Latest news with #conservative
The Independent
15 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Top DeSantis aide named next Florida education commissioner
The Florida Board of Education has tapped a top aide of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the state's next education commissioner, a choice meant to influence K-12 and higher education policy in the state while bolstering a conservative legacy that could long outlast the governor's time in office. The board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Anastasios Kamoutsas, a deputy chief of staff to the governor. The job opened up after Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, a former Republican state lawmaker, was named interim president of the University of West Florida. Kamoutsas' appointment is contingent on Diaz being named the permanent president of UWF. 'Student safety and achievement will be my top priorities," Kamoutsas said. "Parents will continue to be empowered. And teachers, you have my word that I stand in support of you.' Kamoutsas previously served as general counsel and chief staff at the state's Education Department, before moving to the governor's office. 'Stasi Kamoutsas has delivered on important issues like parental rights, school choice, and fighting back against radical ideologies in education,' DeSantis said in a statement. 'I am confident that he will continue to serve our state well as the next Commissioner of Education.' Kamoutsas is expected to help carry out DeSantis' conservative education agenda, from banning public funds for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, to restricting how schools teach about race and history, and dramatically expanding the state's school voucher system, which provides billions in public funds for scholarships to private and religious schools. Among those who lauded Kamoutsas at Wednesday's meeting was former Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran, who has overseen what critics describe as the 'hostile takeover' of New College of Florida. He's among the slate of Republican former state lawmakers who are now helming state colleges and universities. 'Every single major decision, I don't care if it was elimination of DEI, critical race theory, opening schools, demasking students, changing higher education, Stasi has been in that room, every single time,' Corcoran said. 'And not just as a participant. He's been in the room as a leader.'
Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
When Donald Trump and Sheldon Whitehouse Agree
President Trump's Truth Social broadside last week against his erstwhile allies in the conservative legal movement was widely panned on the right. But it did have one thrilled follower on the left: Sheldon Whitehouse, the Rhode Island Senator and scourge of the current Supreme Court. 'Trump's mad rant unloads on Court-fixer Leonard Leo—has Trump FINALLY figured out that he was chumped big-time by Leo, McGahn and the creepy billionaires (Koch) who REALLY controlled 'his' judicial appointments? Slow learner,' Mr. Whitehouse tweeted.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Texas is poised to become the latest GOP state to exert control over university curriculum
The gubernatorially appointed boards that oversee Texas universities soon could have new powers to control the curriculum required of students and eliminate degree programs. The legislation sent Monday to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott marks the latest effort among Republican-led states to reshape higher education institutions that they assert have been promoting liberal ideology. It follows similar moves in Florida and Ohio.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Poland's election reflects strength of MAGA-style populism across Europe
A conservative nationalist backed by President Donald Trump was elected to Poland's presidency this weekend, capping a string of tightly fought contests that analysts say underscore the growing strength of far-right and populist parties in Europe — fueled in part by the influence of the MAGA movement from across the pond.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland's presidential election
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Conservative Karol Nawrocki has won Poland's weekend presidential runoff election, according to the final vote count. Nawrocki won 50.89% of votes in a tight race against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who won 49.11%.
