Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-26-25
8-26-25
Paul Krugman: We Are All Lisa Cook Now https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/26/paul-krugman-we-are-all-lisa-cook-now/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump fired Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Governor, in an unprecedented move, raising legal questions about his authority.
- Cook is accused of mortgage fraud without evidence or hearings; she refuses to resign and is represented by Abbe Lowell.
- Krugman argues the accusations are a pretext for removing a non-loyalist, highlighting Trump’s use of intimidation against opponents.
- Trump has targeted other critics, including Senator Adam Schiff and Attorney General Letitia James, with similar allegations.
- Politicizing the Federal Reserve could harm the economy and compromise its role as an independent regulator.
- Trump’s tactics reflect authoritarianism, using threats and false accusations to silence critics and control institutions.
Update: Paul Krugman Says: Prove the Allegations Against Lisa Cook! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/26/update-paul-krugman-says-prove-the-allegations-against-lisa-cook/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump claims he fired Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, citing allegations of mortgage fraud, but lacks legal authority and evidence to do so.
- The Supreme Court allows Trump to fire federal officials but protects Fed governors from dismissal without cause, which Cook's case does not meet.
- Allegations against Cook involve technicalities about mortgage terms, with no evidence of fraud or harm to lenders.
- Krugman argues the move is politically motivated, aiming to replace independent officials with loyalists, threatening democratic principles.
- The controversy tests Jerome Powell's response as Fed chairman and raises concerns about judicial integrity and authoritarianism.
RFK Jr. Fires Scientist Studying Environmental Causes of Autism https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/26/rfk-jr-fires-scientist-studying-environmental-causes-of-autism/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired Erin McCanlies, a scientist studying environmental causes of autism, and dismantled her program despite her extensive research linking workplace toxins to autism.
- Kennedy remains fixated on the debunked theory that vaccines cause autism, dismissing credible scientific evidence and cutting funding for autism-related studies.
- Kennedy’s approach to autism research has been criticized for lacking transparency and ignoring decades of high-quality studies.
- The Trump administration has rolled back protections on chemicals linked to autism, undoing progress made by researchers.
- Critics argue Kennedy’s initiative may manipulate data to support his vaccine-autism theory, undermining genuine scientific inquiry.
- Global collaborations are essential to advancing autism research, but Kennedy’s ideological stance threatens progress in the U.S.
Borowitz: Trump Replaces Pam Bondi as Attorney General https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/26/borowitz-trump-replaces-pam-bondi-as-attorney-general/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Andy Borowitz's satirical commentary explores Trump's fictional appointment of Ghislaine Maxwell as Attorney General, replacing Pam Bondi.
- The humor underscores Trump's alleged reasoning, contrasting Bondi's acknowledgment of a client list with Maxwell's denial.
- Borowitz humorously critiques the Senate's willingness to confirm controversial appointments, referencing past examples.
Big Education Ape: IS RFK JR. A WITCH DOCTOR OR JUST TRYING TO KILL US? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/is-rfk-jr-witch-doctor-or-just-trying.html
### Key Points
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released findings from the May 2025 School Pulse Panel, focusing on trends in education.
- Seattle Times conducted a survey asking how to convince someone to take the job of running Seattle Public Schools.
- Satirical critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial tenure as HHS Secretary, highlighting his anti-vaccine stance, personal controversies, and public health policies that have led to outbreaks and diminished trust.
- RFK Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda includes cutting vaccine research, restructuring food assistance programs, and deregulating the FDA, raising concerns about its impact on public health.
- RFK Jr.'s personal life and statements during the COVID-19 pandemic have attracted criticism from health experts and even his own family.
- Public opinion on RFK Jr.'s performance as HHS Secretary is largely negative, as reported by Pew Research Center.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/trumps-law-order-fever-dream.html
Big Education Ape TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM - *TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM*
### Key Points
- Trump’s fictional TV series, "Law & Order Fever Dream," portrays him as a crime-fighting hero, turning urban cities into theatrical backdrops for his political fantasies. The show is filled with staged and fake scenes involving actors, props, and CGI effects.
- The production exploits federal funds via a “Patriotic Entertainment” clause, while cities struggle with real problems like funding schools and infrastructure.
- The show is a distraction from Trump’s authoritarian tactics, such as consolidating power and replacing civil servants with loyalists. Critics argue it’s propaganda disguised as entertainment.
- Trump’s base enthusiastically supports the show, while local officials and critics condemn its impact on cities and its lack of authenticity.
- Spinoffs like "Pedophile Pursuit" further inflame conspiracy theories, despite lacking evidence and being labeled as ratings stunts.
- The series symbolizes Trump’s strategy of selling fantasies and ignoring real issues, with political analysts considering it a smokescreen for deeper governance problems.
Big Education Ape: Back to School: When August Hijacked September and Summer Got Short-Changed https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/back-to-school-when-august-hijacked.html
The article discusses the shortening of summer vacations in the U.S. due to earlier school start dates, particularly in August, and explores the historical, logistical, and practical reasons behind this trend. It reflects on the nostalgia for traditional post-Labor Day school starts and examines the trade-offs involved in this shift.
### Key Points
- The shift from post-Labor Day school starts to August openings has shortened summer vacations, causing nostalgia among older generations.
- Historically, summer vacations were introduced for practical reasons, including saving money and concerns about overexertion in students.
- Earlier school starts allow more instructional time for standardized test preparation, improve semester alignment, and provide more breaks throughout the year.
- Ending the school year before Memorial Day avoids the productivity drop seen in June and aids students with summer internships or college courses.
- Concerns about higher air-conditioning costs during August openings are largely offset by existing summer programs and maintenance needs.
- Some states like Michigan and Virginia preserve post-Labor Day starts, but August openings are the norm for most of the U.S.
Big Education Ape: THE RISE AND FALL OF EMPEROR DONALD I: A CAUTIONARY TALE OF DEMOCRACY UNHINGED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-rise-and-fall-of-emperor-donald-i.html
The article is a satirical depiction of a dystopian future where Donald Trump declares himself Emperor Donald I, dismantling democracy and replacing it with authoritarian rule. It humorously outlines the absurd transformations in government, society, and economy under his regime, culminating in a rebellion that restores democracy.
### Key Points
- The satire imagines Trump renaming the White House to "Trump House" and declaring himself Emperor Donald I, abolishing the Constitution and replacing it with the 'Magna Trumpa.'
- Federal agencies are repurposed into Trump-centric operations, such as the Department of Education becoming "Trump University Annex" and ICE renamed as MASK.
- Social media and government systems are manipulated to suppress dissent and promote pro-Trump propaganda.
- The billionaire class pledges loyalty to Trump, taking on absurd titles and roles that further his authoritarian agenda.
- Resistance grows as citizens unite across political divides, leading to a rebellion against Trump’s regime.
- Trump is ultimately overthrown, democracy is restored, and reforms are implemented to prevent future authoritarianism.
The Uppity Minority: What We Will Not Be Apologizing For – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/26/the-uppity-minority-what-we-will-not-be-apologizing-for/
### Key Points
- Gregory Washington rejected demands to apologize for GMU’s diversity practices, defending equity-focused leadership against intimidation.
- Diversity initiatives at Western Michigan and the University of Kentucky led to significant gains in enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and faculty diversity.
- Philanthropy and community partnerships were used to advance equity and foster systemic change.
- The author reflects on personal experiences as a provost, highlighting challenges and the importance of independent leadership.
- The article underscores the systemic resistance equity-focused leaders face and the need for bold, unapologetic advocacy for justice.
Teacher Tom: Because She is a Genius https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/because-she-is-genius.html
### Key Points
- Hattie, a preschooler, demonstrated intuitive care and empathy by comforting a crying boy after a fall, showcasing a unique form of intelligence.
- Teacher Tom challenges traditional views of intelligence, advocating for the recognition of empathetic and survival-focused traits as equally valuable.
- The article emphasizes the importance of fostering intuitive and empathetic intelligence in humans for societal progress and survival.
- Teacher Tom provides details about his blog, resources, and opportunities for collaboration in promoting play-based education.
Cartoons on Addiction to Electronic Devices https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/26/cartoons-on-addiction-to-electronic-devices-2/ via @CubanLarry
- The article discusses the widespread concern over addiction to electronic devices, including email, social media, games, and other digital tools, questioning whether "addiction" is a metaphor or a genuine medical condition.
- Parents and teachers often perceive device addiction seriously, with experts providing tips on identifying and addressing it in children.
- Cartoonists humorously highlight the issue of device addiction through snarky illustrations, reflecting societal concerns.
- The blog includes related posts and discussions on technology use, addiction, dependency, and its impact on education and classroom practices.
- The site offers subscription options, updates via email, and links to related content, emphasizing its focus on education reform and technology.
Is Public Education Over? One big reason public schools are so vulnerable: standardized testing. Too many Democrats haven't gotten the memo... https://educationwars.substack.com/p/is-public-education-over
### Key Points
- Privatization advocates aim to unbundle education into consumer-driven products, with Florida leading the trend.
- School vouchers and declining public school approval are accelerating the collapse of public education.
- Parents increasingly oppose standardized testing, a major factor driving them toward alternative education models.
- The education reform movement is reemerging despite past failures, focusing on school accountability and vouchers.
- The backlash against standardized testing and neoliberal education reform has fueled interest in classical charter schools.
- Democrats face an internal debate on whether to support public schools or embrace education reform policies.
- Some Democrats are running pro-public-education campaigns, opposing vouchers and advocating for proper funding.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: The Trump Administration is Ending Special Education! | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/trump-ending
- The Trump administration's Special Education Simplified Funding Program undermines the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), risking the end of federal protections for students with disabilities.
- The program consolidates seven IDEA programs, granting states more flexibility but reducing federal oversight, which could lead to misuse of funds and diminished special education services.
- Concerns arise over states potentially diverting special education funds to unrelated areas, such as defense or border security, without accountability.
- The lack of oversight may result in public schools no longer being required to serve children with special needs, undermining inclusion and the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) mandate of IDEA.
- Vouchers and charter schools may not adequately support children with disabilities, leaving parents with limited and inequitable options.
- Critics argue that these changes align with broader privatization goals, diminishing public education and teacher roles while neglecting vulnerable children.
- Parents are urged to advocate for their children, demand accountability from policymakers, and vote for leaders committed to protecting special education rights.
glen brown: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker spoke at a news conference, addressing reports Trump is planning to send the military to Chicago https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-spoke-at.html
### Key Points
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned Trump's plan to send military personnel to Chicago, labeling it unconstitutional and politically driven.
- Pritzker highlighted decreasing crime rates in Chicago due to local initiatives, including community violence intervention programs and stricter gun laws.
- He criticized Trump for defunding public safety programs and noted higher crime rates in Republican-led states.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Leadership Profile for SPS Superintendent https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/leadership-profile-for-sps.html?spref=tw
- Seattle Times is conducting a survey asking readers how they would persuade someone to take the superintendent role for Seattle Public Schools, highlighting challenges like budget deficits, leadership turnover, and academic improvements.
- Seattle residents consistently vote to tax themselves for school operations and capital needs, showing financial support and commitment to public education despite having one of the smallest child populations among urban cities.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools are raised, with allegations that personal connections influence promotions and job transfers within the district.
- Director Geary expressed her views on advanced learning services during a Board meeting, aligning with certain perspectives on the topic.
Choosing Democracy: Labor Day -Solidarity https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/labor-day-solidarity.html
- The blog post discusses the challenges facing democracy, particularly focusing on public schooling and labor solidarity.
- It emphasizes the importance of demonstrations and collective action to counter fascist tendencies.
- The blog is authored by Duane Campbell, Director of the Institute for Democracy and Education, and includes his reflections on resisting authoritarianism and promoting democratic values.
- The archive indicates ongoing discussions about resistance to authoritarianism, sanctuary cities, and public education advocacy.
- The blog is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.
Education Research Report: Teachers' depression, anxiety and stress at three times the national norm https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/teachers-depression-anxiety-and-stress.html
- Australian teachers experience depression, anxiety, and stress at rates three times the national norm, with 90% reporting severe stress and nearly 70% describing their workload as unmanageable.
- Workload manageability is a key factor influencing teachers' mental health, with unmanageable workloads linked to depressive symptoms and intentions to leave the profession.
- Non-core tasks such as administrative duties, compliance requirements, and excessive data collection are major contributors to teacher burnout and professional disillusionment.
- Poor mental health among teachers is a significant predictor of turnover intentions, exacerbating Australia's teacher shortage, with up to 30% considering leaving the profession early.
- Teachers in rural and remote areas report higher depressive symptoms, and female teachers are more likely to experience mental health issues and turnover intentions.
- The study recommends reforms to reduce non-essential workload, monitor teacher wellbeing, invest in digital mental health programs, and implement system-wide interventions to support teacher retention.
- Poor teacher mental health negatively impacts student outcomes, including academic achievement and wellbeing, emphasizing the need for policy prioritization to improve teacher wellbeing.
Education Research Report: May 2025 School Pulse Panel Results https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/may-2025-school-pulse-panel-results.html
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released findings from the May 2025 School Pulse Panel, a rapid response survey focused on high-priority education topics in public K-12 schools.
- The survey includes data on student behavior, social and emotional skills, school crime, preparedness, and safety procedures, with historical data available for comparison.
- Results are nationally representative and categorized by various factors such as region, school locale, school level, size, demographic composition, and neighborhood poverty density.
- The report can be accessed at https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/spp/.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-26-25
8-26-25
