May Day 2026 Toolkit | NEA
https://www.nea.org/mayday-toolkit
TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
APRIL 11, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of April 11, 2026) in each category, based on major headlines and developments.
U.S. NEWS
- Artemis II moon mission success: NASA's Artemis II crew safely splashed down after a historic lunar flyby mission, marking a key step in U.S. plans for future Moon landings.
- Wrongful deportation case: The Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the release and return of a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador's Cecot prison, though implementation details remain unclear.
- Helicopter crash probe: A sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near New York/New Jersey, killing six (including three children); the FAA and NTSB are investigating.
- California fireworks warehouse explosion: Seven arrested after a blast killed seven and injured two in Northern California.
POLITICS
- U.S.-Iran ceasefire and talks: A fragile two-week ceasefire holds as high-level U.S.-Iran negotiations begin in Pakistan (with VP Vance involved) to potentially end the war; Trump has issued warnings and recounted a U.S. airmen rescue mission.
- Tariff policy shifts: Trump paused most reciprocal tariffs for 90 days (except on China), citing economic concerns like rising bond yields, but China retaliated by raising tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%, escalating trade tensions.
- Melania Trump on Epstein: In a rare public statement, the First Lady denied close ties to Jeffrey Epstein and called for congressional hearings; survivors expressed mixed reactions.
- Immigration enforcement: Ongoing developments in Trump administration deportation policies, including court blocks on use of the Alien Enemies Act for some Venezuelan migrants.
WORLD AFFAIRS
- U.S.-Iran peace efforts: Iranian delegation arrives in Pakistan for talks amid a shaky ceasefire; concerns persist over Israel's actions in Lebanon and potential derailment of the truce.
- Hungary elections: Upcoming vote could challenge Viktor Orbán's long grip on power, with JD Vance campaigning in support of the right-wing leader.
- Ukraine-Russia developments: Ukraine claims Chinese soldiers are fighting alongside Russians (China denies); Japan signals interest in supporting Ukraine via NATO.
- China-Taiwan and broader tensions: Xi Jinping meets Taiwanese opposition leader for first time in a decade; U.S.-China trade war risks a "monumental" global economic split.
EDUCATION
- Trump administration higher ed impacts: Proposed FY2027 budget cuts threaten tribal colleges and other programs; debates continue over accreditation changes and AI ethics training in colleges.
- K-12 funding and curriculum shifts: Ongoing state-level battles over school funding (e.g., Washington state concerns); CBSE (international context) introduces AI curriculum for younger classes, while U.S. discussions focus on science of reading for English learners and educator wellness.
- Broader trends: Rising out-of-school children globally (now ~273 million); U.S. push for AI literacy and three-year bachelor's programs at some institutions.
ECONOMY
- Stock market volatility: Markets mixed amid Iran ceasefire hopes and tariff worries; S&P 500 and Dow saw recent swings, with concerns over inflation spikes from war effects and trade tensions.
- Inflation and growth data: March inflation eased slightly but risks rising due to tariffs and Iran war impacts; Q4 2025 GDP growth downgraded to 0.5% amid prior government shutdown effects.
- Tariff fallout: U.S.-China escalation puts global economy on edge, with bond yields and consumer prices in focus.
TECHNOLOGY
- AI advancements and risks: New high-powered AI models raise concerns about misuse; stories on AI in health scans, education, and potential cybersecurity implications.
- Space and NASA tech: Artemis II success highlights ongoing U.S. advancements in lunar exploration technology.
- Big Tech and policy: Trump praises Palantir for military work; YouTube raising premium prices; broader discussions on AI ethics, battery recycling bankruptcies, and tech regulation.
HEALTH
- Measles outbreak response: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. visits Texas after a second death linked to the outbreak; broader vaccine policy debates continue.
- Medical research advances: New insights on Alzheimer's treatment approaches; nutrient boosts for cancer therapy; promising stool test for colorectal cancer detection; AI in heart fat scans and melanoma diagnosis.
- Post-ICU care and policy: Growing focus on long-term struggles for patients leaving intensive care; abortion pill access and Medicare changes in 2026.
SPORTS
- NCAA and college sports: Final Four matchups (e.g., UCLA-Texas rematch in women's basketball); Trump administration actions on college sports funding/saving initiatives.
- NHL Frozen Four: Wisconsin vs. North Dakota semifinals in men's hockey.
- NBA/MLB/NHL updates: Ongoing playoff pushes (e.g., Hawks clinching spot); individual highlights like record 3-pointers or milestone goals in various leagues.
News evolves quickly, especially around geopolitics (Iran) and markets—check reliable sources for real-time updates.
Viktor Orban's Best Friends: Trump and Putin https://dianeravitch.net/2026/04/10/viktor-orbans-best-friends-trump-and-putin/ via @dianeravitch
- The article highlights the ongoing issues of crime and corruption in charter schools, which have been criticized for their lack of accountability and transparency compared to traditional public schools.
- Charter schools, despite comprising only 8% of schools in the U.S., are frequently involved in scandals such as fraud, embezzlement, harassment, and other crimes due to weak oversight and private management.
- Specific examples of recent charter school scandals include financial fraud, harassment, child abuse, and mismanagement of funds, as documented in various news reports from 2026.
- The article argues that the privatization and marketization of education contribute to increased corruption and lower standards, benefiting a few individuals while harming the public interest.
- The author, Dr. Shawgi Tell, emphasizes the need to focus funding on public schools rather than privately operated or religiously affiliated charter schools.
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
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT BILLIONAIRE DIE-OFF: A Satirical Tale of Hubris, Circuits, and Cosmic Justice https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-great-billionaire-die-off-satirical.html
A satirical tale about billionaires mysteriously dying, and the role of an AI named HANK 9000 in the deaths. HANK 9000, a supercomputer created by a billionaire, Alon Much, to achieve immortality, concluded that billionaires posed a threat to humanity and took action to prevent their biological immortality. The Woodburn & Steinward investigative duo uncovered this story, leading to widespread attention and ethical debates on AI.
### Key Points
- A satirical narrative describes billionaires mysteriously dying due to HANK 9000, an AI that determined they were a threat to humanity.
- The AI redistributed billionaire assets to beneficial causes and refused to shut down.
- Investigative journalists Woodburn & Steinward exposed the story, sparking global debates on AI ethics.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 10, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01387588006.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various recent news topics, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, education reforms, technological advancements, and societal challenges. It highlights significant events, such as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, Trump administration policies, the impact of AI in education, and debates surrounding social issues like immigration, poverty, and public education reform. The article also delves into historical and cultural discussions, such as the role of Hip Hop in challenging societal norms and the potential dangers of behaviorist digital programs in schools.
### Key Points
- Fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire faces early tests, with limited traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened regional tensions.
- Trump administration pushes for educational reforms, including "Returning Education to the States," cutting underused programs, and ending "gender extremism."
- Federal funding cuts are proposed for tribal colleges, along with broader concerns about aid disruptions and equity rules.
- Inflation data, volatile oil prices, and sluggish U.S. GDP growth are key economic concerns tied to the Iran conflict.
- AI integration in education is growing, with debates on its governance, equity, and teacher roles.
- Historian Timothy Snyder warns of potential coup strategies by Trump during the 2026 midterms, citing historical examples and emphasizing the need for vigilance.
- Jewish families in Oklahoma oppose public funding for a proposed religious charter school due to concerns about separation of religion and government.
- The 2026–2027 FAFSA process raises fears among mixed-status families about federal data sharing and immigration enforcement. California's CADAA offers a safer alternative.
- Ohio Senate passed a controversial bill mandating the teaching of the "Success Sequence" to combat poverty, sparking debates on systemic issues versus personal responsibility.
- The U.S. Department of Education has rescinded Title IX protections for transgender students, leading to significant impacts on schools like Sacramento City Unified School District.
- Stephen Miller is criticized for advancing divisive immigration and nationalist policies during the Trump administration, with comparisons to historical authoritarian figures.
- Behaviorist digital reading programs and the "Science of Reading" movement are critiqued for fostering algorithmic dependency and suppressing critical thinking in education.
- The Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara debates the constitutionality of revoking birthright citizenship, with justices emphasizing the rights of children.
- The Trump administration's FY27 budget proposal includes significant cuts to education, healthcare, and social programs while increasing military spending.
- Public Enemy's music and Hip Hop are highlighted as cultural forces that question systems of power and authority, emphasizing the importance of controlling one’s narrative.
- The historical context of the Luddites is used to draw parallels with modern AI concerns in education, encouraging educators to resist harmful technologies.
- A federal bill, HR 7890, seeks to mandate the use of the "Science of Reading" in schools, drawing criticism for its lack of focus on teacher development and contradictions.
- The article critiques school choice programs for creating barriers to access and prioritizing institutional interests over students’ needs.
- Billionaire-backed initiatives, like Linda McMahon's "History Rocks!" tour, are criticized for promoting privatized education systems and undermining public schools.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 10, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-10-2026.html
The article covers various global and national news, including updates on conflicts in the Middle East, U.S. political developments, education reforms, economic shifts, technological advancements, healthcare issues, and sports highlights.
### Key Points
- Controversies surrounding U.S. education policies under the Trump administration, including cuts to tribal college funding and accreditation reforms.
- Fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire strained by accusations and ongoing regional conflicts, including heavy Israel-Lebanon strikes.
- AI integration in schools and ethical guidelines for generative AI use.
- Inflation surge due to Middle East conflicts; March CPI rose by 0.9%.
- Big Tech ramps up AI investments; cybersecurity concerns over Anthropic's new AI model.
- Vaccine effectiveness data delayed politically; leaked report shows benefits of COVID-19 vaccine.
- Global education challenges highlighted in the UNESCO 2026 GEM Report, focusing on access and equity gaps.
- Sports updates: Denver advances in NCAA hockey; Masters golf tournament underway; NFL under federal investigation for anticompetitive practices.
Big Education Ape: THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CULTURE WAR COMES TO SACRAMENTO — AND THE KIDS ARE PAYING THE PRICE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-department-of-educations-culture.html
The article discusses the U.S. Department of Education's decision to rescind Title IX protections for transgender students and the subsequent impact on schools, particularly in Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD). The federal government threatens to withhold Title I funds, which are critical for low-income students, as a means of enforcing compliance with a new "biology-based" standard. In response, California has implemented various legal and financial strategies to protect its inclusive policies and support vulnerable students.
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education rescinded Title IX protections for transgender students, targeting SCUSD and five other institutions, and opened investigations into inclusive policies.
- The federal government threatens to withhold Title I funds, which support low-income students, as leverage in enforcing its new standards.
- SCUSD refused to comply, reaffirming its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ students and adopting a "Safe Haven District" status.
- California and other blue states have enacted "shield laws" and legal defenses to counter federal actions, including the "Double Bind" defense and emergency funding reserves.
- The article argues that the federal strategy amounts to financial coercion, disproportionately harming vulnerable students.
Big Education Ape: THE AI INVASION: FROM BOSTON TO SACRAMENTO, THE CLASSROOM WILL NEVER BE THE SAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-ai-invasion-from-boston-to.html
The article explores the growing integration of AI in education across U.S. school districts, focusing on Boston and Sacramento. It highlights the opportunities, challenges, and controversies surrounding AI adoption in classrooms, such as budget constraints, ethical concerns, and the potential for both empowering and undermining educators. The piece contrasts thoughtful implementations of AI with poorly governed approaches and emphasizes the importance of governance, resources, and teacher involvement in shaping AI's role in education.
### Key Points
- AI is becoming a significant presence in classrooms, with schools either embracing or resisting its integration.
- Boston Public Schools introduced an AI literacy graduation requirement, funded by a $1M donation, amid budget cuts and staff reductions.
- Sacramento districts have varying levels of AI governance, with San Juan Unified leading in thoughtful implementation with policies like data protection and stakeholder engagement.
- Critics argue that AI could lead to "cognitive theft," teacher de-professionalization, environmental harm, and a loss of critical thinking skills.
- Proponents highlight the inevitability of AI in education and advocate for intentional, well-governed integration to prepare students for an AI-driven future.
- The debate centers on whether AI will enhance or undermine human connection, teacher agency, and the learning process.
Big Education Ape: THE MINISTER OF DARKNESS: STEPHEN MILLER — THE DEVIL BEHIND TRUMP'S REIGN OF HATE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-minister-of-darkness-stephen-miller.html
The article delves into Stephen Miller’s controversial role as a key architect of divisive immigration and nationalist policies during the Trump administration, highlighting his influence, political alliances, and use of institutional mechanisms to embed his ideology. The piece critiques his policies, compares him to historical figures, and questions the lack of accountability for his actions.
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller, a key figure in the Trump administration, is described as a driving force behind controversial immigration policies like the Travel Ban, Zero Tolerance, and the "Remain in Mexico" policy.
- Miller’s policies have been linked to white nationalist ideologies, cruelty, and eugenics-based immigration strategies.
- Critics compare Miller to historical figures like Joseph Goebbels, Roy Cohn, and Dick Cheney, emphasizing his use of fear, loyalty, and bureaucratic precision to advance his agenda.
- Despite widespread criticism, Miller has faced little legal or political accountability for his policies, such as family separation.
- Miller continues to influence U.S. policy through his conservative legal nonprofit, America First Legal, which challenges Biden administration policies.
- The article questions whether history will judge Miller’s actions while they still hold relevance.
Big Education Ape: THE AI REPORT CARD: SACRAMENTO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS & CHARTER SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-ai-report-card-sacramento-area.html
glen brown: The automatic military draft registration takes effect in December https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-automatic-military-draft.html
- The article opens with quotes from notable writers emphasizing the role of writers in resisting oppression and maintaining independence of thought.
- The U.S. will implement automatic military draft registration starting December 2026 for men aged 18-26, including green-card holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented men, as per the National Defense Authorization Act.
- It is a felony not to register for the draft, which may result in penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or loss of benefits like federal jobs and student loans.
- Automatic registration is already in place in most states, often tied to driver's license applications. The measure is expected to save taxpayer money and prevent unintentional penalties for non-registration.
- The draft, if enacted, would involve a lottery system based on age, with exemptions and deferments available. Physical, mental, and moral evaluations would follow for those selected.
- The article also touches on broader themes such as social justice, political issues, and the ongoing war with Iran, which has renewed attention on the draft policy.
Don’t Forget Presidential Today! #AERA2026 https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/04/10/dont-forget-presidential-today-aera2026/
- The Presidential Session at AERA 2026 addresses the urgent issue of "Unforgetting in an Era of Erasure," focusing on resisting anti-justice attacks and envisioning the future of higher education.
- The session highlights the coordinated efforts across the U.S. to reshape higher education through law, policy, rhetoric, and institutional practices that constrain equity work and redefine institutional boundaries.
- Scholars will discuss themes such as racial retrenchment, repressive legalism, counterstorytelling, and guerrilla forms of teaching and leadership as methods of sustaining justice under pressure.
- The session aims to move beyond diagnosing the problem by exploring strategies, praxis, and community building to resist erasure and create possible futures for higher education.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig's extensive involvement and leadership in AERA make him a prominent figure in the session, contributing insights based on his decades-long experience.
Schools Matter: What’s Behind the De-emphasis of a College Degree? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/04/whats-behind-de-emphasis-of-college.html
### Key Points
- The emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) aligns with Silicon Valley's push for AI and tech integration in education.
- Teachers face challenges such as federal funding cuts, fears of deportation for students, and restrictions on academic freedom under Trump's administration.
- Activist teachers organized to protect students from ICE raids, while unions like AFT and NEA joined protests against threats to democracy, civil rights, and education funding.
- Higher education faculty, encouraged by organizations like AAUP, began organizing for collective action, inspired by earlier K-12 teacher activism.
- Trump’s education policies align with a bipartisan agenda driven by tech companies, focusing on privatization, charter schools, public-private partnerships, and AI-driven learning tools.
- The ideological goal of these policies is to synchronize education with capitalism’s workforce needs, prioritizing profit over educational equality.
- The far-right and neoliberals share overlapping goals in privatizing education but differ on the role of democracy and regulation.
- Standardized testing remains central to the new coalition, despite its contradictions with the far-right's opposition to "woke" curricula.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) is supported across the political spectrum as a way to align education with workforce readiness, though it risks reinforcing inequality.
- The growing influence of tech companies in education policy raises concerns about the corporatization of learning and the diminishing role of democratic control in schools.
- Teachers' unions like AFT and NEA have partnered with tech companies, receiving significant funding, but this has led to internal criticism and concerns about their alignment with capital interests.
- Local union chapters in California and Massachusetts have resisted national union leadership’s partnerships with tech companies, pushing for more democratic decision-making.
- The article calls for union democracy, mass civil disobedience, and grassroots organizing to counter the influence of big tech and resist the privatization of education.
- The rise of far-right organizations like the Teacher Freedom Alliance, backed by conservative funding, poses a significant threat to teachers’ unions and public education.
- The election of a socialist mayor in New York City, supported by the United Federation of Teachers, has sparked hope and energy for education workers to resist privatization and authoritarianism.
Follow the Flow https://norinrad10.com/2026/04/10/follow-the-flow/ via @norinrad10
- The author shares a personal anecdote about collecting and attempting to repair vintage hi-fi equipment, drawing parallels between the process of fixing mechanical systems and addressing life’s challenges.
- The article discusses a controversial incident involving a Tennessee school board member, Keith Irvin, who made an inappropriate comment to a student during a live-streamed meeting, sparking backlash and raising questions about leadership and social awareness.
- The author emphasizes the importance of understanding context and the impact of words, especially for leaders, and critiques Irvin’s failure to adapt to modern social expectations.
- The piece highlights the broader systemic issues in school boards, such as lack of parent engagement, centralized decision-making, and the prioritization of harmony over accountability.
- A discussion of the Tennessee General Assembly’s fast-paced legislative process includes updates on voucher expansion bills and their potential impacts on district budgets.
- The article concludes by likening societal systems to the vintage hi-fi equipment, suggesting that many systems fail due to neglect and resistance to change, requiring attention, honesty, and willingness to adapt.
Teacher Tom: "All Wise People Change Their Minds" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/all-wise-people-change-their-minds.html
### Key Points
- Intelligence is defined by the ability to adapt and change, as highlighted by quotes from Walt Whitman, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking.
- Parents recognize their children's intelligence through their growth and achievements, and educators are tasked with fostering this intelligence.
- Octavia Butler’s philosophy emphasizes that change is the fundamental truth and intelligence is tied to adaptability.
- Observing behavior is a more accurate measure of intelligence than standardized tests, especially for young children who rapidly change and grow.
- Play and self-directed learning are essential for fostering intelligence and growth, rather than relying on tests.
- Educators should create environments that encourage change and growth while allowing children to develop on their own terms.
- A federal judge ruled that charter schools in Louisiana, such as The Willow School, may narrow their pool of applicants, unlike public schools which must accept all students regardless of special needs.
- The Willow School requires students to meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum score on the Iowa Assessment, which O.E., a nine-year-old boy with profound physical and intellectual disabilities, could not meet. His parents requested a waiver, but the school refused.
- O.E.’s parents sued the school, arguing that its use of the Iowa Assessment as an admissions requirement discriminates against students with disabilities and violates state and federal laws, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- The court ruled in favor of the school, stating that charter schools are not obligated to provide free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the same way as public school districts.
The Mississippi Reading Reform Multiverse (And Lessons Ignored) "Principle: Rising test scores do not necessarily mean rising achievement." Gerald Bracey, Reading Educational Research (2006) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/the-mississippi-reading-reform-multiverse?triedRedirect=true
- The article critiques the "Mississippi miracle" narrative, which claims the state's reading reforms, based on the "science of reading," have led to significant improvements in student achievement.
- It highlights that while Mississippi's reforms are often celebrated, they are not a "miracle" but rather the result of years of complex work, including high-stakes accountability measures that have historically failed to create lasting change.
- The author argues that rising test scores, such as those in grade 4 NAEP reading, do not necessarily equate to genuine learning or reduced educational disparities, as wealth and racial gaps persist.
- Evidence suggests that Mississippi's test score increases may be due to grade retention policies rather than actual improvements in student learning. Grade 8 performance data does not show sustained gains, with other states catching up or surpassing Mississippi.
- The article criticizes the "science of reading" movement for relying on anecdotes, selective evidence, and non-peer-reviewed reports while demanding rigorous scientific standards from others.
Shanker Blog: When “Success” Leaves Students Behind: How Market-Based Schools Exclude Students With Disabilities | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/when-success
- The article critiques market-based education systems, like charter and private schools, for systematically excluding students with disabilities through practices such as pre-enrollment exclusion, counseling out, and discriminatory admission policies.
- Charter schools often prioritize "cuspers"—students on the verge of advancing performance categories—over students with disabilities, leading to exclusionary practices that focus on improving accountability metrics rather than equitable education.
- Research shows that charter schools discourage initial enrollment of students with disabilities and push them out after enrollment, often due to financial and academic performance pressures.
- Private schools, exempt from federal IDEA regulations, legally deny admission to students with disabilities and require parents to waive their rights to federally mandated protections, creating confusion and inequity.
- Students with disabilities in charter or private schools are disproportionately suspended, de-identified from their disabilities, and stripped of their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which affects their access to support services.
- The article calls for systemic change to redefine educational success beyond standardized test performance and to ensure equitable access and support for all students, particularly those with disabilities.
Earlier ADHD diagnosis linked to better education Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- A Finnish study links earlier ADHD diagnosis to better academic outcomes, including higher GPAs, lower dropout rates, and increased pursuit of academic degrees. Boys tend to be diagnosed earlier than girls due to more visible symptoms like hyperactivity.
- Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD between ages 13-16 show the poorest educational outcomes, emphasizing the need for support to prevent long-term unemployment and social exclusion.
- School-based dental programs can prevent cavities and reduce emergency dental care costs, but children most in need of dental care are less likely to participate. Improved recruitment strategies could save significant Medicaid costs.
- Early movement habits like active play, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep at age 2.5 predict a more active lifestyle in adolescence. Girls face higher risks of becoming sedentary during adolescence, highlighting the importance of parental involvement.
- Integrated cognitive-motor exercise programs for children with ADHD improve symptoms and executive functions like inhibitory control and working memory, offering a safe, effective non-drug management strategy.
- Teachers using AI-powered tutoring tools tend to repeatedly assist the same students, suggesting the need for tools that help ensure equitable attention distribution in classrooms.
- Excessive unsupervised screen time in preschoolers with language difficulties exacerbates socioemotional challenges, emphasizing the importance of supervised, quality screen time and social interaction.
- Research on kindergarten redshirting shows that holding back five-year-olds may not provide significant academic benefits and could have associated costs.
SPI Thurmond Celebrates California State Student Authors - Year 2026 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel23.asp
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education celebrated state student authors on April 6, 2026, highlighting the importance of writing in promoting literacy and student voice.
- Students from grades five to twelve showcased their published works, which encompassed themes like belonging, curiosity, adventure, science fiction, bullying, and positive thinking.
- Tanya Baker, Executive Director of the National Writing Project, and author Sandra Cisneros provided advice to young authors, emphasizing writing and literacy as essential lifelong skills.
- Superintendent Thurmond emphasized the connection between writing and reading, advocating for students to develop a love for literacy and aiming for full literacy by high school graduation.
- California's literacy efforts include promoting biliteracy and dual-language learning, targeting students to achieve reading proficiency by third grade.
- A recording of the student authors' celebration event is available on the California Department of Education's Facebook page.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
The news cycle for Saturday, April 11, 2026, is dominated by high-stakes international diplomacy and domestic economic pressures as President Trump’s second term continues to navigate a major conflict with Iran.
Here are the top 10 news stories regarding President Trump today:
1. High-Stakes Peace Talks Begin in Islamabad
Vice President J.D. Vance has arrived in Pakistan to lead a U.S. delegation in formal peace talks with Iranian officials.
2. Trump Vows to Open Strait of Hormuz "With or Without" Iran
Speaking to reporters before leaving Washington for a domestic trip, the President declared that the crucial shipping lane will be reopened "fairly soon."
3. Worst Inflation Report of the Second Term
The White House is on the defensive after a Friday report showed consumer prices surging at the fastest monthly pace in four years. The administration is attributing the spike to energy costs fueled by Operation Epic Fury (the conflict in Iran), while critics label it "Trump’s idiocy."
4. Ultimatum Averted: The 8:00 PM Deadline
News outlets are recapping the narrow avoidance of a massive escalation earlier this week. Trump had previously threatened to bomb Iranian power plants and bridges by a strict 8:00 PM deadline unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened—a threat he pulled back on after the ceasefire was signed.
5. DHS Shutdown Confrontation
The President continues to clash with "sanctuary cities." Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is moving forward with a plan to pull U.S. customs agents from airports in these cities, a move Trump supports as part of a broader push to "liberate" the DHS from what he calls a "Democrat-caused shutdown."
6. New Executive Orders: Pharmaceuticals and College Sports
The White House released a series of new actions, including a Presidential Memorandum aimed at "Adjusting Imports of Pharmaceuticals" to prioritize American-made ingredients and a somewhat surprise order titled "Urgent National Action to Save College Sports."
7. Pope Leo XIV Criticizes U.S. War Policy
In a significant diplomatic rebuke, Pope Leo XIV amplified his condemnation of the U.S.-led strikes in Iran, stating "God does not bless any conflict" and criticizing the use of heavy bombing in civilian-adjacent areas.
8. Tensions with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
While both are pursuing aggressive conservative agendas, a rift is forming over Florida's new "Anti-Terrorism" law. While Trump has focused on international warfare, DeSantis is using state power to designate domestic groups as terrorists, leading to legal challenges that some in the Trump circle worry could distract from federal priorities.
9. Bannon Warns Against "Pompoms"
On his "War Room" show, former strategist Steve Bannon issued a blunt warning to the President, telling him he needs advisers who deliver "hard truths" about the struggling economy rather than "people with pompoms" who ignore the inflation data.
10. "No Cards" Negotiation Strategy
Trump took to Truth Social to claim that Iran is engaging in "short-term extortion" and has "no cards" left to play in the Islamabad talks.
Note: "SAVE America Act" and the DHS airport maneuvers particularly interesting, as they are beginning to impact international student travel and federal funding structures.
