TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MAY 13, 2026
Top news stories for May 13, 2026 (based on developments from May 12-13). The dominant themes are the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, President Trump's high-stakes trip to China, surging U.S. inflation tied to energy prices, and a hantavirus health scare.
U.S. NEWS
- Hantavirus concerns rising: Health officials are monitoring passengers from a luxury cruise ship (MV Hondius) linked to a hantavirus outbreak, with cases across multiple U.S. states. The virus, which has caused deaths, is rodent-borne with limited person-to-person spread but is prompting alerts.
- Record oil release from Strategic Petroleum Reserve and proposals to suspend federal gas/diesel taxes amid high prices (over $4.50/gallon average).
- Supreme Court allows Alabama to redraw maps, potentially eliminating a majority-Black congressional district ahead of midterms, favoring Republicans.
POLITICS
- Trump departs for China summit with business leaders (e.g., Elon Musk, Tim Cook) while downplaying Iran differences and predicting positive outcomes.
- Trump calls U.S.-Iran ceasefire "on life support" after rejecting Iran's proposal as "stupid"; tensions persist with threats exchanged.
- FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, denying allegations of excessive drinking while defending performance.
- GOP efforts on redistricting and tax relief (e.g., Sen. Josh Hawley's gas tax suspension bill).
WORLD AFFAIRS
- Trump-Xi summit in Beijing: High-stakes talks on trade, tariffs, rare earths, AI, Taiwan, and possible Iran influence. Trump travels with tech CEOs seeking deals amid a fragile truce.
- Iran ceasefire fragile: U.S./Israel vs. Iran tensions continue; Saudi Aramco warns of "catastrophic" impacts if Strait of Hormuz stays closed. Broader Middle East implications.
- Other global notes: Russia strikes on Ukraine continue; developments in Venezuela post-Maduro.
EDUCATION
- Canvas learning platform outage/cyber issues: Disruptions hit colleges during exam season, with reports of data vulnerabilities and returns.
- Broader K-12/higher ed challenges: Discussions around math skills recovery, science of reading legislation, funding/equity issues (e.g., in California amid federal changes), and accessibility compliance extensions.
ECONOMY
- U.S. inflation surges (biggest jump in years, ~3.8% cited) driven by Iran war/energy prices and gas costs; impacts on consumers amid Fed-Trump tensions.
- Trump vs. Fed: Ongoing clashes, with Powell under investigation and debates over policy amid economic pressures.
- Oil prices volatile ahead of China summit and Hormuz concerns; markets reacting to inflation data.
TECHNOLOGY
- Tech CEOs join Trump in China: Focus on AI, trade deals, rare earth supplies, and resolving business hurdles with China.
- Broader tech market moves: Pressure on semiconductor/tech stocks amid inflation and global tensions; AI and chip developments in focus.
HEALTH
- Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship: Multiple cases/deaths reported; U.S. tracking exposed individuals across states. Low broader risk emphasized but public concern high.
SPORTS
- NBA: Playoffs (e.g., Eastern Conference games), 2026 Draft Combine underway in Chicago.
- MLB: Ongoing season stories, including Boston Red Sox struggles (e.g., Trevor Story performance).
- Other: NCAA DII/III events (rowing, baseball brackets); general notes on injuries ahead of events like World Cup.
News evolves quickly—especially around the Trump-Xi summit and Iran. Check major outlets for live updates.
ProPublica: When Parents Refuse Essential Vitamin K Shot, Babies May Die https://dianeravitch.net/2026/05/12/propublica-when-parents-refuse-essential-vitamin-vaccine-babies-die/ via @dianeravitch
Key Takeaways from the Report
Medical Necessity: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Without the shot, infants are at risk for Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), a condition that can cause sudden seizures, internal bleeding, and brain damage.
Tragic Outcomes: The article describes several cases where otherwise healthy babies died or suffered permanent injury because their parents declined this standard preventive care.
The "Anti-Vaccine" Ripple Effect: Although the vitamin K shot is not a vaccine, it is increasingly being rejected by parents influenced by post-pandemic medical skepticism and social media misinformation.
Political Context: The post highlights a confrontation between Rep. Kim Schrier and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., where Schrier argued that rhetoric questioning scientific standards is leading parents to make dangerous decisions.
Standard Newborn Care
The article notes that the vitamin K shot is one of the three primary interventions typically administered at birth to ensure infant safety:
Vitamin K Injection: To prevent fatal bleeding.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: To protect against lifelong liver infections.
Antibiotic Eye Ointment: To prevent blindness from birth-related infections.
The post concludes by emphasizing that while some parents reject these measures out of a desire to protect their children from "unnecessary" intervention, they are shunning nearly a century of validated medical research.
The summary of the key points includes:
False Claims on Dosage: During an interview with Sharyl Attkisson on "Full Measure," Trump claimed that babies receive "80 or more" vaccines, describing it as a "vat" of stuff pumped into their bodies. The post notes that as of early 2026, the CDC recommends vaccines for only 11 conditions for children under 10.
Support for RFK Jr.: Trump defended the views of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism.
Opposition to Mandates: While stating he "believes in vaccines," Trump argued against mandates and advocated for a significant reduction in the number of immunizations given to infants.
Public Health Concerns: Ravitch expresses concern that these comments are "deadly" and "ignorant," potentially discouraging parents from vaccinating children and leading to the spread of risky diseases.
Reader Commentary: Comments on the post suggest that Trump's statements stem from "mental laziness" and a desire to "sow disorder" by encouraging distrust in reliable scientific sources.
The post also highlights that despite his current rhetoric,
Key Points of the Conflict
The Warning: Gomez wrote a letter to
Disney The Lawsuit & Settlement: The friction began with a defamation lawsuit from Donald Trump against ABC and George Stephanopoulos regarding comments about the E. Jean Carroll case. ABC settled for $16 million, but Gomez argues this "did not buy peace."
Ongoing Investigations: The FCC is currently investigating ABC and Disney on several fronts, including:
Whether the talk show The View should lose its "news program" exemptions.
ABC’s moderation of the 2024 presidential debate.
Whether Disney’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives violate equal-employment-opportunity rules.
Gomez's Stance
Gomez characterizes these regulatory actions not as coincidences, but as a "Sword of Damocles" intended to threaten the press. She pledged to use her position to "shine a light" on these actions and hold the FCC process accountable.
Contextual Background
The post also mentions previous instances of administration pressure on the media, including:
A 2024 demand for the FCC to withdraw CBS’s license after a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.
The 2025 "cancellation" of Jimmy Kimmel by supporters of the administration.
Key Arguments
The Real "Killer" of Writing: Merrow disputes a New York Times article claiming AI killed student writing. He asserts that writing instruction was abandoned long ago in favor of "raising standards" through machine-scorable tests and bureaucratic distrust of teachers.
Quantity vs. Quality: He criticizes the push for students to produce numerous mediocre papers rather than focusing on crafting a single, outstanding piece of work.
The Role of AI: Merrow views AI as just the latest iteration of a recurring challenge, following the internet and professional paper-writing services. He suggests that AI-generated prose is often "pedestrian," "robotic," and lacks the emotional nuance of human experience.
Proposed Solutions
To develop genuine writers rather than just "teaching writing," Merrow suggests:
In-Class Writing: Moving back to "blue books" and handwriting assignments in class to ensure authenticity.
The "2-8-2" Method: A technique from his own high school teacher: 2 minutes of thinking, 8 minutes of writing, and 2 minutes of self-correction.
Teacher Trust: Reducing class sizes and trusting teachers to oversee the writing process from draft to final version, making it harder for students to cheat.
Merrow’s AI Experiment
Merrow shares an experiment where he asked an AI (Bard) to write a memoir about his childhood on a farm. He found the results lacked the "deep pain" and "small pleasures" of actual memory, concluding that human writing is defined by its ability to capture specific, sensory, and emotional contradictions that AI currently cannot replicate.
Do you think the "2-8-2" method would be effective in a modern classroom, or is it too restrictive for today's students?
Big Education Ape: GO SWAMP THING: A FIELD GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA'S BILLIONAIRE-SOAKED JUNGLE PRIMARY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/go-swamp-thing-field-guide-to.html
The article GO SWAMP THING: A FIELD GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA'S BILLIONAIRE-SOAKED JUNGLE PRIMARY
The "Jungle Primary" System
The author explains California’s Top-Two Primary
The author explains
Candidate Financial Standings
The piece highlights a massive disparity in funding and polling efficiency:
Candidate Funding Highlights Status & Strategy Tom Steyer (D) $147.2M (99.9% self-funded) Breaking records but polling poorly (12–14%) and "drowning in the kiddie pool." Matt Mahan (D) $38M+ Backed by Silicon Valley heavyweights like Michael Moritz Steve Hilton (R) $9.76M Maintaining a steady lead (17–20%) with backing from Rupert Murdoch Xavier Becerra (D) $5.5M The "unlikely front-crawler" leading the Democratic pack (18–20%) despite having very little cash on hand. Chad Bianco (R) $5.26M Positioning himself as a grassroots "Law & Order" alternative to tech billionaires. Katie Porter (D) $8.88M Seeing a decline in polling (8–10%) as Democratic voters begin to consolidate.
The piece highlights a massive disparity in funding and polling efficiency:
| Candidate | Funding Highlights | Status & Strategy |
| Tom Steyer (D) | $147.2M (99.9% self-funded) | Breaking records but polling poorly (12–14%) and "drowning in the kiddie pool." |
| Matt Mahan (D) | $38M+ | Backed by Silicon Valley heavyweights like |
| Steve Hilton (R) | $9.76M | Maintaining a steady lead (17–20%) with backing from |
| Xavier Becerra (D) | $5.5M | The "unlikely front-crawler" leading the Democratic pack (18–20%) despite having very little cash on hand. |
| Chad Bianco (R) | $5.26M | Positioning himself as a grassroots "Law & Order" alternative to tech billionaires. |
| Katie Porter (D) | $8.88M | Seeing a decline in polling (8–10%) as Democratic voters begin to consolidate. |
Key Takeaways
The "Double-Republican Drain": The primary risk for Democrats is fragmentation. With four major Democratic candidates splitting ~50% of the vote, they risk each landing lower than the two unified Republican candidates (Hilton and Bianco).
The Inefficacy of Spending: The author uses Tom Steyer
Corporate Influence: The "swamp" metaphor refers to the heavy saturation of tech venture capitalists, dark money, and billionaire influencers attempting to "buy" the election to serve corporate interests.
The author concludes that while the candidates fight for survival, the true winners are the consultants and ad platforms, while the voters are left "carpet-bombed" by expensive messaging.
The "Double-Republican Drain": The primary risk for Democrats is fragmentation. With four major Democratic candidates splitting ~50% of the vote, they risk each landing lower than the two unified Republican candidates (Hilton and Bianco).
The Inefficacy of Spending: The author uses
Tom Steyer Corporate Influence: The "swamp" metaphor refers to the heavy saturation of tech venture capitalists, dark money, and billionaire influencers attempting to "buy" the election to serve corporate interests.
The author concludes that while the candidates fight for survival, the true winners are the consultants and ad platforms, while the voters are left "carpet-bombed" by expensive messaging.
Big Education Ape: THE BILLIONAIRE'S MAGIC SHOW: HOW THE ULTRA-RICH MAKE PUBLIC EDUCATION DISAPPEAR https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-billionaires-magic-show-how-ultra.html
The article THE BILLIONAIRE'S MAGIC SHOW
The piece outlines a "three-act" machinery used to transition public funds into private profit:
The article
The piece outlines a "three-act" machinery used to transition public funds into private profit:
The Key Players
National Governors Association (NGA): The author characterizes the NGA as a "policy vending machine" where governors receive "best practices" influenced by billionaire-funded nonprofits and corporate fellows like Microsoft and Google. It highlights the NGA’s role in pushing technocratic reforms like Common Core
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC): Described as a "bill mill," ALEC
The Billionaire Class: Major donors and foundations—including the Walton Family Gates Foundation Koch Network dark money
National Governors Association (NGA): The author characterizes the NGA as a "policy vending machine" where governors receive "best practices" influenced by billionaire-funded nonprofits and corporate fellows like Microsoft and Google. It highlights the NGA’s role in pushing technocratic reforms like
Common Core American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC): Described as a "bill mill,"
ALEC The Billionaire Class: Major donors and foundations—including the
Walton Family Gates Foundation Koch Network dark money
Two-Speed Playbook for "Reform"
The article argues that privatization happens through two coordinated methods:
Technocratic Reform (NGA Speed): Using data dashboards, digital credentials, and "cradle-to-career" tracking to align public education with corporate labor needs.
Hard Privatization (ALEC Speed): Implementing Universal Vouchers
The article argues that privatization happens through two coordinated methods:
Technocratic Reform (NGA Speed): Using data dashboards, digital credentials, and "cradle-to-career" tracking to align public education with corporate labor needs.
Hard Privatization (ALEC Speed): Implementing
Universal Vouchers
The Conclusion
The author asserts that these reforms are framed in the language of "innovation" and "excellence" to mask a fundamental shift: viewing public education not as a democratic right, but as an inefficient market ripe for disruption and profit. The piece warns that while the machinery is legal and bipartisan, it ultimately functions to erode local control and public accountability.
The author asserts that these reforms are framed in the language of "innovation" and "excellence" to mask a fundamental shift: viewing public education not as a democratic right, but as an inefficient market ripe for disruption and profit. The piece warns that while the machinery is legal and bipartisan, it ultimately functions to erode local control and public accountability.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MAY 12, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_02139506240.html
The Big Education Ape
Global & National News
Geopolitics: Tensions between the U.S. and Iran dominate the headlines. President Trump has rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal, calling it "totally unacceptable," while the Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to impact global energy prices.
Public Health: A Hantavirus outbreak occurred on a luxury cruise ship (MV Hondius). Passengers have been quarantined, and authorities are monitoring the cluster following multiple reported deaths.
Domestic Politics: Major legal battles are unfolding over redistricting in Virginia. Additionally, the Trump administration is proposing a $1 trillion defense budget and a federal gas tax pause to combat rising costs.
Geopolitics: Tensions between the U.S. and Iran dominate the headlines. President Trump has rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal, calling it "totally unacceptable," while the Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to impact global energy prices.
Public Health: A Hantavirus outbreak occurred on a luxury cruise ship (MV Hondius). Passengers have been quarantined, and authorities are monitoring the cluster following multiple reported deaths.
Domestic Politics: Major legal battles are unfolding over redistricting in Virginia. Additionally, the Trump administration is proposing a $1 trillion defense budget and a federal gas tax pause to combat rising costs.
Education & AI Trends
Agentic AI: A significant theme is the transition from generative AI to "Agentic AI" in classrooms—systems that can autonomously diagnose learning gaps and create lesson plans. The blog expresses skepticism about the role of tech billionaires and the potential for student data harvesting.
Science of Reading: Analysis by Nancy Bailey
School Choice: The blog critiques Governors Kathy Hochul (NY) and Jared Polis (CO) for supporting voucher programs, which the authors argue divert public funds to private institutions that may practice discrimination.
Agentic AI: A significant theme is the transition from generative AI to "Agentic AI" in classrooms—systems that can autonomously diagnose learning gaps and create lesson plans. The blog expresses skepticism about the role of tech billionaires and the potential for student data harvesting.
Science of Reading: Analysis by
Nancy Bailey School Choice: The blog critiques Governors Kathy Hochul (NY) and Jared Polis (CO) for supporting voucher programs, which the authors argue divert public funds to private institutions that may practice discrimination.
Social Justice & Culture
Voting Rights: In a piece titled "Zombies Are Real," the author argues that Jim Crow-era policies are being resurrected through modern legal maneuvers and the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act.
Mother’s Day Reflections: Several posts offer a nuanced look at Mother’s Day, acknowledging the emotional complexity for those dealing with grief, loss, or complicated family relationships.
Trump Monument: A controversial 22-foot gold statue of Donald Trump was dedicated at his Doral property in Florida, sparking debates over political idolatry.
Voting Rights: In a piece titled "Zombies Are Real," the author argues that Jim Crow-era policies are being resurrected through modern legal maneuvers and the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act.
Mother’s Day Reflections: Several posts offer a nuanced look at Mother’s Day, acknowledging the emotional complexity for those dealing with grief, loss, or complicated family relationships.
Trump Monument: A controversial 22-foot gold statue of Donald Trump was dedicated at his Doral property in Florida, sparking debates over political idolatry.
Economic & Tech Highlights
Markets: Stocks remain resilient, driven by strength in AI chipmakers like Cerebras
Energy: Oil prices have spiked above $105 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
How do you feel about the shift toward "Agentic AI" in schools—do you view it as a tool for personalized learning or a threat to the teacher-student relationship?
Markets: Stocks remain resilient, driven by strength in AI chipmakers like
Cerebras Energy: Oil prices have spiked above $105 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
How do you feel about the shift toward "Agentic AI" in schools—do you view it as a tool for personalized learning or a threat to the teacher-student relationship?
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MAY 12, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/morning-news-update-may-12-2026.html
## Top News Headlines
Geopolitics: Tensions are high as
President Trump Xi Jinping Health: A
Hantavirus outbreak Economy: Inflation has surged to 3.8%, a three-year high, largely driven by a significant spike in gasoline prices linked to Middle East instability.
Sports: In the NBA, the
Oklahoma City Thunder Norris Trophy
## Education Special
The update highlights several pivotal shifts in the academic landscape:
New Curriculum: The College Board is launching AP Business with Personal Finance, intended to bridge the gap between high school and career readiness.
Policy Debates: A study on
Florida’s cell phone ban Global Trends:
UNESCO Higher Ed Pivot: Institutions like
Marist University
## Key Trends to Watch
| Trend | Current Status |
| Micro-credentials | Rising as a popular alternative to traditional four-year degrees. |
| AI Personalization | Used daily by 60% of educators for lesson differentiation. |
| Hybrid Learning | Transitioning into a permanent "flexible mode" for global universities. |
The blog also features various "Patron Saints and Warriors of Public Education," linking to influential voices like
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MAY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0356292842.html
The Big Education Ape
Global & National News
Geopolitics: The Iran-US conflict remains the primary focus. President Trump has rejected Iran's latest response to a ceasefire proposal as "totally unacceptable," citing demands for war reparations and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Public Health: A Hantavirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has infected over 100 people, leading to international evacuations in Tenerife.
Politics: Domestic attention is focused on high-stakes redistricting battles in Virginia and Tennessee, alongside upcoming Trump-Xi talks in Beijing.
Geopolitics: The Iran-US conflict remains the primary focus. President Trump has rejected Iran's latest response to a ceasefire proposal as "totally unacceptable," citing demands for war reparations and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Public Health: A Hantavirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess cruise ship has infected over 100 people, leading to international evacuations in Tenerife.
Politics: Domestic attention is focused on high-stakes redistricting battles in Virginia and Tennessee, alongside upcoming Trump-Xi talks in Beijing.
Education & AI: "Agentic AI"
A major theme of the day is the shift from generative AI to Agentic AI in schools.
Autonomous Learning: Unlike earlier models, these agents can independently diagnose learning gaps and create lesson plans without direct teacher prompts.
Human-in-the-Loop: The blog explores the tension between automation and human instruction, arguing that while AI can handle logistics, it lacks the empathy and moral judgment of a human teacher.
Corporate Critique: The author warns of a "vertical integration play" by tech billionaires to harvest student data for profit.
A major theme of the day is the shift from generative AI to Agentic AI in schools.
Autonomous Learning: Unlike earlier models, these agents can independently diagnose learning gaps and create lesson plans without direct teacher prompts.
Human-in-the-Loop: The blog explores the tension between automation and human instruction, arguing that while AI can handle logistics, it lacks the empathy and moral judgment of a human teacher.
Corporate Critique: The author warns of a "vertical integration play" by tech billionaires to harvest student data for profit.
Policy & Advocacy
New York State Audit: A report from the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy highlights a "reckless" lack of oversight regarding student data within the NYC DOE, noting failures to report major data breaches.
Billionaire Influence: Criticisms are leveled against Governor Kathy Hochul
Social Justice: In a piece titled "Zombies Are Real," the blog discusses the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act and the legal resurrection of Jim Crow-era policies through redistricting and "racial sorting."
New York State Audit: A report from the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy highlights a "reckless" lack of oversight regarding student data within the NYC DOE, noting failures to report major data breaches.
Billionaire Influence: Criticisms are leveled against
Governor Kathy Hochul Social Justice: In a piece titled "Zombies Are Real," the blog discusses the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act and the legal resurrection of Jim Crow-era policies through redistricting and "racial sorting."
Historical Perspective
Larry Cuban explores the cycle of educational technology, comparing modern digital tools to the "inkwells" of the 1940s—noting that while hardware changes, the fundamental "grammar of schooling" often remains static as "shiny new tech" eventually becomes classroom clutter.
How do you feel about the push for "Agentic AI" in classrooms—do you see it as a tool for personalization or a threat to the teacher-student relationship?
Larry Cuban explores the cycle of educational technology, comparing modern digital tools to the "inkwells" of the 1940s—noting that while hardware changes, the fundamental "grammar of schooling" often remains static as "shiny new tech" eventually becomes classroom clutter.
How do you feel about the push for "Agentic AI" in classrooms—do you see it as a tool for personalization or a threat to the teacher-student relationship?
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MAY 11, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/morning-news-update-may-11-2026.html
The page you are viewing on Big Education Ape is a curated news digest for May 11, 2026. It weaves together global geopolitical crises, domestic political battles, and a deep skepticism toward the corporatization of public education.
Global & National Crisis News
The Iran-US Standoff: Tensions have peaked as President Trump rejected Iran's ceasefire terms. Iran is demanding war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which the administration has labeled "totally unacceptable."
The "Cruise Ship Plague": A major Hantavirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess has led to a chaotic international evacuation in Tenerife, with over 100 passengers infected.
Redistricting Wars: Legal battles in Virginia and Tennessee are highlighted as pivotal moments for the future of the Voting Rights Act and "racial sorting" in elections.
The Iran-US Standoff: Tensions have peaked as President Trump rejected Iran's ceasefire terms. Iran is demanding war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, which the administration has labeled "totally unacceptable."
The "Cruise Ship Plague": A major Hantavirus outbreak on the Caribbean Princess has led to a chaotic international evacuation in Tenerife, with over 100 passengers infected.
Redistricting Wars: Legal battles in Virginia and Tennessee are highlighted as pivotal moments for the future of the Voting Rights Act and "racial sorting" in elections.
Education, AI, and the "Human" Element
The blog focuses heavily on the shift from Generative AI to Agentic AI—systems that don't just answer questions but act autonomously.
The Tech Threat: The author warns that "Agentic AI" is being positioned to replace human diagnostic roles in classrooms, potentially turning teachers into mere "facilitators" for software owned by tech billionaires.
The "Inkwell" Comparison: Citing Larry Cuban, the digest argues that modern classroom tech often ends up as "digital clutter," failing to change the fundamental "grammar of schooling" just as the 1940s inkwell eventually gave way to newer, but not necessarily better, tools.
The blog focuses heavily on the shift from Generative AI to Agentic AI—systems that don't just answer questions but act autonomously.
The Tech Threat: The author warns that "Agentic AI" is being positioned to replace human diagnostic roles in classrooms, potentially turning teachers into mere "facilitators" for software owned by tech billionaires.
The "Inkwell" Comparison: Citing Larry Cuban, the digest argues that modern classroom tech often ends up as "digital clutter," failing to change the fundamental "grammar of schooling" just as the 1940s inkwell eventually gave way to newer, but not necessarily better, tools.
Privacy and Policy Critiques
NYC Data Security: A scathing report highlights a "reckless" lack of oversight by the NYC Department of Education regarding student data privacy and unreported breaches.
Political Accountability: The blog critiques Governor Kathy Hochul, labeling her a "Billionaire's Education Diva" for her support of school choice tax credits that critics argue siphon funds from public schools.
NYC Data Security: A scathing report highlights a "reckless" lack of oversight by the NYC Department of Education regarding student data privacy and unreported breaches.
Political Accountability: The blog critiques Governor Kathy Hochul, labeling her a "Billionaire's Education Diva" for her support of school choice tax credits that critics argue siphon funds from public schools.
Social Commentary
The "Zombie" Analogy: A recurring theme in today's digest is the "resurrection" of Jim Crow-era policies through modern legal maneuvers, suggesting that civil rights progress is being systematically dismantled.
Do you think the author's comparison of modern AI to "1940s inkwells" is a fair critique, or is today's technology fundamentally different in its impact on learning?
The "Zombie" Analogy: A recurring theme in today's digest is the "resurrection" of Jim Crow-era policies through modern legal maneuvers, suggesting that civil rights progress is being systematically dismantled.
Do you think the author's comparison of modern AI to "1940s inkwells" is a fair critique, or is today's technology fundamentally different in its impact on learning?
Big Education Ape: AGENTIC AI ENTERS THE CLASSROOM: THE DEBATE THAT WILL DEFINE A GENERATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/agentic-ai-enters-classroom-debate-that.html
The blog post "Agentic AI Enters the Classroom: The Debate That Will Define a Generation
The blog post "
What is Agentic AI?
Unlike traditional AI that waits for prompts, Agentic AI acts autonomously. In a classroom setting, these systems can:
Diagnose & Plan: Independently identify student learning gaps and create targeted lesson plans.
Self-Correct: Adjust difficulty levels and schedule practice sessions in real-time without teacher intervention.
Orchestrate Tools: Connect to databases, calendars, and learning management systems to manage a student's entire educational workflow.
Unlike traditional AI that waits for prompts, Agentic AI acts autonomously. In a classroom setting, these systems can:
Diagnose & Plan: Independently identify student learning gaps and create targeted lesson plans.
Self-Correct: Adjust difficulty levels and schedule practice sessions in real-time without teacher intervention.
Orchestrate Tools: Connect to databases, calendars, and learning management systems to manage a student's entire educational workflow.
The Role of the Teacher: "Human-in-the-Loop"
The post details the tension between AI automation and human instruction, categorizing teacher involvement into three "loops":
Human-in-the-Loop: The teacher must approve or modify AI suggestions before they reach students.
Human-on-the-Loop: AI operates autonomously but the teacher monitors for errors.
Human-out-of-the-Loop: AI handles routine administrative tasks entirely on its own.
The author argues that while AI can optimize data, it cannot replace human empathy, moral judgment, or the "spark factor" that inspires students.
The post details the tension between AI automation and human instruction, categorizing teacher involvement into three "loops":
Human-in-the-Loop: The teacher must approve or modify AI suggestions before they reach students.
Human-on-the-Loop: AI operates autonomously but the teacher monitors for errors.
Human-out-of-the-Loop: AI handles routine administrative tasks entirely on its own.
The author argues that while AI can optimize data, it cannot replace human empathy, moral judgment, or the "spark factor" that inspires students.
Corporate Interests & Vertical Integration
A significant portion of the article critiques the influence of "billionaire oligarchs" (such as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman). It warns of a vertical integration play where tech giants own the entire pipeline:
Building the AI infrastructure.
Deploying it as a "captive audience" in schools.
Harvesting data from millions of students to further train their models for profit.
A significant portion of the article critiques the influence of "billionaire oligarchs" (such as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman). It warns of a vertical integration play where tech giants own the entire pipeline:
Building the AI infrastructure.
Deploying it as a "captive audience" in schools.
Harvesting data from millions of students to further train their models for profit.
The Future of Assessment
Because AI can generate perfect essays instantly, the blog notes that traditional grading is becoming obsolete. Instead, schools are shifting toward grading interaction logs, evaluating students on how they orchestrate AI agents, catch hallucinations, and apply critical thinking to AI-generated outputs.
Key takeaway: The post concludes that while technology may handle the mechanics of teaching, the "soul" of education remains a human relationship that cannot be automated.
Because AI can generate perfect essays instantly, the blog notes that traditional grading is becoming obsolete. Instead, schools are shifting toward grading interaction logs, evaluating students on how they orchestrate AI agents, catch hallucinations, and apply critical thinking to AI-generated outputs.
Key takeaway: The post concludes that while technology may handle the mechanics of teaching, the "soul" of education remains a human relationship that cannot be automated.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday-may_0691520142.html
1. AI in Education: The "Moratorium" Movement
The central theme of the week was a growing resistance against the rapid deployment of generative AI in schools, specifically within the New York City Department of Education (DOE).
Critique of DOE Guidance: Advocacy groups, including the
Parent Coalition for Student Privacy Demand for a Moratorium: The Coalition for an AI Moratorium (AIM NYC) has called for a
two-year ban Human-Centric Teaching: Featured essays argued that
AI can never replace
2. Federal Policy Shifts
The blog highlights several major transitions in U.S. higher education policy:
Student Loan Overhaul: The new
RISE regulations Earnings Accountability: A controversial proposal would tie federal funding to a "graduate earnings threshold," penalizing programs whose graduates do not see a significant return on investment.
3. Privacy & Litigation
PowerSchool/Naviance Settlement: Parents of students who used the Naviance platform between 2021 and 2026 are reportedly eligible for a share of a
$17.25 million privacy settlement
4. Social Justice & Culture
Voting Rights: One post, titled
"Zombies Are Real," Mother’s Day: The digest includes several reflections on motherhood, emphasizing the importance of children's autonomy and the influence of mothers on their children's paths.
Key Dates to Watch
May 12–13:
California State Board of Education meeting May 20: Final deadline for public comments on the federal "low-earning" accountability framework.
Big Education Ape: THE BILLIONAIRE'S EDUCATION DIVA: HOW KATHY HOCHUL LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE GREEN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-billionaires-education-diva-how.html
The blog post from Big Education Ape Here is a summary of the key points:
Here is a summary of the key points:
The "Education Diva" Critique
The author, Mike Simpson, characterizes Governor Hochul as performing a political "magic trick"—publicly supporting teachers' unions while privately facilitating the privatization of education. The central criticism is her decision to opt New York into the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal school choice tax-credit program.
The author, Mike Simpson, characterizes Governor Hochul as performing a political "magic trick"—publicly supporting teachers' unions while privately facilitating the privatization of education. The central criticism is her decision to opt New York into the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal school choice tax-credit program.
Campaign Finance & Billionaire Influence
The post highlights Hochul's significant $21 million campaign war chest, arguing that her policy shifts are a direct result of influence from wealthy donors. Key contributors mentioned include:
Real Estate Moguls: Representing her largest sector of support at over $9.1 million.
Tech Billionaires: Including Reid Hoffman Eric Schmidt
Industrialists & Owners: Such as Leonard Blavatnik
The post highlights Hochul's significant $21 million campaign war chest, arguing that her policy shifts are a direct result of influence from wealthy donors. Key contributors mentioned include:
Real Estate Moguls: Representing her largest sector of support at over $9.1 million.
Tech Billionaires: Including
Reid Hoffman Eric Schmidt Industrialists & Owners: Such as
Leonard Blavatnik
The ECCA and Private Interests
The author details how the ECCA functions as a "shell game," where wealthy donors receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donating to private school scholarships. This is framed as a "transactional" move that diverts public funds to private institutions which may not be held to the same civil rights standards as public schools.
The author details how the ECCA functions as a "shell game," where wealthy donors receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donating to private school scholarships. This is framed as a "transactional" move that diverts public funds to private institutions which may not be held to the same civil rights standards as public schools.
Wider Democratic Trends
The post draws parallels between Hochul and other Democratic governors, like Colorado’s Jared Polis
The post draws parallels between Hochul and other Democratic governors, like Colorado’s
The "Primary That Wasn't"
A major takeaway is the author's claim that Hochul’s massive fundraising advantage effectively stifled democratic competition, causing potential primary challengers to withdraw and denying voters a choice regarding the state's education agenda.
Note: The blog also credits Curmudgucation / Peter Greene
A major takeaway is the author's claim that Hochul’s massive fundraising advantage effectively stifled democratic competition, causing potential primary challengers to withdraw and denying voters a choice regarding the state's education agenda.
Note: The blog also credits
for reporting on similar educational shifts in other states. Curmudgucation / Peter Greene
The blog post from Big Education Ape, titled
Here is a summary of the key themes and arguments:
The "Zombie" Metaphor
The author uses the imagery of "zombies" to describe Jim Crow-era policies—ideas that should be dead but continue to "shamble" through modern legal and political institutions. He argues that while de jure (legal) segregation was ended by the Civil Rights movement, de facto (in practice) segregation persists through economic policy and "lawyerly" maneuvers.
The Role of the Supreme Court
A central focus of the piece is the systematic dismantling of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by the Roberts Court. The author provides a timeline of specific cases he views as "autopsy reports" for democracy:
Shelby County v. Holder (2013): Removed the requirement for states to get federal approval (preclearance) before changing voting laws.
Brnovich v. DNC (2021): Made it significantly harder to prove racial discrimination in voting results.
Louisiana v. Callais (2026): Critiques a recent decision that the author claims creates a "legal paradox," making it nearly impossible to draw majority-minority districts without them being struck down as unconstitutional "racial sorting."
Political and Social Climate
The author links these legal shifts to the rise of the MAGA movement and Christian Nationalism. He cites a 2026 PRRI survey suggesting high levels of support for Christian Nationalism among Republicans and a concerning acceptance of potential violence to "save the country." He frames this as a demographic "panic" resulting from the loss of a white numerical majority.
The Path Forward
Despite the grim tone, the post concludes with a "blueprint for victory," urging readers to:
Vote Decisively: Win by margins that cannot be "procedurally strangled" or litigated away.
Legislative Action: Restore the VRA with modern formulas and pass federal anti-gerrymandering laws.
Build Coalitions: Recreate the multiracial, multigenerational alliances that drove the original Civil Rights movement.
Key Quote: "Zombies... are only as powerful as the living allow them to be... They stop consuming the moment enough living people decide, collectively and loudly, that enough is enough."
The shared page from Big Education Ape provides a comprehensive digest of top news stories for the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026. The summary is divided into several thematic categories based on reports from AI models Gemini and Grok, as well as specific education and political focuses.
🌍 Global & Geopolitical News
U.S.-Iran Conflict: Significant focus remains on the ongoing war, including exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the tensions, a fragile ceasefire is reportedly being navigated.
Ukraine-Russia Truce: President Trump announced a three-day ceasefire
Vatican Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Italy and the Vatican to mend ties with Pope Leo XIV following administration criticisms.
U.S.-Iran Conflict: Significant focus remains on the ongoing war, including exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the tensions, a fragile ceasefire is reportedly being navigated.
Ukraine-Russia Truce: President Trump announced a
three-day ceasefire Vatican Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Italy and the Vatican to mend ties with Pope Leo XIV following administration criticisms.
🎓 Education Highlights
AI Integration: The Department of Education finalized rules giving grant priority to schools using AI. There is also a global shift toward "Sovereign AI" to protect student data.
Loan Changes: Final regulations for the RISE loan program were published, introducing new caps on federal professional and graduate degree loans.
System Recovery: The Canvas
AI Integration: The Department of Education finalized rules giving grant priority to schools using AI. There is also a global shift toward "Sovereign AI" to protect student data.
Loan Changes: Final regulations for the RISE loan program were published, introducing new caps on federal professional and graduate degree loans.
System Recovery: The
Canvas
🇺🇸 U.S. Domestic & Political News
Jobs Report: A resilient May jobs report saw U.S. stocks hit record highs despite high energy prices.
Hantavirus Outbreak: A cruise ship
Redistricting: The Virginia Supreme Court struck down a Democratic-favored congressional map, a move celebrated by the GOP.
National Parks: A new administration order lifted restrictions on hunting in 55 national park sites.
Jobs Report: A resilient May jobs report saw U.S. stocks hit record highs despite high energy prices.
Hantavirus Outbreak: A
cruise ship Redistricting: The Virginia Supreme Court struck down a Democratic-favored congressional map, a move celebrated by the GOP.
National Parks: A new administration order lifted restrictions on hunting in 55 national park sites.
📈 Economy & Technology
Inflation & Energy: The blockade of the Gulf has choked off 20% of world oil supplies, causing a worldwide economic "tightrope walk."
Tech Innovations: Major news included semiconductor production being framed as a strategic global priority and rumors of a massive AI processing leap for the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Microplastics: A study revealed that Moringa tree seeds
Inflation & Energy: The blockade of the Gulf has choked off 20% of world oil supplies, causing a worldwide economic "tightrope walk."
Tech Innovations: Major news included semiconductor production being framed as a strategic global priority and rumors of a massive AI processing leap for the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Microplastics: A study revealed that
Moringa tree seeds
🏆 Sports & Culture
NBA & NHL: Both leagues are deep into playoffs, with several series heading toward Game 7s.
Olympic Bid: India officially launched its campaign to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Note: The page also includes daily updates and specific "Education Special" sections detailing investigations into Houston ISD Smith College
NBA & NHL: Both leagues are deep into playoffs, with several series heading toward Game 7s.
Olympic Bid: India officially launched its campaign to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Note: The page also includes daily updates and specific "Education Special" sections detailing investigations into
What Do Teachers Do? Legislators and Govt. Officials Who Disparage Public Schools Betray Their Ignorance https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2026/05/12/48568/ via @janresseger
Key Policy Shifts and Criticism
Federal Redefinition of "Professional": The U.S. Department of Education, under Secretary Linda McMahon, finalized a rule that excludes education degrees from the list of "professional" graduate degrees. This change sets lower federal loan limits for teachers and administrators compared to fields like law or medicine, making advanced degrees harder to afford.
State-Level Pressure: In Ohio, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee recently blamed public schools for property tax revolts, characterizing them as being "stuck in an old way of thinking."
Public Perception: Constitutional law professor
Derek W. Black
The Work of Teachers (Insights from Mike Rose)
Resseger highlights the work of the late Mike Rose, author of
Complexity of Teaching: Teaching is described as a sophisticated social and intellectual activity that requires deep subject knowledge, an understanding of local community history, and the ability to navigate mass education constraints.
Classroom Environment: Effective teachers create spaces of physical and emotional safety, where authority is derived from respect and expertise rather than just title.
Advocacy: Rose argued that affirming the potential of devalued student populations gives teaching a moral and political purpose.
Conclusion
The author concludes that officials who disparage teachers or deny their professional status likely haven't spent meaningful time in a classroom. She warns that this "moral blindness" ignores the essential role public schools play in a democracy.
Poem: darlin’ (i am not tennessee williams) “I'm on a good mixture, I don't want to waste it” - The National, “City Middle” PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/poem-darlin-i-am-not-tennessee-williams
The Substack post
The poem explores themes of intimacy, identity, and the intersection of the personal and political. Here is a breakdown of its key elements:
Literary and Cultural References
The poem uses "negative identity" to define the speaker, referencing several iconic figures to contrast who the speaker is versus who they are not:
Tennessee Williams & William Carlos Williams: The speaker distances themselves from these literary giants, emphasizing that they are simply "the one who loves you."
George Orwell (Eric Blair): Reference is made to Orwell’s warnings against fascism, with the poem asserting that "fascists know that lovers always win every battle."
The National: The epigraph features a lyric from the song "City Middle."
Key Imagery
Tattoos as Hieroglyphs: The speaker describes reading a partner's tattoos like Braille, searching for a hidden message of returned love.
Books and Dust: The poem concludes with a domestic image of the couple lying together like "books shelved side by side," quietly gathering dust in their shared intimacy.
About the Author
Does this summary capture the aspects of the poem you were most interested in, or would you like to dive deeper into the author's educational commentary?
Classroom Instruction Resources Of The Week Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Latest Content & Features
As of May 12, 2026, the blog is highlighting several new resources:
Instructional Resources: Weekly round-ups of useful tools for classroom instruction and educational policy issues.
AI in Education: A new weekly feature specifically dedicated to free and useful Artificial Intelligence tools for the classroom.
History & Social Studies: Short video series on the American Revolution and a new multimedia textbook from UCLA regarding Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders.
Teaching Strategies: Insights into inductive teaching and using metaphors for change.
Key Resources & Publications
The site highlights Larry Ferlazzo’s extensive library of professional development books, including:
The Teacher’s Toolbox Series: Practical, research-based strategies for Social Studies, Math, Science, and ELL.
Student Motivation: Books like Self-Driven and Helping Students Motivate Themselves, which focus on autonomy and engagement.
Parent Engagement: Resources for building relationships between schools and families.
Multimedia & External Work
Beyond the blog, the page links to Ferlazzo's other professional contributions:
Classroom Q&A: His long-running column with Education Week.
The Bam! Radio Show: Audio content discussing various teaching strategies.
Videos: A collection of video anthologies focused on student motivation and brain science in education.
Teacher Tom: Bookends for Living a Meaningful and Moral Life https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/05/bookends-for-living-meaningful-and.html
Core Philosophy
Tom frames a meaningful life using two quotes from George Eliot’s Middlemarch:
"The young ones have always a claim on the old to help them forward."
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
Key Themes
Biological Response to Stress: He argues that declining birth rates are often a natural response to an inhospitable environment. In nature, species shift energy from reproduction to survival when under stress; he suggests humans are doing the same due to economic and environmental instability.
Critique of Policy: Tom criticizes recent government initiatives that use "rah-rah patriotism" to encourage larger families while simultaneously removing bodily autonomy and failing to provide structural support like childcare, healthcare, and climate action.
The Choice to Not Reproduce: Given that economists forecast today's youth will be less prosperous than previous generations, he defends the choice to not have children as a valid response to a world that feels increasingly hostile to families.
The "Alarm Bell": He concludes that a declining birth rate should not be treated as a reproduction problem to be solved by force, but as a "leading indicator" of a society's health.
Note: The author maintains that humans thrive only when the "bookends" of helping the young and reducing each other's difficulties are prioritized over forced population growth.
Student Confronts Washington County School Board – Tennessee Education Report https://tnedreport.com/2026/05/student-confronts-washington-county-school-board/
Key Details of the Incident
The Incident: During a public meeting on April 2, board member Keith Ervin (a member since 2006) put his arm around student representative Hannah Campbell, called her "hot," and asked where she went to school.
The Board's Response: The board officially censured Ervin but did not remove him from his position.
The Student’s Confrontation: At a subsequent meeting on May 7, 2026, Campbell addressed the board directly, calling them "cowards" for their lack of decisive action. She characterized Ervin's behavior as sexist and derogatory, noting he would never treat a male board member in such a manner.
Current Status
Despite the public backlash and Campbell's statement that she does not "forgive" the members for their inaction, Keith Ervin remains on the board. The report emphasizes that the student feels the board's failure to fire Ervin sends a dangerous message to the student body regarding accountability and harassment.
Janresseger: McMahon Continues Dismantling Dept. of Education. Will She Succeed? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/mcmahon
Because a Cabinet Secretary cannot legally eliminate a department without Congressional approval, the article argues that the administration is using a "trial run" strategy to bypass these hurdles.
Key Strategies for Dismantling
Interagency Agreements: The Department has signed at least nine agreements to transfer the management of key programs to other agencies on a "temporary basis."
Offloading Programs:
Department of Labor: Now oversees Title I and other primary/secondary programs.
Health and Human Services (HHS): Managing school safety, community schools, and educational TV.
Department of State: Managing the grant portal for foreign gifts to higher education.
Funding Disruptions: The administration has abruptly discontinued approximately $168 million in grants for "Full-Service Community Schools," alleging they promoted "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Political and Legal Pushback
Congressional Response: While the GOP-led Congress did not block these transfers in the 2026 budget, a bipartisan explanatory statement was attached "strongly condemning" the fragmentation of education programs.
Legal Challenges: Ongoing lawsuits, such as New York v. McMahon, argue these transfers are unlawful and harmful to student rights, particularly for vulnerable populations and those with disabilities.
GAO Investigation: Democratic Senators have requested the Government Accountability Office to investigate the legality of these interagency agreements.
The Administration's Goal
The Department’s press secretary, Savannah Newhouse, states that these partnerships aim to provide a "proof of concept" that programs can function better under other agencies. The ultimate goal is to present these results to Congress to win formal approval for the Department's permanent dissolution.
Catching up – overdue UFT election analysis | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2026/05/12/catching-up-overdue-uft-election-analysis/
The blog post "Catching up – overdue UFT election analysis" on
Key Observations of the 2025 Election
A Shift in Tradition: Two prominent figures from the dominant Unity Caucus broke away to run against it as part of a new slate called ABC, disrupting the typical caucus patterns seen over the last 25 years.
Ongoing Conflict: The author delayed the analysis because the "campaigning" never truly stopped; following the election, Unity reportedly fired ABC sympathizers, and there were investigations into election-related harassment.
Turnout Anomalies: While Unity has seen a long-term downward trend in votes, the retiree vote was significantly impacted by "MulgrewCare" (healthcare concerns), leading many retirees to vote against Unity or stay home.
Planned Areas of Analysis
The author intends to break down the election results through several lenses:
Numerical Trends: Comparing 2025 vote totals and turnout numbers to data reaching back to 2000.
The Three-Slate Dynamic: Examining how the presence of three slates (Unity, ABC, and others) affected the final outcome.
Divisions by Group: Analyzing specific results within high schools and the Retired Teachers Chapter.
Modern Campaign Factors: The influence of new platforms like Substack and specific political figures on the race.
Conclusion
The post ends with a reflection on why the split within Unity did not lead to a change in leadership. The author suggests that while working within the union is vital for pressuring policy changes, the 2025 results show that even a significant internal break was not enough to topple the current leadership's "grip on power."
glen brown: Iranian Peace Deal Defunct https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/05/iranian-peace-deal-defunct.html
Core Conflict
The Rejection: Donald Trump has condemned Iran’s counter-proposal as "totally unacceptable," signaling that the recent peace efforts are now defunct.
Escalation: The rejection coincides with reported drone strikes in the region and statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming the war is "not over."
The Competing Proposals
The breakdown in negotiations stems from significant differences in terms regarding nuclear enrichment and economic blockades:
| Feature | US Proposal | Iranian Counter-Proposal |
| Nuclear Enrichment | 20-year moratorium | Shorter moratorium period |
| Uranium Stockpile | Transfer of all HEU overseas | Export part; dilute the rest |
| Facilities | Dismantling of nuclear sites | Refusal to dismantle facilities |
| Economic/Military | Reopening the Strait of Hormuz | Lifting all US sanctions and ending the blockade |
Market Impact
The diplomatic breakdown immediately affected global energy markets. Following the announcement on Truth Social, Brent crude oil jumped 4% to a high of $105.50 a barrel before stabilizing slightly lower.
Contextual Notes
The blog also highlights other recent headlines reflecting a critical view of the administration, including reports on
Three easy steps to have your voice heard on AI, and disturbing audit findings on DOE’s lax privacy protections | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/three-easy-steps-to-have-your-voice-heard-on-ai-and-disturbing-audit-findings-on-does-lax-privacy-protections/
Advocacy Against AI Expansion
The organization is calling for a two-year moratorium on the use of AI in NYC classrooms. They argue that current guidance fails to protect student privacy, cognitive development, mental health, and the environment. They suggest three ways for the public to take action:
Survey Participation: Completing a
DOE survey Petition: Signing a
petition for a moratorium Direct Contact: Contacting
Mayor Mamdani
Audit Findings on DOE Privacy Failures
A recent audit from the NY State Comptroller revealed what the article describes as "sloppy and irresponsible" privacy practices within the DOE:
Data Breaches: At least 141 breaches of personal student data occurred between January 2023 and February 2025.
Lack of Oversight: The DOE maintains no central records of which schools use specific ed-tech products or what data is collected.
Legal Non-compliance: Only 74% of required staff took annual privacy training, and the DOE frequently missed legal deadlines to inform families of data breaches.
Resistance to Reform: The DOE reportedly refused to accept the auditor's recommendations for improvement.
Student Privacy Settlements
The post also highlights a $17.25 million class action settlement involving Naviance (a college advising platform). Families whose children used the platform between August 2021 and January 2026 may be eligible for compensation due to alleged privacy and wiretapping violations.
Note: The organization is also hosting a
on May 19, 2026, honoring Diane Ravitch to support their continued advocacy for smaller class sizes and data privacy. benefit dinner
Last day to provide feedback on the proposed AI guidance | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/last-day-to-provide-feedback-on-the-proposed-ai-guidance/
Core Concerns
The post, written by Leonie Haimson, highlights several critical issues with the DOE's approach to AI in schools:
Privacy Risks: The proposed guidance lacks measures to protect personal student data, which AI companies often use for product improvement—a practice the author claims is illegal under state law.
Security Failures: A recent state comptroller’s audit revealed irresponsible privacy policies, leading to over 100 student data breaches in recent years.
Educational & Health Impact: The author argues the guidance fails to address documented harms to student creativity, critical thinking, mental health, and cognitive development.
Lack of Consent: The DOE has reportedly installed dozens of AI products (including Google Gemini) on student Chromebooks without parental knowledge or consent.
Action Items for Readers
The post encourages the public to take specific steps before the feedback deadline:
Submit Feedback: Use the
DOE survey Request a Moratorium: The author suggests calling for a two-year pause on AI implementation to allow for the development of rigorous guardrails.
Sign the Petition: There is an active
petition for a moratorium
Ongoing Advocacy
Beyond AI, the page promotes the 2026 Skinny Awards (honoring Diane Ravitch on May 19) and continues to advocate for the 2022 state law mandating smaller class sizes in NYC schools.
Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/capitalexpenditurelist.asp
Key Updates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded the list of pre-approved equipment. SFAs can now purchase the following items without obtaining prior written approval from the CDE, provided they are used exclusively for food service:
Prep tables and serving counters
Kiosks and sneeze guards
Cafeteria tables and chairs
Approval Requirements
While the list has expanded, certain restrictions still apply:
Prior Approval: Required if an item costs $10,000 or more and is not on the
Capital Expenditure Pre-Approved Equipment List Compliance: SFAs must ensure all expenditures support the improvement of school food services and follow local, state, and federal procurement requirements.
Risk: Failure to get prior approval for non-listed items over the price threshold may lead to "disallowed costs" during administrative reviews.
Resources & Contact
Detailed Lists: More information can be found on the
Allowable Costs Procurement Questions: Reach out to the Resource Management Unit at snpcafefundquestions@cde.ca.gov or the Procurement Resources Unit at NSDProcurementReview@cde.ca.gov.
Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2026/05/12/5089/
This page is an event announcement and registration portal for a live conversation titled "Where Do We Go From Here?" featuring authors and scholars Bill Ayers and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor.
Event Details
Date & Time: Friday, May 15, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Location:
Haymarket House Format: In-person event including a post-program reception with light bites.
Cost: While events are free, a solidarity donation to
Haymarket Books
Featured Speakers
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor: A MacArthur Fellow and professor at Princeton University. She is the author of From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation and Race for Profit, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Her latest work is an expanded edition of
How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective .Bill Ayers: A retired Distinguished Professor of Education and author of numerous books on social justice, democracy, and education, including Public Enemy: Confessions of an American Dissident and Demand the Impossible!
Discussion Theme
The conversation centers on navigating modern challenges, including "endless war, institutional collapse, and escalating repression," to determine a path forward for social and political activism.
Note: You can
or manage existing tickets through the site's portal. Register Now
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Return of Two Former SPS Employees is Not Good News https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2026/05/the-return-of-two-former-sps-employees.html?spref=tw
The author highlights several controversial points regarding Scarlett’s career:
Past Scandals at SPS
HIB Complaint: Scarlett and colleague Manal Al-ansi filed a complaint against former Board directors Chandra Hampson and Zachary DeWolf. An investigation found the directors guilty of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), though not for racial reasons.
Political Fallout: The author notes that the investigation significantly damaged the political reputations of the involved Board directors.
Tenure in St. Louis (SLPS)
Brief Leadership: Scarlett became the superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools in 2023 but was placed on leave and subsequently fired in less than a year.
Financial Irregularities: An audit allegedly found $26,500 in questionable spending on district cards (including items like charcuterie boards and massages) and over $240,000 in irregular hiring payments and retroactive raises.
Legal Action: Scarlett is currently suing the St. Louis district for $25,000, claiming a violation of due process.
Current Status
Consulting Firms: Scarlett has returned to Seattle and launched two consulting firms, Rubescent and Woven, which utilize her "VIVID Framework."
Critical Outlook: The author expresses skepticism about these firms, noting they appear to have been developed during her time at SLPS. The post concludes with a plea for SPS leadership to avoid rehiring her in any capacity.
Choosing Democracy: Billionaire blitz: Steyer’s $132 million campaign dwarfs rivals in California governor race https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2026/05/billionaire-blitz-steyers-132-million.html
The Spending Surge
Tom Steyer’s Blitz: Steyer has already spent over $132 million, mostly from his personal fortune. He is on track to potentially break the all-time record of $159 million set by Meg Whitman in 2010.
Media Saturation: His campaign has saturated TV and internet ads, helping him rise from relative obscurity to the top of the Democratic pack.
Comparison to Rivals: Steyer’s spending is roughly 20 to 30 times that of his closest competitors.
Financial Standing of Other Candidates
The fundraising gap between the candidates is stark:
| Candidate | Party | Amount Raised |
| Matt Mahan (San Jose Mayor) | Democrat | $13 million |
| Steve Hilton (TV Commentator) | Republican | $4.4 million |
| Katie Porter (Former Rep.) | Democrat | $2.8 million |
| Chad Bianco (Sheriff) | Republican | $1.5 million |
| Xavier Becerra (Former AG) | Democrat | $1 million |
Key Campaign Issues
Steyer’s Platform: Despite his hedge fund background, Steyer is running as a progressive, advocating for universal healthcare, reduced electricity bills, and higher corporate property taxes.
Controversy: His wealth is a major flashpoint. While critics point to his past investments in fossil fuels, he has secured endorsements from left-wing groups like the California Nurses Association and Our Revolution, arguing that his wealth makes him "unbuyable" by special interests.
Wider Context: The race is unfolding against a backdrop of an affordability crisis and a push by progressives to tax billionaires, which has sparked counter-spending from other Silicon Valley elites.
With the June 2 primary approaching, Steyer’s massive financial lead has turned the race into a historic test of whether record-breaking self-funding can secure the governorship.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
As of May 13, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by President Trump’s high-stakes state visit to China and the escalating geopolitical tensions regarding the war with Iran.
Here are the top 10 news stories involving Donald Trump today:
1. State Visit to Beijing Begins
President Trump arrives in Beijing today for a three-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit is being described as "highly symbolic," marking his first trip to China during his second term.
2. Trade War Rebalancing & "Board of Trade"
A primary focus of the Beijing summit is the creation of a "Board of Trade" to resolve long-standing disputes. Trump aims to secure massive deals for American food and aircraft to address trade deficits and restore "American economic independence."
3. Iran Ceasefire on "Life Support"
Just before his departure, Trump declared the month-long ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is on "massive life support."
4. Pressure on China over Iranian Oil
The Trump administration is expected to use the China visit to pressure President Xi to curb oil purchases from Iran.
5. Federal Gasoline Tax Suspension Proposal
To combat rising inflation and energy prices spiked by the Middle East conflict, Trump has proposed a suspension of the federal gasoline tax (18 cents per gallon).
6. Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The diplomatic deadlock has left the Strait of Hormuz at a standstill, stranding oil and gas tankers.
7. California Policy Battles
The Trump administration continues its legal and political offensive against California.
8. Federal Death Penalty Expansion
The Department of Justice, following Trump’s Day-One Executive Order, has moved to prioritize and carry out federal executions.
9. New "TrumpIRA.gov" and Retirement Reform
Following Executive Order 14403, the administration has launched "TrumpIRA.gov." The initiative aims to expand retirement savings access for American workers, though it has sparked debate over federal overreach in private savings.
10. Clash over National Park Materials
Trump is reportedly pressuring the National Park Service to "tag" or flag books and materials in parks (specifically Redwood National Park) that are critical of American history or focus on Native American perspectives, sparking a fresh culture war debate.
Economic Snapshot: Oil prices remain volatile today as markets react to the uncertainty of the Trump-Xi talks and the potential for a return to open warfare in the Middle East.
