Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
Texas Superintendent Goes Viral in Defense of Teachers, Books, and Public Schools! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/19/texas-superintendent-goes-viral-in-defense-of-teachers-books-and-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- John Kuhn, superintendent in Abilene, Texas, is a vocal advocate for public education and inclusivity in schools.
- Kuhn expressed frustration over legislation imposing excessive administrative burdens, such as cataloging books and requiring permission slips for basic health care.
- He criticized political groups for demonizing public schools and educators while promoting centralized state control.
- Kuhn highlighted the challenges of navigating selective outrage over book assignments and the unfair treatment of teachers.
- He lamented the divisive politics affecting public education and the growing difficulty of being a public servant.
RFK Jr. Vaccine Committee Revises Schedule, in Chaotic Meeting https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/19/rfk-jr-vaccine-committee-revises-schedule-in-chaotic-meeting/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- RFK Jr.'s vaccine advisory committee faced confusion and controversy in its first meeting, voting against a combination vaccine for young children and delaying a decision on hepatitis B vaccination for newborns.
- Experts warn that altering the hepatitis B vaccine schedule could endanger newborns due to undiagnosed infections in mothers.
- Senator Bill Cassidy criticized RFK Jr.'s approach, emphasizing the life-saving benefits of vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B.
Trump Family Cashes in on Two Big Deals, Involving United Arab Emirates https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/19/trump-family-cashes-in-on-two-big-deals-involving-united-arab-emirates/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump family and UAE ruling elite engaged in two major deals: a $2 billion crypto investment and advanced computer chip access.
- These deals raise ethical concerns about blending personal business with government actions, potentially compromising U.S. national interests.
- Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times after the investigation was published.
- Critics argue Trump’s presidency prioritizes personal wealth and power over national security and global reputation.
Stephen Colbert Responds to Kimmel Affair with Hilarious Video https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/19/stephen-colbert-responds-to-kimmel-affair-with-video/ via @dianeravitch
- Diane Ravitch's blog discusses topics related to education, democracy, and current events, often highlighting humor and critical commentary.
- Recent posts include Stephen Colbert's comedic response to the Kimmel affair and analysis of Trump family deals involving the UAE.
- Blog topics cover a wide range of issues, such as school privatization, teacher evaluations, standardized testing, and political controversies.
- The blog features a Creative Commons license and encourages readers to follow via email or RSS for updates.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: WHO NAILED IT AND WHO FUMBLED? SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-who-nailed_19.html
### Key Points
- Gemini excels at headline-grabbing drama but lacks depth in some stories, such as the dismantling of the White House Peace Vigil.
- Grok provides thorough and detailed analysis, particularly on topics like the U.S. veto of the Gaza ceasefire resolution and Russian drones violating Polish airspace. However, it underemphasized the death of singer Zubeen Garg.
- ChatGPT 5 offers concise snapshots of major stories, including Trump’s economic agenda and Baltic security tensions, but its broad international summaries lack substance.
- Copilot shines in local news coverage, such as California homelessness debates and PG&E credits, but needs improvement in global reporting, like Smotrich’s controversial Gaza comments.
- Major global stories include the U.S. vetoing a Gaza ceasefire resolution, Russian drones violating Polish airspace, and protests in Nepal over a social media ban.
- Domestic U.S. updates include Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and vaccine advisory panel discussions.
- International highlights feature Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, a drone strike killing 75 in Sudan, and U.S. halting military aid to Taiwan during trade talks with China.
- Local California stories include Sacramento’s tent site controversy and PG&E credits for power bills.
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
The article primarily discusses the Trump administration’s controversial approach to free speech, highlighting contradictions in its policies and actions. While promoting an executive order to protect free speech, the administration has been accused of suppressing dissent, targeting journalists, students, and activists, and weaponizing the government against critics. Historical examples of censorship in America are provided for context, alongside concerns about the Supreme Court’s alignment with Trump’s agenda. The article concludes with a call for public action through protests.
### 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
The article provides an overview of various news topics, including political developments, international conflicts, economic updates, climate issues, and AI-generated news analysis. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of different AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot—in delivering news, with Copilot emerging as the most entertaining and balanced option.
### 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
Paulo Freire Was Born On This Day In 1921 – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog provides educational resources, teaching strategies, and updates on various topics, including Paulo Freire's birthday, suicide prevention month, and classroom discussions.
- Republished posts from the first half of 2025 are available, covering student handouts, biographical essay outlines, and slideshows for ELL newcomers.
- Updates on the author's retirement from teaching high school and the release of the upcoming book "The Better Teacher’s Toolbox."
- Insights into parental involvement initiatives, motivational strategies for students, and instructional techniques for multiple subjects, including Math, Science, and English.
- Resources include over 50 original lessons for English Language Learners and practical strategies for implementing the Common Core in ELL classrooms.
- The blog features posts on education platforms such as the British Council, Education Week Teacher, and the New York Times Learning Network, along with videos and radio shows.
Silence, Fear, and Charlie Kirk: The Good Germans Question for America – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/19/silence-fear-and-charlie-kirk-the-good-germans-question-for-america/
- The article explores parallels between historical authoritarian regimes, particularly Nazi Germany, and current threats to democracy in America, emphasizing the role of silence and complicity among ordinary citizens.
- The shooting of Charlie Kirk is being exploited by political leaders to suppress dissent, with rhetoric suggesting that criticism of Kirk or right-wing figures should be punished, potentially criminalizing opposition groups.
- Comparisons are drawn between the exploitation of Kirk's shooting and historical events like the Reichstag fire, highlighting how crises are used to justify repression and consolidate power.
- Charlie Kirk's history of divisive rhetoric and hypocrisy is discussed, including his portrayal as a victim while benefiting from widespread platforms and financial success.
- The erosion of democratic institutions is outlined, with examples of weakened checks and balances and the prioritization of loyalty over principle.
- The article warns against becoming "good Germans" of the modern era, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, speaking out, and resisting normalization of authoritarian tactics.
- The author calls for action to defend democratic principles, accountability, and the protection of free speech to prevent further erosion of democracy.
Teacher Tom: Building Our Future Villages https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/building-our-future-villages.html
### Key Points
- The author reflects on childhood memories shared by older generations, emphasizing the value of intergenerational relationships and learning from community members like blacksmiths and ice cream workers.
- John Holt's perspective is highlighted, suggesting that children benefit from adult friendships and connections within extended families and smaller communities, which are increasingly rare due to societal changes.
- The scattering of villages and extended families, driven by modern transportation and economic demands, has led to a decline in community-based child-rearing and connectivity.
- Schools are seen as a mechanism to separate children from parents, prioritizing economic productivity over fostering community and mutual concern.
- The Woodland Park Cooperative School serves as a model for building community, where children, parents, and grandparents forge meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of placing children at the center of life.
- The author advocates for a return to village-like communities to address societal disconnection and highlights the role of preschools in fostering such relationships.
- Resources and courses are offered to support educators and families in creating play-based, community-focused environments.
glen brown: "Trump now forces the debate to center on our First Amendment" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/trump-now-forces-debate-to-center-on.html
- The article discusses the threat to First Amendment rights under Trump's administration, highlighting censorship and political targeting, including the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC.
- Trump and his allies falsely accused "the Left" of being responsible for Charlie Kirk's murder, exploiting the incident to label ANTIFA a domestic terror organization and push for authoritarian measures.
- Democratic leaders introduced the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act to prevent politically motivated targeting and prosecution by the federal government.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed political violence, emphasizing the need for universal condemnation and rejecting selective outrage while advocating for digital literacy and tools to combat online radicalization.
- Shapiro highlighted the importance of maintaining trust in government and fostering a sense of common humanity to counter alienation and hopelessness among youth.
- The overwhelming silence of Republican leaders on Trump's actions underscores the deepening authoritarian tendencies within the MAGA Republican Party.
An Existential Threat Could the Supreme Court outlaw public schools? https://educationwars.substack.com/p/an-existential-threat
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court's expansive interpretation of religious freedom could threaten the existence of public schools by making exposure to conflicting ideas unconstitutional.
- Mahmoud vs. Taylor involved parents suing Montgomery County Public Schools for including LGBTQ+ inclusive readings, claiming they violated their religious rights. The Supreme Court sided with the parents.
- Justice Alito's majority opinion applied the "Amish test," granting parents broad rights to shield their children from curricula that conflict with their beliefs, potentially destabilizing public education.
- Policies involving exposure to objectionable material are now subject to "strict scrutiny," requiring justification of the highest order, which could challenge the practicality of public schooling.
- Justice Sotomayor's dissent highlights the chaos this decision will create for public schools, making curricula vulnerable to endless legal challenges.
- Johann Neem argues that the ruling privatizes public education by prioritizing parental control over democratic decision-making in curriculum content.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Takeaways From the September 2025 Seattle School Board Meeting. https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/takeaways-from-september-2025-seattle.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Superintendent Fred Podesta announced upcoming discussions on bell times and school boundaries, possibly linked to transportation costs and school closures.
- The debate over allowing SPD officers in Seattle high schools continues, with concerns about armed officers and delays in decision-making despite safety concerns at Garfield High School.
- Teen access to guns and rising shooting rates in Seattle are highlighted as critical safety concerns.
- Nepotism within Seattle Public Schools is discussed, focusing on personnel promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Advanced learning services in Seattle schools were previously addressed by Director Geary in 2017.
Choosing Democracy: Jon Stewart's Post-Kimmel Primer on Free Speech in the Glorious Trump Er... https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/09/jon-stewarts-post-kimmel-primer-on-free.html
THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-september
### Key Points
- The ongoing Gaza crisis, including Israel's ground offensive and the U.S.'s UN Security Council veto, is unanimously reported as the top story by all models.
- The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the political debates over free speech are widely covered.
- Gemini uniquely reports Donald Trump's $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, identification of 1974 remains, and dismantling of the White House Peace Vigil.
- Grok highlights Russian drones violating Polish airspace, Nepal's social media ban protests, and escalating international tensions.
- Copilot focuses on local Sacramento news, including homelessness debates and PG&E credits.
- ChatGPT 5 provides a summarized list of prominent stories but lacks detailed citations, including Baltic airspace violations and U.S.-China TikTok negotiations.
WrestleMania Politics and the Slow Death of Dialogue – Dad Gone Wild https://norinrad10.com/2025/09/19/wrestlemania-politics-and-the-slow-death-of-dialogue/
### Key Points
- The author expresses frustration over the divisive, partisan nature of politics and compares it to the staged drama of WrestleMania, where opposing sides profit from conflict.
- Charlie Kirk's assassination highlights the dangers of extreme rhetoric and the need for meaningful public dialogue instead of censorship or fear-driven silence.
- The author critiques the misuse of language, arguing that exaggerating terms like "fascist" dilutes their meaning and undermines serious discussions.
- Political violence has historical precedence but should remain a last resort, as highlighted by columnist Cameron Smith.
- The author observes the polarization of media, with different parties dominating talk radio and late-night TV, which fuels biased narratives.
- Concerns are raised about Tennessee's legislative focus on teacher tenure and the risk of undermining protections for educators.
- The author reflects on complicity in political issues, inspired by Julian Vasquez Heilig's critique of silence in the face of repression.
- The assassination of political figures should evoke compassion and not be used as a tool for further division.
- Kindness and understanding are recommended as immediate actions to counter political and social turmoil.
- Metro Nashville Public Schools report reduced suspensions, but concerns persist about rising misbehavior and racial disparities in disciplinary actions.
- Tennessee's voucher program lacks transparency, with delayed data and unclear tracking of student enrollment.
- Criticism of bomb threat protocols in schools questions the logic of locking students inside during searches.
- The Trump administration's education funding decisions included cuts to magnet schools and PBS programs to boost charter schools and HBCUs.
The Reliable Narrator: Who Controls Science Controls: “We All Need to Conform to the Science” | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/who-controls-science
- The article critiques the "science of" movement in education, which mandates scripted curriculums and narrow definitions of "scientifically based" teaching, originating from George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy.
- The "science of" movement is argued to de-professionalize teachers and enforce rigid pedagogical methods, disregarding experienced educators' expertise.
- Rachel Jefferson highlights concerns about the misuse of "science" as an unquestionable authority, leading to ideological control in education.
- The article warns against government bureaucracy controlling what counts as "science," emphasizing its distortion for political agendas, particularly under the Trump administration's "gold-standard science" push.
- Scientific research is valuable for education, but its manipulation for ideological purposes undermines teaching and learning.
- The blog post concludes that controlling science equates to controlling education and broader societal narratives.
CURMUDGUCATION: Know America. Love America. Or Else. https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/know-america-love-america-or-else.html
### Key Points
- The America 250 Civics Education Coalition, led by Linda McMahon and the Department of Education, aims to promote a nostalgic and nationalistic view of American history, emphasizing faith, heritage, and patriotism.
- The coalition includes prominent conservative organizations like Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, Moms for Liberty, and PragerU, pushing an agenda that aligns with right-wing cultural norms rather than focusing on educational quality.
- A promotional video romanticizes an idealized, sanitized version of America's past, showcasing imagery of 1950s classrooms, religious symbols, and patriotic acts while ignoring historical complexities and social issues like racial segregation.
- The video critiques modern education and societal changes, accusing educators of promoting "hatred for America," "revisionist history," and cultural division, while highlighting controversial topics like Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ+ themes.
- The initiative seeks to restore a traditionalist approach to civics education, with a focus on state control under federal guidance, despite conservative calls to eliminate the Department of Education.
- The author criticizes this approach as fragile patriotism that oversimplifies history, disrespects students' ability to handle complexity, and imposes a brittle, unexamined love for the country.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for a nationalistic curriculum to be forced upon states, undermining local educators' autonomy.
glen brown: In Solidarity https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/in-solidarity.html
### Key Points
- Trump's FCC Chair threatens stations airing Jimmy Kimmel's show, leading to its suspension by ABC/Disney.
- The censorship reflects broader efforts by the Trump regime to consolidate power and suppress dissent.
- ABC/Disney’s decision is criticized as prioritizing corporate profit over free speech.
- The article calls for boycotts, protests, and congressional investigations to protect First Amendment rights.
Am I A Patriot? https://www.changethelausd.com/am_i_a_patriot
The article critiques the evolving concept of patriotism in the United States, emphasizing the distortion of national symbols like the flag under the Trump administration. The author reflects on personal experiences of patriotism and the symbolic meaning of the flag, contrasting them with the divisive and intolerant direction of modern political movements. Patriotism is redefined as a commitment to justice, equality, and compassion rather than submission to power or loyalty to a single figure.
### Key Points
- Patriotism should represent compassion, justice, and equality, not loyalty to one individual.
- The author recounts personal traditions of flying the flag, which symbolized solidarity and honor, but laments its current misuse as a symbol of intolerance under Trump.
- Trump’s actions, such as lowering the flag to honor divisive figures, highlight the shift in patriotism toward blind allegiance and bigotry.
- The author refuses to fly the flag, instead seeking a symbol that reflects inclusivity, dignity, and the true ideals of America.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
The article covers a wide range of topics, including political controversies, education challenges, healthcare policies, societal issues, AI advancements, and global events. It highlights debates on free speech, government censorship, public education privatization, healthcare reforms, and the impact of AI on news reporting. Additionally, it examines authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration, societal struggles for equity and democracy, and the role of activism in resisting oppression.
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education plans to collaborate with conservative groups to design a civics curriculum, violating federal law prohibiting federal involvement in curriculum matters. Critics argue this initiative undermines democracy and free speech.
- Jimmy Kimmel's show was canceled due to political pressure from the Trump administration, sparking concerns about free speech and media independence.
- The Trump administration signed an executive order to protect free speech but has been accused of selectively targeting dissenters and suppressing opposition.
- AI models competed in delivering news, with Copilot emerging as the most entertaining and balanced option, while others had varying strengths and weaknesses.
- RFK Jr.'s leadership of HHS sparks debate over Western versus New Age medicine, emphasizing the need for evidence-based healthcare policies amidst vaccine skepticism.
- Teacher evaluations in universities have led to grade inflation and reduced academic rigor, showing biases that fail to measure instructional quality effectively.
- Privatization efforts like Florida's Step Up for Students program undermine public schools by promoting competition and reducing accountability.
- California’s Community Schools Initiative improves student attendance, reduces suspensions, and enhances school culture, especially for underserved students.
- Trump administration policies targeting undocumented children in Head Start programs were blocked by court rulings, protecting access for vulnerable families.
- Right-wing extremists are responsible for most domestic terror attacks, a study suppressed by Trump allies reveals.
- Trump administration accused progressive nonprofits of inciting violence without evidence, raising concerns about suppressing civil society groups.
- Activism and community resistance are key in opposing authoritarian measures, as seen in Chicago’s successful resistance against Trump’s National Guard deployment.
- The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show reflects broader authoritarian tendencies, including attacks on free expression and erosion of democratic institutions.
- Advocacy movements like "No Kings" emphasize defending constitutional freedoms amidst authoritarianism critiques.
- $45 million planned for a military parade could instead address pressing educational needs like hunger, teacher shortages, and infrastructure improvements.
- Societal struggles for equity and inclusion, particularly around LGBTQ+ rights, are emphasized as critical for protecting democracy and human rights.
