Florida withholds school officials' pay over mask mandates
State's education chief says he's protecting parents' rights. Administrator says she's protecting students.
Ron DeSantis
DeSantis and the COVID pandemic in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is standing by his decision to ban mask mandates in schools, even though a judge ruled against him. The state is experiencing record COVID-19 hospitalizations and an uptick in cases among children. Miami Herald reporter Ana Ceballos joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss the state of the pandemic in Florida.
Biden administration vigilant after Kabul bombing
The Biden administration is ramping up its evacuation efforts from Afghanistan ahead of the August 31 deadline. Plus, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' ban on school mask mandates is overturned by a state judge. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss this weekend's "Face the Nation."
Florida school districts may impose mask mandates, judge rules
A judge ruled that Governor Ron DeSantis overstepped his authority by issuing an executive order banning the mandates.
Lawsuit against Florida mask mandate
A judge will rule on a lawsuit brought forward by parents trying to overturn Florida Governor Ron Desantis' executive order banning strong student mask mandates. CBS News correspondent Manuel Bojorquez spoke to a mom who fought to get mask mandates implemented in her child's school.
Florida school districts threatened with funding cuts over mask mandates
The State Board of Education has given two Florida school districts 48 hours to drop their mask mandates.
Pressure increases on school districts bucking mask mandate bans
At least two in Florida are facing sanctions and Arizona's governor is blocking extra funds from districts requiring masks.
Florida plans COVID antibody treatment "strike teams" as patients flood hospitals
Florida hospitalizations are at an all-time high.
4 Broward County educators die from COVID within 24 hours
This week Broward County school officials pushed back against Governor DeSantis' ban on mask mandates.
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.
Mask mandates could cost Florida school officials their salaries
The statement appears to clarify penalties mentioned in DeSantis' executive order, which threatened to withhold funding from school districts that enact mask mandates.
"Our ICU's are full" with COVID, doctor says
Daily coronavirus cases in the U.S. have hit 100,000 for the first time since February, and children are among those hospitalized with the virus, particularly in hard-hit states in the South. CBS News' Debra Alfarone has the latest, and Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, an associate professor of infectious disease at the University of Florida, joins CBSN to discuss the pandemic as children in his state head back to school without a mask mandate.
Judge OK's Norwegian Cruise Line requiring vaccination proof
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis barring businesses from insisting patrons have gotten their shots.
Biden sets new vehicle emissions goals for 2030
On Thursday, President Biden signed an executive order that aims to shift new car manufacturing toward electric and other zero-emissions engines. CBS News senior White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has a look at the executive order, and Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason discusses how the administration will incentivize car makers to make the shift.
DeSantis clashes with Biden as Florida faces mounting COVID surge
Schools are about to open in the state, and the governor says new COVID requirements are out of the question.
Florida governor insists state won't shut down
Governor Ron DeSantis attributed the current spike in infections to the season.
Florida breaks second alarming COVID-19 record
First, it was the most new daily cases since the pandemic's start. Now, it's a hospitalizations record. Hospitals are being overrun, and patients are getting younger.
Florida reports record number of new COVID infections
Florida health officials report more than 21,000 new infections in a single day. However, the state has a 60% vaccination rate for people over the age of 12. Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, an epidemiologist and associate professor of infections diseases at the University of Florida, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss how concerning the surge in Florida is and why masks are needed to slow the variant down.
Florida breaks single-day record of COVID-19 cases
Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, breaking a pandemic record.
Florida becomes COVID hot spot
COVID-19 hospitalizations almost doubled in the last week, and the vast majority of those patients are unvaccinated. Virus hot spots, including Florida and Hawaii, face record-breaking infection levels, but how their governors are reacting is dramatically different. Lilia Luciano reports.
Florida governor signs order letting parents decide if kids wear masks in schools
The executive order bars school districts from forcing students to mask up, despite new guidance from the CDC, and as COVID-19 cases climb in the state like never before.
Ex-mayor criticizes DeSantis' COVID response
Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed a law prohibiting companies from mandating vaccines as a prerequisite for service. In an op-ed for the Miami Herald, former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine said DeSantis was putting people and the cruise industry in jeopardy. Levine, the CEO of Royal Media Partners, joins CBSN AM to discuss.
DeSantis trails only Trump in CPAC poll
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is emerging as a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Florida Politics reporter A.G. Gancarski joined "Red and Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss.
Florida governor gives Elsa update
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gave an update on Tropical Storm Elsa Wednesday morning. He said there were no reports of fatalities or significant structural damage due to the storm so far, but urged Floridians to be safe and use common sense as the storm passes across the state. Watch the briefing.
Florida governor issues state of emergency as storm approaches
The tropical storm is predicted to hit the Florida Keys early next week.
Exclusive
Trump pardon recipients face congressional probe over "pay-to-play" questions
Democrats are investigating clemency recipients who may have obtained favorable treatment from Trump or his advisers.
Live
Trump says war to end quickly as Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz
As President Trump again voices optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declares itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.
Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Blanche: Immigrants who committed fraud to become U.S. citizens should worry
The acting attorney general is touting the administration's stepped-up denaturalization efforts.
14 tornadoes reported in Mississippi as storms ravage homes, knock out power
The storms collapsed hundreds of homes, downed trees and knocked out power lines in multiple counties, officials said.
Jeffrey Epstein's possible suicide note released by judge
A former cellmate has previously claimed that the note was written by Epstein after a failed suicide attempt less than a month before his death.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Suspect arrested in Oklahoma party shooting that killed 1, injured 22
Police said they have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a shooting Sunday during a party that left one woman dead and 22 other people wounded.
U.S.
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14 tornadoes reported in Mississippi as storms ravage homes, knock out power
The storms collapsed hundreds of homes, downed trees and knocked out power lines in multiple counties, officials said.
Woman dies while competing in 250-mile Arizona ultramarathon
A woman in her 40s was participating in the grueling race and collapsed at a trailhead, officials said.
Agents can kill bears from the air to protect Alaska caribou, judge says
The Mulchatna caribou herd is expected to begin calving soon, and the babies are particularly susceptible to being eaten by bears or wolves.
Exclusive
Trump pardon recipients face congressional probe over "pay-to-play" questions
Congressional Democrats are investigating clemency recipients who may have obtained favorable treatment from Trump or his advisers "through intermediaries, financial contributions, or other forms of influence."
Hottest U.S. gas prices in years leave drivers feeling burned
Americans on tight budgets are getting hit especially hard by surging fuel costs, forcing some to make hard choices.
MoneyWatch
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That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
The new TrumpRx program relies partly on connecting consumers with discount coupons offered by drugmakers. For insured patients, though, using a coupon can prove dicey.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Hottest U.S. gas prices in years leave drivers feeling burned
Americans on tight budgets are getting hit especially hard by surging fuel costs, forcing some to make hard choices.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Food manufacturer Cento is committing "tomato fraud," lawsuit alleges
In a new lawsuit, two California residents allege that Cento Fine Foods doesn't use real San Marzano tomatoes in one of its products.
Politics
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Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Blanche: Immigrants who committed fraud to become U.S. citizens should worry
The acting attorney general is touting the administration's stepped-up denaturalization efforts.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Exclusive
Trump pardon recipients face congressional probe over "pay-to-play" questions
Congressional Democrats are investigating clemency recipients who may have obtained favorable treatment from Trump or his advisers "through intermediaries, financial contributions, or other forms of influence."
Rudy Giuliani out of ICU after hospitalization for pneumonia
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has now left the intensive care unit, his spokesperson said, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
HealthWatch
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That discount at the pharmacy counter may pack hidden costs
The new TrumpRx program relies partly on connecting consumers with discount coupons offered by drugmakers. For insured patients, though, using a coupon can prove dicey.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
What's the hantavirus risk to the public?
A deadly strain of hantavirus broke out aboard a cruise ship for the first time, with more than 150 people on board. With three deaths among eight confirmed cases so far, Dr. Céline Gounder discusses the wider risks.
What's next for those aboard cruise ship?
Investigators are racing to control a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, the first ever recorded on a cruise ship. More than 140 people are still on board, including 17 Americans. Tom Hanson reports.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
World
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Rubio and Pope Leo meet at the Vatican after weeks of tension
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV met Thursday at the Vatican to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other matters.
Live
Trump says war to end quickly as Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz
As President Trump again voices optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declares itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
How Ted Turner changed TV
Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, joins with more.
Anthony Mason launches YouTube show
CBS News' Anthony Mason is launching a new YouTube show called "Alchemy with Anthony Mason." It's a long-form interview program celebrating artists and the creative process.
Obama tells Colbert what he worries about in today's politics
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," former President Barack Obama had some pointed words about the power of the executive branch.
Nathan Lane on fulfilling lifelong dream
Actor Nathan Lane, who stars in the play "Death of a Salesman," was nominated for his seventh Tony Award. He spoke to "CBS Mornings" about why it was a lifelong dream for him to star in the play and his personal connection to his character.
Technology
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Technology
What to know about Apple settlement
If you bought an iPhone recently you may be able to get some of your money back. Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a lawsuit over false advertising. Kelly O'Grady explains who is eligible.
Autonomous cars to be ticketed in California
Autonomous cars in California will no longer be immune to traffic tickets once a new law takes effect in July. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to discuss this and other top technology stories of the day.
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.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Employers are demanding AI skills. What's the best way to learn them?
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
Science
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Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
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Crime
Note apparently written by Epstein emerges
A note apparently written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his death has been made public. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Possible Epstein suicide note released
A judge on Wednesday ordered the release of an apparent suicide note possibly written by the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News has not independently verified the note. Anna Schecter has the latest.
Retired special forces soldier accused of shooting wife in Tennessee found dead
Craig Berry, 53, was found dead on Wednesday of an apparent gunshot wound, the Stewart County Sheriff's Office said.
Driver accused of chasing child on sidewalk
A woman in Washington state is accused of trying to run over a child on an e-bike. Police say she later attempted to break into a home. The child was not harmed in the incident and the woman is now facing felony charges.
New development in Lynette Hooker case
Authorities are looking for the owners of a sailboat as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, the American who went missing in the Bahamas while sailing last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
Space
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Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
Latest Galleries
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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
Trump on Iran war: "I think we won"
President Trump's comments on the Iran war continue to signal confidence in a potential resolution. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.
New developments in Kristin Smart case
There are new developments in the search for the body of Kristin Smart, a teen who was murdered three decades ago. On Wednesday, investigators executed a search warrant on a home tied to the mother of Smart's convicted killer, Brian Flores. Flores says he didn't kill Smart and doesn't know where her body is. Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
Note apparently written by Epstein emerges
A note apparently written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his death has been made public. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Texas mom released from ICE custody speaks
In an exclusive interview, a court translator and single mom of four talks about spending more than six weeks in ICE custody. Meenu Batra, who was recently released, says she was living and working in the U.S. legally when she was detained.
Trump's fresh claim on Iran nuclear weapons
President Trump appears optimistic about a peace deal with Iran, as the U.S. awaits a response from Tehran through mediators. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports, and Michael Williams, an associate professor at Syracuse University, joins with more insight.