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.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Endangered jaguar spotted at watering hole in Arizona
Officials have said that jaguar breeding in the U.S. has not been documented in more than a century.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
Supreme Court allows Texas GOP to use new redistricted map for now
Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Dec. 7)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
U.S. tightens immigration work permits in latest move to expand crackdown
The Trump administration said it would reduce the period of time that work permits are valid for refugees, asylees and other immigrants granted legal protections in the U.S.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Trump hires new architect for ballroom
The current architect, with whom President Trump has some disagreements, will remain on the White House ballroom team, sources said.
Congressional watchdog opens probe into Trump housing finance head Bill Pulte
The GAO has accepted a request from Senate Democrats to investigate Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Massive great white shark named Contender pings off Carolinas
Contender, a nearly 14-foot long white shark, has traveled nearly 5,000 miles since he was tagged by the research group OCEARCH.
Schumer says Democrats will offer 3-year extension of health care tax credits
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that Democrats will offer a clean three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for a vote next week.
Man charged in shooting death of Utah "No Kings" protester
Ah Loo, known as Afa, was a successful fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant who devoted his life to celebrating artists from the Pacific Islands.
Lawmakers see video of boat strike, say admiral testified there was no kill order
"What I saw in that room was one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service," Democratic Rep. Jim Himes said.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case, identified as Virginia man
Authorities say the FBI has arrested a man suspected of placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Oklahoma teacher on leave after failing Bible-based essay on gender
An instructor has been placed on leave after a student complained that she received a failing grade on a paper that cited the Bible to assert that the "belief in multiple genders" was "demonic."
CDC panel postpones vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
Water line breaks force Grand Canyon South Rim hotels to close
For the second time, breaks in the half-century-old pipe providing fresh water to Grand Canyon South Rim hotels have forced a complete accommodation shutdown.
Boat strike survivors were trying to climb back on before follow-up attack, source says
The White House confirmed this week that there was a second strike, but denied that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered it.
What to know about Minnesota fraud allegations, as Trump levels attacks on Walz
President Trump has recently attacked Gov. Tim Walz over the fraud cases, calling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent money laundering activity" and lashing out against the state's Somali community.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
U.S.
More U.S.
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Endangered jaguar spotted at watering hole in Arizona
Officials have said that jaguar breeding in the U.S. has not been documented in more than a century.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
Grand jury refuses to re-indict Letitia James
Federal prosecutors on Thursday presented an indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
These U.S. cities have seen the biggest rent increases since 2020
Rents in the 50 largest cities have surged by hundreds of dollars per month over the last five years, a LendingTree analysis found.
Employers have cut 1.1 million jobs this year. Here's why.
Job cuts so far this year are at their highest levels since 2020, new report says.
Trump thinks tariff revenue could replace income taxes. Is that possible?
President Trump suggested Americans won't have to pay personal income taxes "in the not-too-distant future" because of rising U.S. tariffs.
Politics
More Politics
Jasmine Crockett called Texas Senate race contenders as she weighs jumping into fray
As intrigue grows over whether Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett plans to announce a U.S. Senate campaign next week, she confirmed to CBS News she's spoken with would-be opponents.
Appeals court lets Trump admin. keep National Guard deployed in D.C. for now
A U.S. District Court decision to end the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., is now on hold.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
ICE begins surge in Minnesota as Trump pushes for crackdown on Somali immigrants
ICE began enhanced operations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area this week, as President Trump rails against Somali people in Minnesota.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Could pets be next for weight loss drugs? Here's what to know about a study.
A clinical study into weight loss drugs for pets just launched, with results from the trial expected by next summer.
CDC panel postpones vote on hepatitis B vaccine for newborns
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday to discuss recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine and the schedule of childhood shots.
12 ex-FDA leaders criticize claims made by agency's current vaccine chief
The former officials said the FDA's plans to revamp how certain life-saving vaccines are handled would "disadvantage the people the FDA exists to protect, including millions of Americans at high risk from serious infections."
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
How to avoid holiday stress
The holiday season can be a wonderful, but also stressful time – filled with unrealistic expectations. A recent poll found 41% of adults anticipate more holiday stress this year. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma has tips to unwind during the holidays.
World
More World
Despite Trump's pressure, Putin finds an eager trade partner in India
As the White House tries to curb Moscow's energy income, Vladimir Putin enjoys a warm welcome in India, and promises an "uninterrupted supply" of Russian fuel.
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Operations against Houthis played into Truman Strike Group accidents, Navy finds
Investigations released by the Navy into accidents involving the Truman Carrier Strike Group recommended ensuring processes are followed even when faced with adversity.
4 killed in latest strike on alleged drug boat, Pentagon says
At least 87 people have been killed since the vessel strikes began in early September.
U.K. and Norway sign pact to "hunt Russian submarines" in North Atlantic
The United Kingdom and Norway have signed a pact to create a naval alliance in the North Atlantic, aimed at protecting undersea cables and hunting Russian submarines.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Netflix to buy Warner Bros. in a deal valued at $82.7 billion
Netflix on Friday said it will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
Lucy Liu talks new movie, "Rosemead"
Lucy Liu talks about starring in and producing the movie "Rosemead," why she says the story resonates universally and reflecting on personal experiences for the film.
Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.'s, dies at 84
Steve Cropper co-wrote several classics, including "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," "Green Onions" and "In the Midnight Hour."
Kaytranada on rise to fame and his new album
Grammy winning DJ and producer Kaytranada has become one of the most influential voices in dance and electronic music, and has collaborated with top artists. He spoke with "CBS Mornings" about his latest album, touring and his journey in music.
Richie Moriarty talks 5th season of "Ghosts"
Actor and comedian Richie Moriarty talks with "CBS Mornings" about the fifth season of the comedy series "Ghosts," what's next for his character and how the cast has bonded.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Politico: Trump admin. looks to robotics
Leaders in the robotics industry say that to strengthen AI, companies also need a plan for robots. The White House appears to be listening. Yasmin Khorram, economic policy reporter for Politico, joins CBS News to discuss her article on the topic.
Google's top search trends in 2025
Google has released its list of the 2025 top search trends. Robert Ferrera, a Google Trends expert, joins CBS News with more.
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.
India revokes order for phone makers to install security app amid uproar
India's government, amid an uproar over privacy, has revoked an order quietly issued to smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run security app.
OpenAI responding to Google's moves: WSJ
OpenAI has declared a "code red" as Google threatens to unseat the AI industry's early leader, according to the Wall Street Journal. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
More Science
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Most dogs have wolf DNA. These breeds have more than others.
Wolf DNA seems to have influenced the size, smelling power and even personality of modern dog breeds, scientists said.
Crime
More Crime
$20,000 Faberge egg recovered after man allegedly swallowed it
The special edition locket was inspired by the James Bond film "Octopussy," which revolves around a plot to steal a rare Faberge egg.
Listen to 911 call from Luigi Mangione arrest
Newly unsealed evidence sheds light on Luigi Mangione's arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the details.
New details in Mangione pretrial hearing
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearing continued on Thursday, one year after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Suspect arrested in D.C. pipe bomb case
A suspect is in custody nearly five years after two pipe bombs were planted in Washington, D.C., the night before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. was arrested in Virginia on Thursday morning. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
What we know about 2021 D.C. pipe bomb suspect
Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a suspect in the case of two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters the night before the Jan. 6th Capitol riot. CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs has the details.
Space
More Space
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Geomagnetic storm watch issued after powerful solar flare
Solar flares and other activity can disrupt radio communications, power grids and navigation signals, according to NASA.
Scientists think they've detected lightning on Mars: "Missing piece of the puzzle"
Researchers have documented 55 instances of "mini lightning" over two Martian years by eavesdropping on the whirling wind recorded by NASA's Perseverance rover.
Russia sends a NASA astronaut, 2 cosmonauts, up to the space station
The new space station crew includes American Chris Williams, who holds a Ph.D. in astronomy and is a board-certified medical physicist at Harvard Medical School.
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.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Luigi Mangione arrest video played in court
On the one-year mark of the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York City sidewalk, a hearing was held to determine what evidence is admissible in the trial of his accused killer, Luigi Mangione. Alice Gainer reports.
FBI arrests suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case
A northern Virginia man was arrested and accused of placing two pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Arctic blast grips U.S. as temperatures plummet
An early season Arctic blast sent shivers through the Midwest and Northeast as temperatures tumbled far below normal. Lana Zak reports and Lonnie Quinn has the forecast.
$1.6 million raised for elderly man still working
For most of his life, Ed Bambas worked toward his American dream. But in 2019, at 82, he found himself doing what most retirees never imagine: going back to work. That was, until a stranger approached him with a question. Tom Hanson has the story.
White House Christmases of past, present
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump lit the national Christmas tree on Thursday. Melania's White House Christmas theme this year is "Home Is Where the Heart Is." White House expert Jennifer Pickens joins CBS News to discuss.