Charter school company run by GOP rising star left parents scrambling
School choice advocate Erika Donalds called the publicly funded schools a "national model" and defended millions paid to vendors she was tied to.
Education
New book on secret languages around us
From casinos to taxi cabs, nearly every place of work has its own hidden jargon and lingo. Author Ben Schott joins "The Takeout" to discuss his new book that delves into these secret languages, "Schott's Significa."
50 of 303 abducted Nigerian students escape captivity; others still missing
Fifty of the 303 schoolchildren abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria's Niger state have escaped and are now with their families.
How Merriam-Webster expands its dictionaries
For the first time in more than two decades, there's a new hard-copy update to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It adds more than 5,000 new words and phrases. Peter Sokolowski, editor-at-large at Merriam-Webster, joins "The Takeout" to unpack the changes.
Enrollment of immigrant students shrinking at schools nationwide
From Miami to San Diego, schools around the U.S. are seeing big drops in enrollment of students from immigrant families as President Trump's immigration crackdown makes itself felt in numerous ways.
Family of expelled student plans lawsuit
A Louisiana family plans to file a federal lawsuit against their school district in a case involving a deepfake pornographic image. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has the details.
2025 National Civics Bee champion on victory
Middle schoolers from across the U.S. gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for a multi-day competition showcasing their knowledge of civics. Aarit Koul, the 14-year-old winner of the 2025 National Civics Bee, joins "The Takeout" to reflect on his victory.
The Uplift: Save the Swamp
The story of one man's mission to save a beloved Georgia swamp. A 17-year-old makes history by accomplishing a daring feat with the support of her dad. Plus, more heartwarming news.
Last escaped monkey captured in Mississippi after being spotted by resident
Last week, a truck carrying 21 monkeys overturned on a Mississippi roadway.
Teacher challenges students to write without AI
At a high school in Queens, New York, one teacher challenges his students to write essays without help from artificial intelligence -- then brought it back as a learning tool instead of a crutch. Meg Oliver reports.
Head Start program funding to lapse on Nov. 1
Funding for the Head Start program is set to expire on Saturday due to the ongoing government shutdown. It provides nearly 65,000 children in 41 states with education, care and nutrition. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.
Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein on new docuseries
A 12-hour documentary series centered on the United States' war for independence is premiering on PBS in November. Co-directors Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein join "The Takeout" to discuss what went into making "The American Revolution" and what they discovered in the process.
Students, staff put on surprise wedding for principal at New York school
Brianna Lanoye, the principal of the Buffalo Academy of Science, kept telling people she wanted to invite the whole school to her wedding. So, her school did the next best thing.
How kindness is filling the gaps as U.S. school lunch debt soars
Student lunch debt has soared to nearly $200 million nationwide. Good Samaritans are stepping up to help.
Good Samaritans step up as school lunch debt soars
Nationwide student lunch debt has soared to nearly $200 million per year, according to a report released in August by the Education Data Initiative. In Utah, it's almost $4 million. As the bills mount, everyday Utahns are stepping up to make sure no child goes hungry. Janet Shamlian reports.
University of Virginia reaches deal to halt DOJ civil rights investigations
The Justice Department announced it's reached an agreement with the University of Virginia to pause civil rights investigations.
Oklahoma schools superintendent rescinds mandate for Bible instruction
Oklahoma's new public schools superintendent said his office plans to rescind a mandate that forced schools to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students.
The state of young men in America
Overall, college enrollment has seen a steady decline over the last decade, but it's even more pronounced among America's young men. Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, says it's just one of the ways America's young men are not being just left behind, but feeling left out. Reeves joins to discuss.
How one principal used debate to turn a failing middle school around
Facing enrollment decline, a Brooklyn middle school transforms after a former high school debate coach took the lead.
How debate turned a failing middle school around
Facing enrollment decline, a Brooklyn middle school transforms after a former high school debate coach takes the lead. Meg Oliver has the story for "Eye on America."
American Federation of Teachers head on union criticism
Days after stepping down as Oklahoma's superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters posted a call on social media "to destroy the teachers' unions once and for all." Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, joins "The Takeout" with her reaction.
White House asks universities to sign pledge
The White House is asking nine U.S. universities to sign a pledge to uphold the administration's educational values. Access to federal funding could be put at risk if they don't sign on, according to a new government memo. Leila Hudson, faculty chair and professor of global studies at the University of Arizona, joins "The Takeout" with her reaction.
Inside the $40,000 a year school where AI shapes every lesson
At Alpha Schools, students spend two hours in the morning on academics, working at their own speed using AI-driven software.
AI shapes lessons at school without teachers
Fourth and fifth graders at Alpha School in Austin, Texas, aren't just learning — they're pioneering education's new frontier. Janet Shamlian reports.
Kids get new school lunch menu overhauled by chefs
School lunches, in some places, have come a long way from the days of mystery meat and pizza that could be mistaken for cardboard. Meg Oliver reports on a program that's bringing fresh, high-quality cuisine to the cafeteria.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived a U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Russia targets Ukraine with massive drone attack amid diplomatic talks
Russia launched a huge attack on Ukraine overnight as the country marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Ukraine's air force said.
CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the family expects Andrew Wolfe to be in acute care for another two to three weeks.
Suspect in D.C. pipe bomb case ordered detained in first court appearance
The man suspected of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in 2021 was ordered detained in his first appearance in federal court.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota officials saw signs of massive fraud even before COVID hit
In July 2019, Minnesota state officials spotted early signs of fraud that would eventually siphon away more than $1 billion in taxpayer money, sources told CBS News.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
U.S.
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National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said the family expects Andrew Wolfe to be in acute care for another two to three weeks.
When a Lowe's store cat disappeared, staff pulled out all the stops to find her
When Francine the cat went missing from her Richmond, Virginia, store, employees determined she must have wandered onto a freight truck bound for a distribution center 85 miles away in North Carolina.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
2 Louisiana inmates on the run after escape through damaged jail wall
Officials in Louisiana say two inmates accused of violent crimes are on the run after escaping from jail by removing pieces of a wall and using sheets to scale a wall.
For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
MoneyWatch
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For Gen Zers, finding work after college is often a painful slog
"It's very discouraging," said one young job-seeker as employers pull back on hiring entry-level workers.
Here's where minimum wage increases are set to kick in next year
Minimum wages are set to rise in 22 U.S. states and 66 cities and counties next year, even as the federal baseline wage remains at $7.25.
Officials expand probe into Waymo over robotaxis driving around buses
Federal regulators are investigating multiple Texas incidents in which the robotaxis drove around stopped school buses.
Trump touts $20 trillion in new U.S. investments, but numbers don't add up
President Trump's claims of a historic multitrillion-dollar investment surge don't match federal data or the administration's own numbers.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Politics
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U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Survivors of Sept. 2 boat strike were waving before second attack, sources say
Two people who survived an early September U.S. attack on an alleged drug boat were waving overhead before they were killed in a now-controversial second strike, according to two sources.
Report finds Afghanistan mission was "two-decade long effort fraught with waste"
The final report this week from the special inspector general for Afghanistan identified $26 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in U.S. reconstruction spending in Afghanistan since 2009.
Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Trump's birthright citizenship order
The Supreme Court said Friday it will decide the legality of President Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship.
Indiana House GOP advances 9-0 congressional map, sending plan to state Senate
President Trump has led the charge to create more GOP-friendly congressional districts in the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
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CDC panel votes to stop recommending birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, with members appointed by RFK Jr., voted to change longstanding recommendations on the hepatitis B vaccine.
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 to vote Friday 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.
World
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Russia targets Ukraine with massive drone attack amid diplomatic talks
Russia launched a huge attack on Ukraine overnight as the country marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Ukraine's air force said.
Death toll passes 900 after extreme flooding, landslides in Indonesia
Emergency crews are racing against time after catastrophic floods and landslides struck parts of Asia, killing more than 1,500 people.
U.S., Ukrainian officials will meet again Saturday on peace plan
The officials in a joint statement said they made progress on creating a security framework for postwar Ukraine and are urging Russia to commit to peace.
Treasure trove found in Egyptian tomb solves ancient mystery
The royal symbol on the newly discovered figurines solves a long-standing mystery by identifying who was buried in the sarcophagus.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
Entertainment
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Frank Gehry, renowned architect, dies at age 96
Frank Gehry was known for designing the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
2026 Golden Globes nominees to be revealed on "CBS Mornings"
Eleven exclusive 2026 Golden Globes categories will be revealed Monday at 8:30 a.m. ET, only on "CBS Mornings."
Book excerpt: "My Beloved" by Jan Karon
The New York Times bestselling author returns to the village of Mitford in her 15th novel featuring Father Tim Kavanagh.
Amy Allen on songwriting, Grammy nods
Amy Allen, who is up for four Grammys, including songwriter of the year, sits down with Anthony Mason to talk about how she went from a nursing student to writing Grammy-nominated hits for Sabrina Carpenter and other pop stars.
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.
Technology
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Technology
Waymo says its cars are better at avoiding crashes
Waymo has released new data showing its robotaxis were involved in 91% fewer serious crashes when compared to human drivers. CBS News' Elizabeth Cook rode along in a Waymo with Politico economic policy reporter Yasmin Khorram to unpack the report.
Elon Musk's X fined $140 million for violating EU transparency rules
European regulators said X breached transparency rules under the Digital Services Act, a sweeping EU law intended to protect internet users.
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.
Google reveals top search trends of 2025
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ranked among Google's top search trends this year.
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.
Science
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"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
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Crime
Questions remain after D.C. pipe bomb arrest
The man accused of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot is facing two federal charges. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
D.C. pipe bomb case: What we still don't know
A judge ordered that the man accused of planting pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in 2021 remain behind bars. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.
New video in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting
Prosecutors have released new surveillance footage showing the lead-up to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the immediate aftermath. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Michael Jordan expected to testify in court
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is expected to testify in an antitrust case against NASCAR. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Luigi Mangione's pretrial hearings postponed
Luigi Mangione, the man who faces a New York state trial over the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, did not attend his pretrial hearing because he's sick, the court announced Friday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
GLP-1 drugs and muscle loss: What to know
A recent KFF poll revealed that one in eight adults in the U.S. is currently taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug. As more people start using them, some are talking about the unexpected side effects, including muscle loss and weakness. Senior Vox correspondent Dylan Scott joins CBS News to share what patients told him.
Couple shelters dozens after mall shooting
Dozens of Black Friday shoppers fleeing from a San Jose, California, mall after a shooting found shelter in a nearby house. The homeowners, Martin and Irene Garcia, join CBS News to recount the experience.
Grijalva says she was pepper sprayed by ICE
Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona said Friday she was pepper-sprayed by ICE during a raid at a Tucson restaurant. A Homeland Security spokesperson denied Grijalva's account.
Netflix-Warner Bros. deal could face hurdles
Netflix says it is buying studio giant Warner Bros. in a deal valued at more than $82 billion. Fortune business editor Nick Lichtenberg joins CBS News to break down the hurdles facing the merger.
Colts aim to break losing streak
For the first time in NFL history, there are five divisions being led by just one game or less. Charlotte Carroll, staff writer at The Athletic, joins CBS News to unpack Week 14 of the football season.