Nearly 17 million students head to college this fall. About half are financially independent from their parents, and nearly 1 in 4 is a parent caring for a child.
The school shootings that weren't; a student loan watchdog quits; the number of chronically absent students is on the rise; and the top high school play and musical.
Research suggests kids who have more freedom and independence grow up to be less anxious and depressed. But in the age of helicopter parenting, giving kids freedom to roam can be difficult.
Colorado State University professor OiYan Poon tells NPR's Melissa Block why she supports the admission practices Asian-American students are suing Harvard University over.
The Justice Department has backed a lawsuit alleging that Harvard University illegally discriminates against Asian-Americans. And mourners are paying tribute to John McCain and Aretha Franklin.
The Justice Department says Harvard has "failed to show that it does not unlawfully discriminate against Asian-Americans." Harvard says it doesn't discriminate against any group.
School is set to start in Detroit next week, but the drinking water has been shut off. The district found 16 of the 24 schools tested showed elevated levels of lead and copper in the water.