Eye exams before school are critical, doctors say. Here's why.
Are eye exams for your kids on your back-to-school to-do list? Here's why experts say they should be.
Back To School
Criminals are targeting students with back-to-school scams
Scams preying on young people preparing for the new school year are on the rise, security experts say. Beware these red flags.
When students graduate debt-free
Total student loan debt in the U.S. is now nearly $1.8 trillion, and experts say young people are delaying buying homes and starting families because of it. So, what could the lives of students look like when they graduate debt-free?
Majority-Black school districts have far less money to invest in buildings
A CBS News investigation found stark disparities in funds invested in new buildings or facility improvements between school districts depending on their racial makeup.
3 tips to keep kids healthy this back-to-school season
Back to school can often mean back to germs. But experts say there are ways to keep kids protected — and make vaccinations less scary, too.
Security software helps cut down response times in school emergencies
911Inform is designed to connect on-site staff, dispatchers and first responders simultaneously for anything from a fight, to a health issue, to gun violence.
2 major back-to-school stressors and how parents can help
Back-to-school stressors are normal for the whole family. Here are two common issues mental health experts see popping up and how to deal with them.
Student loan repayments are set to resume. Here's what to know.
After a three-year hiatus, interest on student loans begins piling up again on Friday, with payments due in October.
Georgia school district brings AI into K-12 classrooms
Teachers and students embrace artificial intelligence in nearly every subject taught, from English to art class.
School's starting — but many districts lack enough bus drivers
Public schools are heading into the 2023-24 year in need of hundreds of drivers, causing some to even cancel classes.
Why an eye exam should be on your child's back-to-school checklist
Back-to-school season is a great time for kids to get an eye exam, doctors say, specially since school screenings can miss kids with vision problems.
As U.S. swelters under extreme heat, how will temps affects students?
Some students returning to U.S. schools are struggling to learn in warm classrooms, contending with both hot summer temperatures and broken or nonexistent air conditioning systems.
Back-to-school shopping could cost families more than ever
School supply costs are up this year due to inflation and purchases of big-ticket items like laptops and electronics.
More school districts are shifting to a 4-day week
Facing a national teacher shortage, hundreds of districts across 26 states have switched to a four-day school week to help recruit and retain staff.
Survey spotlights top stressors for students heading back to school
From safety concerns to mental health challenges, a national survey spotlights issues students are facing as the new school year approaches.
War of words: The fight over banning books
Between 2020 and 2022, book titles banned in libraries and schools (including books on race, slavery, sex and gender identity) rose more than 1,100%. "Sunday Morning" talks with advocates for removing books from shelves, and those fighting to preserve access.
Girl power: The rise in girls' wrestling
It's one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country, with young athletes finding their power and earning respect on the mat.
COVID's education crisis: A lost generation?
Students forced into remote learning because of the pandemic lost valuable time in class; one nationwide study shows reading skills have dropped to their lowest point in 30 years. "Sunday Morning" talks with educators about what can be done.
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.
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.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Shohei Ohtani named NL MVP after record-setting Dodgers season
Shohei Ohtani becomes the second player named MVP in both the American and National leagues.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge easily wins second AL MVP Award
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a unanimous pick to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award in three seasons on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
Life expectancy gap in the U.S. widens to 20 years: "Truly alarming"
Life expectancy in the United States varies by more than 20 years depending on race and ethnicity and where you live, according to new research.
Education secretary pick Linda McMahon named in WWE child sex abuse lawsuit
The suit claims McMahon and others at the WWE were aware of misconduct decades ago and negligent in failing to prevent it.
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Trump's proposed tariffs could raise U.S. grocery prices, analysis finds
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could raise costs for U.S. consumers, economists say. Here's how much grocery bills could rise.
U.S.
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Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Shohei Ohtani named NL MVP after record-setting Dodgers season
Shohei Ohtani becomes the second player named MVP in both the American and National leagues.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge easily wins second AL MVP Award
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a unanimous pick to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award in three seasons on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
MoneyWatch
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Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Trump's proposed tariffs could raise U.S. grocery prices, analysis finds
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could raise costs for U.S. consumers, economists say. Here's how much grocery bills could rise.
BJ's Wholesale Club hikes membership fees for first time since 2018
Warehouse chain follows rival Costco in raising amount its 7.5 million members must pay to shop at BJ's stores.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Here's where Elon Musk says his DOGE will aim to cut federal spending
Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say the Department of Government Efficiency has targets in mind for cost cutting.
Politics
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Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick
Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey on Thursday conceded in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania to Dave McCormick.
HealthWatch
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Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment period
The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.
Life expectancy gap in the U.S. widens to 20 years: "Truly alarming"
Life expectancy in the United States varies by more than 20 years depending on race and ethnicity and where you live, according to new research.
RFK Jr. weighing FDA crackdown on food additives under Trump
Kennedy's team is weighing a significant rewrite of the FDA's rules.
Why the latest bird flu case has experts worried about pandemic potential
A new potential case of bird flu in a California child without known contact with infected animals is raising concerns about a potential pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder explains what to know.
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
World
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Suspicious package causes security scare near U.S. Embassy in London
London police said a "loud bang" heard near the U.S. Embassy was a controlled explosion carried out after a suspicious package was discovered.
More tourists die after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos as several people held
The death toll has inched up after tourists drank tainted alcohol in the tourist town of Vang Vieng, Laos. Authorities say several people are in custody.
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro indicted over alleged coup attempt
Former president Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other people were indicted for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
Entertainment
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Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator" after 24 years
Connie Nielsen opens up about returning as Lucilla in "Gladiator II," reuniting with director Ridley Scott and exploring her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on how personal struggles and friendships impacted her music
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne opens up about her new album and how her friendships helped save her when she thought her recording career could be over.
Malcolm Washington on "The Piano Lesson"
Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington brings August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play to the screen with help from his father, Denzel Washington and siblings John David and Katia
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on her journey and new album
After overcoming years of personal struggles, Grammy winner Shelby Lynne is back with her first album in years. She tells Anthony Mason why her return to recording came as a surprise, even to her.
Technology
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Technology
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
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.
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Science
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Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Carcass of massive endangered whale washes ashore in Alaska
The carcass was comparable to the width of a college basketball court and female, according to biologists.
Crime
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Alleged LA County drug distributor charged with dealing opioid more powerful than fentanyl
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
Mexican cartel leader who faked own death arrested in California
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.
Alleged New York Stock Exchange terror plot
The FBI has arrested a Florida man who's accused of plotting to bomb the New York Stock Exchange. CBS News New York reporter Allen Devlin has more.
Dad of 14-year-old accused in Georgia school shooting pleads not guilty
Colin Gray and his son, Colt Gray, were both indicted in the Sept. 4 shooting that killed two students and two teachers and injured others.
Man found guilty for Laken Riley murder
A judge on Wednesday found Jose Ibarra guilty on all 10 counts in the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Addressing the U.S. shortage of Black doctors
There's a major effort underway to bring more Black doctors into hospitals and examination rooms nationwide, and that effort is focused on easing the burden of medical school for students at historically Black colleges and universities. Jericka Duncan has more.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
2024 Thanksgiving food costs
The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey found a difference between 2024 and 2023 Thanksgiving dinner prices. Business Insider senior personal finance reporter Jennifer Streaks discusses the cost changes and how to find meal deals.
Alex Jones sues The Onion
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones filed a lawsuit this week to try to block the sale of his right-wing company Infowars to satirical publisher The Onion. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks it down.
Russia, Ukraine war update
The Pentagon said Russia fired an experimental intermediate range ballistic missile at central Ukraine on Thursday. CBS News foreign correspondent Holly Williams reports.