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.
Exclusive
Voluntary departures hit record high as detained immigrants lose hope
Vilma Palacios is one of thousands who have given up their immigration cases and voluntarily left the U.S. after being detained. More detainees are opting for voluntary departure than ever before, a CBS News analysis found.
One dead, dozens hurt when bus carrying community college baseball team crashes in Iowa
A community college bus carrying the school's baseball team crashed and overturned in a ditch in rural Iowa.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claim silver in ice dance at 2026 Winter Olympics
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday following a stunning free dance routine.
Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz wins gold in 1,000 meters, sets Olympic record
Jordan Stolz won gold in the men's 1,000 metres at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, delivering the United States' first speed skating title at Milano Cortina.
Lindsey Vonn shares update after 3rd surgery: "I'm making progress"
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
Lawyer for lawmaker in video to troops threatens suit after failed charges
An attorney for one of the lawmakers who appeared in a video telling members of the military to reject "illegal orders" demanded that the federal prosecutors preserve records for a potential suit.
Dispute over Cardi B's Super Bowl cameo roils prediction markets
Cardi B appeared during Bad Bunny's halftime show at the Super Bowl, but one prediction market says it's unclear whether she sang.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Why ex-FBI agent thinks person in Nancy Guthrie video isn't a career criminal
A former FBI agent called the actions of the person seen in video at Nancy Guthrie's home "extremely amateurish."
How Team USA's Maxim Naumov carried his parents' legacy onto the ice
A close family friend tells CBS News about the Olympic dream Team USA skater Maxim Naumov shared with his parents, and how "he did it."
Airspace closure followed FAA, Pentagon spat over drone-related tests, sources say
Pentagon officials had undertaken planning to use military technology near Fort Bliss, in El Paso, to practice downing drones.
Team USA wins gold and silver in women's moguls at Winter Olympics
Gold medalist Elizabeth Lemley is making her Winter Olympics debut at the Milan Cortina Games.
Team USA curler from Minnesota says people's rights being quashed at home
Team USA's curlers are trying to focus on the ice at the Winter Games in Italy, but one member from Minnesota says "what's going on there is wrong."
How slower U.S. population growth could impact the economy
A slowdown in immigration and lower birth rates could crimp the U.S. economy by shrinking the nation's workforce, researchers say
Employers added 130,000 jobs in January, topping expectations
Surprise burst in hiring across the U.S. last month shows the labor market remains on solid ground.
House approves the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push
The SAVE America Act would implement strict new requirements for registering to vote and casting ballots.
Letters found in home show messages between WWII soldier, future wife
The letters by William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean were found in a Nashville home that had belonged to Jane and her siblings.
U.S.
More U.S.
Exclusive
Voluntary departures hit record high as detained immigrants lose hope
Vilma Palacios is one of thousands who have given up their immigration cases and voluntarily left the U.S. after being detained. More detainees are opting for voluntary departure than ever before, a CBS News analysis found.
One dead, dozens hurt when bus carrying community college baseball team crashes in Iowa
A community college bus carrying the school's baseball team crashed and overturned in a ditch in rural Iowa.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
Dispute over Cardi B's Super Bowl cameo roils prediction markets
Cardi B appeared during Bad Bunny's halftime show at the Super Bowl, but one prediction market says it's unclear whether she sang.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Data center building boom stirs pushback in state and local politics
The Trump administration is trying to supercharge the race to dominate artificial intelligence by fast-tracking federal permits for data centers, but some local homeowners are raising concerns.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Voluntary departures hit record high as detained immigrants lose hope
Vilma Palacios is one of thousands who have given up their immigration cases and voluntarily left the U.S. after being detained. More detainees are opting for voluntary departure than ever before, a CBS News analysis found.
Justice Department fires U.S. attorney hours after judges picked him for the job
A panel of judges in New York appointed a new top federal prosecutor in Albany after a Trump nominee was found to be serving unlawfully — but within hours, the Justice Department said it had fired the judges' new hire.
Bondi had list of a Democratic lawmaker's Epstein files "search history"
A high-profile House Democrat is accusing Attorney General Pam Bondi of "spying" on her search history while she pored through Jeffrey Epstein-related documents.
Exclusive
Mystery of the missing minute from Epstein jail video solved
Documents that were part of the Epstein files release help explain why a video released from the night of Epstein's death was missing one minute close to midnight.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
World
More World
Ukrainian Olympian banned from Winter Games over helmet honoring war victims
Ukrainian Olympian banned from Winter Games for insisting on wearing helmet honoring athletes killed in his country's war with Russia.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say
The aim of the "deceptively simple but thrilling strategy game" was to hunt and trap the opponent's pieces in as few moves as possible, scientists said.
Lindsey Vonn shares update after 3rd surgery: "I'm making progress"
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Looking back at James Van Der Beek's life
James Van Der Beek, the star of teen classics like "Varsity Blues" and "Dawson's Creek," has died at the age of 48. His wife posted about his death on Instagram on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports.
New York Fashion Week designer on his runway
Christian Cowan is one of the many designers featured in this season's New York Fashion Week. The 31-year-old is the creative director of his fashion label, which he founded in 2017. He joins "The Daily Report" to discuss his upcoming runway.
Fashion week kicks off in NYC
Fashion Week officially began on Wednesday in New York City. The top designers and brands are getting ready to showcase their fall and winter collections. CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman has more.
Actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek," "Varsity Blues" and more, has died at the age of 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media.
Technology
More Technology
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
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.
Americans turn to AI for mental health advice
Millions of Americans are turning to AI for emotional therapy. A report in JAMA found about 13% of young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice. Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, explains what to know about safety, privacy and ethical standard concerns.
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Latest details on Day 11 of Guthrie search
FBI agents are combing through the rugged desert terrain of Arizona, searching for new clues in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports. Then, former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins with analysis.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
Over 4,000 calls in 24 hours to Guthrie tip line
The FBI conducted searches along several Tucson roadways on Wednesday in its search for Nancy Guthrie. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
New details in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Police say a shooter killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others in shootings at a high school and a home in British Columbia, Canada. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Bitcoin's possible role in Nancy Guthrie case
A purported ransom note for Nancy Guthrie demanded payment in bitcoin. Ben Weiss, a crypto reporter for Fortune, joins with analysis.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
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
Extended interview: Breezy Johnson
CBS News' Seth Doane speaks with U.S. Olympic skier Breezy Johnson about her plans for her broken and repaired gold medal, her parents, her teammates Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn and more.
Investigators search near Nancy Guthrie's home
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is intensifying, with FBI agents conducting an extensive search along roads in the area near her home in Tucson, Arizona. It comes after authorities detained a man overnight for questioning, before releasing him hours later. Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Pasta frenzy inside the Olympic village in Milan
In Italy's Olympic village, even if you win or lose -- there's always dinner. CBS News took an informal poll.
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Video released in shooting of Marimar Martinez
Bodycam videos of the moments surrounding the Chicago shooting of Marimar Martinez by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent last October were released after a judge ruled they could be made public. Lilia Luciano has the story.