May Day 2026 Toolkit | NEA
TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
APRIL 12, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of April 14, 2026) in each category, based on major headlines and developments.
U.S. NEWS
- U.S. Navy imposes blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz: The blockade began to pressure Iran after peace talks collapsed, aiming to cut off its oil exports. Iran has warned of retaliation.
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announces resignation: He is stepping down amid sexual misconduct allegations involving staffers.
- Backlash over Trump's AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus: The post, amid his ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV, has drawn widespread criticism.
- DOJ charges teen in cruise ship murder case: The 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner faces adult charges for her alleged murder and sexual assault aboard a ship.
- Other domestic notes: A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California; husband of a missing American woman in the Bahamas was released from custody.
POLITICS
- Trump's Iran blockade and ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV: The president's aggressive stance on Iran and public spat with the pontiff dominate political discourse.
- Swalwell resignation amid misconduct claims: Part of broader scrutiny of congressional behavior, with another lawmaker (Tony Gonzales) also facing related issues.
- Trump comments on Iran talks: He suggested Iran still "wants to make a deal" even as the blockade takes effect, influencing political and market reactions.
- Broader context: Discussions around potential Trump administration moves, including past reports of considering firing Attorney General Pam Bondi (though not confirmed as active today).
WORLD AFFAIRS
- U.S. blockade of Strait of Hormuz begins: A major escalation after failed U.S.-Iran talks; Saudi Arabia is urging the U.S. to drop it over fears of Iranian retaliation closing other shipping routes like Bab al-Mandeb. Oil prices have spiked.
- Trump-Pope Leo feud escalates: The American-born pope has criticized aspects of U.S. policy, prompting sharp responses from Trump.
- Iran threatens retaliation: Tehran calls the blockade "piracy" and warns of consequences in the Gulf.
- Other global notes: Viktor Orbán suffers major political loss in Hungary; ongoing concerns in Ukraine and Middle East tensions.
EDUCATION
- Potential LAUSD strike looms for today: Uncertainty over whether Los Angeles Unified School District schools will close due to a possible walkout by teachers, support staff, and administrators (unions including UTLA and others involved). Families are scrambling for childcare.
- Bargaining continues: LAUSD and unions returned to talks ahead of the April 14 deadline, with no deal announced yet.
- Broader notes: House discussions on education funding; ongoing national debates around school policies and resources.
ECONOMY
- Markets react to Iran developments: Stocks extended gains or wiped out earlier 2026 losses on hopes of a potential Iran deal, despite the blockade; oil prices climbed above $100/barrel initially but eased on de-escalation signals.
- Economic pressure from blockade: Gulf exporters worry about disruptions; broader concerns over tariffs, fiscal policy, and AI's impact on jobs/markets.
- Upcoming data: PPI (Producer Price Index) and other indicators released or expected; IMF World Economic Outlook due soon.
- Resilience noted: U.S. economy showing stability amid uncertainties, with focus on interest rates, debt, and labor market.
TECHNOLOGY
- AI cyber risks highlighted: Regulators warn of a new era of threats from advanced AI tools, with Wall Street briefed on potential vulnerabilities.
- AI data centers boom faces resistance: Communities push back against massive facilities due to energy use, environmental impact, and local costs.
- Other tech notes: OpenAI acquires AI personal finance startup; developments in quantum computing, chips for energy efficiency, and humanoid robots; Roblox introduces new kid/teen accounts with age tools.
HEALTH
- New toothpaste targets gum disease: Scientists develop a treatment that fights periodontitis without killing beneficial oral bacteria.
- Genetics and lifespan revisited: Research suggests genes play a larger role in longevity than previously thought.
- Measles outbreaks continue: Over 1,700 U.S. cases reported in 2026 so far, mostly outbreak-linked; public health officials monitor closely.
- Other notes: Intermittent fasting studied for PCOS benefits; caregiver burdens highlighted (e.g., in Florida); flu variant concerns in some regions.
SPORTS
- NBA season wrap and playoffs looming: Regular season finale highlights (e.g., Lakers vs. Jazz); teams like Celtics, Sixers, and Magic prepare for play-in or postseason; role players like Baylor Scheierman noted for potential impact.
- College basketball/transfer portal: Ongoing moves, including commitments like Devin Royal to Villanova.
- Other highlights: NFL Draft preparations (coverage April 23-25); recent Frozen Four championship (Denver vs. Wisconsin); MLS and international soccer action.
These stories reflect the dominant headlines across major outlets today. The Iran/U.S. tensions are the biggest cross-cutting theme affecting multiple categories.
Tom Ultican: Billionaire Fads Are Undermining Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2026/04/13/tom-ultican-billionaire-fads-are-undermining-schools/ via @dianeravitch
- The blog post critiques former President Donald Trump for his social media post comparing himself to Jesus and attacking Pope Leo, describing his behavior as narcissistic, insecure, and megalomaniacal.
- Several commenters expressed their disapproval of Trump, using strong adjectives such as "unhinged," "demented," and "psychopathic," while also criticizing his perceived lack of accountability and divisive actions.
- The post highlights the narrow margin of Trump's electoral victory, emphasizing that less than half of the total voters supported him, and pointing out his insecurity and bullying tendencies.
- A commenter draws a parallel between Trump's leadership style and the dynamics of power, suggesting that his behavior stems from an inner sense of powerlessness.
- Another commenter accuses Trump of using diversion tactics to distract from public scrutiny over his role in the war in Iran and other controversies.
Big Education Ape: PISSING INTO THE DIGITAL WIND: WHY PUBLIC EDUCATION NEEDS A PUBLIC OPTION FOR AI #MayDayStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/pissing-into-digital-wind-why-public.html
The article discusses the increasing influence of AI in public education, comparing it to the rollout of Common Core standards, and advocates for a "Public Option for AI" to ensure equitable access and democratic accountability. It highlights the risks of privatized AI systems dominating education and proposes a government-funded, publicly managed AI infrastructure as a solution.
### Key Points
- AI is being integrated into public education, following patterns similar to Common Core, with wealthy elites driving its adoption for profit.
- The privatized AI model risks creating inequities, offering better resources to private schools while public schools get minimal support.
- A "Public Option for AI" could be modeled after public libraries, ensuring free, equitable access to AI tools and transparent governance.
- Such a system would prioritize critical thinking and public interest over profit-driven engagement metrics.
- The proposal calls for insulating public AI from political control, similar to institutions like the Library of Congress or PBS.
- Building a coalition of educators, unions, parents, and civil society is essential to counter the privatization of education through AI.
Big Education Ape: THE SECOND COMING OF MAR-A-LAGO: TRUMP, JESUS, AND THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE MESSIAH COMPLEX https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-second-coming-of-mar-lago-trump.html
### Key Points
- The article is a satirical commentary on Donald Trump's self-aggrandizing behavior, including an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus healing the sick, which was later removed after backlash.
- Trump's explanation for the image was that he was "playing doctor," a statement critiqued as emblematic of his grandiosity and detachment from reality.
- The article discusses Trump's history of self-comparison to divine figures and explores the psychological concept of "folie à millions," where a leader's grandiose worldview is adopted by their followers.
- Some evangelical supporters liken Trump to King Cyrus, framing him as a flawed but chosen vessel of God, which the article critiques as a politically engineered narrative.
- The article humorously critiques Trump's "prescription" for America's issues, suggesting his leadership has worsened economic, healthcare, and democratic conditions.
- The 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a president deemed unfit for office, is discussed as a potential solution, though it has never been invoked in American history.
- The piece contrasts Trump's self-serving actions with the May Day Strong movement, which advocates for policies like universal healthcare, public education funding, and taxing the wealthy.
- The article concludes that true leaders who embody humility and service, unlike Trump, would not need to seek divine legitimacy or public validation.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 13, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0265583991.html
The article compiles a wide range of global, national, and educational news stories as of April 12–13, 2026. Topics include U.S.-Iran tensions, education reforms, technology in classrooms, geopolitical conflicts, economic updates, and controversies involving public figures like Donald Trump and Melania Trump. It also highlights the privatization of public education, AI integration, and societal challenges in various sectors.
### Key Points
- Advocates are pushing for legislation (HB 4227) to end statutes of limitations and non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases.
- A bomb threat at Garfield High School in Seattle demanded Bitcoin, raising questions about the motive.
- Donald Trump signed NSPM-7, a directive targeting progressive organizations, raising concerns about authoritarianism.
- U.S.-Iran peace talks collapsed, leading to Trump's announcement of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Hungary’s Viktor Orbán was defeated after 16 years in power, signaling a shift in European politics.
- Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions, impacting global markets.
- U.S.-China trade tensions eased temporarily with tariff exemptions on electronics.
- AI developments spark resistance over environmental and societal impacts, with concerns about its role in education and labor.
- Melania Trump denied ties to Jeffrey Epstein in a press conference, raising suspicions about her motives.
- NASA's Artemis II mission successfully completed a historic lunar flyby, showcasing advancements in space exploration.
- The U.S. Department of Education faces criticism for rescinding Title IX protections for transgender students.
- Schools are reducing technology use in classrooms due to its negative impact on student outcomes.
- NYC schools face challenges in reducing class sizes due to overcrowding and funding issues, despite legal mandates.
- Privatization of U.S. public education continues, driven by Christian Nationalism and billionaire influence.
- Democrats may regain Congress despite internal challenges, benefiting from Republican fractures and Trump’s influence.
- Iran aims to challenge U.S. dominance in the Middle East, leveraging control over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel continues airstrikes in Lebanon, complicating peace efforts in the region.
- Teacher shortages and funding pressures exacerbate challenges in U.S. public education.
- Federal voucher programs divert public funds to private schools, undermining public education.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 13, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-13-2026.html
Big Education Ape's latest updates cover significant global and national news, focusing on education, politics, economy, and technology. Key stories include U.S.-Iran tensions, education policy shifts, economic impacts of rising oil prices, and advancements in AI and space exploration.
### Key Points
- U.S. imposes a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after failed peace talks with Iran, escalating geopolitical tensions and causing global oil prices to surge.
- President Trump faces criticism for aggressive foreign policy moves, domestic economic pressures, and controversial political decisions, including Title IX rollbacks and federal education funding cuts.
- UNESCO reports a rise in global out-of-school populations, highlighting teacher shortages and educational inequities in low-income countries.
- Significant shifts in global politics include the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure in Hungary and rising tensions between the U.S. and China over the Iran conflict.
- Advances in education include AI-driven initiatives like GGU Digital and new state laws mandating evidence-based teaching methods and AI guardrails in classrooms.
- Economic volatility grows as oil prices exceed $100 per barrel, while AI technology drives gains in the tech sector despite geopolitical challenges.
- NASA's Artemis II mission marks a milestone in space exploration with a successful return from a lunar mission.
- AI usage in local elections raises ethical concerns, while new AI applications in healthcare and defense emerge.
- Public health studies reveal rising concerns about alcohol-related liver disease and the effectiveness of popular weight-loss drugs.
- U.S. sports highlights include NCAA hockey and MLB updates, with notable achievements in high school and college sports.
Big Education Ape: THE ARCHITECTURE OF AN HONEST HERO: MARKETING VS. TEACHING THE WHOLE TRUTH IN AN AGE OF BROKEN ICONS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-architecture-of-honest-hero.html
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 12, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-12-2026.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various global and national news updates as of April 12, 2026. It covers topics such as space exploration, international politics, education trends, economic developments, health advancements, and sports highlights. Key events include NASA's Artemis II mission, U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks, global education challenges, AI advancements, and significant sports updates.
Big Education Ape: FORTY YEARS IN THE MAKING: YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT PRAY - THE TECH-THEOCRACY PIPELINE #MayDayStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/forty-years-in-making-your-tax-dollars.html
The article critiques the ongoing privatization of public education in the United States, describing it as a systematic dismantling of the public education system over the past 40 years. It highlights the influence of Christian Nationalism, billionaire oligarchs, and legislative changes that have redirected public funds to private and religious institutions. The article warns against the long-term societal consequences of these changes and calls for collective action to resist these privatization efforts.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 4-5-26 TO 4-11-26 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-top-news-stories-this-week-4-5-26.html
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top news stories from the week of April 5–11, 2026, spanning topics such as global conflicts, education reforms, economic updates, technological advancements, health breakthroughs, and sports highlights. Key events include the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, NASA's Artemis II mission, significant education policy changes, and developments in technology and healthcare.
Big Education Ape: THREE CHEERS FOR THE AI LUDDITES! WHY BEING CALLED A LUDDITE IS THE SMARTEST INSULT YOU'LL EVER RECEIVE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/three-cheers-for-ai-luddites-why-being.html
glen brown: Farting All the Time? Here's What It Really Says About Your Health. 98% Seriously! https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/farting-all-time-heres-what-it-really.html
### Key Points
- The Strait of Hormuz blockade by the U.S., declared by Trump, threatens to disrupt global oil supply and provoke military confrontations with nuclear-armed nations like China and Russia.
- Historical parallels are drawn to World War I, emphasizing how interlocking military commitments and domestic crises among great powers can lead to unintended catastrophic wars.
- The article critiques Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged motivations for pushing the Iran war, linking it to his personal legal troubles and political survival.
- The geopolitical landscape is marked by strained relations among major powers, including the U.S., China, Russia, and Iran, with active military contributions escalating tensions.
- The author calls for immediate Congressional action to prevent further escalation and impeach Trump for overstepping constitutional boundaries in war-making decisions.
The Education Report Why the Chicago School Board was Right to Oppose Federal School Vouchers And why more local and state leaders should speak out ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/why-the-chicago-school-board-was
- The Chicago School Board unanimously opposed Illinois's participation in a federal school voucher program, emphasizing its duty to protect public education.
- Illinois Families for Public Schools supported the Board's decision, highlighting the importance of advocacy for public schools by elected representatives.
- Private schools funded by vouchers often discriminate, exclude certain students, and lack the oversight required for public schools.
- Voucher programs divert tax dollars from public schools, causing a loss of per-pupil funding and making it difficult for districts to adjust fixed costs like staffing and building maintenance.
Teacher Tom: Death Play https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/death-play.html
### Key Points
- Children engage in "death play," inspired by media or cultural narratives, to explore abstract ideas of death.
- Death play is distinct from actual death and serves as a way for children to process and understand complex subjects.
- Adults often feel discomfort with death-related play, but allowing it helps children explore and learn.
- Calm responses to death-related play ensure children feel safe while fostering understanding.
- Play is a vital method for children to explore significant, sometimes unsettling, ideas like death.
Bank Account of South Carolina Charter School Emptied out - Dissident Voice https://thedissidentvoice.org/2026/04/bank-account-of-south-carolina-charter-school-emptied-out/
- The article discusses the ongoing issues of fraud, corruption, and financial mismanagement within the charter school sector, with a focus on a recent scandal at Ascent Classical Academy (ACA) in South Carolina, where a board member removed all funds from the school’s bank account without approval, causing operational disruptions.
- Parents and lawmakers are calling for investigations and accountability, highlighting the broader systemic issues of weak transparency and accountability laws in the charter school sector.
- The article connects the rise of charter schools and their associated scandals to the neoliberal agenda, which prioritizes privatization and profit maximization over public interest, undermining public education and democracy.
- The author criticizes the systemic nature of these issues, arguing that they are driven by broader economic and political structures rather than isolated incidents or individual bad actors.
The Teacher Transfer Portal Is Now Open (not) | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2026/04/13/the-teacher-transfer-portal-is-now-open-not/
### Key Points
- The article draws a parallel between NCAA's Transfer Portal for athletes and a fictional "Teacher Transfer Portal" for elite educators.
- Five exceptional teachers are highlighted for their innovative teaching methods, including creative writing, science projects, and music.
- Wealthy school districts are bidding millions of dollars to recruit these teachers, instead of improving teaching practices in their own schools.
- A school board president defends the practice, equating it to talent acquisition in sports and rejecting wealth redistribution as "socialism."
The Education Wars Reading the Tea Leaves From Hungary to Tulsa, a key theme is emerging JENNIFER BERKSHIRE https://educationwars.substack.com/p/reading-the-tea-leaves
### Key Points
- Hungarian voters ousted Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, rejecting his "illiberal democracy," which included education policies that turned schools into propaganda tools and diverted funds from public to church schools.
- Orbán's controversial education reforms, including banning homeschooling and limiting public education funding, were deeply unpopular, especially in rural areas, and became a focal point for his opponent, Peter Magyar.
- Magyar's campaign prioritized healthcare, education, infrastructure, and corruption, resonating with voters and highlighting the economic decline under Orbán's rule.
- In the U.S., local school board elections in states like Missouri, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma saw voters reject conservative candidates who focused on education culture wars, such as book bans and anti-LGBTQ policies, opting instead for candidates supporting public education.
- The backlash against education culture wars and policies like school vouchers, which redirect public school funds to private religious schools, is becoming a significant factor in U.S. elections.
- The article draws parallels between Hungary's rejection of Orbán's policies and the U.S. electorate's growing resistance to conservative education agendas, suggesting that strong-arm tactics don't equate to popular support.
- Grassroots organizing around local public schools is seen as a powerful tool to counter controversial policies and restore sanity to politics.
The Science of Anecdotes and Metaphors "Zero Phonics. This view claims that direct teaching is not necessary or even helpful. I am unaware of any professional who holds this position." Stephen Krashen (2017) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-science-of-anecdotes-and-metaphors
### Key Points
- The article critiques the "science of reading" movement, highlighting its tendency to oversell systematic phonics instruction and its reliance on misleading anecdotes and metaphors.
- Mark Seidenberg, a reading science professor, argues that teaching all phonics rules is unnecessary; instead, students need enough foundational phonics to develop self-teaching mechanisms like "statistical learning."
- Stephen Krashen outlines three views of phonics: intensive (teaching all phonics rules), basic (teaching only essential rules and emphasizing reading), and zero (no phonics instruction, which he notes no professional supports).
- The article underscores that both cognitive scientists and whole-language advocates agree on the importance of teaching basic phonics but criticize over-instruction.
- The "science of reading" movement is accused of perpetuating false narratives about the history of phonics education and lacking empirical evidence to support its sweeping claims.
- The author references multiple works that critique the "science of reading" movement for misrepresenting research and misguiding educational policy.
Schools Matter: The Reading Instruction Straw Man Is Burning http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/04/the-reading-instruction-straw-man-is.html
- The article discusses the debate around reading instruction methods, including phonics, whole language, and direct instruction, and critiques the oversimplification of these approaches as a "straw man" argument.
- It highlights systemic issues in education, such as the focus on poverty rather than teacher quality as a key factor influencing student outcomes.
- The author references various articles and reviews that analyze broader educational challenges, including standardized testing, teacher education, and the impact of poverty on learning.
23 AERAs Later: Still Coming Home – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/04/13/23-aeras-later-still-coming-home/
- The American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting is the largest national conference for education research, bringing together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students to share and refine knowledge, shaping the future of education.
- The AERA meeting serves as a community for the author, offering mentorship, collaboration, and critical discussions about equity, justice, and education systems.
- Western Michigan University had a strong presence at the 2026 AERA meeting, showcasing a wide range of meaningful contributions and collaborations.
- The author reflects on how ideas and projects, including book publications, have been inspired and developed through connections made at AERA meetings.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig has been an active AERA member for over two decades, serving in various leadership roles, contributing as a presenter, panelist, and reviewer, and advancing the organization's scholarly mission.
NYC Public School Parents: Make your voice heard on AI, the capital plan and class size! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2026/04/make-your-voice-heard-on-ai-capital.html
### Key Points
- NYC parents, teachers, and advocates are calling for a moratorium on the use of AI in classrooms, citing concerns about its impact on students' privacy, mental health, and learning abilities.
- A gathering is planned at City Hall Park on April 16 to urge the Mayor to pause AI implementation and deliver a petition for the cause.
- The NYC Department of Education (DOE) has not released an adequate class size plan, with the current capital plan failing to meet legal requirements for reducing class sizes.
- Advocates are urging the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) to reject the current capital plan and demand transparency and compliance with Local Law 167.
- A petition for a two-year moratorium on AI in NYC public schools is being promoted, along with a call for a comprehensive class size reduction plan.
- Additional resources such as surveys, newsletters, and podcasts are available for parents and educators to stay informed and involved.
Choosing Democracy: Trump is in Trouble https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/04/trump-is-in-trouble.html
### Key Points
- President Trump threatened Iran with genocide, violating international laws like the Geneva Conventions and raising global concerns.
- Trump has struggled to assert dominance over Iran, with negotiations faltering and his rhetoric escalating.
- Trump pledged U.S. economic support for Hungary’s authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán, who faces domestic protests and criticism for aligning with Russia.
- Reports surfaced of Trump promising mass pardons for his officials, which raised questions about potential abuses of power.
- Representative Jamie Raskin formally questioned Trump’s cognitive health, citing erratic behavior and public outbursts.
- Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump’s genocidal threat, warning of its lasting damage to U.S. credibility and trust.
- Public figures, including Bruce Springsteen, have joined the call for resistance against Trump’s administration, advocating for democratic values and unity.
Curmudgucation AFT Shares Bad AI Advice PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/aft-shares-bad-ai-advice
### Key Points
- The article critiques the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) for promoting AI in education, comparing it to past controversial stances like Common Core.
- Teachers are using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s GEM to create lesson plans, differentiate instruction, and assist with grading, but the article questions the effectiveness and educational soundness of such practices.
- Concerns are raised about AI’s lack of understanding of content, instructional design, and its potential to produce inaccurate or overly generalized outputs.
- Some teachers use AI for tasks like generating personalized reading passages or activities for students, but the article criticizes this for devaluing human writing and potentially spreading misinformation.
- There is skepticism about AI's ability to preserve student voice, tone, and style in writing feedback, as well as worries that students may optimize their work for AI rather than human readers.
- The article highlights ethical concerns, such as teachers relying on AI to communicate with parents or create substitute plans, questioning the human element in education.
- The author expresses doubt over AI's time-saving claims, arguing that crafting effective prompts and reviewing AI-generated content is time-consuming.
- The article warns of the risk of teachers losing their skills and critical thinking by over-relying on AI for tasks like lesson planning and communication.
- It criticizes AFT for promoting AI without addressing whether its use in education is necessary or beneficial, calling it more of an advertisement than a thoughtful discussion.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Solving a Two-Fold Problem at Seattle Schools https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/04/solving-two-fold-problem-at-seattle.html?spref=tw
- Anitra Jones, a former principal with a controversial reputation, is being reassigned to Adams Elementary School following the retirement of its current principal. Concerns arise over why a new hiring process wasn't initiated.
- Jones has a mixed track record; while recognized for her after-school programs, her tenure at Rainier View Elementary School was marked by a toxic environment, staff complaints, and SEA grievances. She was removed from her role in 2024 and placed on a vague "special assignment" at Rainier Beach High School.
- The article raises concerns about the lack of parental involvement in hiring principals and the slow, tedious process of addressing poor job performance in schools.
- The Patu family, prominent in SE Seattle, has been involved in a federal drug trafficking case, with implications for Annie Patu, the principal at Rainier Beach High School. She is cooperating with federal investigators and may be a witness.
- The author suggests putting Annie Patu on leave and appointing Anitra Jones as interim principal at Rainier Beach High School to resolve both the Adams Elementary and Rainier Beach leadership issues. This would allow time to assess Jones' performance and find a permanent solution for Adams.
- Concerns about nepotism and favoritism in Seattle Public Schools are highlighted, with examples of staff being reassigned or promoted based on personal connections rather than merit.
A bad, bad weekend for Trump: After Vance talks fail, he says the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz. WEEKEND QUOTABLES: He bashes the Pope and then depicts himself as Jesus. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/a-bad-bad-weekend-for-trump-after
Teacher in a Strange Land: Gifted and Talented Redux | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/gifted-and-talented-redux
- The article reflects on the concept of giftedness in education, particularly the challenges of identifying and nurturing gifted students.
- The author shares personal experiences as a music teacher and highlights the ambiguity in defining and addressing giftedness.
- There is criticism of testing kindergarteners for giftedness, as it may perpetuate inequality and limit opportunities for disadvantaged children.
- The author emphasizes the importance of providing all children with a rich and challenging education, regardless of labels like "gifted" or "talented."
- Concerns are raised about distinguishing genuine brilliance from work influenced by AI, stressing the need for original thinking and creativity.
- A new definition of "gifted" and "talented" is proposed, alongside a call to prioritize human interaction and judgment in education.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, April 14, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by a high-stakes standoff between the Trump administration and Iran following the collapse of peace talks in Pakistan.
Here are the top 10 news stories involving President Trump today:
1. Naval Blockade of Iran Begins
President Trump officially ordered the U.S. Navy to begin a full blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas starting at 10:00 AM EDT. The move aims to seize control of strategic waterways following the failure of 21 hours of negotiations in Islamabad.
2. Threat to "Eliminate" Iranian Vessels
On Truth Social, Trump issued a stark warning: any Iranian "fast-attack" boats that approach the American blockade will be "immediately ELIMINATED." He compared the engagement rules to those used against maritime drug traffickers.
3. Failed Negotiations in Pakistan
Talks between a U.S. delegation (led by VP J.D. Vance and Jared Kushner) and Iranian officials ended without a deal.
4. Controversy Over "Jesus" Social Media Post
Trump deleted a Truth Social post that depicted him as a Jesus-like figure or "saint-like healer" after an outcry from conservative Christian leaders.
5. Escalating Row with the Vatican
The President is refusing to apologize for his sharp criticisms of Pope Leo.
6. Potential Expansion of Targets
In a recent interview, Trump suggested that if Iran does not return to the table with concessions, the U.S. could target water treatment facilities, bridges, and power plants, noting that hitting the water supply would be "very devastating."
7. Oil Prices and Economic Volatility
Global markets are on edge. While oil prices surged above $100 a barrel following the blockade announcement, they moderated slightly today as Trump claimed Iranian representatives have already reached out to him to "work a deal."
8. The "Hormuz" Dispute
Trump contested Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that 34 ships passed through on Sunday despite Iranian attempts to choke the waterway.
9. Push for FISA Extension
Domestically, the Trump administration is pressuring Congress to pass an 18-month extension of FISA Section 702 before it expires on April 20.
10. Diplomatic Fallout with Italy
The Italian Prime Minister has condemned Trump’s recent comments regarding the Pope as "unacceptable," signaling a growing rift between the U.S. and some of its traditional European allies over the conduct of the war.
