State & Local

Religion Row as Texas Makes Bible Stories Required Reading in Schools

The Republican-controlled State Board of Education voted 9-5 to mandate biblical texts for all 5 million public school students, with full implementation set for 2030.

By James Callahan · Saturday, June 27, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Texas Board of Education Passes Amendment Requiring Teaching About Prophet Mohammed's Military Campaigns

The Republican-controlled board approved curriculum changes that critics call biased while supporters say it provides historically accurate context, with new standards taking effect in 2030.

By James Callahan · Friday, June 26, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Newsom Urges National 'Billionaires Tax' While Opposing State-Level Version in California

The governor proposes a minimum tax on $100 million net worth and calls for federal action, arguing state-level wealth taxes drive billionaires to lower-tax states.

By James Callahan · Friday, June 26, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Texas Screwworm Cases Spark Debate Over U.S. Agricultural Biosecurity Readiness

The USDA confirmed 15 cases of the flesh-eating parasite across Texas and New Mexico within three weeks, raising questions about national preparedness for crop pathogens.

By James Callahan · Friday, June 26, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Flu Cases at Lackland Air Force Base Rise to 275 as Services Reinstate Vaccine Requirements

The outbreak has prompted military services to reinstate flu shot requirements for basic trainees after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision eliminated mandatory vaccinations.

By James Callahan · Friday, June 26, 2026 · 3 min read
State & Local

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas Dances With Netherlands Fans Ahead of World Cup Orange Walk

The Democratic mayor joined enthusiastic Dutch supporters in Kansas City's Power & Light District, with one local telling the Star the celebration rivaled a Chiefs Super Bowl parade.

By James Callahan · Friday, June 26, 2026 · 2 min read
State & Local

Judge Rules Against Effort to Create Majority-Black DeSoto County Districts

Federal lawsuit alleged 2022 redistricting map diluted Black voting power in Mississippi county where Black residents are over 30% of population.

By James Callahan · Thursday, June 25, 2026 · 3 min read
State & Local

Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' Immigration Detention Center Closes After Nearly a Year of Operation

The Everglades facility, which the Trump administration praised and immigration advocates condemned, processed 21,000 deportations before closing Thursday.

By James Callahan · Thursday, June 25, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Florida GOP Candidate Warns NYC Socialist Primary Wins Will Fuel Business, Resident Exodus

Scott Singer, a former mayor running for Congress in Florida's 25th District, says Tuesday's socialist victories should concern all Americans as he warns of an accelerating exodus from New York.

By James Callahan · Thursday, June 25, 2026 · 4 min read
State & Local

Only 2 Votes Separate Candidates in Mayor's Race for South Dakota's Largest City

The razor-thin margin between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith has triggered an expected recount in Sioux Falls, a city of more than 210,000 people.

By Eleanor Cross · Thursday, June 25, 2026 · 3 min read