Latest news with #Bible-based
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Civil rights groups promise litigation in response to social studies standards
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Two civil rights groups have now promised 'action' after lawmakers did not act on the new social studies standards, meaning they will eventually be implemented. The two groups include Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law. Oklahoma families, not politicians or public schools, should decide if, when, and how children engage with religion. If implemented, these new social studies standards will violate students' and families' religious freedom by promoting Christianity and advancing Christian Nationalist disinformation. Not on our watch. We are preparing to take the steps necessary to protect the religious freedom of all Oklahoma public school students and prevent these standards from undermining public education in Oklahoma. Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law They were also a part of a lawsuit which eventually led to a temporary halt to Supt. Walter's Bible buying for Oklahoma classrooms. Senate and House republicans are asked why they didn't act on school standards It was in March when the Oklahoma Supreme Court temporarily blocked State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Department of Education from purchasing Bibles and Bible-based lessons for Oklahoma schools. The court barred OSDE from issuing any new requests for the purchase of Bibles. The ruling also places a temporary hold on a request for proposals seeking a supplier for Bible-based curriculum. The ruling came after the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the state agency that oversees RFPs, asked the court to issue a stay because of the concerns about ongoing lawsuits and the possibility of new legal challenges. There is no litigation filed just yet regarding the standards, but the two groups said it is more than likely would come when the standards go into effect. The standards won't officially be applied to schools until the 2026/2027 school year. Contracts to find textbook suppliers begin later this year and last until next year. Meanwhile, lawmakers have continued to push for some accountability when it comes to Supt. Walters and him using tax dollars for legal fees/legal counsel. 'He's communicating to the Republican caucuses that's making them feel comfortable about these standards, because our continued concern about those standards at their age is inappropriate, politically charged. And there are so many religious undertones,' said Rep. Cyndi Munson. News 4 reached out to OSDE for a response to the potential for this litigation, but didn't hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Julie Banderas' latest children's book aims to teach critical lesson because ‘respect is at an all-time low'
Julie Banderas' latest children's book, "A Monumental Mistake," teaches youngsters a valuable lesson that the Fox News anchor believes is critical because respect is at an "all-time low" in America. "A Monumental Mistake" tells the story of Fiona the lioness, Mobi the bear, Arthur the lion, and Cassius the tiger stumbling upon a forgotten statue deep in Wiggamore Woods. The characters respond differently, with some respecting the past and others mocking it and throwing stones. "Something happens in the book that teaches them a very hard lesson about disrespecting a monument and disrespecting history, but they also disrespected their friends by not listening to them when they told them to please stop throwing stones at this monument because it has historical value," Banderas told Fox News Digital. "So, it was a twofold lesson: they learned to respect history, they learned to respect this historical monument, and they also learned to respect their friends in the future and not disrespect them by not listening to them and ignoring them, going on with behaving badly," Banderas continued. "And in the end, it was forgiven by General Wiggamore." Indeed, in "A Monumental Mistake," the young animals eventually learn that respecting history is essential for protecting the future and discover why respecting authority, traditions, and those who paved the way is so critical. It's no coincidence that a historic statue plays a key role in the book, as Banderas was inspired when historic monuments across America were removed or vandalized by liberal activists during the Biden administration. "This is very much a politically driven and also a parent-driven book. When all of these historic monuments were being torn down under the Biden administration, a lot of people were very upset about that because it was essentially erasing history," she said. "By erasing history doesn't make it right, we can right the wrongs by teaching our children that some things in history are not to be proud of," Banderas added. "Just because we live in America doesn't mean that we always behaved properly." Banderas, who has three children, said her number 1 priority was to write a book about respect and to instill in children that they shouldn't have hate in their hearts. "I feel that in America right now, respect is at an all-time low. There are protests happening because of differing opinions in wars in other countries. There are political differences that are driving families and communities apart and turning into violence. I mean, the Tesla saga, most recently with people attacking Teslas simply because they don't like the politics of Elon Musk is insanity," Banderas said. "I feel the hatred in this country as it's also at an all-time high," she said. "My kids, they're not even allowed to say the word 'hate.' The word 'hate' is not allowed in my house." Banderas partnered with BRAVE Books, a Christian publishing company that aims to reinforce Bible-based values. It's her second title with BRAVE Books after the 2022 title "Fina's Fantastical Fort" taught children how to persevere through hardships. "It's a conservative Christian book publishing company that instills values and morals in their children and that's exactly what I am as a mom," she said. While the book is meant for children, Banderas is hopeful that parents can also get something out of it. "I think it's a good reminder for parents to teach the core values to raise well-rounded, respectable, and also children who are humble. Kids are brats. I mean, they don't take their parents seriously. They take them for granted. They don't appreciate things like I did when I was a kid. I think all of it comes down to learning and teaching respect," Banderas said. "A Monumental Mistake" is available now.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘There was blood everywhere' – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal' fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr - but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham's stadium. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Nigel Benn with his son Conor Credit: Getty 4 The two are now inseparable - but it wasn't always that way Credit: Getty 4 Nigel is always in his son's corner Credit: PA It comes 35 years after their dads' brutal yet epic first fight, which ended with a Eubank Sr stoppage victory. They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel's partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline - Conor's mum - causing friction between the two. The British boxing legend - living in Majorca - split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told The Times: 'There was a lot of hate, for sure. I was at a sensitive age where I was becoming a man. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "How could you come back and try to discipline me after you'd been gone for a whole year?' Nigel, 61, said: 'He couldn't stand me. He thought I didn't like him, but it wasn't that. Conor Benn's brother Harley opens door to fighting Chris Eubank Jr's cousin Harlem after chance meeting in Marbella "I didn't know any other way. I just didn't want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.' Conor was sent to live in the UK - first in Blackpool and then Birmingham - due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur - and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: 'I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, 'Let's just use the jab.' 'He said, 'No, I'm going to throw the right hand'. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.' Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney - and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: 'It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. 'You've got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. "We were throwing punches and didn't care where they came from as long as they connected.' Conor added: 'You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. "It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. "I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.' Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. Conor Benn on sparring dad Nigel Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America - beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight - as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were 'not comfortably satisfied' that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again - but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: 'I've struggled with the fact there'll always be that cloud of, 'Did he or did he not?' "It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain't done it and I've spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.' Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. And he predicted: 'It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. "I know it could be, but ultimately I'm not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. "Either I'm delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don't believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.'
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘There was blood everywhere' – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal' fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr - but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham's stadium. 4 4 It comes 35 years after their dads' brutal yet epic first fight, which ended with a Eubank Sr stoppage victory. They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel's partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline - Conor's mum - causing friction between the two. The British boxing legend - living in Majorca - split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told The Times: 'There was a lot of hate, for sure. I was at a sensitive age where I was becoming a man. "How could you come back and try to discipline me after you'd been gone for a whole year?' Nigel, 61, said: 'He couldn't stand me. He thought I didn't like him, but it wasn't that. "I didn't know any other way. I just didn't want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.' Conor was sent to live in the UK - first in Blackpool and then Birmingham - due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur - and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: 'I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, 'Let's just use the jab.' 'He said, 'No, I'm going to throw the right hand'. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.' Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney - and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: 'It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. 'You've got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. "We were throwing punches and didn't care where they came from as long as they connected.' Conor added: 'You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. "It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. "I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.' Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America - beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight - as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were 'not comfortably satisfied' that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again - but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: 'I've struggled with the fact there'll always be that cloud of, 'Did he or did he not?' "It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain't done it and I've spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.' Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. And he predicted: 'It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. "I know it could be, but ultimately I'm not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. "Either I'm delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don't believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.' 4
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘There was blood everywhere' – Nigel Benn reveals ‘brutal' fist fight with son Conor ahead of Chris Eubank Jr showdown
NIGEL BENN will lead son Conor into battle against Chris Eubank Jr - but they were not always in the same corner. Conor and Eubank Jr clash in a middleweight grudge match on Saturday at Tottenham's stadium. Advertisement 4 Nigel Benn with his son Conor Credit: Getty 4 The two are now inseparable - but it wasn't always that way Credit: Getty 4 Nigel is always in his son's corner Credit: PA It comes 35 years after They controversially drew three years later and in 1996 Nigel retired from boxing as a two-weight world champion. But after walking away from the sport, his life spiralled out of control and into a battle with drink and drugs. Nigel's partying also saw him become unfaithful to his wife Caroline - Conor's mum - causing friction between the two. Advertisement The British boxing legend - living in Majorca - split with Caroline and spent a year living with a pastor as a born-again-Christian. Conor attended the school attached to the church as one of just 30 students who followed a Bible-based curriculum. He did not see his dad for those 12 months, sparking a resentment for his old man by the time Nigel returned. Conor, now 28, told Advertisement Most read in Boxing Exclusive CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "How could you come back and try to discipline me after you'd been gone for a whole year?' Nigel, 61, said: 'He couldn't stand me. He thought I didn't like him, but it wasn't that. Conor Benn's brother Harley opens door to fighting Chris Eubank Jr's cousin Harlem after chance meeting in Marbella "I didn't know any other way. I just didn't want him to be like me. I wanted him to be different.' Advertisement Conor was sent to live in the UK - first in Blackpool and then Birmingham - due to his increasingly problematic behaviour. Then, the family all moved together to Australia after Nigel reconciled with his wife. It is there that Conor began boxing as an amateur - and where he first challenged his dad to a sparring session. Nigel recalled: 'I had a boot on because I damaged my achilles, so I said to him, 'Let's just use the jab.' Advertisement 'He said, 'No, I'm going to throw the right hand'. In the heat of the moment, I chipped his tooth. There was blood everywhere.' Conor would amass a 20-2 amateur record while living in Sydney - and continued to call out his dad for a scrap. Nigel said: 'It was only me and him in the gym and we just knew we were going to have a spar. Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn THE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st Century Familial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person. SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard. Latest News All the info Eubank Jr vs Benn - Start time, full undercard, TV and stream for huge night 'You've got to understand, I was looking to absolutely knock him spark out, and he was thinking the same. Advertisement "We were throwing punches and didn't care where they came from as long as they connected.' Conor added: 'You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. "It was emotional because that was the last time I spent with my dad. We thought it was best that I leave Australia because of the trouble I was in. "I flew to England on my own the next day and tried to take boxing more seriously. I went and stayed with Ricky Hatton for four months.' Advertisement Conor decided to turn professional after touching down in England, eventually settling in Essex under esteemed coach Tony Sims. You can't understand the full brutality of it. There were no head guards, nothing. Conor Benn on sparring dad Nigel Debuting as the son-of-a-legend, all eyes were on Conor as he went from bungling novice to genuine world level contender over the years. Conor improved to 21-0 by the time he first signed to fight Eubank Jr in a 157lb catchweight contest in 2022. But the bout was axed with just days to go when it emerged the unbeaten welterweight failed two Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tests. Advertisement Conor returned an adverse finding for clomifene - a banned substance known to boost testosterone. The Brit spent two years fighting and protesting his innocence after his British Boxing Board of Control licence was removed. Conor had two fights in America - beating Rodolfo Orozco and Peter Dobson up at light-middleweight - as his UK Anti-Doping case dragged on. But eventually, the case against Conor was dropped after the NAPD were 'not comfortably satisfied' that UKAD had proved Benn had committed a doping offence. Advertisement It cleared Conor to fight on home soil again - but still the court of public opinion is out against the boxer. And Conor said: 'I've struggled with the fact there'll always be that cloud of, 'Did he or did he not?' "It was hard to accept that people will never 100 per cent believe you, but I ain't done it and I've spent over a million quid proving it, so who cares? Say what you want.' Conor nows steps up to the 160lb middleweight limit to fight 35-year-old Eubank. Advertisement And he predicted: 'It could be a really brutal, gory, messy fight. Read more on the Irish Sun "I know it could be, but ultimately I'm not too concerned. I think I will go in there and terrorise him. "Either I'm delusional or hundreds of thousands of people don't believe in me, but my dad will be proud of me regardless.' 4 Eubank facing off with Benn Credit: GETTY Advertisement
