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Oklahoma superintendent spars with CNN host over Bibles in schools: Liberals 'don't have to like it'

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Oklahoma superintendent spars with CNN host over Bibles in schools: Liberals 'don't have to like it'

Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters got into a heated back-and-forth with CNN host Pamela Brown over public schools using the Bible in lessons.

The “CNN Newsroom” host opened her segment with Walters asking him about the backlash over his mandate to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into public schools, amid an ongoing lawsuit against it.

“I have continued to hear the gaslighting from the left, frankly, even from this network, pushing lies about what’s going on across America,” Walters said. “President Trump has a clear mandate. He wants prayer back in school. He wants radical leftism out of the classroom, wants our kids to be patriotic, wants parents back in charge with school choice. We’re enacting upon that agenda here in Oklahoma. That’s what our parents want. Every county in Oklahoma voted for President Trump. His agenda is crystal clear, and we’re going to enact it in the state of Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters clashed with CNN host Pamela Brown on using the Bible in schools. (CNN screenshot)

“I’m not going to take the bait on what you said about gaslighting from this network on this,” Brown responded, following up with a question on a petition against his mandate.

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OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS CHIEF SPARS WITH CNN HOST OVER TEACHING THE BIBLE IN CLASSROOMS IN HEATED INTERVIEW

“You know, I appreciate you pushing that left-wing narrative here, but here’s the reality. The Constitution—” Walters said before Brown interrupted.

“It’s not a left-wing narrative,” Brown said. “I’m literally talking about a petition that parents have signed that’s gotten more than 14,000 signatures that have raised this issue.”

Walters responded that the Constitution was clear about religious liberty and that the “left doesn’t want our kids to know anything about the role the Bible played in American history.” Brown argued back that the Constitution “is not crystal clear on that” and “doesn’t have God” in it.

“Look, CNN doesn’t have to like it. Left-wing activists don’t have to like it,” Walters said.

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“I’m just talking about facts. It’s not my opinion,” Brown responded.

“It’s a historical document. The Bible is a historical document. You can’t rewrite history, Okay?” Walters said.

Walters enacted a mandate for public schools to use the Bible in their curriculum in June. (iStock)

Brown continued to press Walters over teaching graphic parts of the Bible and whether there should also be focus on other religious texts like the Quran or the Book of Mormon. Walters pointed out the Bible uniquely influenced American history in ways other religions did not.

“And, again, look, the media doesn’t have to like it, but the reality is, the American people have rejected this gaslighting and have put President Trump back in the White House with a clear agenda, and we are going to stand right behind the president every step of the way,” Walters said.

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“Okay. And, again, just to be clear, this isn’t about the media not liking it,” Brown concluded. “I’m talking about your critics and whether you’re willing to consider their point of view, because, as you know, you oversee an entire education system in the state of Oklahoma with people with varying viewpoints. And we want to bring that to light.”

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Walters’ mandate now faces a lawsuit claiming it violates religious liberty. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Walters enacted his mandate for schools to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into the curricula for grades 5-10 in June. Multiple Oklahoma schools, however, insisted they would not change their curriculum to include the Bible.

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Los Angeles, Ca

Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor

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Man found guilty of sex trafficking victim along L.A.’s Figueroa Corridor

A former Riverside County man was found guilty of sex trafficking a female victim and forcing her to engage in commercial sex acts along L.A.’s notorious Figueroa Corridor.

Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, formerly of Perris, was found guilty by a jury following a five-day trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Prosecutors said Shabazz had led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before he turned physically and sexually violent. He began demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts from May to October of 2021, court documents said.

He carried a handgun with him and, on occasion, was accused of using it to pistol-whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet while threatening to kill her, prosecutors said.

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At trial, the victim said Shabazz demanded that she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds and that she was terrified of the consequences of not meeting that quota. 

She testified that Shabazz compelled her to work in the notorious Figueroa Corridor in South L.A., a dangerous area known for human trafficking and prostitution.

Shabazz had confiscated her identification card, Social Security card and birth certificate. He constantly monitored her cell phone to stop her from communicating with any friends or family.

“He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life, including when she ate, slept and showered,” prosecutors said.

In May 2025, Shabazz was arrested and has remained in federal custody. His last known address at the time was in Washington, D.C.

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On June 26, 2026, Shabazz was found guilty of one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, where he faces 15 years to life in prison.

“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”

“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”

Anyone with information about human trafficking can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888

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Los Angeles, Ca

Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA

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Watch Project Angel Food's 'Lead with Love' telethon on KTLA

The star-studded feel-good giveback event of the summer has returned. KTLA 5 is teaming up once again with Project Angel Food for the annual “Lead with Love: Going the Distance” telethon to raise critical funds for medically tailored meals delivered to people living with serious illnesses throughout Los Angeles County. The seventh annual telethon airs […]

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Los Angeles, Ca

Woman ambushed, violently attacked by robber in downtown Long Beach

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Woman ambushed, violently attacked by robber in downtown Long Beach

A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]

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