3/3/2024: Operation Lone Star; 97 Books; Artemis
First, a report on barricades and battles on the Texas border. Then, a look at why Beaufort banned five books from school libraries. And, a report on the challenges NASA faces going back to the moon.
Banned Books
Key parts of Arkansas law allowing criminal charges vs. librarians struck down
A federal judge struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing "harmful" materials to minors.
Hundreds of books pulled from Florida school libraries
A 35-page list outlines the hundreds of books removed from library shelves in Florida's 73 school districts.
Kenneth C. Davis on the power of reading
Kenneth C. Davis, author of "The World in Books," joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about the power of reading and the need to fight for the right to access books in an era of increasing bans across the U.S.
Major publishers sue Florida over book ban law in schools
Classics that have been pulled as a result of the law include Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Major publishers sue Florida over book-banning law
Several top-selling authors and major publishing companies are now suing the state of Florida over a controversial law that led to the banning of hundreds of books. Cristian Benavides has details.
San Francisco bookstore pushes back on book bans
A wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation and book bannings in states nationwide has one San Francisco bookstore fighting back, shipping many of those very same titles to the places that prohibit them, for free. Itay Hod has the story.
San Francisco bookstore fights censorship of LGBT books
One San Francisco bookstore is fighting book bans by shipping LGBT+ books to directly the Deep South for free.
Gay teacher responds to LGBTQ backlash
The American Library Association found that 4,240 books were targets of censorship efforts in 2023, with about half of those books written by or including people of color and those from LGBTQ communities. CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto spoke with Anthony Nicodemo, a gay teacher and basketball coach in Westchester County, New York, about his message to proponents of book bans.
Florida school district bans book about book banning. "Irony is dead," says author.
Author Alan Gratz says his book might get a sales uptick from the notoriety, but most banned books and their authors suffer negative outcomes.
Full list of 97 books parents tried to ban from Beaufort, SC school library shelves
Students temporarily lost access to nearly 100 books in Beaufort County, South Carolina after a book banning push. Here's the full list of books.
Beaufort, SC, schools return dozens of books to shelves after ban fight
A South Carolina school district's superintendent pulled 97 books from schools after a ban push from a few parents and residents. Almost all of the books have since been returned to school libraries.
South Carolina school district reviews, returns books after ban attempt
The Beaufort County school district in South Carolina was blindsided by efforts to ban 97 books from schools. After a lengthy review, most of the books were cleared for return.
Georgia lawmakers eye allowing criminal charges against school librarians
The proposal involves sexual content of books and is part of a broader drive by Republicans in many states to root out what they see as inappropriate material from schools and libraries.
Florida school district's book ban extends to dictionaries
The dictionaries and encyclopedias are being reviewed based on state legislation that says schools may not have books that depict or describe "sexual conduct" or are "inappropriate."
Judge blocks Arkansas law that allows librarians to face criminal charges
Under the law, librarians or booksellers that "knowingly" loan or sell books deemed "obscene" by the state can be charged with a felony.
School district restricts Bible after complaint calls it "sex-ridden"
A copy of the complaint to a Utah school district shows that a parent noted the Bible contains instances of incest, prostitution and rape.
Rise in attempted book bans in 2022
The American Library Association is raising awareness about what it calls "organized censorship" campaigns against certain types of books. Last year marked a record-breaking year for book challenges at libraries, the organization said.
"Gender Queer" tops annual list of banned, challenged books
Other books facing challenges and bans include George M. Johnson's "All Boys Aren't Blue," Mike Curato's "Flamer" and Juno Dawson's "This Book Is Gay," among others.
The fight over banning books
Between 2020 and 2022, the number of book titles that have been banned in U.S. libraries and schools spiked more than 1,100%, to more than 2,500, while activists in 37 states have challenged school districts for offering non-fiction and fiction books that discuss race and racism, slavery, sex and gender identity. Correspondent Martha Teichner talks with opposing forces on the reading battlefield today, from the founders of the activist group Moms for Liberty, to library officials, a teacher removed from her classroom for giving her students access to banned books, and cartoonist Art Spiegelman, whose Holocaust-themed graphic novel "Maus" has been targeted by book banners.
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.
Exclusive
Ally of DOJ pardon attorney seeks to join board of Trump's $1.7+ billion fund
In his application letter, attorney Mike Howell proposed organizing a national gathering of "thousands of victims of weaponization," including those involved in the Capitol riot.
Live
Trump says Netanyahu will do "whatever I want him to do" on Iran
Asked what he said to Israel's leader about a decision to hold off on new Iran strikes, Trump said Netanyahu will "do whatever I want him to do."
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro on murder charges for downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996.
Daycare owner charged with fraud tried to flee U.S. after closing center, prosecutors say
New fraud charges were unsealed Wednesday against a Minnesota daycare owner who federal prosecutors allege tried to flee the country just two days after shutting the center down.
Ex-prosecutor allegedly stole secret report on Trump, named file "Bundt Cake Recipe"
A former federal prosecutor was charged this week with emailing herself a report on the Justice Department's investigation into President Trump that a judge had kept under lock and key, under the file name "Bundt_Cake_Recipe.pdf."
Texas Dem under fire for saying she'd make ICE jail "prison for American Zionists"
A Democratic House candidate in Texas is facing widespread condemnation and accusations of antisemitism from her own party.
Detroit-bound flight diverted over passenger from Congo amid Ebola restrictions
An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit, Michigan, was forced to divert to Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday due to U.S. flight restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak.
DOJ veterans fear probe into ex-CIA director is being stacked with Trump loyalists
Former CIA Director John Brennan is the subject of two criminal probes being led by the Miami-area U.S. Attorney's Office.
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers
The Department of Homeland Security is set to implement new entry restrictions beginning Thursday for foreign travelers coming to the U.S. from countries at the center of the latest Ebola outbreak.
U.S.
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Detroit-bound flight diverted over passenger from Congo amid Ebola restrictions
An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit, Michigan, was forced to divert to Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday due to U.S. flight restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak.
Daycare owner charged with fraud tried to flee U.S. after closing center, prosecutors say
New fraud charges were unsealed Wednesday against a Minnesota daycare owner who federal prosecutors allege tried to flee the country just two days after shutting the center down.
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers
The Department of Homeland Security is set to implement new entry restrictions beginning Thursday for foreign travelers coming to the U.S. from countries at the center of the latest Ebola outbreak.
Vanessa Trump announces breast cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump, 48, was married to Donald Trump Jr. for 12 years. They share five children together.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy takes digs at Trump, urging renewed unity in politics
Cassidy, who lost his reelection bid last week, called for leaders who are "steady, not erratic" and "thoughtful, not impulsive."
MoneyWatch
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SpaceX files for IPO as rocket company preps for market debut
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
Highest gas prices in years expected to continue rising this summer
U.S. motorists are likely to face even hotter gas prices as the summer driving season kicks off, according to a new analysis.
What sagging bond prices are telling us about the U.S. economy
U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.
Summer travelers face "vacation inflation" as airfare, gas prices rise
Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Politics
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State Democratic Party censures governor after he commutes Tina Peters' sentence
The central committee of the Colorado Democratic Party on Wednesday voted 89.8% in favor of a measure to censure Gov. Jared Polis.
Texas Dem under fire for saying she'd make ICE jail "prison for American Zionists"
A Democratic House candidate in Texas is facing widespread condemnation and accusations of antisemitism from her own party.
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers
The Department of Homeland Security is set to implement new entry restrictions beginning Thursday for foreign travelers coming to the U.S. from countries at the center of the latest Ebola outbreak.
Exclusive
Ally of DOJ pardon attorney seeks to join board of Trump's $1.7+ billion fund
In his application letter, attorney Mike Howell proposed organizing a national gathering of "thousands of victims of weaponization," including those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy takes digs at Trump, urging renewed unity in politics
Cassidy, who lost his reelection bid last week, called for leaders who are "steady, not erratic" and "thoughtful, not impulsive."
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Vanessa Trump announces cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump announced on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is working with her doctors on a treatment plan.
Noah Wyle's push to help healthcare workers
Noah Wyle, who stars in HBO's "The Pitt," joins "CBS Mornings" with Dr. Elisabeth Potter to discuss their push to improve mental health and quality of life for healthcare workers.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
World
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Detroit-bound flight diverted over passenger from Congo amid Ebola restrictions
An Air France flight from Paris to Detroit, Michigan, was forced to divert to Montreal, Canada, on Wednesday due to U.S. flight restrictions linked to the Ebola outbreak.
U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea
The Russian jets intercepted the U.K. aircraft with one jet flying as close as 19 feet to the British plane's nose, officials said.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
Netanyahu rebukes Israeli minister for treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and France have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective capitals after Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, posted the video.
Entertainment
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Byron Allen on "Comics Unleashed" as it moves to new time slot on CBS
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen brings "Comics Unleashed" to CBS's late night slot, replacing "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
From 1993: Letterman on "The Late Show" launch
Ahead of the premiere of "The Late Show" in August 1993, host David Letterman sat down with "CBS This Morning" to discuss his break from his previous late night show, what viewers could expect from his CBS debut and more.
Byron Allen on filling CBS' late night slot
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his show "Comics Unleashed" and its transition into the CBS late night spot.
Sponsored
Michelle Monaghan on getting quality sleep
Actress Michelle Monaghan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her 24-hour wellness cycle and why it's important to get quality sleep and consistent energy. (Sponsored by Natrol)
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Technology
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Technology
What Nvidia's Q1 earnings say about AI race
Cementing its status as the world's most valuable company, Nvidia reported record revenue in its latest earnings report. Britney Nguyen, Nvidia and chips reporter at MarketWatch, joins with analysis.
Google announces AI-focused search bar revamp
Artificial intelligence is prompting Google to change its iconic search bar for the first time in more than 25 years. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Concern ramps up over the use of AI in combat
The Defense Department says it wants to be "AI-first," but some service members are concerned about how quickly the technology is developing. Chris Livesay reports.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Science
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2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Crime
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Daycare owner charged with fraud tried to flee U.S. after closing center, prosecutors say
New fraud charges were unsealed Wednesday against a Minnesota daycare owner who federal prosecutors allege tried to flee the country just two days after shutting the center down.
TikTok star accused of murder-for-hire plot
A social media influencer and her father are accused of plotting to kill her famous singer ex, amid a bitter years-long custody dispute, court documents show. Jonathan Vigliotti is following the case.
Watch: Blanche announces Raúl Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges Wednesday against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the downing of two planes in 1996.
Man jailed over Kirk post wins settlement
Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail over his Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will get $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Space
More Space
New version of Starship rocket ready for critical test flight
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
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
Why Harvard is limiting number of "A" grades
In a historic move, Harvard University faculty members have voted to limit the number of "A" grades given to undergraduates to curb rising grade inflation. Axios Boston reporter Mike Deehan joins "The Daily Report" with more.
Target Q1 earnings beat expectations
Home Depot, Target, Lowes and TJ Maxx all beat expectations with their first quarter earnings and revenue reported on Wednesday. Target had their strongest gains in years. CBS News senior business and tech correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Raúl Castro indictment's significance
President Trump said he does not think there will be any additional escalation following the Justice Department's indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. CBS News national correspondent Lilia Luciano breaks down the situation.
Jan. 6 officers suing to block Trump fund
Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges is one of two law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riots and is suing to block the Trump administration's nearly $1.8 billion so-called "anti-weaponization" fund. He joins "The Daily Report" to discuss why.
5/20: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Breaking down Tuesday's primaries as another Republican who broke with Trump falters; U.S. indicts Raúl Castro.