida school board to require masks despite ban
The Broward County School Board voted overwhelmingly to require students to wear masks even though the state has banned mask mandates amid a COVID surge from the Delta variant.
California teachers must get COVID-19 vaccines or regular testing
Newsom said the vaccine requirement is a "a sustainable way to keep schools open."
12-year-old writes to Florida school board advocating for masks
Lila Hartley said she is worried about her 10-year-old brother, who is ineligible for a vaccine.
Florida school mask controversy continues as COVID-19 cases surge
An emergency rule in Florida will allow parents to use vouchers to transfer children out of public schools that require masks, but not everyone agrees with the move.
Parents face rising prices for back-to-school gear
This year, more than half of shoppers have already started buying supplies — but what they're getting is a lesson in rising prices.
Pediatricians group says kids should wear masks when school restarts
A national pediatricians group recommended that children over the age of 2 wear masks when they go back to school, even if they're vaccinated.
U.S.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
First responders who ran into nursing home after explosion praised as heroes
The police chief of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, says the incident response after the nursing home explosion is the largest he's ever seen in 20 years.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
1 staff member, 1 resident killed in explosions at Pa. nursing home
Bucks County officials say the two people killed after explosions at a Bristol nursing home were a resident and a staff member.
Oklahoma town's quirky idea to lure visitors becomes year-round draw
In the small town of Chickasha, Oklahoma, it's not just the brightly lit Christmas tree turning heads.
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
NORAD tracks Santa in Christmas tradition. See the live map.
NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, tracks Santa's Christmas Eve flight around the world each year. Follow a live map of the tracker here.
Trump plows ahead with construction plans as preservation group seeks limits
President Trump has overhauled parts of the White House at a sprinter's pace with virtually no oversight, and it appears there is little standing in his way.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Student loan borrowers in default could see wages garnished in 2026
The Education Department signaled earlier this year that it would move to resume wage garnishment, among other forms of involuntary collection, for those in default.
Supreme Court says Trump can't deploy National Guard to Chicago for now
President Trump invoked a law called Title 10 to bring members of the Illinois National Guard under federal service over the objections of state and local leaders.
Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
Job listings for store Santas have plunged in recent years as more families shop online and retailers look to contain costs, a new analysis found.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
Consumer confidence continues to fade despite heady economic growth
Concerns about inflation, tariffs and politics weighed on consumer sentiment in December, The Conference Board said.
Former GOP Sen. Ben Sasse says he has stage-four pancreatic cancer
Republican Ben Sasse represented Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 2015 to 2023, then became president of the University of Florida.
Rob and Michele Reiner's children release new statement on memorial plans
The children of slain filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, have released another statement in the wake of their parents' deaths.
U.S. GDP grew at a blistering 4.3% pace in the third quarter
Economic growth blew past forecasts in the third quarter despite ongoing concerns about jobs, tariffs and inflation.
U.S.
More U.S.
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
California storm threatens homes and holiday travel
Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas scorched by wildfires.
First responders who ran into nursing home after explosion praised as heroes
The police chief of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, says the incident response after the nursing home explosion is the largest he's ever seen in 20 years.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Hawaii cruise passengers face new climate change tax after court ruling
The new tourist tax imposes an 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship's passengers to address climate change threats to Hawaii.
How to save money on your utility bill this winter as heating costs rise
Many Americans face soaring costs to heat their homes this winter. Here are some ways to lower your monthly utility bill.
We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.
The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
H-1B visa lottery system being replaced as DHS shifts priorities
The Department of Homeland Security says it's replacing its longstanding lottery system for H-1B work visas with an approach that prioritizes skilled, higher-paid foreign workers.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ says "over a million more documents" found, potentially related to Epstein case
The Justice Department said the process of releasing the Epstein files may take "a few more weeks" due to the volume of materials.
Judge blocks Trump from stripping security clearance from attorney for now
Trump signed an executive order in March saying it was "no longer in the national interest" for attorney Mark Zaid and others to access classified information.
Poll: Spending time with family is what Americans like most about the holidays
More say they will probably talk about family or health, rather than politics, as they gather for the holidays.
Trump suggests pulling licenses if networks are "almost 100% Negative" about him
President Trump said TV broadcast licenses should be revoked if newscasts and late-night shows are almost entirely negative about him and the GOP.
U.S. says China's chip policies are unfair but will delay tariffs to 2027
The U.S. Trade Representative said tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, now at zero, are set to increase in June 2027.
HealthWatch
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FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement
A federal judge has approved a preliminary agreement for a class action lawsuit requiring Aetna to cover fertility treatments for same-sex couples as they do with heterosexual couples.
Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"
Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.
Finding hope through cancer clinical trials
#LillyPartner Cancer clinical trials can offer patients access to investigational treatments that can be explored as early as the time of diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivor Alicia Dellario and Dr. Arjun Balar, senior vice president of global clinical development at Eli Lilly and Company, join "CBS Mornings" to talk about the potential benefits of cancer clinical trials -- and clarify common misconceptions. Visit cancerclinicaltrials.lilly.com for more information. (Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company)
Details on new flu strain as cases rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York, explains what to know about rising cases, symptoms to watch for and how to protect your family.
World
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Investigators probe plane crash in Turkey that killed Libyan military officials
The private jet carrying Libya's Gen. Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad and four other military officials crashed on Tuesday.
Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war
Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.
Ukraine peace plan might include demilitarized zones, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a plan to end his country's war with Russia might include the establishment of demilitarized zones between Ukrianian and Russian forces.
3 die in explosion in area of Moscow where car bomb killed a general Monday
Three people, including two police officers, were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russian investigators said, days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking general not far away.
Louvre adds security bars to window used by jewel thieves
Maintenance workers secured metal bars over the window thieves used to break into the Louvre in October.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
NYT movie critic breaks down top 2025 movies
The New York Times movie critic Alissa Wilkinson ranked the top films of 2025. She joins CBS News 24/7 to review this year's list.
Small Oklahoma town pays homage to leg lamp
The leg lamp in "A Christmas Story" might be one of cinema's most iconic props, and one small town in Oklahoma has a special way to celebrate it. Omar Villafranca reports.
Kiefer Sutherland on new comedy "Tinsel Town"
Kiefer Sutherland stars in the new holiday comedy "Tinsel Town," about a washed-up Hollywood actor who lands in a small English town doing a theater production of "Cinderella." He talks about what drew him to the role.
Taylor Swift donates $1 million to Feeding America, group says
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
A look at "The Artist" murder mystery series
Actor Mandy Patinkin and writer and director Aram Rappaport are behind the new murder mystery series, "The Artist," which is a work of historical fiction set in the Gilded Age. They speak to "CBS Mornings" about the series and how it got started. Patinkin also reflects on the life of Hollywood icon Rob Reiner.
Technology
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Technology
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
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.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Instacart to end AI price tests for retailers following investigation
Instacart had drawn criticism for testing an AI-based system that enabled retailers to charge different prices for the same grocery items.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Terry Rozier seeks to have charges thrown out in NBA gambling case
His lawyers argued that Rozier's alleged involvement in the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies is limited.
California farming magnate arrested in Arizona in wife's shooting death
A prominent California farmer was arrested in the shooting death of his estranged wife in a remote mountain community in Arizona, authorities said.
D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of fatally shooting Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Officials: Melodee Buzzard's body recovered
California authorities announced Tuesday they have found the body of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard and arrested her mother for murder. See the full news conference.
Delaware state trooper killed in DMV shooting
A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
West Coast storm disrupting holiday travel
There have been more than 1,700 flight delays in the U.S. so far Wednesday, according to FlightAware. That's due in part to a major storm hitting the West Coast. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports.
WSJ: Staffers leaving Heritage Foundation
More than a dozen staffers have left the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation for a nonprofit founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, the Wall Street Journal reports. The internal blowup was sparked by foundation president Kevin Roberts defending Tucker Carlson's interview of white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes.
Ukraine signals peace plan progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has agreed to most of the United States' 20-point plan to end Russia's war with Ukraine, but control of the Donbas region remains a sticking point. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio has the latest.
Marking 20 years of "The Elf on the Shelf"
2025 marks a milestone for a Christmas book that sparked a holiday tradition for millions of families: Elf on the Shelf is 20 years old. The first book about the beloved and sometimes mischievous character was published along with the elf doll in 2005. CBS News' Dave Malkoff has more.
Inherent contempt charges over Epstein files
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna announced late Tuesday that they are bringing inherent contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more details.