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.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Injured Lindsey Vonn completes final training run ahead of Olympic race
"Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible," Vonn says.
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Bad Bunny lyrics to know before his Super Bowl halftime show
With Bad Bunny headlining a historic Super Bowl halftime show, we highlight some of his most impactful lyrics in Spanish and English.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
U.S.
More U.S.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
Ohio man charged with threatening to kill Vance, processing child abuse files
An Ohio man has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance while he was visiting his home state last month.
Jake Paul joins JD Vance to watch U.S. women's hockey team at Olympics
The U.S. women's hockey team eased to a 5-0 win over Finland on Saturday afternoon.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Exclusive
Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
Though the commerce secretary has called his interactions with Epstein as "limited," the two were in business together four years after Epstein's 2008 guilty plea.
Dow crosses 50K for first time as stocks enjoy best day since May 2025
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Cryptocurrency transactions are often thought to be anonymous and untraceable. That's a misconception, experts tell CBS News.
Prediction markets soar ahead of the Super Bowl
Emboldened by loosened restrictions from federal regulators, prediction markets look to cash in on Super Bowl Sunday.
Politics
More Politics
Trump throws support behind Nexstar-Tegna broadcast deal he once opposed
Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna would bring together two companies with significant holdings in local broadcast media.
Some Team USA athletes speak out about politics at home
Skier Chris Lillis said he was "heartbroken about what's happened in the United States," while skater Amber Glenn said she "will not just be quiet."
Zelenskyy says U.S. gave Ukraine, Russia a deadline for agreement to end war
If the June deadline is not met, the Trump administration will likely put pressure on both sides to meet it, Zelenskyy told reporters.
Appeals court endorses Trump policy of denying bond hearings to many ICE detainees
A federal appeals court on Friday endorsed the Trump administration's policy of holding broad groups of immigration detainees without access to bond hearings, a major legal victory for President Trump.
Pentagon says it's cutting ties with "woke" Harvard
The Pentagon says it will cut ties with Harvard University, ending graduate-level military training, fellowship and certificate programs.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
World
More World
Ilia Malinin stunned by Yuma Kagiyama in Olympic figure skating short program
Ilia Malinin was second with 98.00 and was topped by Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, who scored 108.67 points for the Olympic figure skating team event short program Saturday night.
Jake Paul joins JD Vance to watch U.S. women's hockey team at Olympics
The U.S. women's hockey team eased to a 5-0 win over Finland on Saturday afternoon.
Italy nabs first gold medal of Milano Cortina Olympics in speedskating upset
Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record of 3 minutes, 54.28 seconds, shaving more than two-and-a-half seconds off the mark set by Dutch legend Irene Schouten four years earlier in Beijing.
4 suspects arrested after bombing at Pakistan mosque leaves 31 dead
Friday's attack was the deadliest suicide bombing in Islamabad in nearly 20 years.
U.S. speedskater Greta Myers learned of Olympic debut hours before race
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down founder and lead singer, dies at 47
Brad Arnold, the founder and lead singer of the 3 Doors Down has died following "his courageous battle with cancer," the rock band announced Saturday on social media.
Who's performing at the Super Bowl halftime show? Here's the full list
Bad Bunny is set to take the stage at halftime for the 2026 Super Bowl. Here's who else is performing at Super Bowl 60.
Twisted Sister cancels reunion shows as frontman Dee Snider resigns
Lead singer and frontman Dee Snider said he suffers from degenerative arthritis and has had several surgeries over the years.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
Technology
More Technology
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
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.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Latest in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Authorities said Friday they were inspecting an apparent new message relating to the disappearance of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy, after the family reported her missing from her home on Sunday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst after hearing
Luigi Mangione had an outburst after a hearing on Friday in which the judge announced that his New York State trial will begin on June 8. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman is following the case.
Authorities tow car from Nancy Guthrie's home, investigate new message
Local and federal authorities said "investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity" regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigators vetting Guthrie ransom note
Friday marked six days since Nancy Guthrie's apparent abduction, and Guthrie's three children have been posting on social media hoping to reach whoever may have taken her. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports and former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O'Neill has more.
Mangione claims double jeopardy
Luigi Mangione had an outburst in a New York courtroom on Friday after a judge scheduled his state trial to begin before his federal case. The UnitedHealthCare CEO murder suspect claimed "this is the same trial twice" and called it "double jeopardy." CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Winter Olympics kick off with opening cermony
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics marked its official start on Friday with an opening ceremony that included the traditional Parade of Nations and performances from Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. "CBS Saturday Morning" goes inside the event.
Three sisters chase Olympic dream
Sam, Lauren and Alli Macuga are competitive skiers across different disciplines who were hoping to represent Team USA at Milano Cortina. Lauren, who was a top contender in alpine, suffered an ACL injury in November that ended her season -- but she explains why the world hasn't seen the last of the Macuga sisters.
Best books for Valentine's Day
Sarah Gelman, editorial director at Amazon Books, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to recommend some of the best books to read around Valentine's Day.
Super Bowl food that's bound to go viral
Super Bowl chefs spend an entire year developing the menu for the big game, and "CBS Saturday Morning" gets a sneak peek at some of the mouth-watering options.
The Dish: Noor Murad
Noor Murad's latest cookbook is a love letter to the Middle Eastern flavors she is known for using in her dishes.