Why Trump wants to eliminate Education Department
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order as soon as this week with the goal of dismantling the Education Department. Nancy Cordes explains what's at stake.
Linda McMahon
Trump EO expected to eliminate Education Dept.
President Trump is expected to issue an executive order to shutter the Department of Education. The department was created by Congress in 1979 and it would take an act of Congress to fully dismantle it. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand has more.
Senate confirms Linda McMahon to lead Education Department
The Senate confirmed the former wrestling executive as the nation's education chief.
Impact of abolishing Department of Education
President Trump wants his pick to lead the Department of Education, Linda McMahon, to dismantle the agency. McMahon acknowledged at her confirmation hearing that abolishing the department would require an act of Congress. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns explains what the department does and how school districts would be affected.
McConnell only Republican to oppose RFK Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services Thursday with Sen. Mitch McConnell being the only Republican to vote against his confirmation. Meanwhile, former WWE CEO Linda McMahon took questions from the Senate Thursday in her bid to lead the Department of Education. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
2/14: CBS Morning News
Top DOJ officials, Manhattan federal prosecutor resign after receiving orders to drop Eric Adams case; Linda McMahon, Trump's pick for education chief, vowed to "reorient" the department during her confirmation hearing.
McConnell votes against RFK Jr.'s confirmation
President Trump's Cabinet grew on Thursday, with the Senate confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary in a 52 to 48 vote. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of his party to vote against Kennedy. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Confirmation hearing for Linda McMahon
Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon is before the Senate on Thursday for her confirmation hearing to be secretary of education. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman reports on the hearing and the approval of White House buyout offers for federal employees.
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.
Trump signs order aimed at critical race theory in schools
President Trump is ordering U.S. schools to stop teaching what he views as "critical race theory" and other material dealing with race and sexuality or risk losing their federal money.
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.
The TV factor with Trump's Cabinet picks
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to make the final picks for his Cabinet by Thanksgiving. So far, loyalty and television presence have seemed to be the biggest influences on Trump's choices. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more on how the Cabinet for Trump's second presidency is being assembled and his latest choice of Linda McMahon for education secretary.
Linda McMahon, Dr. Oz picked for Trump Cabinet
President-elect Donald Trump is moving forward with more Cabinet selections, choosing former WWE CEO and Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon to be his education secretary and TV doctor Mehmet Oz to oversee Medicare and Medicaid. CBS News political reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest on Trump's incoming administration and the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump's attorney general pick, Matt Gaetz.
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 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 will nominate transition adviser Howard Lutnick for commerce secretary
Trump has picked Howard Lutnick, a crypto enthusiast and the head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, to be commerce secretary.
WWE deemed an "essential" business during pandemic
The mayor of Orange County, where WWE normally tapes, said it was originally deemed a non-essential business – but the governor changed that
Trump thanks McMahon, talks Mueller report
At Mar-a-Lago, President Trump announced that Linda McMahon, the head of the Small Business Administration, is moving to a new job at pro-Trump PAC America First. He also took questions about the Mueller report. Watch his remarks.
Trump praises outgoing SBA Administrator Linda McMahon
The president held a gaggle with reporters in his opulent Mar-a-Lago resort Friday afternoon
4/27/18: The Takeout
In today's episode of "The Takeout," CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett sat down with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration Linda McMahon.
From Stones concert to the Cabinet: Linda McMahon on her long friendship with Trump
The small business administrator has known Trump for more than two decades
WWE executive rescued after emergency helicopter landing
McMahon is the son of WWE CEO Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, who heads President Trump's Small Business Administration
Linda McMahon, of WWE fame, testifies for Trump appointment
The erstwhile Connecticut Senate hopeful is President Trump's pick to run the Small Business Administration
Donald Trump's Cabinet wealthiest in history
CBS News estimates seven of Trump’s picks are worth a combined $11 billion
House unveils stopgap measure to keep government funded, avert shutdown
The continuing resolution bill will go to the House Rules Committee on Monday and a floor vote is expected Tuesday.
All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
DHS administering lie detector tests to employees in effort to find leakers
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS would start polygraphing employees in order to crack down on who may be leaking information to the media about its immigration raids.
Exclusive
USCIS employees asked to volunteer to help ICE operations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees were asked to sign up for 60-day assignments — or what the government calls "details" — to assist ICE.
Pope showing "gradual, slight improvement" amid double pneumonia treatment
The 88-year-old pope has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels in his blood for several days, doctors said.
Long Island brush fires prompt state of emergency
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a State of Emergency on Saturday as crews battled several brush fires on Long Island.
Russian strikes Ukraine as U.S. pauses sharing intelligence with Kyiv
Without U.S. satellite imagery, Ukraine's ability to strike inside Russia and defend itself from bombardment is significantly diminished.
Tesla facilities across the country attacked in protest of Elon Musk
A wave of anti-Tesla attacks have occurred as Elon Musk takes a leading role in President Trump's cost-cutting task force known as DOGE.
Israel to send delegation to Qatar to advance ceasefire talks
Foreign ministers from Muslim nations on Saturday also rejected calls by President Trump to empty the Gaza Strip of its Palestinian population.
U.S.
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Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
Tesla facilities across the country attacked in protest of Elon Musk
A wave of anti-Tesla attacks have occurred as Elon Musk takes a leading role in President Trump's cost-cutting task force known as DOGE.
How slain Las Vegas journalist may have helped capture his own killer
Crucial DNA evidence found under the fingernails of reporter Jeff German led investigators to Robert Telles, the man charged with killing him.
All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
DHS administering lie detector tests to employees in effort to find leakers
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS would start polygraphing employees in order to crack down on who may be leaking information to the media about its immigration raids.
MoneyWatch
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Social Security to restart clawing back 100% of benefit overpayments
The Social Security Administration said it will restart a policy that had caused financial distress for some beneficiaries.
Fed Chair Powell says interest rates on hold amid economic uncertainty
Powell says the Fed is in no hurry to change course, citing "uncertainty" over the impact of the Trump administration economic policies
Should you buy a car now before auto tariffs go into effect?
Experts say you could save thousands of dollars by buying a car now, versus later in 2025 if tariffs are enacted.
DHS ends collective bargaining agreement with TSA employees
Union representing TSA workers calls the Department of Homeland Security's decision an "unprovoked attack."
Some economists think U.S. inflation is likely to rise in 2025
More restrictive trade and immigration policies under the Trump administration could mean higher prices for Americans, Morgan Stanley analysts say.
Politics
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All HHS workers given $25,000 voluntary buyout offer, source says
All employees in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were notified Friday of the option to voluntarily resign in exchange for a $25,000 payment.
DHS administering lie detector tests to employees in effort to find leakers
Last month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said DHS would start polygraphing employees in order to crack down on who may be leaking information to the media about its immigration raids.
Federal funding cuts lead FEMA to cancel National Fire Academy courses
The cancellation of courses at National Fire Academy comes as the federally funded institution was set to welcome a new set of fire safety officers for training next week.
Exclusive
USCIS employees asked to volunteer to help ICE operations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees were asked to sign up for 60-day assignments — or what the government calls "details" — to assist ICE.
House unveils stopgap measure to keep government funded, avert shutdown
The continuing resolution bill will go to the House Rules Committee on Monday and a floor vote is expected Tuesday.
HealthWatch
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Young woman's common infection leads to emergency spinal surgery
Maranda Nyborg's mild symptoms escalated into pain, numbness and a fever that wouldn't go away.
Is daylight saving time bad for your health? A neurologist explains.
Researchers are discovering that "springing ahead" each March for daylight saving time is connected with serious negative health effects.
Researchers seek to demystify the biology of aging
The foundation of the study stems from an Amish community in Indiana, where researchers found a genetic variation in about 10% of the population allows them to live, on average, a decade longer.
What to know about hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Betsy Arakawa died from hantavirus days before her husband, actor Gene Hackman, died of heart disease, New Mexico officials said.
Letting teens drink at home may lead to heavier alcohol use later, study finds
Clinical psychologist Lisa Damour, author of "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers," shares advice for parents.
World
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International Women's Day protests demand equal rights, end to discrimination
International Women's Day is commemorated in different ways and to varying degrees in places around the world.
Pope showing "gradual, slight improvement" amid double pneumonia treatment
The 88-year-old pope has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels in his blood for several days, doctors said.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejects talks with the U.S.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said talks between the two countries would be aimed at imposing restrictions on Iranian missile range and its influence in the region.
Trump golf resort vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists
The United Kingdom-based activist group Palestine Action said it "rejects Donald Trump's treatment of Gaza as though it were his property to dispose of as he likes."
3 men randomly shoot at customers in Toronto pub, wounding 12
Police said three armed individuals entered the pub and "opened fire indiscriminately on the people sitting inside."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sam Barber performs "Straight and Narrow"
Singer-songwriter Sam Barber is one of country music's fastest rising stars. He taught himself how to play the guitar at 16, and two years later he released "Straight and Narrow," a song he had recorded in his bedroom. The single reached double-platinum status, and soon Barber found himself performing at the Grand Ole Opry and selling out shows. This past November, he released his first album "Restless Mind." Here is Sam Barber with "Straight and Narrow."
Sam Barber performs "Better Year"
Singer-songwriter Sam Barber is one of country music's fastest rising stars. He taught himself how to play the guitar at 16, and two years later he released "Straight and Narrow," a song he had recorded in his bedroom. The single reached double-platinum status, and soon Barber found himself performing at the Grand Ole Opry and selling out shows. This past November, he released his first album "Restless Mind." From that album, here is Sam Barber with "Better Year."
Sam Barber performs "Indigo"
Singer-songwriter Sam Barber is one of country music's fastest rising stars. He taught himself how to play the guitar at 16, and two years later he released "Straight and Narrow," a song he had recorded in his bedroom. The single reached double-platinum status, and soon Barber found himself performing at the Grand Ole Opry and selling out shows. This past November, he released his first album "Restless Mind." From that album, here is Sam Barber with "Indigo."
Inside custom baseball glove company Nokona
With spring training in full swing, baseball players are flashing leather all over the field. In recent decades, much sports equipment has been made overseas but one company refuses to export its process, making leather gloves 100% in the United States.
Paul Tazewell on vision behind "Wicked" costume transformation
From dreaming under Ohio stars to reimagining Oz, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win a costume design at the Oscars.
Technology
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Technology
Iconic Volkswagen microbus gets electric revival
Today marks 75 years since Volkswagen first began manufacturing its beetle-based "bus." For those of a certain generation, the microbus is one of the most recognizable and beloved vehicles to ever roll down the road. Carter Evans reports that some are charged up about a revival.
Robots build full-scale 3D-printed homes in a day
California company "Azure Printed Homes" wants its 3D printing technology to help speed up the wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Its robots can print full-scale homes in 24 hours. Danya Bacchus 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.
Breaking down the latest space launch mishaps
You may have noticed all the troubling launch and landing mishaps affecting private space missions lately, from two explosions of a SpaceX Starship to lunar landers that can't stay upright. Bill Harwood gives his perspective.
Google launches AI-powered scam detection
Google has launched new AI-detection tools to help protect Android users from scams. For more on the new features, CBS News was joined by William Antonelli, a tech reporter who's written for Business Insider, Polygon, and others.
Science
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Athena moon lander ended up on its side, bringing mission to an early end
Intuitive Machines says its Athena lunar lander was unable to recharge its batteries while resting on its side, bringing the moon mission to an early end.
22% of butterflies in U.S. disappeared in 2 decades, study finds
A study, published Thursday in the journal Science, found that 22% of butterflies in the United States disappeared between 2000 and 2020.
Scientists create "woolly mouse"
Scientists at a Dallas-based biotech company has unveiled a genetically engineered woolly mouse that they hope is a step toward eventually bringing back the wooly mammoth. The results haven't yet been published or vetted by independent scientists.
How "asteroid detectives" protect Earth
NASA was recently tracking a large asteroid, known as the "city killer," after finding a small chance of it hitting Earth in 2032. NASA says it "no longer poses a significant threat" in an analysis, but it's not the only space rock astronomers are monitoring. Kris Van Cleave shows how "asteroid detectives" and "planetary defenders" are trying to protect Earth from a potential disaster.
Moon lander from Intuitive Machines touches down, but apparently tips over
Intuitive Machines' Athena moon lander is "alive," but it's not yet known what mission objectives can still be met.
Crime
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Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
How slain Las Vegas journalist may have helped capture his own killer
Crucial DNA evidence found under the fingernails of reporter Jeff German led investigators to Robert Telles, the man charged with killing him.
3 men randomly shoot at customers in Toronto pub, wounding 12
Police said three armed individuals entered the pub and "opened fire indiscriminately on the people sitting inside."
Xavier Worthy of Chiefs released from jail, won't face domestic assault charges
Xavier Worthy was taken into custody Friday on a count of third-degree felony assault. However, prosecutors Saturday declined to pursue the case.
2 dogs rescued after being kidnapped, ransomed for over $1 million
The dogs' kidnappers tried to ransom the animals for over $1,135,000, Swiss police said Saturday.
Space
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Athena moon lander ended up on its side, bringing mission to an early end
Intuitive Machines says its Athena lunar lander was unable to recharge its batteries while resting on its side, bringing the moon mission to an early end.
U.S. spaceplane deorbits after secret mission and lands in California
The U.S. Space Force said in a news release that the craft had "accomplished a range of test and experimentation objectives."
SpaceX test flight fails after launch
A SpaceX rocket broke apart during its eighth test flight that took off from Texas on Thursday. It's the second time something like this has happened this year. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has more on concerns over putting humans back on the moon.
Lunar lander's location unknown
For the second time in less than a week, a lunar lander has touched down on the moon's surface. Houston-based aerospace company "Intuitive Machines" is communicating with its Athena Lander, but the spacecraft does not appear to have landed upright. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
SpaceX Starship breaks apart after launch in second failure in a row
SpaceX made multiple changes in the wake of a January Starship failure, only to suffer a second straight vehicle breakup Thursday.
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.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Assassination of Jeff German
A Las Vegas journalist is stabbed to death while investigating claims a boss was toxic. Did his reporting make him a target? "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports.
Canadians showing their displeasure with Trump
President Trump took aim at dairy and lumber imports from Canada, but the U.S.'s northern neighbor is fighting back. Ed O'Keefe reports on the latest in the tumultuous trade war.
Iconic Volkswagen microbus gets electric revival
Today marks 75 years since Volkswagen first began manufacturing its beetle-based "bus." For those of a certain generation, the microbus is one of the most recognizable and beloved vehicles to ever roll down the road. Carter Evans reports that some are charged up about a revival.
Robots build full-scale 3D-printed homes in a day
California company "Azure Printed Homes" wants its 3D printing technology to help speed up the wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Its robots can print full-scale homes in 24 hours. Danya Bacchus reports.
Pope showing slight improvement, Vatican says
The Vatican said Pope Francis is showing "gradual, slight improvement." The 88-year-old has been in the hospital for 23 days, battling double pneumonia.