Rod Paige, architect of No Child Left Behind policy, dies at 92
Under Rod Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became former President George W. Bush's signature education law.
Education
MacKenzie Scott announces she donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025
The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years.
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.
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.
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Trump issues his first vetoes of this term
President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bills linked to a Colorado water pipeline and a tribal village in the Everglades.
Court order suggests officials pushed to prosecute Abrego Garcia after deportation
A court order suggests the Trump administration pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he challenged his deportation, with one top DOJ official calling it a "top priority."
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
Photos show the year in politics for 2025
In 2025, President Trump returned to power and instituted change in Washington. Here's a roundup of photos of key moments throughout the year.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several days of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
Maps show New Year's weather forecasts, with more snow and rain on the way
Lake effect snow, intense rain and chilly temperatures dominate the forecasts for different parts of the U.S., before and after the new year arrives.
U.S.
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Trump Mobile pushes back release of gold-colored phone
The Trump Organization announced the $499 phone and wireless plan this summer, promising to deliver "all-American service."
Maps show New Year's weather forecasts, with more snow and rain on the way
Lake effect snow, intense rain and chilly temperatures dominate the forecasts for different parts of the U.S., before and after the new year arrives.
House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
MoneyWatch
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Trump Mobile pushes back release of gold-colored phone
The Trump Organization announced the $499 phone and wireless plan this summer, promising to deliver "all-American service."
5 key questions for the U.S. economy in 2026
From stubbornly high living costs to a softer labor market, economists say these are the forces that will shape the year ahead.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Politics
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House Oversight Committee to hold hearing on alleged fraud in Minnesota
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer said the hearing will take place Jan. 7.
Photos show the year in politics for 2025
In 2025, President Trump returned to power and instituted change in Washington. Here's a roundup of photos of key moments throughout the year.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona says he has dementia
Former Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona announced his withdrawal from public life following a dementia diagnosis.
Democratic win in Iowa special election denies GOP a Legislature supermajority
Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate in a year-end special election, keeping Republicans from reclaiming two-thirds control of the chamber and Legislature.
HealthWatch
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Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
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New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives around the world
New Zealand and Australia were among the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Women Japanese lawmakers point to unique shortage — toilets for them
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several days of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Noah Wyle on authenticity of "The Pitt"
The hit series "The Pitt" has earned praise for its realistic look at the pressures facing health care workers. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook spoke to the star of the show, Noah Wyle, for "CBS Sunday Morning." Wyle talked about how the cast prepared for their roles beyond learning their lines before shooting the series even began.
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, when crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Technology
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OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
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2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Crime
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Crime
New details on charges against Stefon Diggs
Patriots star Stefon Diggs is facing charges of strangulation, assault and battery following an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month. Diggs' attorney, David Meier, said in a statement that the wide receiver "categorically denies" the allegations and "looks forward to establishing the truth" in court. CBS News Boston's Aaron Parseghian has more.
New Orleans marks 1 year since terror attack
New Orleans is marking one year since 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured in a terror attack on the city's iconic Bourbon Street. Kati Weis spoke to the family of one of the victims about how they're remembering their loved one.
Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock ordered to forfeit $5.2 million
The ringleader of what authorities called the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States has been ordered to forfeit more than $5 million.
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
DHS probes fraud at MN day care centers
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video that has gone viral, alleging potential fraud at a dozen day care centers in Minnesota. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Space
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Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Sneak peek: Coached to Kill
ALL NEW: Did a high school softball coach recruit one of her former players to kill? "48 Hours" correspondent Anne-Marie Green reports Saturday, Jan. 3 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Sydney welcomes 2026 with heightened security
As it counted down to 2026, Sydney held a moment of silent remembrance for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack that happened earlier this month. Since the attack, Australian authorities have increased police presence across the city. Ramy Inocencio reports.
Biggest fitness trends to watch in 2026
Jacqueline Andriakos, executive health and fitness director at Women's Health, shares and demonstrates the top fitness trends expected in 2026.
Haley Baylee on CBS' NYE special
CBS' New Year Eve special, "New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash," will feature performances by Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and more. Social media star Haley Kalil, known as Haley Baylee, will be the NYC correspondent for the East Coast countdown. She speaks to "CBS Mornings" about what she's looking forward to most and how she built her following.
Is this the police car of the future?
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is testing the nation's first self-driving patrol car. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave got a firsthand look.