The Texas State Board of Education is eyeing an overhaul to social studies standards that expands lessons on Christianity and Texas history and de-emphasizes world history.

Why it matters: Supporters say the changes would strengthen instruction on Western civilization, patriotism and the historical influence of religion in America.

• Critics argue the curriculum elevates Christianity above other faith traditions and provides an incomplete picture of American history.

Driving the news: The 15-member, Republican-led board gave preliminary approval to the new K–12 social studies curriculum and a statewide reading list this week.

• A final vote is expected tomorrow.

State of play: The standards would require Texas history to be taught in every grade and eliminate the current sixth-grade world cultures course.

• Among the changes, third graders would learn to "describe Moses' contributions as a law-giver through the Ten Commandments."
• Third graders would also learn to "describe how Christian beliefs, including valuing every individual, doing what is right, and showing compassion for others, helped shape American ideas about equality, rights, and treating people with dignity."

What they're saying: Republican board member Brandon Hall, who represents parts of North Texas, said in a press conference the board was "bringing the Bible back into schools this week for the first time in 60 years."

• Critics held a "funeral for religious freedom."
• Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed the proposed standards.

Zoom in: The board also debated a proposed mandatory reading list for K–12 students, which is based on a 2023 law that mandated the Texas Education Agency to compile a list of reading materials for each grade.

• The list contains Bible passages and biblical stories for multiple grade levels.
• "For the first time, I face the prospect of teaching a state-mandated text list that tells some of those students that their faiths, their families, and their cultures mean less to our country than those of their classmates," Austin-based English teacher Frank Strong told the board this week.

What's next: If the board approves the changes, the new curriculum would go into effect during the 2030–31 school year.

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Camp Mystic filed for bankruptcy yesterday, nearly a year after the Texas Hill Country floods that killed 27 girls and the camp owner.

Why it matters: What happened at Camp Mystic placed a national spotlight on camp safety heading into the first summer since the devastating flooding. Texas families have continued to seek answers on the camp's emergency preparedness.

The big picture: Several family members have sued the all-girls Christian camp, with one lawsuit from November seeking more than $1 million in damages.

By the numbers: The camp has more than $10 million in debt, per the U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

• Its assets are more than $1 million, and it has more than 1,000 creditors.

Catch up quick: Camp Mystic is not reopening this summer, following opposition from victims' families and scrutiny from the state.

• The move to keep the camp closed came after two days of testimony this April at the Texas Capitol, where lawmakers questioned the owners' handling of the disaster.

What they're saying: An attorney representing Camp Mystic's owners did not return Axios' request for comment.

• Paul Yetter, an attorney representing seven victims' families, said in a statement that bankruptcy "will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable."
• "These innocent girls deserve justice," he added.

Context: Overall, more than 130 people died in the Hill Country flooding last July Fourth.

💸 Bexar County commissioners this week approved more than $11,000 in refunds to drivers who paid speeding tickets issued through an unlawful camera system. (SA Report)

💔 The Dakota East Side Ice House will close on Aug. 9 after eight years in business. (MySA)

🤝 Democrats and Republicans agree that the U.S. is not producing enough sterile flies to combat the New World screwworm. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has defended the government's response. (Texas Tribune)

Friday

🩱 Bring a swimsuit to the Leon Valley Public Library for a Foam Party, 10:30-11:30am.

🎸 Enjoy live music from five local bands at Rah! Rah! Room.

• Doors open at 7pm; tickets cost about $11.

Saturday

🌈 Head to the annual Pride Bigger Than Texas Festival at Crockett Park, 11am-7pm. Tickets cost about $13.

• The free Pride Night Parade kicks off at 9pm near San Antonio College and will run down Main Avenue through Crockett Park.

🎨 Celebrate 40 years of the Contemporary at Blue Star with a free series of events, 10am-8pm.

• There will be family art activities, a mural dedication and more.

Sunday

🧘 Chill out with a free yoga class at Hemisfair, 10-11am.

🎭 Experience "Sesame Street Live" at the Tobin Center, 2pm.

• Tickets start at $43.50.

Soccer fever is hitting closer to home with a new place to play at the Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA.

The latest: The YMCA of Greater San Antonio and the U.S. Soccer Foundation unveiled a mini pitch at the South Side facility on Tuesday.

• It was funded through a partnership between the U.S. Soccer Foundation, General Mills and Pillsbury.

State of play: Mini pitches are small, hard-surface soccer fields designed for pickup games, practices and community play.

Zoom out: The U.S. Soccer Foundation aims to install 1,000 mini pitches nationwide by the end of 2026 through its Safe Places to Play program.

• The foundation prioritizes underserved communities.
• As of last fall, more than 700 mini pitches had been installed across the country, with 70% located in densely populated areas that score low on the Child Opportunity Index, a measure of neighborhood conditions and resources for children.