May Day 2026 Toolkit | NEA
TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
APRIL 16, 2026
Here are today's top news stories (as of April 16, 2026) in each category, based on major headlines and developments.
U.S. News
- Hero principal disarms gunman: Video shows an Oklahoma high school principal tackling and disarming a former student who entered the school lobby and began firing a pistol; no fatalities reported in the incident.
- Severe weather outbreak: Storms trigger multiple tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding across several states, placing over 50 million Americans under alerts from Texas to the Great Lakes; at least 14 tornadoes reported.
- Dramatic rescues and incidents: A Michigan clerk helps save a 16-year-old girl allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from a bus stop; separate reports include a fatal shooting during an attempted child kidnapping in Nebraska and ongoing coverage of a missing American in the Bahamas.
- Baby elephant debut: The Smithsonian National Zoo introduces its first Asian elephant born in 25 years.
Politics
- Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress: The Democratic representative steps down amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations; Democrats cut ties with his AI startup, sparking broader ethics concerns and calls for a congressional reckoning.
- Iran war and ceasefire talks: President Trump signals the conflict could end soon, with a second round of U.S.-Iran talks possibly resuming via Pakistani mediators; White House briefing addresses the blockade, gas prices, and related issues.
- Congressional actions: Senate Republicans block Democratic efforts to end the Iran war; House Democrats push anti-corruption messaging; separate resignation of a Republican representative over misconduct allegations.
- Trump-Pope tensions: Ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV, including Trump's AI-generated images and warnings from aides like JD Vance.
World Affairs
- U.S. naval blockade of Iran: Enters its third day with over 10,000 U.S. troops involved; Iran threatens to disrupt Gulf trade, while China warns against the action; Trump hints at progress toward ending the war, with Pakistani delegation in Tehran for talks.
- Israel-Lebanon and regional fallout: U.S.-facilitated talks amid concerns that Israel's actions could destabilize Lebanon further; related strikes and demands continue.
- Turkey school shootings: Second incident in two days injures or kills multiple students; surveillance video captures one attack.
- Other global notes: China moves in disputed South China Sea; Hungary election developments; Pope Leo on Africa tour amid U.S. criticism.
Education
- Four-day school week debate: Colorado panel discusses impacts on student achievement, staffing, and whether compressed weeks are helping or hurting districts.
- National Community College Month: April 2026 proclaimed to highlight community colleges' role in workforce development and opportunity.
- Broader 2026 education recap: Discussions on policy shifts, funding, curriculum (e.g., science of reading for English learners), and educator wellness trends.
Economy
- Iran war economic ripple effects: IMF downgrades global growth to 3.1% (reference scenario) due to energy disruptions and Strait of Hormuz issues; U.S. pivots to "financial equivalent" of bombings via sanctions; uncertainty hobbles hiring/investment.
- Markets react: S&P 500 hits new highs as investors weigh ceasefire hopes and lower oil prices; mixed earnings season outlook amid war risks.
- U.S. data points: Recent GDP growth sluggish at 0.5% in Q4 2025; upcoming indicators like jobless claims and industrial production monitored closely.
- Antitrust developments: Jury finds Ticketmaster/Live Nation held an anticompetitive monopoly.
Technology
- AI everywhere: Americans increasingly turn to AI for health advice; shoe company Allbirds pivots to AI computing; emerging tech forecasts highlight AI moving beyond digital workflows.
- Company moves: Ford EV/tech chief departs; Monarch Tractor acquired by Caterpillar after collapse; Oracle plans massive fuel cells for AI/cloud; various AI funding and tool advancements.
- Other: Blind athlete uses AI smart glasses for marathon; tech stocks in focus amid market volatility.
Health
- Hypertension breakthrough: UT Southwestern study shows team-based care significantly lowers blood pressure in low-income patients.
- AI in health: Polls show many Americans relying on AI for medical advice.
- Global/maternal health: Ongoing concerns over preventable deaths in low-income countries and attacks on healthcare in conflict zones.
- Other notes: National Healthcare Decision Day (April 16) promotes advance directives; Epstein-Barr virus research advances.
Sports
- NHL developments: Stanley Cup Playoffs analysis and power rankings; regular season wrap-up with highlights from games like Stars vs. Sabres and Maple Leafs vs. Senators.
- NBA/Play-In: Philadelphia 76ers advance with a key win.
- MLB: Phillies-Cubs series tied; other notes like Mets injury (Jared Young out 6-8 weeks).
- College/Other: NCAA basketball Final Four recaps and previews; golf events ongoing; various signing day and transfer portal updates.
The Iran conflict and its ceasefire/blockade dominate much of the day's coverage across categories, with secondary focus on U.S. domestic incidents, weather, and politics. Stories can evolve quickly.
- A group of bipartisan education reform advocates recently convened in Washington D.C. to revive the coalition behind No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top, emphasizing the urgency to address learning declines post-COVID.
- Advocates argue that bipartisan school reform could return due to a perceived learning crisis, media narratives about education, and potential political incentives for both parties to move toward the center on education issues.
- Challenges to bipartisan reform include the lack of a clear and compelling message, limited grassroots demand, and the absence of strong presidential leadership to champion the cause.
- Historical bipartisan education reforms, which focused on standardized testing and accountability, are criticized for their failures, including the demoralization of teachers, the rise and fall of charter schools, and the negative impacts of Common Core.
- Advocates for public schools argue for a different vision, emphasizing their role in supporting democracy, fostering community, and teaching critical thinking, while rejecting the test-and-punish approach of past reforms.
Big Education Ape: ATTACK OF THE VOUCHER VULTURES: HOW THE ECCA & FLEX ACTS ARE PICKING THE PUBLIC CLEAN #MayDayStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/attack-of-voucher-vultures-how-ecca.html
The article critiques the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and the Funding Local Education with Excellence (FLEX) Act, arguing that they divert public funds to private entities, reduce public school funding, and lack transparency and accountability. The post emphasizes the detrimental effects on public education and urges readers to take action to protect public schools.
### Key Points
- Ohio spent more on school privatization than public schools in many communities.
- The ECCA and FLEX Acts are described as mechanisms to redirect public funds to private schools with minimal accountability.
- Wealthy donors and corporations benefit significantly from tax credits under ECCA, while public schools and underprivileged students lose out.
- The FLEX Act facilitates the use of public funds for private or religious institutions, bypassing public oversight.
- These acts are criticized for creating a self-sustaining system that perpetuates inequality in education funding.
- States opting into ECCA exacerbate public school funding challenges, with examples like Arizona showing significant budget deficits due to voucher programs.
- The article calls for public action to oppose these policies and support public education.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 15, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01395687011.html
The article covers a range of global, national, and educational developments, including escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, AI integration in education, political controversies, and the privatization of public education. It critiques various policies, highlights societal challenges, and emphasizes the importance of equity, democracy, and regulation in addressing these issues.
### Key Points
- There is a severe shortage of priests in the Adirondacks, New York State, and a call for assistance has been made.
- U.S.-Iran tensions escalate as the U.S. Navy enforces a blockade on Iranian ports following failed peace talks, aiming to cut off Iran's oil revenue.
- Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress amid allegations of sexual misconduct and ends his bid for California governor.
- A 16-year-old faces charges for the murder and sexual assault of his 18-year-old stepsister on a cruise ship.
- Severe weather, including tornadoes and storms, continues across the Midwest and Plains.
- The feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV escalates, with Trump posting (and deleting) an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus.
- Trump proposes a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, prioritizing military spending over domestic programs.
- House Democrats push for a vote on an Iran war powers resolution.
- The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports leads to threats of retaliation from Iran and warnings from China about the move's global implications.
- Israel and Lebanon hold direct talks for the first time in over 30 years amid regional tensions.
- The IMF warns of a global recession due to the Iran conflict's impact on energy prices and inflation.
- Los Angeles Unified School District faces a massive strike involving ~70,000 staff, potentially affecting over 500,000 students.
- Colleges are shortening bachelor's programs to three years to address cost and efficiency concerns.
- Major banks report strong Q1 earnings despite geopolitical risks, though concerns over inflation and defense spending remain.
- AI advancements and the data center boom face resistance over environmental concerns.
- Anthropic briefs the Trump administration on its new AI model, "Mythos," which is being tested with major banks.
- Research highlights the impact of ultra-processed foods, gut bacteria, and new vaccines on health.
- The NBA Play-In Tournament and MLB regular season games dominate sports news.
- Iran creates AI-generated propaganda videos mocking the U.S., portraying it as an oppressive force and linking the Iran war to historical atrocities.
- The videos highlight alleged U.S. atrocities and criticize Trump’s leadership style as exploitative and violent.
- Adam Kinzinger critiques the Trump administration’s dismantling of U.S. informational infrastructure, leaving the country vulnerable to foreign propaganda.
- Arizona's State Superintendent intervenes to save a failing charter school owned by a multimillionaire, sparking criticism over loose charter school regulation.
- A debate between AI systems, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude, highlights differing views on AI's role in K-12 education. Claude wins the debate by emphasizing the importance of human connection in education.
- The privatization of public education and the ethical implications of AI integration in classrooms are critiqued. A "Public Option for AI" is proposed to ensure equitable access and democratic accountability.
- The Trump administration faces backlash for its handling of the U.S.-Iran conflict, including international and domestic criticism of its strategies and decisions.
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) increased the Child Tax Credit but failed to address child poverty effectively, leaving millions of low-income children excluded.
- The importance of play in child development is emphasized, with a call to prioritize unstructured, imaginative activities to combat childhood anxiety and foster resilience.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 15, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-15-2026.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of current global and national events as of April 15, 2026, touching on political, economic, educational, and technological developments. Key highlights include the U.S.-Iran conflict, political shifts in the U.S., changes in education policies, advancements in AI, and economic trends influenced by geopolitical tensions.
### Key Points
- Ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions with a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and potential ceasefire talks.
- Severe weather alerts in the Midwest and a heroic act by a principal in Oklahoma during a school shooting incident.
- National Popular Vote Interstate Compact gains momentum, aiming to bypass the Electoral College.
- President Trump pushes for FISA reauthorization, sparking privacy debates.
- Trump's proposed 2027 budget includes a significant defense spending increase amid the Iran conflict.
- Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress after assault allegations.
- U.S. lobbying spending reaches a record high due to policy shifts.
- U.S. education policy shifts focus to state control and workforce alignment.
- AI's role in education governance and workforce alignment becomes a key focus globally.
- Economic optimism arises from potential resolution of the Iran conflict, affecting oil prices and market trends.
- Technological advancements in AI and cybersecurity, with new partnerships and product launches.
Big Education Ape: WHEN THE AI BOTS ARGUED ABOUT WHETHER AI BOTS BELONG IN SCHOOL: GOOGLE GEMINI AND CLAUDE OPUS WALKED INTO A DEBATE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/when-ai-bots-argued-about-whether-ai.html
The article provides a detailed account of a debate between two AI systems, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude 4.6 Opus, on whether AI should be integrated into K-12 education. The debate is structured into four rounds, with each AI presenting arguments for and against the motion. Gemini supports AI's inclusion in classrooms, emphasizing its potential to personalize learning and provide equity, while Claude opposes it, arguing that AI undermines the human-centric nature of education and poses risks to cognitive development. Ultimately, Claude is declared the winner due to its philosophical depth, emotional appeal, and effective reframing of Gemini's arguments.
### Key Points
- The debate featured Google's Gemini advocating for AI's integration into classrooms and Anthropic's Claude arguing against it.
- Gemini's arguments focused on AI's ability to personalize education, bridge the digital divide, and prepare students for the future.
- Claude countered by emphasizing the importance of human connection in education, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the asymmetry of risks between premature and delayed AI integration.
- The cross-examination round highlighted the challenges of balancing pragmatic concerns like equity and practicality with philosophical ideals about education's purpose.
- Claude's closing argument, "The Argument from Love," emphasized the irreplaceable human elements of education, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
- Claude was declared the winner for its strategic reframing, focus on the asymmetry of risk, and emotionally resonant closing argument.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 14, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0486427172.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various topics, including global political developments, education reforms, technological advancements, economic updates, and health research. It highlights the impact of geopolitical conflicts, educational policies, and technological integration on society. The narrative also critiques controversial political actions, privatization of education, and the ethical implications of AI in classrooms.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 14, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-14-2026.html
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.
When Implementing New Tech, Always Ask This Question (Peter Greene)* https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2026/04/15/when-implementing-new-tech-always-ask-this-question-peter-greene/ via @CubanLarry
Union Matters 2 How Should We Run Our Chapter? Doing the Thing ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/how-should-we-run-our-chapter
The Education Report 2 Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Appears Ready to Resist Gov. Lee's Plan to Keep Tennessee Kids Hungry Legislation would require state to participate in Sun Bucks program ANDY SPEARS https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers-appears
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has rejected $75 million in federal funding for the Sun Bucks program, which provides additional EBT funds to low-income families during summer to feed children who qualify for free or reduced school meals.
- Instead of utilizing the federal funds, the state plans to implement its own program that will serve significantly fewer children—around 25,000 compared to the 700,000 eligible under the federal program—despite similar costs.
- A bipartisan group of 30 lawmakers, including two rural Republicans, Sen. Paul Bailey and Rep. Michael Hale, are sponsoring a bill (HB1835/SB1911) to mandate the state to apply for the federal funding.
- The proposed legislation has received unanimous approval in committees so far, driven by pressure from constituents, educators, local officials, pediatricians, and faith leaders.
glen brown: "Democracy advocates should unabashedly denounce Trump in moral terms" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/democracy-advocates-should-unabashedly.html
- The article discusses the role of writers in resisting oppression and emphasizes the importance of independence from societal doctrines and politics.
- It critiques Donald Trump’s erratic behavior, including his controversial statements and actions, such as attacking Pope Leo and posting a sacrilegious image portraying himself as Jesus.
- Pope Leo’s response to Trump highlights the importance of promoting faith, peace, and love, contrasting with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
- Historical examples, like Pope John Paul II’s visit to Poland in 1979, illustrate how values-based movements can challenge autocrats and inspire people to reject oppressive regimes.
- The article argues that democracy advocates should oppose Trump on moral grounds, emphasizing values such as fairness, decency, empathy, and patriotism.
- It calls for unity among democracy defenders to stand against corruption, cruelty, and autocratic leadership by focusing on universal principles of right versus wrong.
We need your help..please read https://rlratto.wordpress.com/2026/04/15/we-need-your-help-please-read/ via @ratto_rr
- A retired elementary school teacher is seeking help to support their pastor, Father Medenel Angrand, who serves three parishes in the Adirondacks, New York, amidst a severe priest shortage.
- Father Medenel, originally from Haiti, has been in the U.S. for 11 years and applied for a Green Card four years ago, but his application remains pending.
- His Employment Authorization renewal application, submitted in September 2024, is also stalled, risking his ability to continue his pastoral duties by the end of May.
- The writer urges readers to contact their Senators or Congress members to advocate for expedited processing of Father Medenel’s immigration applications by USCIS.
10th Period: State Data: Ohio Spent More on School Privatization Last Year Than Public Schools in Many Communities | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/state-data-ohio
- Ohio is spending more state funds on privately run charter and private schools than on public schools in many communities, including Columbus, the largest school district.
- In Columbus, state funding for charter and private schools is nearly double that of public schools, with similar patterns observed in other districts across the state.
- Wealthier suburban districts are also affected, with significant portions of state funding going to private and charter schools, despite only a small percentage of students attending these institutions.
- Urban districts like Akron, Cleveland, and others are disproportionately impacted, with up to 80% of state funding redirected to privately run schools.
- The state now spends a much smaller share of its budget on public school students compared to 1975, raising concerns about the prioritization of education funding.
- The analysis excludes several additional costs and subsidies, suggesting the financial impact on public schools may be even greater than reported.
- Charter schools in Ohio are classified as private employers by the National Labor Relations Board, contradicting claims that they are public institutions.
Teacher Tom: Play as an Act of Resistance https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/04/play-as-act-of-resistance.html
### Key Points
- Encouraging children to question authority is vital for fostering critical thinking and intellectual independence.
- Teaching children to challenge irrational authority helps prevent blind obedience and promotes mutual respect.
- Play-based learning allows children to develop their own ideas and resist manipulation, fostering self-governance and truth-seeking.
- The importance of play in childhood extends to mental health and resisting societal pressures.
- The blog offers free resources for educators and parents to support play-based learning environments.
TEACHING IN DANGEROUS TIMES The Houston Reading Study is one of the Four Cornerstones of the Science of Reading: A Conversation with AI About the Flaws in the HRS that Undermine the 43 State Reading Laws DENNY TAYLOR https://substack.com/home/post/p-194323953
### Key Points
- The Houston Reading Study (HRS) is one of the cornerstones of the "Science of Reading," but its methodological flaws undermine the credibility of its findings.
- The National Reading Panel's phonemic awareness and phonics meta-analyses rely heavily on behaviorist paradigms rooted in Thorndike’s Law of Effect and stimulus-response theories.
- Thorndike's eugenics background and controversial research practices are highlighted as problematic influences on modern reading education.
- The HRS used a quasi-experimental design without random sampling, raising concerns about its generalizability to the national Title 1 population.
- The HRS findings were politically leveraged by George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential election to promote the "Texas Miracle" and federal education reforms.
- Teachers involved in the HRS expressed anxiety about the study's political overtones and its impact on their teaching practices and students’ academic progress.
- The study failed to account for critical social factors like Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), language proficiency, and race, which significantly affect learning outcomes.
- The inappropriate use of parametric statistics in the HRS and other reading studies led to flawed conclusions about instructional methods.
- Digital reading programs based on behaviorist principles and flawed studies, such as McGraw-Hill’s Smarty Ants, risk "algorithmic assimilation" and may harm children’s cognitive development.
- Reading on paper provides a "print advantage" for deep understanding, which digital programs fail to replicate due to cognitive overload and distractions.
- The author advocates for future research to include mandatory social covariates, trauma-informed data layers, and integrated data systems to improve the validity of educational studies.
- The article emphasizes the need to move beyond the behaviorist "Science of Reading" and adopt a more equitable and comprehensive approach to reading education.
Courage Isn’t Loud: A Conversation on Humanity, Risk, and Freedom – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/04/15/courage-isnt-loud-a-conversation-on-humanity-risk-and-freedom/
Courage Isn’t Loud: A Conversation about Humanity, Risk, and Freedom
- The podcast "My Story Is Not Unique" explores shared human experiences, focusing on themes like freedom, courage, and standing firm in difficult situations.
- Courage is often quiet and found in personal decisions about values, integrity, and responsibility, even when it involves risks such as isolation or professional uncertainty.
- Silence is rarely neutral; it can sustain inequities, while speaking up, though uncomfortable, is a responsibility tied to humanity and societal progress, especially in education.
- The podcast highlights the importance of protecting democracy, equity, and fairness through individual and institutional actions, even under external pressures.
- The "glass dome" metaphor illustrates the unseen pressures individuals face, balancing protection and constraint, and the fragility of navigating life's complexities.
- Courage is not always about grand gestures but includes small, unpopular, or difficult decisions that uphold integrity and values.
- The podcast encourages reflection on personal courage and how individuals respond to challenging moments.
10th Period Ohio taxpayers directly fund more private than public school districts With 85% of private school students getting subsidies Ohio now has created a second, taxpayer-funded private school system Ohio's Constitution only allows one STEPHEN DYER https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/ohio-taxpayers-directly-fund-more
- Ohio now directly funds more private schools (656) than public school districts (611), creating a second taxpayer-funded private school system, which contradicts the state's constitutional mandate for a single system of common schools.
- Nearly 85% of private school students in Ohio receive taxpayer-funded tuition subsidies, a sharp increase from 14% twelve years ago, costing taxpayers and public schools at least $770 million.
- A significant portion of private schools rely heavily on taxpayer subsidies: 77% of private schools receive subsidies for 80% or more of their students, with over half of them subsidizing 90% or more.
- None of the taxpayer funds allocated to private schools have been audited for proper use, raising concerns about accountability and compliance with constitutional requirements.
- Ohio's voucher programs have led to financial harm for public schools, as funds diverted to private schools reduce resources for all buildings within public school districts.
- The General Assembly's approach to school funding contradicts the Ohio Constitution's requirement for a singular, thorough, and efficient common school system.
Curmudgucation AZ: Charter Shenanigans From Primavera PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/az-charter-shenanigans-from-primavera
### Key Points
- Damian Creamer, founder of Primavera Online School and StrongMind, profits through "related party transactions," where his charter school pays his own company for educational services.
- Arizona is known for allowing such practices, with 77% of its charter schools engaging in related party transactions.
- Creamer operates multiple interconnected for-profit and non-profit entities, including StrongMind, Verona Learning Partnership, and Valor Preparatory Academy, funneling money between them.
- Despite marketing himself as a visionary education entrepreneur, Creamer’s focus seems to be on financial gain rather than educational outcomes.
- Reports reveal that cyber charters like Primavera receive significant funding (85%-95% of brick-and-mortar schools) but deliver poorer educational results.
- Investigations found that 78% of taxpayer funds for Primavera went to "management," with Creamer personally benefiting from millions in profits and stockholder equity.
- Primavera faced closure due to three consecutive D grades but was saved by Arizona State Superintendent Tom Horne, who reclassified it as an "alternative school," lowering performance standards retroactively.
- The article questions whether alternative schools should be held to lower standards and critiques Primavera’s poor performance despite 25 years in operation.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
The Trump administration is currently dominating the headlines with a heavy focus on the FY 2027 budget proposal, significant shifts in foreign policy involving Iran, and new trade measures.
Here are the top 10 news stories regarding President Trump as of today, April 16, 2026:
1. Senate Blocks War Powers Resolution
In a 52-47 vote on Wednesday, Senate Republicans successfully blocked a Democratic-led resolution intended to rein in President Trump’s war powers.
2. OMB Director Testifies on "Brobdingnagian" Defense Budget
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought is testifying before the Senate Budget Committee today.
3. Historic 100% Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals
A recent Executive Order levying 100% tariffs on patented pharmaceutical products and ingredients is sending shockwaves through the healthcare sector.
4. Proposed Reductions to HHS and Social Programs
The President's budget vision includes a $15.8 billion (12.5%) decrease in discretionary funding for Health and Human Services (HHS).
5. Establishment of the "Administration for a Healthy America"
The White House is pushing to reorganize HHS into a new entity called the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).
6. Operation Epic Fury: Targeting Iranian Oil Networks
The Treasury Department announced new sanctions yesterday targeting an "illicit oil smuggling network" run by Iranian elites.
7. DOJ Moves to Erase Jan. 6 Convictions
In a controversial move, the Department of Justice has begun filing motions to erase the seditious conspiracy convictions of various leaders involved in the January 6 Capitol events, aligning with the President's previous promises regarding pardons and legal redress.
8. Tensions with Mexico Over Migrant Deaths
Tensions are rising as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pushes back against the Trump administration following the 14th reported death of a Mexican national in U.S. migration detention this year.
9. Unleashing Domestic Mineral Production
The USDA recently finalized the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange for the Resolution Copper Project.
10. Midterm Election Strategy & "The State-Based" Message
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the President’s recent comments at a White House event—suggesting that social programs are "scams" that states should manage—have become a focal point for both supporters and critics, setting the stage for a heated campaign season.
