McMahon faces confirmation hearing with fate of Education Department in limbo
Linda McMahon, President Trump's nominee to become secretary of education, appeared before senators on Thursday.
United States Department of Education
Efforts continue to trim size of government
CBS News confirmed mass firings have begun at the education department, where some who were hired most recently were sent letters informing them they've been fired from their position effective immediately. It comes as a federal judge has cleared the way for federal workers to accept a buyout proposal from the Trump administration in exchange for resigning.
Are low reading scores tied to the pandemic?
New federal data shows that American kids and preteens' reading scores have hit record lows. The Washington Post national education writer Laura Meckler joins "The Daily Report" to explain why and what can be done to fix it.
Can Trump dismantle the Department of Education? It won't be easy, experts say
"One thing I'll be doing very early in the administration is closing up the Department of Education in Washington, D.C.," President Trump vowed in 2023.
Trump considering action to dismantle Education Department, sources say
President Trump is considering executive action that would dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, but sources familiar with the plans said such a move was not imminent.
What Trump's second term means for education
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former WWE CEO Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education. But how exactly does she factor into Trump's promise to eliminate the department? Erica Meltzer, national editor at nonprofit news organization Chalkbeat, joins "America Decides" to discuss.
Who is Linda McMahon?
President-elect Donald Trump announced he plans to nominate former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as education secretary. Washington Post political investigative reporter Beth Reinhard joins "The Daily Report" to discuss her qualifications and plans.
Trump picks Linda McMahon for education secretary
Linda McMahon is a co-chair of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team and was the Small Business Administrator in his first term.
Trump to tap McMahon for education secretary
Sources tell CBS News that President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Linda McMahon to serve as secretary of the Department of Education. McMahon is Trump's transition co-chair and served in his last term as Small Business Administrator.
Trump's sweeping education plans
President-elect Donald Trump is proposing sweeping education changes like eliminating the Department of Education and cutting back loan forgiveness programs ahead of taking office in January. The Washington Post education writer Laura Meckler joins "The Daily Report" to discuss his plans and the likelihood they will come to fruition.
Judges block Biden plan wiping out student loans. Here's what to know.
Two courts on Monday issued injunctions against key elements of the Biden administration's new student loan repayment plan.
What went wrong with the new FAFSA rollout?
For students whose dreams of college hang on whether or not they can scrape together the money, federal aid is a key part of that dream. This year, many were met with frustration as improvements to the application caused a slew of technical glitches and processing delays. Liam Knox, admissions and enrollment reporter for Inside Higher Ed, joins CBS News to examine what went wrong.
Biden cancels $6.1 billion in student loans
The Biden administration announced its latest round of student debt relief Wednesday. More than $6 billion will be canceled for 317,000 borrowers who enrolled at any Art Institutes campus between 2004 and 2017. CBS News reporter Haley Ott has more.
Could higher pay solve the teacher shortage?
The U.S. Department of Education says there's a shortage of teachers across the nation, with 40 states reporting public school staff levels that are lower than they were before the pandemic. Daniel Pink, contributing columnist at The Washington Post, joins CBS News to examine what can be done to end the shortage.
Glitches with new FAFSA form leave prospective college students in limbo
Typically, FAFSA forms are released on Oct. 1. But this year, the application forms came out three months late, on Dec. 30, 2023.
FAFSA glitches leave prospective students in limbo
Computer glitches to the U.S. Department of Education's overhaul of the FAFSA form has led to a botched rollout that has forced colleges across the country to push their financial aid deadlines. It's also left many students in the lurch. Meg Oliver explains.
How the new $1.2B student loan relief works
President Biden traveled to California on Wednesday where he spoke about his administration's latest student loan debt forgiveness plan. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the details.
Biden announces more student loan forgiveness
President Biden on Wednesday announced his administration is canceling $1.2 billion in student debt for 153,000 borrowers. Biden delivered remarks in Culver City, California.
Oklahoma asks teachers to return bonuses of up $50,000 paid in error
Oklahoma teachers asked to return between $15,000 and $50,000 in bonuses after state education agency discovered it paid them in error.
Schools across the U.S. will soon be able to order free COVID tests
The tests will be available from a federal stockpile starting in December, and schools can distribute them to students, families, staff and larger school communities.
New data: Over 100 elementary-aged kids arrested in U.S. schools
At least 100 children in grades 1 through 5 were arrested in school during the 2020-2021 school year, according to CBS News analysis of newly-released federal data.
Why home schooling is on the rise nationwide
American parents are increasingly taking their children's education into their own hands -- and their own homes. Washington Post staff writer Peter Jamison joins CBS News to discuss why that is and what it means for American education.
More than 300,000 student borrowers given wrong repayment information
The issue impacts some borrowers in the SAVE repayment plan, the new income-driven repayment plan from the Biden administration.
How student loan restart could impact economy
Tens of millions of Americans are expected to resume paying student loans after a three-year pandemic-era pause. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has more. Plus, Politico education reporter Michael Stratford explains how the Biden administration is attempting to ease the burden for borrowers.
How school funding can contribute to inequity
Mary Filardo, executive director of the 21st Century School Fund, explains how school infrastructure funding can contribute to inequity among school districts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here's were 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 were 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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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.
Mystery drones seen over Ireland during Zelenskyy's visit
After a number of drone sightings near European airports and military bases, mysterious aircraft were seen over Ireland as Ukraine's Zelenskyy visited.
White House claims Europe facing "civilizational erasure" in 2 decades
The Trump administration says societal threats mean some European nations may not be "strong enough to remain reliable allies."
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
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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.
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.
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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.
New details on Sept. 2 boat strike footage
Video seen by lawmakers shows Sept. 2 boat strike survivors waving overhead before a second attack, sources say. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd joins with analysis.
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.