10 Commandments in Classrooms, Tropical Storm Alberto, & Team USA Uniforms

Adam Rogers
June 20, 2024

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Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed a new law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms

The law, supported by Republicans and some Democrats, mandates that signs with the Ten Commandments be in "large, easily readable font" by the beginning of 2025. The signs will also include a statement about the Ten Commandments' role in American education.
Supporters, like Matt Krause from the First Liberty Institute, praised the move, saying it highlights the historical importance of the Ten Commandments in American and Louisiana law. They believe displaying the Ten Commandments will remind students of the foundations of the law and support religious liberty.
Critics, including the ACLU, argue that the law violates the First Amendment's separation of church and state. They are preparing to sue, claiming that the law imposes religious beliefs on students. Democratic state Sen. Royce Duplessis and others expect the law to face legal bumps and potentially be overturned in court. The outcome could influence similar laws in states like Tennessee and Texas.

Russia and North Korea have signed a new "comprehensive strategic partnership" during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang.

The partnership includes a mutual defense pact and covers cooperation in politics, economics, culture, and security. During his visit, Putin was warmly received by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who showed full support for Russia, including its military actions in Ukraine. Putin gifted Kim a limousine, an admiral's dagger, and a tea set, despite Moscow-backed U.N. sanctions prohibiting the supply of luxury goods to North Korea.
Western countries are worried about the implications of this partnership for global security and ongoing conflicts. U.S. officials suspect that North Korea has supplied Russia with weapons for the war in Ukraine and fear that Putin's visit might lead to more military support. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg also voiced concerns about Russia potentially aiding North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
After visiting North Korea, Putin traveled to Vietnam to strengthen ties with another longtime partner. Both trips show Russia’s efforts to build alliances amidst its isolation due to the war in Ukraine. Analysts suggest North Korea sees an opportunity in that isolation, and the two countries may increase cooperation in defiance of international sanctions.

Tropical Storm Alberto, the first of the hurricane season, spun up over the western Gulf of Mexico.

Alberto could cause severe flooding along the Gulf Coast. With winds up to 40 mph, the storm is expected to strengthen before reaching northeast Mexico early this morning. Once inland, it will weaken rapidly and dissipate by late this evening.
Tornadoes are possible across parts of Texas, and up to 10 inches of rain is forecast for northeast Mexico and South Texas, with some areas in Mexico possibly seeing up to 20 inches. The state has enacted a large-scale emergency response, and the National Hurricane Center also warned of life-threatening mudslides in higher areas of northern Mexico.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to have supplies for five to seven days. The storm warning coincides with a severe heat wave affecting 71 million people. It is expected to last through Friday.

The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah warned on Wednesday that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full war starts between them. He also threatened Cyprus and other parts of the Mediterranean. Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel for over eight months alongside the Gaza war. (More)

Two climate protesters were arrested on Wednesday for spraying orange paint on Stonehenge in southern England. A few stones were covered in orange. According to Just Stop Oil’s website, the pigment was made of an “orange cornflour” that would wash away in the rain. (More)

Vermont lawmaker Mary Morrissey had to apologize after being caught on video pouring water into colleague Jim Carroll’s work bag multiple times over several months. After claiming to be harassed by Morrisey for months without proof, Carroll set up a camera to catch her in the act. (More)

The White House canceled a high-level meeting with Israel about Iran after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on Tuesday. In the video, Netanyahu claimed the U.S. was withholding military aid. U.S. officials said the cancellation was to show there are consequences for such actions. (More)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, weakened after losing his party's majority, promised on Wednesday to improve living conditions for everyone as he started his second term. His party, the African National Congress, will now share power with five other parties. (More)

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