Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
Department of Education Will Violate Federal Law by Joining with Right-Wing Groups to Create a Civics Curriculum https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/18/department-of-educatuon-will-illegally-partner-with-conservative-groups-to-crate-a-civics-curriculum/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Department of Education plans to collaborate with conservative groups to design a civics curriculum, despite federal law prohibiting federal involvement in curriculum matters.
- The initiative, called the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, aims to promote patriotism and American founding principles but lacks specific details about its implementation.
- Critics claim this effort aligns with the Trump administration's broader agenda to manipulate historical narratives and suppress dissenting voices.
- Comparisons are drawn between current actions and historical authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the dangers of eroding democratic principles and free speech.
Trump Mob Cancels Jimmy Kimmel https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/18/trump-mob-cancels-jimmy-kimmel/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Jimmy Kimmel's show was canceled due to political pressure from the Trump administration and threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
- Carr criticized Kimmel during a far-right broadcast, leading Disney to pull the program amid emergency meetings.
- Critics warn of a chilling effect on free speech and media independence, as corporations prioritize business interests over creative freedom.
- The incident reflects the growing polarization in the media and concerns about government suppression of dissenting voices.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TAKING FREE SPEECH FOR A WALK: THE QUESTION IS "WHERE"? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/trump-administration-taking-free-speech.html
### Key Points
- Trump administration signed an executive order titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” promising to protect free speech but allegedly targeting dissenters selectively.
- Activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested for organizing pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about targeting political views rather than actions.
- Trump’s administration has aggressively pursued lawsuits and funding cuts against journalists and public broadcasters, furthering a “chilling effect” on free expression.
- Historical censorship examples, such as the Sedition Act of 1798 and book bans, illustrate America’s long struggle with free speech issues.
- The Supreme Court’s mixed history on free speech rulings raises questions about its stance under Trump’s influence.
- Universities and individuals face intimidation tactics, including fines, visa revocations, and funding cuts, for opposing Trump’s policies.
- A nationwide protest, “No Kings 2,” is planned for October 18, 2025, to challenge Trump’s actions against the First Amendment.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 18th SHOWDOWN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/todays-great-ai-news-smackdown_18.html
### Key Points
- AI models battled for journalistic supremacy in "The Great AI News Smackdown," with Copilot declared the winner for its entertaining and balanced reporting.
- Gemini reported on President Trump’s second state visit to the UK, Charlie Kirk’s murder, and other dramatic stories but lacked humor.
- Grok covered international conflicts, including Israeli forces advancing into Gaza City and Russian troops entering Kupyansk, but faced accuracy issues.
- ChatGPT 5 provided in-depth analysis on topics like Ukraine’s drone strikes and climate change but lacked engaging commentary.
- Copilot focused on local headlines, such as wildfire risks and Uber lawsuits, while blending global stories like the Israel-Gaza escalation and Xi Jinping hosting Putin and Kim Jong Un.
- Charlie Kirk’s murder led to political fallout, with Antifa designated as a major terrorist organization.
- The Federal Reserve cut interest rates, impacting markets and consumer sentiment.
- Climate change effects intensified, with warnings about destabilization of the global water cycle and extreme weather events.
- A rare orange shark was caught off Costa Rica, adding an unusual twist to global headlines.
- Jimmy Kimmel’s show was suspended indefinitely following controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
- Economic inequality highlighted as the top 20% of earners drive 63% of consumer spending.
- International developments included Pakistan-Saudi defense agreements and Germany’s plans to expand the Bundeswehr.
Big Education Ape: HHS SECRETARY RFK JR.: LAWYER, WITCH DOCTOR, OR NEW AGE SHAMAN? NAVIGATING THE CLASH OF WESTERN AND NEW AGE MEDICINE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/hhs-secretary-rfk-jr-lawyer-witch.html
Speaking of Kids, the article explores the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), highlighting his controversial stance between Western and New Age medicine. It examines the clash of scientific rigor versus holistic approaches in healthcare, RFK Jr.'s advocacy for healthier lifestyles, and his skepticism of vaccines, which has drawn criticism for promoting misinformation. The piece emphasizes the need for balanced, evidence-based healthcare policy that integrates the best of both worlds to ensure public health safety.
### Key Points
- RFK Jr. leads HHS with a mission to "Make America Healthy Again," sparking debate over Western medicine versus New Age practices.
- Western medicine is evidence-based and precise, while New Age medicine emphasizes holistic care but lacks scientific validation.
- Integrative medicine seeks to combine both approaches, blending scientific rigor with complementary therapies.
- RFK Jr.'s policies include scrutinizing Big Pharma and promoting natural remedies, but his vaccine skepticism raises public health concerns.
- The government should prioritize evidence-based healthcare and avoid amplifying misinformation.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 17TH SHOWDOWN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/todays-great-ai-news-smackdown_17.html
The article covers various topics including public education challenges, political drama, international affairs, pop culture, and AI news analysis. It highlights key events such as Trump's UK state visit, the Israel-Gaza conflict, Robert Redford's death, and AI models competing in news analysis.
### Key Points
- Trump's administration faces criticism for slashing healthcare funding, dismantling vaccine programs, and weakening public health infrastructure.
- Trump's UK state visit sparks protests, controversy, and a $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times.
- AI models compete in analyzing news, with Gemini excelling in drama, Grok in analysis, ChatGPT 5 in finance, and Copilot in breadth.
- The Israel-Gaza conflict intensifies, with airstrikes and diplomatic fallout, including Spain canceling arms deals.
- Robert Redford dies at 89, leaving behind a significant legacy in Hollywood.
- TikTok deal progresses amid US-China negotiations, addressing national security concerns.
- Neeraj Chopra defends his javelin title in Tokyo, highlighting sports rivalry.
- COVID-19 drops from the top 10 causes of death in the US, but heart issues and cancers surge.
- Sacramento County shooting and local community events like Shaq Thompson's flag football tournament gain attention.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS II: TRUMP - THE KING WHO CRIED "FREE SPEECH" https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/no-kings-ii-trump-king-who-cried-free.html
Here’s The Outline I Have ELL Intermediate Students Use To Write A Biographical Essay - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog shares resources and strategies for educators, including writing outlines for ELL students and discussions on current events like Charlie Kirk's murder.
- Gallup's annual poll highlights contrasting opinions on school quality between parents and others.
- Updates on the upcoming book, "The Better Teacher’s Toolbox," and advice for new teachers are provided.
- The Atlantic offers free subscriptions for U.S. high schools, and Google’s "Learn Your Way" aims to make textbooks more accessible using AI.
- Infographic on global population and charts on challenges in ELL instruction are discussed.
- A free curriculum for SIFE students and republished popular posts from 2025 are highlighted.
- Books and resources focus on supporting educators in various subjects, motivating students, and engaging parents.
- Additional contributions include blog posts, videos, radio shows, and articles for major platforms like Education Week and The New York Times.
Jimmy Kimmel Suspended: 10 Signs American Democracy Is Failing – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/18/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-10-signs-america-is-no-longer-a-democracy/
### Key Points
- Jimmy Kimmel's suspension by ABC under government pressure reflects the silencing of cultural critics, a tactic associated with authoritarian regimes.
- Fascism is defined as a political philosophy that prioritizes the nation over individual rights, enforces autocratic rule, and suppresses dissent through threats and force.
- Historical examples show fascist regimes targeting cultural figures, controlling media, and dismantling independent networks to consolidate power.
- Trump's cult of leadership mirrors fascist tendencies, with slogans, rallies, and adoration resembling political liturgy.
- Fusion of corporate and state power is evident in Trump's tariffs, government stakes in corporations, and ICE raids targeting foreign workers.
- Persecution of minorities, including immigrants, Muslims, and LGBTQ+ individuals, follows the fascist logic of exclusion and scapegoating.
- Glorification of violence and political militias, such as the January 6 Capitol attack, echoes historical fascist enforcers like Blackshirts and Brownshirts.
- Erosion of independent institutions like the Supreme Court, Justice Department, and FCC undermines their neutrality and democratic guardrails.
- Weaponization of "law and order" criminalizes dissent while tolerating violence by political allies, normalizing repression.
- Propaganda and manipulation of truth, such as altering government data and promoting "alternative facts," distort accountability and public perception.
- Subordination of women through restrictive abortion laws and rhetoric reduces women to reproductive roles, reflecting authoritarian control.
- Elimination of political opposition, such as targeting the "radical left" and labeling dissent as terrorism, paves the way for authoritarian consolidation.
- The author emphasizes the importance of defending free speech for all voices, protecting vulnerable groups, supporting independent institutions, and actively participating in democracy.
Two U.S. District Court Judges Protect Access to Head Start for Undocumented Children https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/09/18/two-u-s-district-court-judges-protect-access-to-head-start-for-undocumented-children/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- Two U.S. District Court judges issued rulings to block the Trump administration's demand to exclude undocumented children from Head Start.
- The Trump administration reinterpreted the 1996 welfare reform law to classify Head Start as welfare, making immigration status a barrier to access.
- Head Start programs operated by school districts were exempt due to the Plyler v. Doe ruling, while nonprofit-operated programs faced restrictions.
- Democratic state attorneys general sued to block the policy, resulting in a temporary pause and eventual court rulings against it.
- The rulings emphasized that Head Start eligibility rules do not include immigration status and that procedural requirements were ignored.
- The Trump administration's broader actions have caused disruptions and uncertainty for Head Start programs, affecting vulnerable families.
Right Wing Trump Allies Hide Study Showing That Right Wing Extremists Cause Most Domestic Terror Attacks | GFBrandenburg's Blog https://gfbrandenburg.wordpress.com/2025/09/18/right-wing-trump-allies-hide-study-showing-that-right-wing-extremists-cause-most-domestic-terror-attacks/
### Key Points
- The blog post highlights a study revealing that right-wing extremists are responsible for most domestic terror attacks, which Trump allies have allegedly tried to suppress.
- A commenter suggests that Trump and his supporters ignore or distort such data, spreading misinformation to their loyal base.
- The blog includes links to other posts and resources discussing politics, education, and social issues, with a focus on exposing dishonesty and corruption.
Teacher Tom: The Truth Will Make Me Free https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-truth-will-make-me-free.html
### Key Points
- Truth is subjective and requires self-reflection to uncover; it is a journey, not a fixed destination.
- Suppressing emotions leads to self-deception, which limits freedom; expressing feelings is essential for personal growth.
- Socrates' idea of an unexamined life emphasizes the need for questioning beliefs and assumptions to achieve freedom.
- Self-reflection often requires the support of others to overcome self-deception and discover truth.
- Children possess a natural curiosity and openness to perspectives, which adults can learn from to remain free and adaptable.
- People who cling to objective truth often stop growing and become trapped in their own perspectives.
glen brown: The threatening of liberal foundations and nonprofits after Kirk’s death https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-threatening-of-liberal-foundations.html
- The Trump administration has accused progressive nonprofits of inciting violence and playing a role in the death of Charlie Kirk, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims.
- Specific organizations like George Soros' Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation, and the Southern Poverty Law Center have been targeted, with allegations of funding groups that led to "organized agitation."
- Nonprofits in the U.S. operate under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code and have constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and public policy advocacy, but cannot promote criminal activity or incite violence.
- Historical precedents, such as the Johnson Amendment, highlight past attempts to limit nonprofit political activities, though these efforts have largely failed due to constitutional protections.
- The Trump administration's approach to nonprofits mirrors tactics used in other countries to suppress political opposition, raising concerns about the potential impact on democracy and freedom of ideas.
- Donor privacy laws complicate transparency in nonprofit funding, with recent Supreme Court rulings upholding the privacy rights of donors and foundations.
"The vice president's justifications for this ideological abuse of government power are obviously false" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-vice-presidents-justifications-for.html
- Vice President JD Vance used Charlie Kirk's memorial to launch baseless accusations against NGOs, claiming they promote violence, despite lacking evidence.
- Vance and Stephen Miller falsely linked Kirk's assassination to left-wing organizations, using inflammatory rhetoric to justify targeting civil society groups.
- Data contradicts Vance's claims, showing right-wing extremists are responsible for the majority of politically motivated violence in the U.S. since 1975.
- Studies from the CATO Institute, ADL, and NIJ confirm the prevalence of far-right violence, which the Trump administration has sought to downplay.
- Vance cherry-picked polls to support his narrative while ignoring broader data showing higher support for political violence among the American right.
- Vance omitted key incidents of right-wing violence, including the January 6 Capitol attack and the murder of Democratic politician Melissa Hortman.
- The Trump administration is exploiting Kirk's murder to suppress dissent and target critics under the guise of protecting free speech.
AI News Smackdown: Who Got It Right? SEPTEMBER 18th SHOWDOWN https://ru4people.substack.com/p/ai-news-smackdown-who-got-it-right-f6f
### Key Points
- Gemini provided a concise and accurate snapshot of the day's major national and international stories, including President Trump's UK visit, the Charlie Kirk shooting, FBI testimony on Epstein files, and the Fed's interest rate cut.
- Grok offered a broader mix of domestic and international stories, including niche events like a stabbing in Montana and the supposed death of Robert Redford, but some details were inconclusive.
- ChatGPT 5 took an academic approach, focusing on thematic analysis of global markets, climate, and geopolitical issues, but lacked specific headline-grabbing events.
- Copilot delivered hyper-local news tailored to specific areas, like Rosemont and Sacramento, but missed broader national and international stories.
- Gemini was praised for its balanced coverage and accuracy, while Grok was critiqued for its mixed quality, ChatGPT 5 for being overly thematic, and Copilot for its narrow focus.
- Major headlines included President Trump's lawsuit against The New York Times, the rise of a China-Russia-North Korea bloc, and escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
- Stories of interest included the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the tragic death of a roller coaster rider, and K-pop artists dominating global charts.
- Climate and environmental updates highlighted wildfires in Turkey and Greece, Tropical Storm Gabrielle, and global inflation trends.
Don’t Be Fooled by the Man Behind the Curtain – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/dont-be-fooled-by-the-man-behind-the-curtain/
### Key Points
- The Step Up for Students program promotes an "education marketplace" that undermines public schools by shifting them into a privatized system.
- The program uses terms like "personalization" and "customization" to disguise its goal of breaking public schools into pieces for profit.
- Privatization efforts trace back to Milton Friedman's free-market principles, expanded by Florida lawmakers over the last 25 years.
- Public schools are critical for democracy, serving all children transparently, unlike privatized systems that prioritize profit and lack oversight.
- Vulnerable students, such as those in rural or low-income areas, are disadvantaged by the "choice" marketplace model.
- The article advocates for strengthening public schools instead of dismantling them, emphasizing their role in community cohesion and democratic values.
How Teacher Evaluations Broke the University (Rose Horowitch) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/09/18/how-teacher-evaluations-broke-the-university-rose-horowitch/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Teacher evaluations have contributed to grade inflation and reduced academic rigor in universities, as professors feel pressured to give higher grades and lighter workloads to secure favorable evaluations.
- Student evaluations, initially introduced to improve teaching, often fail to measure instructional quality effectively, showing biases based on gender, attractiveness, or expected grades.
- Research indicates no positive correlation between high evaluation scores and actual student learning outcomes, with high-rated professors sometimes producing worse results in subsequent classes.
- Evaluations significantly impact academic careers, especially for adjunct faculty and graduate instructors, whose employment often depends on student feedback.
- Some universities are exploring alternatives, such as combining peer reviews, self-reflections, and student evaluations, to address the flaws of current systems.
- Despite their flaws, evaluations persist due to institutional inertia, ease of use, and expectations from tuition-paying families to critique educational services.
USA 2025: "Cheap Steamers in the Rain" https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/09/18/usa-2025-cheap-steamers-in-the-rain/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The Renaissance Faire in South Carolina showcased an inclusive and diverse atmosphere, breaking societal norms and fostering peace and happiness.
- The author connects this experience to broader societal issues, highlighting the disparity between the pursuit of happiness for all versus conservative movements imposing narrow beliefs.
- LGBTQ+ rights are framed as a fight for equality and humanity amidst political waves of resentment and denial.
- Denying rights to minorities threatens the foundational ideals of life, liberty, and happiness for everyone in the U.S.
Choosing Democracy: : Trump Uses State Power Against Comedians https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/09/trump-uses-state-power-against-comedians.html
### Main Ideas
- Trump’s Project 2025 aims to consolidate power through fear and control, using events like Charlie Kirk's death to silence dissent.
- The Trump-appointed FCC commissioner pressured Disney/ABC to censor comedian Jimmy Kimmel, sparking allegations of state censorship.
- Activists and unions are organizing boycotts and campaigns against censorship, highlighting the disorganized majority versus the organized minority.
- In DC, authoritarian measures include National Guard occupation, arrests, and suppression of self-rule, but residents are resisting through activism and community actions.
- Chicago successfully resisted Trump’s attempt to deploy the National Guard, uniting political leaders, labor groups, and residents across divides.
- The Chicago example serves as encouragement for collective resistance against authoritarianism, emphasizing courage in the face of fear.
- Practical tips for activism include focusing efforts, showing solidarity, grounding oneself, and connecting with supportive communities.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Celebrates New Study Showing Positive Impact of California’s Community Schools Initiative on Student Attendance and School Culture https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel40.asp
### Key Points
- California’s Community Schools Initiative improves student attendance, reduces suspensions, and enhances school culture.
- The initiative received $4.1 billion funding and is part of Superintendent Thurmond’s Transforming Schools Initiatives.
- Community schools showed a 30% greater reduction in chronic absenteeism compared to similar schools.
- Academic improvements for Black students equate to 130 additional days in math and 151 days in English language arts.
- English Learners gained approximately 58 more days in math and 72 days in English language arts.
- Superintendent Thurmond leads the initiative, collaborating with Governor Newsom, the Legislature, and the State Board of Education.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: What a Difference Teachers Could Make With $45 Million! | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-difference
### Key Points
- $45 million could significantly improve school resources, including meals for students, hiring teachers, and enhancing special education programs.
- Cuts to education funding, such as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, raise concerns about state misuse of block grants for vouchers instead of supporting homeless students.
- Funding could address infrastructural issues in schools, like lead removal and asbestos, which impact health and safety.
- Investments in libraries, teacher preparation, and arts education could enrich student learning experiences and address systemic gaps.
Today in Chicago RESISTANCE NEWS: All hell broke out on Fullerton Ave. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/today-in-chicago
- An anti-ICE rally took place in Belmont Cragin, Chicago, following incidents of masked ICE agents attempting to detain people on Fullerton Avenue, prompting community resistance.
- Community members and rapid response teams intervened, blocking streets and documenting the events, while ICE agents fled the scene.
- Federal agents have been targeting locations like Home Depot where day laborers gather, leading to public outrage and calls for organized resistance.
- Speakers from ICIRR, LSNA, and local politicians, including State Rep. Will Guzzardi and State Senator Graciela Guzmán, attended the rally to encourage collective action against ICE operations.
- The author plans to host organizers from ICIRR and LSNA on an upcoming radio show to discuss further resistance strategies.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
### Summary
The article is a compilation of news stories, blog posts, and analyses from various sources, covering topics such as political controversies, education challenges, healthcare policies, societal issues, AI advancements, and global events. It highlights key debates, critiques, and developments shaping public discourse and governance.
Key Points
- Florida's school voucher system lacks oversight, allowing taxpayer money to fund schools with unqualified teachers, flawed curricula, and discriminatory policies.
- Kathleen West reflects on her teaching career, recounting experiences with school shootings and expressing frustration with societal attitudes toward educators.
- Trump faced backlash for attempting federal intervention in Chicago and Memphis, raising concerns about local control and governance.
- RFK Jr.'s leadership of HHS sparks debate over Western versus New Age medicine, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare policies.
- AI models competed in analyzing news stories, with Copilot excelling in balanced coverage, while others missed key cultural moments.
- Dr. John Kuhn advocates for equity in education, condemning excessive testing and voucher programs that harm public schools.
- Preschool expulsion rates disproportionately affect Black and Latine children, and parental cooperation with teachers can reduce these rates.
- Trump’s administration slashed healthcare funding, exacerbating inequality and marginalizing vulnerable populations.
- A poll shows growing support for democratic socialism, particularly among younger voters and Democrats, highlighting economic fairness and security.
- UN human rights experts condemned U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan vessels, labeling them as violations of international law.
- Ohio Charter Schools graduate students at lower rates than public schools, leading to significant economic losses for communities.
- Americans' knowledge of First Amendment rights has improved slightly, but press freedom remains under significant threat.
- Advocacy movements like "No Kings" oppose authoritarianism and defend constitutional freedoms amidst Trump’s presidency critiques.
- Various resources and initiatives aim to improve child nutrition programs, including webinars and training opportunities.
- Hispanic Heritage Month draws parallels between Cervantes' "Don Quixote" and Trump's rhetoric against wind turbines.
- The importance of play in childhood is emphasized, advocating for environments that foster creativity and lifelong learning.
