Reading, math scores fell sharply for 9-year-olds during pandemic, data show
Reading scores saw their largest decrease in 30 years, while math scores had their first decrease in the test's history.
Back To School
Many Philadelphia schools forced to close early due to lack of air conditioning
More than 100 schools in Philadelphia will dismiss early on Wednesday due to a lack of functioning air conditioning in the heat.
Homeschooling grows in popularity in wake of pandemic
Nearly four million students nationwide are expected to learn at home this upcoming school year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For many high school seniors this is the most nerve-wracking time of their lives
For many high school seniors this is the most nerve-wracking time of their lives. They have just three short weeks left before the May 1st college admissions deadline. It’s becoming such a high-stakes, stressful process that some colleges and universities are trying innovative ideas, like scrapping SATs, essays and even transcripts. Mark Albert reports.
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."
U.S.
Savannah Guthrie renews plea for clues in mother's disappearance
"Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie is renewing pleas to residents of Tucson, Arizona, to jog their memories in the hopes of sparking new leads in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.
Officials scramble to carry out Trump's directive on ICE agents at airports
President Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist TSA agents at airports as delays and security staffing shortages continue to worsen.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte join Margaret Brennan.
Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said last week that an attack on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute a war crime.
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Police found that five Barbie packages containing fentanyl were sold. They have all been recovered.
Trump administration says it is ready to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia
The Trump administration has asked a federal judge to dissolve her order preventing ICE from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia.
Why it pays to be bored
Resolving boredom through our incessant attention to our devices has, according to New York Times bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks, also brought an end to letting our minds wander, inhibiting abstract thinking, and making us vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
Signs of the times: Removing stories of America's past from our national parks
Following an executive order from President Trump, the Department of the Interior has removed dozens of educational signs at our national parks that the administration claims promote "divisive narratives" and "corrosive ideology."
How iNaturalist app users have fun while aiding science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss - and, as Martha Stewart discovers, it's fun!
Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Supreme Court to consider deadlines for late-arriving mail ballots
The Supreme Court will consider whether states can count mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive after.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Couple on unusual activity at neighbor's home: "I think they finally killed him"
When Gary Herbst, described by his Minnesota neighbors as confrontational, disappeared on July 8, 2013, it appeared he walked out on his wife and teenage son. Years later, a startling discovery would confirm what neighbors thought they might have witnessed.
Senate blocks voting bill's amendment on trans athletes during weekend session
Democrats are expected to eventually block the broader legislation.
Robert Mueller, former FBI director and special counsel, dies at 81
Robert Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 and led the investigation into allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
The western United States experienced a severe snow drought this year, threatening the region's water supply and potentially setting the stage for its wildfire season.
NCAA accuses DraftKings of "March Madness" trademark infringement
DraftKings pushed back on the accusation, saying in a statement that it is not engaging in trademark infringement.
Trump says ICE agents will assist TSA at airports as delays worsen
Wait times aren't expected to improve until government funding is restored and TSA officers receive paychecks.
Nicholas Brendon, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor, dies at 54
Nicholas Brendon was best known for his role as Xander Harris on all seven seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Colombian President Petro caught up in narcotics trafficking probes, sources say
The separate narco-trafficking investigations, based out of New York's Southern and Eastern districts, didn't set out to target Petro, but his name has come up during the course of the probes, one source said.
Judge strikes down restrictive Pentagon press policy, finding it violates First Amendment
A federal judge has struck down some of the Defense Department's strict controls on how journalists with access to the Pentagon are allowed to report — ending a policy that caused many news outlets to leave the Pentagon.
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
Transcript: Namazi, Shargi, Carstens, on "Face the Nation," March 22, 2026
Transcript: Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Roger Carstens, Neda Sharghi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
Joseph Duggar of "19 Kids and Counting" appears in court on child abuse charges
Joseph Duggar's arrest comes almost five years after his older brother Josh Duggar was convicted of downloading child sexual abuse images.
5 more defendants plead guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Five people who were charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future scheme pleaded guilty to wire fraud this week.
U.S.
More U.S.
Savannah Guthrie renews plea for clues in mother's disappearance
"Today Show" co-host Savannah Guthrie is renewing pleas to residents of Tucson, Arizona, to jog their memories in the hopes of sparking new leads in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.
Officials scramble to carry out Trump's directive on ICE agents at airports
President Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist TSA agents at airports as delays and security staffing shortages continue to worsen.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte join Margaret Brennan.
Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said last week that an attack on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute a war crime.
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Police found that five Barbie packages containing fentanyl were sold. They have all been recovered.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen recalled across the U.S.
A pharmaceutical company issued the recall after receiving complaints of "gel-like mass and black particles" in the product, the FDA said.
Politics
More Politics
Officials scramble to carry out Trump's directive on ICE agents at airports
President Trump said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will assist TSA agents at airports as delays and security staffing shortages continue to worsen.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte join Margaret Brennan.
Waltz: "never take anything off the table" on U.S. hitting Iran plants
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said last week that an attack on energy infrastructure from either side could constitute a war crime.
Senate advances Markwayne Mullin's nomination for DHS secretary
In a 54 to 37 vote, two Democrats voted with all Republicans in attendance to advance Sen. Markwayne Mullin's nomination. A final confirmation vote is expected in the coming days.
Transcript: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
More World
Cuba begins to restore electricity after nationwide power grid collapse
Cuba has begun restarting its power grid after another nationwide blackout left millions without electricity.
Transcript: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Transcript: Rep. Jason Crow on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Transcript: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
The following is the transcript of the interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on March 22, 2026.
Poll: Most say Iran war not going well, but don't want regime left in power
Most Republicans, especially MAGA, continue to support the US action and express a lot of confidence in Trump personally.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Chef Ruthie Rogers on the comforts of food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner, acclaimed chef and podcaster Ruthie Rogers, whose new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," celebrates conversations and comfort food.
Chef Ruthie Rogers: Food and conversation
The River Cafe in London has had a Michelin star since the late 1990s, thanks to co-founder, owner and acclaimed chef Ruthie Rogers. Seth Doane talks with the American-born Rogers about her fabled Italian restaurant, her new book, "Table 4 at the River Cafe," and her podcast, all of which celebrate the connections brought about by conversations and comfort food.
Technology
More Technology
How iNaturalist app users have fun while aiding science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss - and, as Martha Stewart discovers, it's fun!
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
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.
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
White House unveils AI framework for Congress
The White House unveiled a national framework for how it wants Congress to address concerns about artificial intelligence. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss the outline and AI concerns.
Science
More Science
Science
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
Crime
More Crime
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Police found that five Barbie packages containing fentanyl were sold. They have all been recovered.
Couple on unusual activity at neighbor's home: "I think they finally killed him"
When Gary Herbst, described by his Minnesota neighbors as confrontational, disappeared on July 8, 2013, it appeared he walked out on his wife and teenage son. Years later, a startling discovery would confirm what neighbors thought they might have witnessed.
Wife of Joseph Duggar charged with child endangerment after his arrest
Kendra Duggar was charged with multiple misdemeanors a day after husband Joseph Duggar's arrest.
5 more defendants plead guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Five people who were charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future scheme pleaded guilty to wire fraud this week.
See police bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest on Long Island
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island was released to the media Friday.
Space
More Space
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 blastoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2026
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Crow on Iran war funding
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, an Afghan war veteran, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he would not support an Iran war supplemental before Congress, but pushed back against the suggestion that he does not support the troops. "What I'm not going to do is just throw money at the Iran war," Crow added.
Face the Nation: Crow, Grossi, Salvanto
Missed the second half of the show? Rep. Jason Crow, Rafael Grossi and Anthony Salvanto join. Plus, two Iranian-American detainees join a panel discussion.
Ex-detainees on Americans imprisoned in Iran
With at least four Americans believed to be detained in Iranian prisons, former detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi, who were held in Iran's notorious Evin prison, CBS News contributor and formerly the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, and Shargi's sister Neda Sharghi joined "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to discuss the situation.
CBS News poll on Iran war, economy
Americans voice a range of goals for the U.S. in Iran, including that it is important to stop Iran's nuclear program, make sure the Iranian people are safe and free -- but also, for most, to end the conflict as quickly as possible, CBS News director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto says.
IAEA director on destroying Iran's nuclear
Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency director, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that he doesn't think "any war" would destroy Iran's nuclear ambitions "unless it was nuclear war, and you go for destruction in an unfathomable way, which we hope, of course, will never be the case."