AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas public schools will require students to read Bible stories under a reading list approved by the state’s education board Friday, widening conservative efforts to bring more Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.

The push in Texas has been closely followed by education observers, who say the required reading list appears to be the first of its kind in the nation and is departure from letting schools or teachers decide what students read.

The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list of over critics who argued the titles lacked diversity and and blurs the separation of church and state.

Supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation’s founding and that should be reflected in the public school curriculum.

Under the mandate, more than 5 million public school students in Texas must read traditional literary works such as E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” and Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations.” They’ll also be required to read Bible stories, including passages from the New Testament and excerpts from the Book of Job.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas education board will vote Friday on a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible passages, widening conservative efforts to push Christian teachings in U.S. classrooms.

The proposal in Texas — which would mandate literary works such as Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” alongside parables from the New Testament — has been closely followed by education observers who say it appears to be the first of its kind in the nation.

If approved by the Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, the reading list would take effect in 2030.

Texas, which educates roughly 1 in 10 of the nation’s public school students, has been at the forefront of a charge by conservatives to incorporate more religion into classrooms. The state already allows public schools to hire chaplains to counsel students, mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and has approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum.

For months, critics have blasted both the push to require Bible readings and the state mandating what books are read by students, which are decisions typically left up to teachers. Teachers could still assign students other books to read on top of the required titles.

A focus on Christianity

Critics say the reading list lacks diversity, blurs the separation of church and state that is enshrined in the Constitution and leaves teachers and students with little room to decide what to read.

“Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools,” said Elva Mendoza, legislative communications associate for the progressive Texas Freedom Network. “But this is sending the message to children that one and only one religious text — a Christian one — is worthy of making this required reading list.”

Others have applauded the possibility of mandated Christian religious reading in public schools. Brooke Mazel, a retiree from Lubbock, encouraged the board to adopt biblical materials, saying her children and grandchildren grew up with “strong faith and family values.”

“America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values,” Mazel said.

The board is also set to vote Friday on a social studies curriculum that links Bible stories with American history.

Texas may be a trailblazer

A state law passed in 2023 required a mandatory list of at least one literary work be taught in each grade level. The proposed new list contains around 200 texts, including Bible passages, essays and books, far in excess of that requirement.

Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor, said he doesn’t know of any other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts. Educators at the district and school level usually choose the texts their students will read, Garcia said.

Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, agrees the move is “unique” to Texas.

Picture-book stories for elementary students including “David and Goliath” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” are on the required reading list. By fourth grade, students would encounter passages about Jesus in the New Testament.

By middle school, students would be expected to read several passages about Jesus, including passages from his most famous sermon, and another where he instructs people to cast aside earthly anxiety and seek the kingdom of God.

For high schoolers, the list requires the reading of specific Bible passages as supportive materials for literary works including works by Dickens and Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

Holding diversity in check

Such strict requirements amount to “almost de facto censorship,” Meehan said, comparing the list to book bans.

“It certainly leans ideologically more conservative,” she said. “It excludes a lot of diverse voices from the reading list.”

The list mandates that students reading Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” also read a eulogy for President Ronald Reagan written by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a staunch conservative.

Frank Strong, an English and journalism teacher and co-founder of the student advocacy group Texas Freedom to Read, said diversity is not only important for students needing to see themselves in what they read but also as a way to learn about different cultures.

Many of the books on the reading list are not controversial, but Mendoza asks why books like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” need to be required for kindergartners.

“Can’t our kindergarten teachers be trusted to choose board books?” Mendoza asks.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and with it being America’s 250th birthday this year, celebrations will be big. But before you stop at your local fireworks stand, you should be familiar with the laws surrounding fireworks.

In Austin, fireworks are illegal to possess or use within city limits, unless a permit has been issued for a professional display, according to the city. Requests for aerial fireworks must be submitted at least 30 days ahead of the event.

Most major cities in Texas have similar fireworks bans in city limits, too.

At the state level, Texas only allows the sale and use of consumer fireworks under specific conditions. The Texas Occupations Code § 2154 outlines the laws surrounding who can sell fireworks, when sales are permitted, and what types of fireworks are allowed.

According to the Texas Association of Counties, the state allows the sale of fireworks during nine periods annually.

Those times are Fourth of July, December holidays (Christmas through New Year’s), Lunar New Year, Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Cinco de Mayo (only counties not more than 150 miles from Texas-Mexico border), Memorial Day, Juneteenth and Diwali.

Commissioners’ courts typically have to approve the regulation of fireworks within a certain timeframe ahead of each holiday.

The 2026 fireworks calendar can be found here.

According to Daly & Black P.C. Trial Lawyers, violations of fireworks laws can result in fines of up to $2,000 per incident and, in certain cases, criminal charges.

When Texas does allow the sale of fireworks, it only includes “consumer fireworks,” which are things like:

• Roman candles
• Sparklers
• Ground spinners
• Aerial shells (under specific size limits)

However, Texas law outright prohibits certain fireworks, which are considered too dangerous for consumer use. Those typically include:

• Sky rockets and bottle rockets
• Missiles with fins or rudders for aerodynamic flight
• Explosive fireworks exceeding 200 grams of pyrotechnic composition

Always check local burn bans and fireworks restrictions before popping fireworks.

A long holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday are giving Central Texans even more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July. From fireworks over Lady Bird Lake and Willie Nelson’s annual picnic to hometown parades and rooftop parties, there are plenty of ways to spend the day around the Austin area.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest events, from Austin’s signature Star-Spangled Fest to neighborhood traditions and Hill Country celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place Saturday, July 4.

The main events

Star-Spangled Fest
Auditorium Shores & Long Center, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin’s signature Fourth of July celebration stretches from morning to night as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with The Morning Spin from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring house music, craft coffee, cocktails, local vendors, and food trucks. The evening festival returns at 4:30 pm with kids’ activities, food trucks, and performances by Austin soul-funk favorites Tomar & the FCs, country singer Shelby Stone, a Veteran Recognition Celebration, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic concert before fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at 9:45 pm. The concert and fireworks will also be simulcast on KMFA 89.5. A number of parking garages are open around the park. General admission is free. VIP Lawn Access starts at $45, while reserved tables and private cabana experiences range up to $2,500. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the Star-Spangled Fest website.