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Making college affordable: five ways that states, schools are trying to help

Student debt and skyrocketing tuition make headlines. But this week, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have sought to highlight the silver lining – examples of how states and institutions have been trying to reduce the cost of higher education.Here are some ideas presented in a hearing Wednesday held by the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, and another Thursday morning before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

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Ash borer beetle shows up in Iowa (again)

Ash borer beetle, first spotted in Iowa three years ago, has now appeared in a second location in the state, officials announced Tuesday. Most ash borer beetle infestations have been caused by people unknowingly moving infested firewood, nursery plants and sawmill logs across county and state lines.
US agriculture wary as Monsanto heads to Supreme Court

An Indiana grain farmer will take on global seed giant Monsanto Co at the U.S. Supreme Court next week in a patent battle that could have ramifications for the biotechnology industry and the future of food production.
It's a bacon bonanza at Iowa festival

Thousands attended the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival this weekend, which celebrates all things associated with bacon in Des Moines. Events included lectures, eating contests, and a bacon queen pageant.
Mother’s little helper? Microwave zap prevents bread mold

The dreaded blue-green mold on your bread loaves might be preventable – for up to 60 days – with new microwave technology from Texas Tech. Researchers say the proecess could eliminate the need for preservatives and reduce global food waste.
Player engaged midcourt, video goes viral (+video)

Player engaged midcourt: Anna Prins, an Iowa State basketball player, got engaged before fans and her team Sunday when her boyfriend proposed midcourt.
Drought: Food prices poised to rise

The impact of this summer's extensive drought should show up on grocery shelves at the end of the year. Pork and beef prices will rise the most.
Cover Story How rising food prices are impacting the world

High grain costs, caused by severe drought, are hitting dinner tables from Guatemala to China. But the world has learned valuable lessons since the food shocks of 2008. Will it be enough to prevent social unrest?
Hurricane Isaac tests levees, knocks out power in Louisiana (+video)

Hurricane Isaac packed 80 mph winds is about 50 miles south of New Orleans. It drove a wall of water nearly 11 feet high inland when it game ashore Tuesday night.
Could tropical storm Isaac actually help break US drought?

Tropical storm Isaac is bearing down on the Gulf Coast, but once it gets inland, it is expected to bring much needed rain to drought-hit farmlands.
As drought withers US corn crop, ethanol industry feels the squeeze

As corn prices soar amid deepening drought, ethanol plants watch their margins evaporate. The industry is working at half-capacity, and some plants have closed. The slowdown is a blow to some rural areas.
Making college affordable: five ways that states, schools are trying to help

Student debt and skyrocketing tuition make headlines. But this week, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have sought to highlight the silver lining – examples of how states and institutions have been trying to reduce the cost of higher education.Here are some ideas presented in a hearing Wednesday held by the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, and another Thursday morning before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Drought threatens to darken Obama reelection prospects

With nearly two-thirds of the US enduring drought conditions, food prices are expected to jump ahead of the November election. That could add to voter anxieties about the economy.
The Simple Dollar Free summer fun? Check your local college.

Colleges and universities offer concerts and lectures throughout the year, and you don't always have to be a student to partake. Just check your local college or university's calendar.
Cover Story Bachelor's degree: Has it lost its edge and its value?

Undervalued and overpriced, the beleaguered bachelor's degree is losing its edge as the hallmark of an educated, readily employable American.
Decoder Wire Obama blames Romney for spreading 'cow pie of distortion.' Is he right? (+video)

Mitt Romney had criticized the Obama administration's accumulation of US debt. Big numbers such as America’s debt may seem solid, but they’re not.
In Iowa, Obama on the offensive against Romney

He criticized the GOP nominee for distorting the truth and said he wasn't prepared to be President.
Mad cow disease: Big deal abroad. US? Not so much. (+video)

Mad cow disease has hit the US only four times since regulators took steps to control it 15 years ago. Although the latest announcement of mad cow disease may alarm American consumers, the biggest reaction may come from nations that decide to ban US beef.
Focus Gender gap daunting for GOP: Why women's vote is key

The gender gap for the next election is daunting for Mitt Romney as President Obama leads the likely GOP nominee among women in major polls. With simply more women voters, can he overcome it between now and November?
NCAA bracket busters and the Sweet 16

A historic weekend in the NCAA men's basketball tournament saw more than its share of momentous upsets, shattering both convention and fans' brackets. The 'Sweet 16,' featuring the sixteen remaining teams, begins March 22nd.
Cover Story Video game nation: Why so many play

A journey through the world of video games, which 183 million Americans play – 25 percent over age 50. What's behind the fascination?
NCAA tournament: Shaka shocks the Shockers and a Friday night preview

Shaka Smart coached his VCU Rams to an impressive victory over Wichita State Thursday night in Portland, Oregon. Second round NCAA men's basketball tournament action continues tonight on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV.
Five myths about video games

Why they aren’t as scary or one-dimensional as many parents think.
NCAA tournament 2012: How did those teams get in?

There are questions every year about why certain teams are invited to the NCAA basketball tournament and others not. The author looks at the 2012 'March Madness' field.
Vox News Mitt Romney, the first Mexican-American president?

With a father who was born in Mexico and a son who lived in Chile and is fluent in Spanish, Mitt Romney has a compelling story to tell to Latino voters, some experts say.
The Vote Why did Michele Bachmann's campaign crater?

Michele Bachmann is heading back to Minnesota after a disastrous finish in the Iowa caucuses. Among other reasons for her demise, Ms. Bachmann failed to gain traction with Republican women voters.