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.
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Tensions are evident in a rare display among the Supreme Court justices at the end of the term. On Thursday, conservative Justice Samuel Alito read a majority ruling limiting asylum claims at the southern border. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor then read her dissent, highlighting the struggles of asylum seekers and referencing a historical tragedy involving Jewish refugees in 1939. A surprised Alito defended the majority's decision, emphasizing policy continuity across administrations. A court spokesperson later the exchange stemmed from a misunderstanding on Alito's part. It comes as the court prepares to release more significant opinions next week. Signs of tensions have emerged at other points this term.
Abelardo de la Espriella, a millionaire political newcomer, has been declared Colombia’s next president. Electoral authorities announced his victory on Wednesday after a close runoff election on Sunday. De la Espriella, who has never held office, defeated progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda by a narrow margin. His win is seen as a rejection of outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s policies. De la Espriella promises a tough approach to crime, inspired by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Cepeda conceded and accepted a Senate seat. De la Espriella’s term begins Aug. 7, and he aims to unify the nation.
Democratic congressional primary results in New York City are accelerating the party's debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A trio of candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani all won after harshly criticizing Israel. Many progressives accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, an accusation rejected by Israel, and want Democrats to take a firmer stand against the Israeli government. “Free Palestine” chants broke out Tuesday night. Some centrist Democrats warn that the left flank is too extreme on Israel and other issues, risking losses for the party in November and complicating the 2028 presidential nominating fight. They point to how the issue vexed Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 campaign.
Brexit fractured the European Union, and it broke British politics. The country is about to get its seventh prime minister since the 2016 vote to leave the EU. Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday he will step down after two years of economic struggles and political division, partly due to Brexit. Historian Anthony Seldon says the referendum was meant to end Conservative Party arguments about Europe but failed. Brexit's legacy includes political fragmentation, economic challenges, and increased cynicism. Polls show some regret, but the path to rejoining the EU is complex and uncertain.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has admitted defeat, resigning less than two years after leading his party to a massive victory in 2024. His popularity plunged due to a struggling economy, policy missteps and a perceived lack of vision. This led to a thrashing for Labour in local elections and calls for him to step down. Starmer's premiership began with optimism after ending 14 years of Conservative rule. However, economic challenges and the decision to appoint a friend of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as U.S. ambassador hurt his standing. Starmer announced his resignation on Monday, paving the way for a challenger such as newly sworn-in Member of Parliament Andy Burnham to take over.
Abelardo de la Espriella is poised to become Colombia’s next president. The businessman and lawyer leads the presidential runoff race by a narrow margin, with almost all votes counted. His victory could reverse outgoing President Gustavo Petro’s agenda, including peace talks with illegal armed groups. De la Espriella, a lawyer and business owner, earned U.S. President Donald Trump’s endorsement despite never having run for office. He has 49.7% of the votes, while progressive candidate Iván Cepeda has 48.7%. Cepeda plans to challenge the results, citing concerns about democracy and social gains. De la Espriella promises a tough stance on crime. The election highlights Colombia’s regional and ideological divisions.
AP Wire
Political outsider Abelardo de la Espriella holds a razor-thin lead in Colombia’s presidential election with nearly all the votes counted, in a runoff vote marked by people’s fears of a renewed internal conflict. A victory by de la Espriella would effectively be an indictment of the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, whose protégé had promised to continue his agenda if he defeated his rival, who is backed by President Donald Trump. De la Espriella led progressive lawmaker Iván Cepeda taking 49.7% of the votes to 48.7% for Cepeda. Election officials have not formally announced a winner.
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Political outsider Abelardo de la Espriella maintained a narrow lead as Colombia’s presidential runoff election count …
U.K. voters chose to leave the European Union in a referendum that 10 years on still forges political identities. It was a vote that shattered a half-century project to get closer to the continent. Brexit, short for British exit, became a reality on June 23, 2016, when 52% — or more than 17 million people — voted to leave the bloc. Though the margin may have been narrow, the vote led to the most dramatic shake-up of the U.K. economy and society since World War II. But like any divorce, the paperwork and process of completing the breakup was not swift: It took nearly five years.