Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-7-25
7-7-25
Texas Floods: Staff Cuts at Weather Service, Plus Local Refusal to Pay Taxes for Early Warning=Disaster | Diane Ravitch's blog https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/06/texas-floods-staff-cuts-at-weather-service-plus-local-refusal-to-pay-taxes-for-early-warningdisaster/
### Key Points
- Texas floods caused over 80 deaths, worsened by staff shortages at the National Weather Service and lack of a local warning system.
- Cost-cutting measures by Elon Musk's DOGE initiative and early retirement policies under Trump administration reduced staffing levels.
- Kerr County lacked a flood warning system due to taxpayer resistance to new spending, despite the high cost of lives.
- Vacancies in critical meteorological positions hindered communication and coordination during the crisis.
- The disaster underscores the broader impact of reduced funding for public services and infrastructure.
GOP Tax on College Endowments Excludes Some Lucky Winners https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/06/gop-tax-on-college-endowments-excludes-some-lucky-winners/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump administration introduced a tax on college endowments in 2017, starting at 1.4%, and proposed steep increases in 2025.
- Smaller private colleges, including Hillsdale College, were exempted from the tax due to Republican interventions.
- The Senate reduced the maximum tax rate from 21% to 8% and adjusted exemptions based on student enrollment.
- Critics claim the tax disproportionately affects larger universities and undermines endowment-funded scholarships.
- Religious exemptions and exclusions for schools not accepting federal aid were blocked by the Senate Parliamentarian.
Big Education Ape: THE TRAGEDY IN TEXAS: TAX CUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-tragedy-in-texas-tax-cuts-for.html
Big Education Ape explores the devastating flash floods in Texas, linking the tragedy to climate change, Trump-era budget cuts, and political negligence. It criticizes the prioritization of billionaire tax cuts over life-saving weather services and infrastructure, calling for systemic change and social democracy to address the worsening effects of climate change and inequality.
### Key Points
- Central Texas flash floods killed over 70 people, exacerbated by NOAA budget cuts under Trump.
- Political responses focused on "thoughts and prayers" rather than actionable solutions.
- Climate change intensifies disasters, but Texas leaders resist addressing it due to fossil fuel lobbying.
- Advocates suggest funding public services and embracing social democracy to improve disaster preparedness.
- Younger generations push for bold progressive policies to challenge systemic failures.
Big Education Ape: THE SILICON CODEX: DOOM SCROLLING THROUGH THE GODS OF THE INTERNET https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-silicon-codex-doom-scrolling.html
"The Silicon Codex" humorously portrays the rise and dominance of Internet Gods like Zakarion, Brinox, and Muskalon, contrasting them with defeated Analog Titans. The article reflects on humanity's obsession with technology, highlighting the addictive nature of digital platforms and the competition among tech giants for attention spans. It ends with a cautionary note about balancing screen time and unplugging occasionally.
### Key Points
- Seattle School Board extends input time for the superintendent search.
- "The Silicon Codex" narrates the rise of Internet Gods like Zakarion, Muskalon, and Bezior, parodying their influence on humanity.
- Analog Titans, representing outdated technologies, are defeated by the Internet Gods in a symbolic battle.
- Humanity's attention is consumed by digital platforms, leading to the creation of "The Temple of User Engagement" and sacred tech relics.
- The article warns about the exhausting nature of constant connectivity and emphasizes the importance of unplugging occasionally.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 7-5-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html
The article covers a variety of topics, including political developments, education-related issues, historical reflections, and social commentary. It highlights discussions around immigration enforcement, charter school controversies, public education advocacy, and reflections on U.S. independence. Additionally, it includes summaries of recent blog posts, protests, and educational resources.
### Key Points
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reflects on the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.
- Seattle's School Board extends input time for the superintendent search.
- Controversies surrounding St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento, including corporate influence and historical issues.
- Immigration enforcement in the U.S. is described as entering a "frosty era."
- Reflections on John Adams’ belief that July 2 should be considered America’s true Independence Day.
- Advocacy for public education through various organizations and blogs, including Diane Ravitch’s work.
- Nationwide protests against Trump’s military parade and other political actions.
- The War Report on Public Education and other platforms discussing challenges in education.
- Historical and social commentary, such as the influence of billionaires on public education and political dynamics in the U.S.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Post-Independence Day Edition (7/5) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/icymi-post-independence-day-edition-75.html
- The author reflects on their annual post-Independence Day traditions, highlighting the importance of community amidst challenging times.
- South Georgia librarian fired over LGBTQ children's book in summer reading list, sparking legal action and debate.
- Schools serving undocumented children face challenges under anti-diversity policies, as highlighted by Jo Napolitano.
- Commonwealth Charter Academy resists state mandates to improve student care amidst a wrongful death lawsuit.
- New Orleans’ charter school overhaul criticized after 20 years, questioning its effectiveness as a reform model.
- Chan-Zuckerberg Foundation's withdrawal of funding results in the closure of a school for 400 children.
- Billionaires influence the "Science of Reading" movement, raising concerns about corrupted educational practices.
- Trump's administration slashes K-12 education budgets, impacting key programs and special education funding.
- Florida schools face fiscal chaos and allegations of misuse of charter school contracts by Erika Donalds.
- Ohio's unconstitutional voucher program faces challenges in finding a fix.
- AI detection tools in colleges criticized for inefficiency and questionable value.
- Growing backlash against AI technologies, emphasizing skepticism about their benefits.
- Criticism of tech leaders and their influence on education and society.
“Five Strategies For ELL Vocabulary Instruction” https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2025/07/06/five-strategies-for-ell-vocabulary-instruction/
- The article discusses five instructional strategies for teaching vocabulary to English Language Learners (ELLs), emphasizing the importance of physical movement and imagery in second-language learning.
- Personal Dictionaries are recommended, where students identify and share four new English words weekly, using peer teaching to practice academic vocabulary.
- The Picture Word Inductive Model (PWIM) is highlighted as a favorite strategy for beginning ELLs.
- Pre-teaching involves defining key vocabulary words before reading texts or introducing concepts, ensuring quick review and reinforcement post-reading.
- Online tools and thematic vocabulary sites with audio/visual support are suggested for enhancing vocabulary instruction. Hidden object games are mentioned as engaging activities.
- Creating Vocabulary Videos using apps like Vine or Instagram allows students to make creative definitions and share them online, reinforcing learning.
- The author encourages sharing favorite strategies for vocabulary teaching and provides examples of student-created content.
Students Will Feel It. And Soon: The Specific Harms in One Big Beautiful Bill – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/06/students-will-feel-it-and-soon-the-specific-harms-in-one-big-beautiful-bill/
### Key Points
- The bill imposes caps on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority students.
- Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) introduces burdensome long-term repayment schemes, exacerbating student debt issues.
- Accountability provisions target colleges based on graduate earnings, threatening community colleges and public institutions.
- Pell Grants are expanded, but exclusions and rigid compliance requirements limit their effectiveness.
- Endowment taxes are raised for private universities, with exemptions favoring elite institutions like Hillsdale College.
- The bill prioritizes political victory over equitable reform, delaying key student protections until 2035.
- Advocates are urged to organize, testify, vote, and educate to resist the bill’s harmful consequences.
glen brown: VOTE https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/vote.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump and the GOP are laying groundwork to undermine democracy through voter suppression and legal loopholes, targeting specific demographics like minorities, students, and military personnel.
- Voter purging is being facilitated by error-prone systems like ERIC and new programs such as EagleAI, along with laws like the SAVE Act requiring in-person proof of citizenship, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
- Historical examples, such as Florida in 2000, show how voter suppression tactics have successfully influenced election outcomes, and current methods are far more sophisticated.
- Trump allies are organizing private militias to challenge ballots and intimidate voters, further undermining election security.
- Solutions proposed include voter education, lawsuits, election monitoring, federal action, and laws explicitly protecting the right to vote.
glen brown: American Fascism https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/american-fascism.html
- The article critiques the rise of fascism in the U.S., emphasizing the need for a new language to describe the systemic erosion of democracy and justice.
- It highlights the Trump administration's policies, including cuts to healthcare and education funding, as exacerbating class warfare and enriching the elite.
- The author discusses the historical roots of the police state, tracing its development from Bush and Cheney's war on terror to Trump's regime.
- Issues such as racial cleansing, militarization, and suppression of dissent are noted as signs of a growing authoritarian state.
- The article calls for civic literacy, moral witnessing, and mass struggle to combat the current crisis and promote justice and equality.
Florida’s Quiet Attack on AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment: A Temporary Win—and a Warning – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/floridas-quiet-attack-on-ap-ib-and-dual-enrollment-a-temporary-win-and-a-warning/
### Key Points
- Florida lawmakers attempted to cut funding for advanced academic programs due to voucher-related budget strains but faced public opposition.
- The Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) ensures equitable funding distribution, balancing student needs and district characteristics.
- Performance funding for advanced coursework shifted from add-on weights to a categorical fund called AAOS, making future cuts more likely.
- The AAOS funding mechanism fixes the total pot annually, limiting districts from gaining more money even with increased student success.
- New rules restrict how AAOS funds can be spent and require districts to report usage starting in 2026.
- Advocates warn that future funding reductions could be buried in budget documents and defended as technical adjustments.
Choosing Democracy: Soldiers Organizing to Defend Democracy https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/07/soldiers-organizing-to-defend-democracy.html
### Key Points
- On July 4th, military members called on Congress to protect service members who refuse to follow immoral or unlawful orders, highlighting concerns about potential misuse of the military.
- A veteran named "Kim" shared her fears about being asked to act against American civilians under a far-right authoritarian government and her decision to leave active duty due to these concerns.
- The veterans' group About Face launched the "Right to Refuse" campaign, advocating for legal protections for service members who disobey unlawful orders, though Congress may not act quickly on this matter.
- Concerns include the deployment of Marines and the National Guard in Los Angeles, which broke constitutional norms and raised questions about the legality of such orders.
- Military personnel face a moral dilemma: refusing unlawful orders risks court-martial, but following them could lead to moral injury and legal consequences.
- The Insurrection Act and its potential misuse by Trump to suppress protests is another significant worry, as the military is not equipped for de-escalation or policing.
- Service members are grappling with their oath to defend the Constitution while questioning whether actions against civilians align with that oath.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!7-6-25
The article is a compilation of blog posts addressing various societal, political, and educational issues. It explores topics such as budget cuts, climate change, immigration policies, privatization of education, historical reflections, and systemic inequities. The focus is on transparency, equity, and systemic reforms to tackle these challenges effectively.
### Key Points
- Budget cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service under Trump’s administration led to reduced forecasting accuracy, contributing to deadly consequences during storm seasons like the Texas floods.
- Humanity's attention is consumed by digital platforms, with "The Silicon Codex" humorously narrating the dominance of Internet Gods and warning about the exhausting nature of constant connectivity.
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reflects on Trump’s return to power, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation while highlighting environmental and social progress under his leadership.
- Independence Day discussions focus on its contradictions, historical exclusions, and the role of public education in democracy.
- Teen drivers spend an average of 21% of driving trips on their phones, increasing crash risks, despite bans in 35 states.
- Unity leadership faces criticism for undemocratic practices, including lack of member involvement in key decisions and endorsement processes.
- Civics education is critiqued for failing to address deeper societal issues causing misinformation and civic disengagement.
- ICE operations supported by U.S. Marines in Florida raise concerns about militarization and authoritarian practices.
- Free-market education systems are criticized for reinforcing inequalities and prioritizing profit over quality.
- Blogs call for systemic reforms in education, transparency, and equity, while critiquing billionaire influence and privatization.
- Federal school voucher schemes are criticized for undermining public education and failing to improve student outcomes.
- Historical grievances in the Declaration of Independence are linked to modern political issues, urging peaceful activism for democracy.
- The article highlights the devastating effects of Medicaid cuts under the Trump administration, impacting vulnerable Americans.
- The exclusion of marginalized groups from the original Declaration of Independence is discussed, emphasizing ongoing struggles for equality.
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism · No Kings https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
Let’s build a force bigger than fear and louder than hate. Let’s get ready. Let’s get organized. Let’s stop Trump. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
