Democrats unveil bill for tuition-free college
New legislation would make four-year public college tuition-free for students from families making less than $125,000.
Student Loan
$50,000 in student loan cancellation could leave 84% of borrowers debt free
New Education Department data shows 9.4 million of those borrowers are in default or delinquent on their loans.
White House exploring student loan forgiveness, chief of staff says
The move comes as public sector unions ask the Education Department to cancel loans for borrowers in public service jobs.
University of Phoenix students to get $50 million in refunds
Settlement follows FTC claims that the for-profit college's ads misled students about their job prospects.
Student debt "feels like quicksand." Is loan forgiveness the answer?
About 42.9 million Americans owe a collective $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loans – a "quiet crisis" that touches families across the nation.
COVID-19 tax break removes roadblock to college loan relief
"This clears the way for President Biden to #CancelStudentDebt," Senator Elizabeth Warren tweets.
The college wealth premium is vanishing for younger Americans
Getting a degree is now a "high-stakes decision," one economist says. But those without degrees are even worse off.
Biden says no to eliminating $50,000 student debts
The president has promised in the past to eliminate up to $10,000 in debt and explained why he can't support a measure for more.
Democrats unveil plan to erase $50,000 of student loan debt
Representative Omar suggested the resolution may be the first step towards total student debt cancellation.
Student debt relief will be "a priority," says education secretary nominee
The Department of Education pick said he was "totally in support" of President Joe Biden's plan to back $10,000 of student loan forgiveness.
Dept. of Education extends student loan payment freeze
On the campaign trail, Mr. Biden promised to address the student loan crisis and supported cancelling $10,000 in debt per borrower.
Biden to extend pause on federal student loan payments
The president-elect's transition team also said Mr. Biden supports Congress "immediately" cancelling $10,000 of federal student loans
Betsy DeVos tells Congress not to forgive student loan debt
The outgoing education secretary's five-page letter doesn't refer to President-elect Joe Biden by name.
No student loan relief in $900 billion stimulus bill
Millions of Americans will be required to resume student loan payments in January unless the popular program is extended.
Crushed by student loan debt? You may have a bankruptcy option
Democrats in Congress propose bankruptcy reform to aid families and individuals hurting due to college debt.
She owes $581,000 in student loans — the bill is coming due
A government moratorium on federally backed college debt expires on December 31. Student loan borrowers are worried.
Lawmakers resume coronavirus aid talks
Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill from their Thanksgiving break and renewed efforts to pass a coronavirus stimulus bill after months of stalled talks. CBS News chief congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes and Washington Post economics correspondent Heather Long join CBSN's "Red & Blue" host Elaine Quijano to discuss the narrow path to a deal before key programs expire at the end of December.
Former ITT Tech students to see $330 million in loans erased
State prosecutors say the defunct for-profit school lured students into high-interest loans they couldn't afford.
Is college tuition worth it when classes are online?
Should students take a gap year? CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger weighs in and gives tips for families.
Anonymous donors pay off $8 million of college loans
The money will pay off college loans of up to 400 students who overcame personal hardship – from homelessness and extreme poverty – to become first-generation college students.
Bill would forgive student debt for coronavirus health workers
"We own more than thanks and cheers at 7 p.m.," Rep. Carolyn Maloney said
Stimulus bill has tax break to help employers ease student loan debt
The provision, reported on by CBS News in May 2019, will give employers the ability to help employees pay off their student loans without being taxed.
Trump's student-loan interest waiver may not lower payments
Education experts say more needs to be done, such as putting a pause on all repayments until the pandemic ends.
How to manage student loan debt
Americans are burdened with about $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, which the latest data breaks down to an average of $35,000 per borrower. CBSN anchor Anne-Marie Green spoke with Tina Hay, author and founder of Napkin Finance, a platform that creates napkin-sized explainers on money. They discussed what to consider before taking out student loans and how to manage that debt.
Can you deduct student loan interest from your taxes?
If you're among the 48 million Americans with student debt, you're likely eligible for some relief come tax time.
Biden signs government funding bill, averting a shutdown
The stopgap measure will fund the government and provide tens of billions in disaster relief.
Death toll in attack at German Christmas market rises to 5; 200 injured
Police say the driver is under arrest after plowing into the crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people - including a 9-year-old - and injuring 200 others.
House Ethics Committee expected to release Matt Gaetz report on Monday
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its report on the investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz on Dec. 5, according to multiple sources.
Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Rickey Henderson is widely considered to be one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers in baseball.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JC Penny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
U.S.
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
MoneyWatch
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Party City files for bankruptcy, a day after announcing mass layoffs
Party City informed employees in an email on Friday that it was conducting an immediate "mass layoff" at its headquarters.
Senate approves bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
Senators approve a bill to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, with President Biden expected to sign it into law.
How much more will it cost to heat your home this winter?
Here's what's driving up home heating costs, and how much families are expected to spend this winter.
IRS sending up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's who qualifies.
The IRS said it's sending out checks worth up to $1,400 to 1 million people. Here's what to know about the "special payments."
Feds sue Zelle, alleging nation's biggest banks failed to stop fraud
Government watchdog claims Americans lost hundreds of millions to fraud related to the bank-operated mobile payments network.
Politics
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Kari Lake says she has no intention of turning Voice of America into "Trump TV"
Kari Lake, a former broadcast journalist who unsuccessfully ran for governor and for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, is President-elect Donald Trump's selection to lead Voice of America.
Lara Trump won't pursue Rubio's Florida Senate seat, she says
Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, says she's removing herself from consideration for Marco Rubio's Senate seat.
2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Mark Burnett, "The Apprentice" creator, tapped as special envoy to the U.K.
Mark Burnett helped produce hits like "Survivor" and "The Voice," but is perhaps best known for teaming up with President-elect Donald Trump for "The Apprentice," which first aired in 2004.
Biden surpasses Trump with 235th federal judge confirmed
The Senate confirmed two more judges to the federal bench on Friday, giving President Biden a total of 235 since he took office.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
CDC releases concerning new flu numbers
Thirteen states reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu-like illness last week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's double the number of states from the week before. Ali Bauman reports.
A teen's misdiagnosis led to medication, but surgery led to a cure
Isaac Klapper was 10 years old when he started having episodes of what doctors initially thought was a movement disorder.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Stuffing stockings with skincare? Here's what kids should and shouldn't be using
Skin care is all the rage for teens and tweens these days, but be careful not to give products that could cause more harm than good.
He went in for a colonoscopy. The hospital charged $19,000 for two.
A Chicago man was stuck with a big medical bill after undergoing a colonoscopy that found no evidence of cancer. Here's why.
World
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2 U.S. Navy pilots eject safely when jet shot down by likely "friendly fire"
An F/A-18 fighter jet was "mistakenly fired on" by the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, authorities said.
Pope Francis tells Vatican staff to stop gossiping in Christmas speech
Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."
At least 38 dead after crash between a passenger bus and a truck in Brazil
In 2024, more than 10,000 people died in traffic accidents in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Transportation.
Rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people
Inside Gaza, mourners held funerals for 19 people, 12 of them children, killed in Israeli strikes.
What we know about suspect in Christmas market attack in Germany
The suspect, identified by local media as 50-year-old Taleb A., was arrested after plowing a black BMW into a Christmas market crowded with holiday shoppers in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least five people and wounding more than 200 others.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Blake Lively accuses co-star of sexual harassment
Hollywood star Blake Lively is accusing her "It Ends With Us" co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in a new lawsuit. His attorney has denied the allegations.
Blake Lively accuses "It Ends with Us" co-star of sexual harassment
The lawsuit lays out Blake Lively's allegations against Justin Baldoni during their time working on "It Ends with Us."
Young dancers take on lead roles in Christmas classic "The Nutcracker"
The New York City Ballet has been performing "The Nutcracker" for decades. Each year, young dancers make their mark on the ballet.
How Robert Eggers revives "Nosferatu"
Director Robert Eggers' highly-anticipated horror film "Nosferatu" will hit theaters on Christmas Day. The acclaimed director sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to talk about bringing the classic vampire tale to a new audience.
The man behind method acting
50 years ago, "The Godfather Part II" was playing in theaters nationwide. The film catapulted Lee Strasberg, whose namesake form of acting preparation was used by some of the film's leads, to stardom. Dozens of the entertainment industry's biggest stars have trained at his institute, learning the techniques of method acting. Michelle Miller went behind the scenes to learn more about "The Method Man."
Technology
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Technology
Supreme Court agrees to hear case about TikTok ban
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will hear an appeal from TikTok over a federal law that would ban the social media giant if it is not sold by its Chinese parent company. Jan Crawford has more.
Teen victim of deepfake porn urges Congress to pass "Take It Down Act"
Elliston Berry's life was turned upside down after a photo she posted on Instagram was digitally altered online to be pornographic.
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.
Supreme Court to decide on future of TikTok
The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments in January on a challenge to a new law that could lead to the popular social media app TikTok being banned in the U.S. The Biden administration and lawmakers say the Chinese government's ability to collect data from TikTok poses a significant national security risk, while the app and its Chinese parent company ByteDance argue that the law is unconstitutional. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
FAA: Lithium battery fires on flights now occur nearly twice a week
FAA data shows that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights have risen 388% since 2015, now occurring nearly twice a week.
Science
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What to know about the winter solstice, 2024's shortest day
The 2024 winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, happens on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is marked with traditions and celebrations around the world.
Class-action lawsuit over plastic recycling
This week a group of plaintiffs in Missouri, Kansas, California and Florida filed a class-action lawsuit against dozens of companies and organizations, claiming they've falsely promoted how easy it is to recycle plastics. CBS News Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica has the details.
Why fish, birds and other animals yawn too, according to an expert
Humans aren't alone when it comes to yawning — all vertebrates do it. But why? An expert explains the likely reason behind this "evolutionarily ancient" act.
Americans coexisted with 4-ton sloths for millennia, research shows
Early Americans may have spent millennia sharing prehistoric savannas and wetlands with enormous beasts, research shows.
EPA tackling pollution in at-risk communities
The Environmental Protection Agency under President Biden created a new Office of Environmental Justice that seeks to address pollution levels in disadvantaged and marginalized communities. However, there is concern that the incoming Trump administration could do away with the new department. David Schechter reports.
Crime
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Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? Her dad believes DNA could reveal killer
A look back at how "48 Hours" covered the 1996 Christmastime murder of JonBenét Ramsey in 2002, and what her father John Ramsey says about the unsolved Colorado case nearly 28 years later.
Will convicted wife killer Scott Peterson get a new trial?
After California man's death sentence is overturned, there's a renewed push to clear him.
Several hurt after driver plows through Texas mall; suspect killed by police
The suspect drove through the doors of a JCPenny in Killeen, Texas, and continued inside for "several hundred yards," an official said.
CEO killing sparks concerns about extremism
Luigi Mangione, now held in a New York City lock-up, could face the death penalty if convicted of the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The killing is sparking new concerns about violent extremism bubbling across the country.
Dozens injured in Germany Christmas market attack
At least two people are dead and dozens more injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and that it appears to be a deliberate attack. Elaine Cobbe has details.
Space
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Discovery of "tipped over" black hole surprises NASA scientists
New analysis techniques and decades-old research helped NASA scientists identify an unusual black hole in a distant galaxy.
Why are the Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck in space?
Here's why NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are stuck, but not stranded, at the International Space Station after launching into space in June.
NASA delayes return date for astronauts
NASA has delayed the return date for Boeing's Starliner astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. CBS News' Manuel Bojorquez reports on the decision to keep the two in space.
NASA leader weighs in on Elon Musk, SpaceX and plans for moon rocket
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he's optimistic the Trump administration will support the space agency's agenda.
Boeing Starliner crew's return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck in space since June will have to wait until at least the end of March to come home after NASA on Wednesday again pushed back their return date. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to discuss what's causing the delays.
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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.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
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.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
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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The Dish: Western restaurants
We head West and meet three culinary mavericks redefining fine dining, from an artist-turned-chef in Seattle, Washington, to a chef in Portland, Oregon, who infuses the flavors of Haiti into every dish. Watch these stories and more on The Dish.
Here Comes the Sun: Ted Danson and more
Actor Ted Danson sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his latest project, “A Man on the Inside.” Then, David Pogue learns how some companies are creating ways to prevent whales from getting hit by cargo and cruise ships. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”
The Search for JonBenét's Killer
Is there new hope to solve the murder of JonBenét Ramsey? Her father says there’s a way. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.
"CBS Weekend News" headlines for Dec. 21, 2024
Here's a look at the top stories making headlines on the "CBS Weekend News" with David Wade.
Boy's own newspaper brings neighborhood together
Many kids will be getting tablets or video games this holiday season. But this Boston boy has put down the gadgets and lifted up his entire neighborhood. David Wade reports.