Civil liberties groups have filed a lawsuit to challenge a new Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the separation of church and state and promotes religious favoritism, while proponents contend it holds historical significance. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the implementation of the law, citing Supreme Court precedent that prohibits government establishment of religion.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is vowing to pass a bill requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments, following Louisiana’s recent enactment of a similar law. This comes after Patrick criticized the Texas House Speaker for blocking a previous bill. Patrick’s push highlights a growing trend among Republican lawmakers to promote religious displays in public spaces, though legal challenges are expected.
Louisiana lawmakers have passed a bill that would make the state the first to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all schools and colleges that receive public funding. The bill, introduced by GOP state Rep. Dodie Horton, states that the text of the Ten Commandments must be printed in classrooms on a poster no smaller than 11 inches by 14 inches and must be “the central focus” of the poster. The bill was given final approval Tuesday evening, when the state House passed it by a 79-16 vote, with only Democrats voting against the legislation. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month. Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, still needs to sign the new bill into law for Louisiana to make history as the first state with such a requirement. The bill is expected to face legal challenges over First Amendment concerns.
A juvenile bottlenose dolphin was found shot to death on a Louisiana beach in March, prompting an investigation by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. The agency is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible party. Harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild dolphins is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with violators facing fines of up to $100,000 and prison time.
As college baseball enters its second half, key series have taken place, shaping the landscape of the season. Here are 15 takeaways from the weekend’s action:
1. Kentucky and Tennessee had a top-10 showdown, with Tennessee winning the series and emerging as the team to beat in the SEC East.
2. While Kentucky lost its first SEC series, it showcased its capabilities and is still a contender.
3. Wake Forest has won three straight ACC series, putting them firmly in the NCAA Tournament conversation.
4. Florida State faced a tough loss on the road, raising concerns about their pitching depth.
5. California swept Oregon State, breaking their eight-game winning streak and putting them back in the NCAA Tournament mix.
6. Oregon State’s recent struggles expose weaknesses in their defense and bullpen.
7. NC State captured a series against rival North Carolina, solidifying their position as a formidable ACC team.
8. Coastal Carolina defeated Louisiana for a series win, boosting their hosting resume.
9. Louisiana is still a contender for the Sun Belt title, despite the series loss.
10. The parity in the Big 12 is evident, with every team having a series win over each other.
11. UConn has rebounded from a slow start, sweeping Georgetown to lead the Big East.
12. UNC Wilmington has remained dominant in the CAA, winning a series at Northeastern.
13. Louisiana Tech showcased their potential with a series win at Dallas Baptist.
14. DBU has lost three straight series, but their top-20 RPI keeps them in NCAA Tournament contention.
15. Michigan has won five straight conference series, proving their consistency in the Big Ten.
