Hundreds of books pulled from Florida school libraries — including novels by Kurt Vonnegut, John Green and Toni Morrison
CBSN
A 35-page list compiled by the Florida Department of Education outlines hundreds of books banned across the state's 73 school districts during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The report lists the titles and authors of the books, and what grade levels the book was removed from, but does not detail why a book was discontinued. Under HB 1069, a 2023 law that bans Florida schools from having books that depict or describe "sexual conduct" or "is inappropriate for the grade level and age group for which the material is used," library books can be removed in response to an objection raised by the parent of a student or a resident of the county where the district is located. Once a complaint is made, the books must be reviewed before they can be returned to the shelves or permanently removed.
Some districts had no books removed, while others saw dozens or even hundreds of titles pulled from their shelves. Some of the removed books included entries in popular series like George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" saga and Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" novels. Well-known authors like John Green, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks and Sarah J. Maas also saw their books pulled from shelves.
Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety who looked back at data on more than 200 vehicle-pedestrian crashes in the U.S. say Americans' preference for large, tall vehicles is compounding the risks of serious injury to pedestrians associated with higher-speed crashes. The authors of the IIHS study conclude that the size of many American vehicles means serious pedestrian injuries are more likely in crashes when compared to the expected risks on the roads in Europe, where vehicles are generally smaller.
Luigi Mangione, suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing, charged with murder in NYC
NEW YORK -- Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel, is now charged with murder, according to court documents.
A polygamist religious leader who claimed more than 20 spiritual "wives" including 10 underage girls was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Monday for coercing girls as young as 9 years old to submit to criminal sex acts with him and other adults, and for scheming to kidnap them from protective custody.
Washington — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Defense Department, returned to Capitol Hill on Monday as he tries to solidify support among Senate Republicans as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement of veterans' charities and excessive drinking.