NEWS: Big Stories Of The Day

Presidential first pitches and Supreme Court nunchuks:

L.A. Unified delays bids on schools LA Times
The Los Angeles Board of Education put on hold Tuesday a proposal that would have allowed charter operators and other outside groups to bid for control of 50 new schools scheduled to open over the next four years.

Back-to-school spending likely to drop Chicago Sun-Times
Total spending on back-to-school is expected to be $17.42 billion.

Accountability Looms as Charter Proponents Mull Future EdWeek
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says charters' goal "should be quality, not quantity."

Obama: Community colleges can help boost ailing economy CNN.com
Community colleges are only two-year institutions, but the Obama administration says they could play a key role in helping boost the ailing economy for years to come.

How much homework is too much? US News
A grassroots parents movement has taken hold in recent years calling for less — or at least better — homework. Many school officials are taking note.