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Friday, March 14, 2025

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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

'Ten Commandments' in public schools debate reaches South Dakota

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Friday, February 7, 2025   

A South Dakota House committee takes up a controversial bill today that would require all school districts in the state to display the Ten Commandments in each classroom.

The bill, which narrowly cleared the Senate last week, also contains provisions that would require the Ten Commandments be taught in civics classes.

Opponents say the mandate crosses the line when it comes to separation of church and state. In the recent debate, state Sen. Stephanie Sauder, R-Bryant, a former teacher, said her biggest issue was the loss of local control.

"This bill, which will remove the school's freedom of choice to decide what's best for their students and their district," said Sauder, "and it'll also take away a parent's freedom to challenge the decision."

Sauder voted against the measure, which ended up passing in the Senate by a single vote. Backers of the bill say it's an important part of learning U.S. history, but opponents such as Sauder say current teaching already makes mention of the commandments when covering various religions.

Louisiana recently became the first state to adopt this requirement, but it's being challenged in court. Opponents in South Dakota warn of similar litigation here, if this bill crosses the finish line. But supporters such as state Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls, suggest the concerns about the words being on display are overblown.

"'Thou shall not steal.' 'Thou shall not kill' - I don't think that hurts anything," Peterson said. "In fact, I think it's helpful."

But other lawmakers, who say they adhere to the same guiding principles, question whether this mandate would solve any broader issue. Beyond Louisiana and the South Dakota proposal, a handful of other conservative states are considering similar measures, most notably Texas.


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