MLK Jr trends as a civil rights touchstone again amid voting rights battles; he, a 1950s-60s Baptist leader, helped push racial equality.
Jesse Jackson's funeral services took place across Chicago, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C., honoring his legacy as a civil rights leader and activist. The events included lying in state, memorial services, and tributes from global leaders, emphasizing his lifelong fight for equality and justice.
Texas Republican Brandon Herrera, known for his gun advocacy and controversial online content, has gained political support but faces criticism over resurfaced videos showing Nazi-era weaponry and discussions of Hitler. His opponent, Tony Gonzales, withdrew from re-election amid a scandal involving an affair and an ethics investigation. The race remains highly contested.
Texas's State Board of Education is considering new proposals to include Bible stories and Christian themes in middle and high school curricula, alongside emphasizing U.S. and Texas history. Critics warn these changes could promote religious bias and limit global historical perspectives.
Multiple US states have announced partnerships with Turning Point USA, promoting school chapters and religious content in public education. These moves have sparked debate over free speech, religious influence, and educational neutrality amid ongoing legal and political tensions. The story is current as of Saturday, 18 April 2026.
Julian Casablancas of The Strokes has publicly criticized US-Zionist groups and shown political videos at Coachella, criticizing US foreign policy and Israel's actions in Gaza. The comments and visuals have divided public opinion, with some praising his activism and others condemning it as tone deaf amid ongoing conflicts.
The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial is being coated with an American-flag blue industrial-grade surface as part of a cost-saving renovation. Officials say the project is underway and aims to fix leaks and improve the pool’s appearance in time for national celebrations, with costs widely discussed.
A.P. photographer Thornell has died at 86 in Metairie, Louisiana, from kidney disease. His career spanned from 1964 to 2004, covering politics, disasters, and civil rights. His images captured key moments in the fight for racial justice, including the integration of schools and Martin Luther King Jr.'s marches.
A White House-backed nine-hour prayer event, "Rededicate 250," has been held on the National Mall to mark the US semiquincentennial. Senior administration officials and Republican leaders have appeared onstage or in video messages; the program has featured almost exclusively evangelical and conservative Christian speakers, with a single Jewish speaker. Critics have said the event is blurring church and state.
A federal court has blocked Alabama from using a Republican-backed map that would erase a majority-Black district following a Supreme Court ruling weakening protection for minority voting power. Activists vow to keep fighting as debates over redistricting and the Voting Rights Act continue to unfold across the South.
Developments in California’s vote-counting process show ongoing delays as ballots continue to arrive post-Election Day. With late counts and potential changes in runoff positions, voters and campaigns face uncertainty about final results.