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Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schools
National
AP Wire

Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schools

  • By JAMIE STENGLE and JOHN HANNA - Associated Press
  • Updated

Texas public schools will require students to read Bible stories under a reading list approved by the state’s education board. The required reading list approved Friday by the Texas State Board of Education widens conservative efforts to bring more Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms. The push in Texas has been closely followed by education observers, who say the required reading list appears to be the first of its kind in the nation. The mandate required more than 5 million public school students in Texas to read traditional literary works such as E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web.” Also on the list are Bible stories, including passages from the New Testament and excerpts from the Book of Job.

National
AP

A Trump commission urges 'bridges' between church and state in sweeping draft report

  • By PETER SMITH - Associated Press
  • Updated

A new report by a Trump administration commission suggests replacing the idea of separating church and state with the idea of building bridges between them. The draft report from the Religious Liberty Commission, created by Trump, supports a stronger role for religion in government and public life. It recommends eliminating the Johnson Amendment, which restricts political activities of tax-exempt religious groups, and compensating military members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines. Critics argue the commission lacks ideological diversity and fails to address issues like anti-Muslim efforts and rising antisemitism. The draft is open for public comment for 15 days.