Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-8-25
7-8-25
Anand: The Plutocrats Stop Pretending to be Philanthropists https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/07/anand-the-plutocrats-stop-pretending-to-be-philanthropists/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Billionaire elites are abandoning philanthropy in favor of open displays of wealth, as seen in Jeff Bezos's lavish wedding and Zuckerberg-Chan's shift away from curing diseases.
- Giridharadas critiques the Republican budget for its cruelty and lack of pretense, calling it a reflection of the current oligarchic era.
- The article notes the decline of performative virtue among billionaires, replaced by overt greed and power consolidation.
- Generational shifts and the rise of progressive figures like Zohran Mamdani signal a growing resistance to elite dominance.
CBS Sells Out, Capitulates to Trump's Demand for Payoff https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/07/cbs-capitulates-to-trumps-demand-for-payoff/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- CBS settled a lawsuit filed by Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview with Harris, paying $16 million towards his presidential library.
- The settlement is seen as a payoff to secure FCC approval for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media.
- Resignations occurred within CBS News, reflecting concerns over journalistic integrity.
- Critics argue Trump uses government power to intimidate media and profit personally, with other companies like Disney and Meta also settling lawsuits.
- The case underscores the influence of corporate ownership on media independence.
Florida: Ousted Staff at New College Say DeSantis' Allies Raided Restricted Funds to Pay President's Bloated Salary https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/07/florida-ousted-staff-at-new-college-say-desantis-allies-raided-restricted-funds-to-pay-presidents-bloated-salary/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reshaped New College by appointing right-wing trustees and implementing sweeping changes, including eliminating progressive programs.
- Ousted financial officers revealed that restricted donor funds were misused to pay President Richard Corcoran’s salary, violating donor intent.
- Alumni and former foundation board members are demanding an audit of fund usage, citing governance concerns and threats to future donations.
- Corcoran’s compensation package, exceeding $1 million annually, relies heavily on the college foundation's restricted funds, straining financial sustainability.
- Critics claim the college’s governance structure was compromised, allowing unilateral removal of board members and eroding financial oversight.
Big Education Ape: UPDATE 7-7-25 - THE TRAGEDY IN TEXAS: TAX CUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR YOU https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-tragedy-in-texas-tax-cuts-for.html
Big Education Ape explores the devastating flash floods in Texas, linking the tragedy to climate change, Trump-era budget cuts, and political negligence. It criticizes the prioritization of billionaire tax cuts over life-saving weather services and infrastructure, calling for systemic change and social democracy to address the worsening effects of climate change and inequality.
### Key Points
- Central Texas flash floods killed over 70 people, exacerbated by NOAA budget cuts under Trump.
- Political responses focused on "thoughts and prayers" rather than actionable solutions.
- Climate change intensifies disasters, but Texas leaders resist addressing it due to fossil fuel lobbying.
- Advocates suggest funding public services and embracing social democracy to improve disaster preparedness.
- Younger generations push for bold progressive policies to challenge systemic failures.
Big Education Ape: THE SILICON CODEX: DOOM SCROLLING THROUGH THE GODS OF THE INTERNET https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-silicon-codex-doom-scrolling.html
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog features posts on self-motivated students, long-term teaching experiences, and educational policy updates.
- Strategies for ELL vocabulary and grammar instruction are shared, along with resources for multi-level classes.
- Weekly posts offer curated resources for classroom instruction and ESL/EFL/ELL teaching.
- Infographics, such as "The 4 Billion Year Path of Human Evolution," provide visual learning aids.
- Books authored by the writer include practical guides covering Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and Common Core implementation for ELL classrooms.
- The author shares tips for student motivation, parental involvement, and classroom management, along with Q&A-style responses to common teaching challenges.
- Other work includes British Council posts, a Bam Radio show, contributions to Education Week Teacher, and educational content for the New York Times.
Teachers Author a U.S. History Textbook: Being in the Right Place at the Right Time https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/07/07/teachers-author-a-history-textbook-being-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Larry Cuban and Philip Roden co-authored "The Promise of America," a U.S. history textbook aimed at reforming traditional history instruction.
- The book used primary sources, engaging narratives, and critical thinking exercises to connect past events to contemporary issues.
- The textbook initially sold well, especially for "slow learners," but lost popularity as school reforms shifted back to traditional methods by the late 1970s.
- Cuban reflects on the impact of the textbook and acknowledges that its effectiveness depended on individual teachers' beliefs and practices.
The resistance to “School choice” isn’t psychological—it’s principled. – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/the-resistance-to-school-choice-isnt-psychological-its-principled/
### Key Points
- Voters support public schools because they are foundational community institutions that promote fairness, access, and shared responsibility.
- Public schools are transparent, inclusive, and open to all, unlike many private or charter alternatives that lack oversight and equity.
- Resistance to school choice stems from principled values, not psychological quirks, as public schools are essential for democratic life.
- Privatization under "school choice" reforms often fragments communities and undermines equity and accountability.
Kerr County Flood: When Disaster Strikes, Who Will Save Us? – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/07/kerr-county-flood-when-disaster-strikes-who-will-save-us/
### Key Points
- Kerr County failed to implement a flood warning system despite repeated studies and grant applications over years, leading to preventable disaster.
- Reliance on federal aid without contingency plans can turn hope into hazard, especially as disaster relief becomes politicized.
- The Trump Administration's cuts to FEMA, NOAA, and NWS undermine emergency preparedness and disaster response nationwide.
- Preparedness must be reframed as a moral obligation, with local investments in warning systems and infrastructure.
- The article calls for protecting federal emergency agencies, rejecting disaster governance based on political loyalty, and educating the public on the importance of readiness.
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the inconsistency in pro-life conservatives' values, emphasizing their focus on unborn life while neglecting the welfare of children after birth.
- Trump's immigration policies expanded the definition of criminal threats, targeting even legal residents like Sophia Vargas, a child with critical health issues.
- Sophia's progress in the U.S. healthcare system is threatened by the revocation of her family’s legal status, risking her life due to interrupted treatment.
- The author highlights other cases, such as a child with cancer, to showcase the cruel consequences of these immigration policies.
- Pro-life activists remain largely silent on these issues, despite their claim that every life is sacred, exposing contradictions in their stance.
Send your comments on DOE’s class size “plan” or sign onto ours! | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/send-your-comments-on-does-class-size-plan-or-sign-onto-ours/
- Public comments are due by July 8, 2025, on NYC DOE’s draft Class Size Reduction Plan, which is criticized for lacking a multi-year strategy and failing to address overcrowding in nearly 500 schools.
- DOE increasingly relies on exemptions to avoid compliance with the class size law passed in June 2022, with the term "exemption" appearing more frequently in successive plans.
- A bipartisan coalition successfully removed a proposal from a Senate budget bill that would have prohibited states and districts from regulating AI use in schools.
- Dr. Betty Rosa will be honored at the Skinny Award dinner on June 18, 2025, for her advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in public schools.
- The "Talk Out of School" radio show and podcast airs Sundays at 7 PM EST, discussing public school issues in NYC and beyond.
- NYC parents are encouraged to sign petitions urging the implementation of a genuine, multi-year plan to reduce class sizes without exemptions.
- Resources and updates about class size reduction efforts and related actions are available through newsletters and events like the Annual Parent Action Conference.
- The NY State Legislature mandated smaller class sizes in NYC schools starting in June 2022, but implementation remains slow.
Education Research Report: Do Pensions Enhance Teacher Effort and Selective Retention? https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/do-pensions-enhance-teacher-effort-and.html
- The study examines whether employer-provided pensions enhance teacher effort and selectively retain quality workers.
- Crossing the pension-eligibility threshold significantly reduces teachers' effective compensation, yet no decrease in effort or output is observed.
- The findings suggest yearly pension accruals near retirement do not meaningfully increase teacher effort.
- The study finds no evidence that pensions selectively retain higher-performing teachers in late career, as teacher quality remains unchanged beyond the threshold.
The secret history of Block Island. , by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/the-secret-history-of-block-island?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- Block Island is a serene vacation spot known for its beauty rather than its wealthy or celebrity visitors.
- The island has historical ties to activism, including Monroe Engel's participation in the 1964 Freedom Summer and Daniel Berrigan's opposition to the Vietnam War.
- Civil rights attorney Arthur Kinoy, a summer resident, played a significant role in legal battles during the Red Scare, civil rights movement, and anti-war protests.
- Kinoy's involvement in cases like the Chicago Seven and his book, "The Real Mystery of Block Island," reflect his deep connection to the island and its history.
Teacher Tom: Rivalry Games https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/rivalry-games.html
### Key Points
- Preschoolers often engage in "rivalry play," which involves conflict and negotiation, helping them practice social skills.
- Teacher Tom highlights the importance of letting children resolve conflicts independently, stepping in only when necessary.
- The article emphasizes play-based learning as a tool for emotional and social development.
- Teacher Tom has been writing about play-based education for over 14 years and offers resources for readers.
Second Breakfast: What We Talk About When We Talk About AI in Education | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-we-talk-about
- The article critiques the vague and often ideological use of the term "artificial intelligence" in education, highlighting its origins as a marketing phrase rather than a precise scientific term.
- AI in education is often discussed through stories, myths, and futuristic visions, rather than focusing on its current capabilities and limitations.
- The history of AI in education dates back to the field's inception, with early researchers interested in human learning and developing tools like intelligent tutoring systems and automated graders.
- The connection between AI and education is deeply rooted in the study of human cognition, with influential figures like Seymour Papert and Marvin Minsky bridging the gap between AI and educational research.
- The article emphasizes that discussions about AI in education are often shaped by cultural narratives and speculative ideas rather than grounded technical analysis.
Weekend Quotables, by @mikeklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/weekend-quotables-bec?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- President Trump’s administration significantly reduced FEMA’s funding and workforce, cutting $646 million from its budget and eliminating over 2,000 positions, which weakened disaster response capabilities during catastrophic Texas flooding.
- Programs like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) were terminated, exposing vulnerable regions to increased risks, and delays in warnings exacerbated the impact of the floods.
- Cuts to NOAA’s climate research division, including hurricane and severe storm studies, have reduced critical data availability, slowing forecasts and increasing community risks.
- The BRICS Summit highlighted the bloc’s growing influence, representing over half the global population and 40% of economic output, with leaders advocating for multilateral trade and financial reform.
- Trump’s controversial remarks and policies, including threats against protesters and aggressive stances on immigration enforcement, have drawn criticism.
- Iranian President Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of undermining diplomacy by permitting an Israeli attack despite assurances of restraint.
- Brittany Ramos DeBarros debated the ethics of resigning publicly versus standing up within the military to enact change.
glen brown: Israeli soldier Daniel Edri set himself on fire https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/israeli-soldier-daniel-edri-set-himself.html
### Key Points
- Daniel Edri, an Israeli soldier, committed suicide by self-immolation after being haunted by the atrocities he witnessed and committed during military service.
- The article connects Edri's story to the broader phenomenon of "moral injury," emphasizing the psychological collapse soldiers experience when forced to act against their moral beliefs.
- Data from U.S. veterans shows that suicide rates among soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan surpass combat deaths, highlighting the widespread impact of war-induced trauma.
- The piece critiques state-sponsored violence and genocide, arguing that it psychologically devastates not only the victims but also the perpetrators.
- The article calls attention to the human cost of war, including the lasting effects on soldiers' mental health and the moral implications of collective punishment and domination.
King Mulgrew Deigns to Speak to Us https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/king-mulgrew-deigns-to-speak-to-us?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- Michael Mulgrew received minimal engagement from UFT members in a mayoral survey, reflecting disconnection and discontent within the union.
- Mulgrew excluded retirees from town halls and failed to consult elected retiree leaders, raising concerns about transparency and respect.
- Retirees are wary of Mulgrew’s support for Mamdani, citing his alliance with union bosses and disregard for Intro 1096, a bill protecting retiree health care.
- Mulgrew's statements on health care changes and his handling of Medicare Advantage plans have caused distrust among retirees.
- Members criticize Mulgrew’s lack of action on Intro 1096 and his prioritization of political endorsements over member concerns.
- Frustration grows over Mulgrew’s opaque processes, including pre-selected questions in town halls and limited retiree participation.
H.R. 1 Will Make America’s Kids Hungrier, Less Healthy, and Deeper in Poverty https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/hr-1-will-make-americas-kids-hungrier?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- H.R. 1 cuts $186 billion from SNAP, leading to increased hunger, poverty, and poor health outcomes for children.
- The bill prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over food assistance, creating a "Robin-Hood-in-reverse" policy.
- SNAP benefits are tied to outdated formulas, eroding purchasing power and worsening food insecurity over time.
- Cuts to SNAP enrollment will reduce automatic eligibility for free school meals, impacting children's focus and educational outcomes.
- States are required to cover a higher share of SNAP costs, leading to potential tax hikes, reduced services, and strained budgets.
- The poorest 10% of Americans will face income reductions, while the richest 10% benefit from increased incomes.
- SNAP cuts will harm rural economies, small businesses, and farmers reliant on steady demand from the program.
- Hunger negatively impacts children's health, education, and future earning potential, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!7-7-25
The article is a compilation of blog posts and news stories addressing various societal, political, and educational issues. Topics include devastating floods in Texas, Trump-era policies affecting education and democracy, the rise of authoritarianism, climate change, and challenges in public infrastructure and services. It also highlights advocacy efforts, systemic inequities, and strategies to resist harmful policies.
### Key Points
- Texas floods caused over 80 deaths, worsened by staff shortages at the National Weather Service and lack of a local warning system.
- Cost-cutting measures by Elon Musk's DOGE initiative and early retirement policies under Trump administration reduced staffing levels.
- Kerr County lacked a flood warning system due to taxpayer resistance to new spending, despite the high cost of lives.
- Trump administration introduced a tax on college endowments in 2017, starting at 1.4%, and proposed steep increases in 2025.
- Smaller private colleges, including Hillsdale College, were exempted from the tax due to Republican interventions.
- Central Texas flash floods killed over 70 people, exacerbated by NOAA budget cuts under Trump.
- Political responses focused on "thoughts and prayers" rather than actionable solutions.
- Advocates suggest funding public services and embracing social democracy to improve disaster preparedness.
- "The Silicon Codex" narrates the rise of Internet Gods like Zakarion, Muskalon, and Bezior, parodying their influence on humanity.
- Humanity's attention is consumed by digital platforms, leading to the creation of "The Temple of User Engagement."
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reflects on Trump’s return to power, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation.
- Controversies surrounding St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento, including corporate influence and historical issues.
- South Georgia librarian fired over LGBTQ children's book in summer reading list, sparking legal action and debate.
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" introduces harmful changes to federal higher education policy, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized students.
- Donald Trump and the GOP are laying groundwork to undermine democracy through voter suppression and legal loopholes.
- Voter purging facilitated by error-prone systems like ERIC and laws like the SAVE Act disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.
- Florida lawmakers attempted to cut funding for advanced academic programs due to voucher-related budget strains but faced public opposition.
- Military members launched the "Right to Refuse" campaign, advocating for legal protections against unlawful orders.
- Blogs call for systemic reforms in education, transparency, and equity, while critiquing billionaire influence and privatization.
- Independence Day discussions focus on its contradictions, historical exclusions, and the role of public education in democracy.
- One Million Rising campaign aims to train one million people in strategic non-cooperation and community organizing to resist authoritarianism.
One Million Rising: Strategic Non-Cooperation to Fight Authoritarianism · No Kings https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
Across the country, authoritarian forces are getting bolder and more dangerous. Trump and his allies are not hiding their agenda: mass deportations, rollbacks of civil rights, weaponized courts, and full-scale attacks on our democracy. We don’t have to wait until it’s too late. We can stop this. But it’ll take all of us—not just on single days of mass action, but through sustained organizing in our communities.
That’s why this summer, we’re launching One Million Rising—a national effort to train one million people in the strategic logic and practice of non-cooperation, as well as the basics of community organizing and campaign design. This is how we build people power that can’t be ignored. You’re invited to join us—and lead.
Let’s build a force bigger than fear and louder than hate. Let’s get ready. Let’s get organized. Let’s stop Trump. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/
