Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-14-25
Federal Appeals Court Restores Trump’s Control of Ca. National Guard | Diane Ravitch's blog https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/13/federal-appeals-court-restores-trumps-control-of-ca-national-guard/
### Key Points
- A federal judge ruled Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard illegal, citing violation of the Tenth Amendment and overreach of authority.
- Hours later, a federal appeals court temporarily blocked the lower court's decision, scheduling a hearing for June 17.
- Governor Newsom supported the initial ruling, calling it a test of democracy, while the White House opposed it, labeling it unprecedented and risky.
Timothy Snyder: Trump's Fascist Speech to the Troops at Fort Bragg https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/13/timothy-snyder-atrumps-fascist-speech-to-the-teoops-at-fort-bragg/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Timothy Snyder critiques Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg, accusing it of promoting division, disunity, and glorifying historical traitors like Confederate leaders.
- Trump’s rhetoric is described as self-aggrandizing, dismissing the military’s role in defending democracy and instead promoting loyalty to him.
- The speech trivializes military achievements and frames the armed forces as a personal paramilitary force for Trump, undermining constitutional values.
- Trump’s actions, such as attempting to rename bases and deploying military domestically, are seen as illegal and authoritarian.
- The article emphasizes the importance of collective action and protests, like “No Kings Day,” to oppose Trump’s perceived tyranny and defend democracy.
Trump Tries to Cancel National History Day and Fails--This Year https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/13/trump-tries-to-cancel-national-history-day-and-fails-this-year/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- National History Day, a long-standing competition promoting historical research among students, faced funding cuts by the Trump administration but was saved through public donations.
- The event drew 3,000 students to present projects on the theme "Rights and Responsibilities in History," showcasing their concern for civil rights and justice.
- Despite the success of the 2025 competition, future funding for National History Day remains uncertain, with the 2026 theme already chosen: "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."
- Public backlash against the Trump administration's decision reflects broader concerns about cuts to arts and humanities programs.
- Diane Ravitch and commenters on her blog debate the importance of preserving programs like National History Day amidst political and ideological divisions.
Congressional Budget Office: Trump Tax Plan Will Enrich the Rich, Reduce Income for the Poor https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/13/congressional-budget-office-trump-tax-plan-will-enrich-the-rich-reduce-incone-for-the-poor/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The CBO report shows that Trump's tax plan would increase income for the wealthiest Americans while reducing disposable income for the poorest.
- The tax plan extends cuts introduced during Trump's first term, with uneven distribution of benefits across income levels.
- Critics highlight potential long-term damage to public lands and environmental resources under Trump's policies.
Big Education Ape: PEACEFUL PROTEST OR TANKS IN THE STREETS #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/peaceful-protest-or-tanks-in-streets.html
Big Education Ape: ICE RAIDS AND DRIVING WHILE BROWN / REDADAS DE HIELO Y CONDUCIR CON EL VEHÍCULO MARRÓN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/ice-raids-and-driving-while-brown.html
### Key Points
- ICE is intensifying racial profiling, targeting individuals with brown skin or Mediterranean features, regardless of citizenship.
- Discrimination now affects broader groups, including Middle Eastern, Italian, and Greek individuals, reflecting lingering Trump-era policies.
- Driving while brown has become a category of suspicion, leading to harassment and fear among communities.
- Some families resort to skin-lightening tactics to avoid profiling, showcasing the absurdity of the situation.
- The focus on racial profiling detracts from addressing real immigration challenges, wasting resources.
- Public action is encouraged: stay informed, support advocacy groups like RAICES and ACLU, and vote for change.
Speaking of Kids Is Changing to Kids Can’t Wait: A New Name with an Increasingly Urgent Mission https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/speaking-of-kids-is-changing-to-kids?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The Substack "Speaking of Kids" has been rebranded as "Kids Can’t Wait" to emphasize the urgency of addressing declining child well-being.
- Indicators such as rising child poverty, mortality, mental health crises, and homelessness highlight the worsening state of children’s welfare.
- Policymakers are criticized for defunding programs essential to children’s health, education, and safety while advancing divisive political agendas.
- The author draws inspiration from their mother’s advocacy work, emphasizing that children’s needs cannot wait.
- The platform aims to amplify children’s voices, propose actionable policy solutions, and challenge systemic neglect.
- Readers are encouraged to join the movement through subscriptions, donations, and sharing the message.
The Drip of Authoritarianism Becomes a Flood: Democracy at a Crossroads – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/13/the-drip-of-authoritarianism-becomes-a-flood-democracy-at-a-crossroads/
### Key Points
- Authoritarian regimes target institutions like universities, public education, independent media, protestors, and immigrants first, as these are capable of resistance.
- Governor Gavin Newsom's speech serves as a national wake-up call, addressing federal overreach in Los Angeles and the illegal deployment of U.S. military forces.
- Mass deportations in Los Angeles targeted hardworking immigrant families, separating families and creating fear in communities.
- Federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and rubber bullets, during protests, undermining due process rights.
- Trump deployed thousands of National Guard members and U.S. Marines in Los Angeles without consulting local law enforcement, escalating tensions unnecessarily.
- The militarization of law enforcement traumatized communities, targeting not just violent criminals but also ordinary workers.
- Trump’s actions reflect authoritarian tendencies, including undermining democratic institutions, attacking the First Amendment, and eroding checks and balances.
- Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of citizen engagement to protect democracy, urging peaceful protests and accountability.
- California filed legal challenges against the federal government's misuse of military force in domestic law enforcement.
- Trump's authoritarian actions are not limited to California; they threaten democracy nationwide.
In the second NYC mayoral debate Joe McCarthy showed up dressed as Whitney Tilson., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/in-the-second-nyc-mayoral-debate?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- The second NYC mayoral debate featured Joe McCarthy, who appeared to impersonate Whitney Tilson, a known advocate for privatizing public education and a founding member of Democrats for Education Reform (DEFER).
- McCarthy's rhetoric during the debate included outdated Red-baiting tactics, now seemingly redirected toward those advocating for justice in Palestine.
- Tilson expressed support for Andrew Cuomo in the ranked voting system, though education policy, including class size mandates, was not a central topic in the debate.
- The article critiques Tilson’s stance on education and suggests that neither he nor Cuomo should be supported, advocating instead for Zohran Momdani.
Teacher Tom: "I'll Bet You Won't Try That Again" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/ill-bet-you-wont-try-that-again.html
### Key Points
- The author reminisces about the freedom and autonomy of childhood play in the past, which lacked constant adult supervision.
- Modern parenting and societal changes have led to increased restrictions and anxiety, driven by widespread knowledge of risks and dangers.
- The author argues that children benefit from learning through self-regulated play and natural consequences rather than excessive adult-imposed rules.
- An example is provided where a preschooler’s love for throwing objects was channeled into a safe, supervised activity, promoting both safety and creativity.
- The author emphasizes the value of children creating their own rules in a democratic manner, fostering autonomy and community responsibility.
What a Difference Teachers Could Make With $45 Million! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/06/13/what-a-difference-teachers-could-make-with-45-million/
### Key Points
- President Trump’s $45 million military parade raises questions about better uses for the funds, particularly in education.
- Teachers could use $45 million to address critical issues like child hunger, school facilities, and educational resources.
- Investments could fund free lunches, dual language programs, and improved support for immigrant children.
- School infrastructure is in dire need of repair, with rural and low-income areas particularly affected.
- Teacher shortages could be alleviated by hiring more educators and improving working conditions.
- Special education programs, often underfunded, could benefit from additional staff and resources.
- School libraries and arts programs, crucial for student development, could be revitalized with such funding.
- Cuts to migrant education and civics education highlight the need for better funding in these areas.
An excerpt from my old comrade Peter Coyote | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/06/13/an-excerpt-from-my-old-comrade-peter-coyote/
Summertime Doesn't Always Mean Nuthin But Fun https://norinrad10.com/2025/06/13/summertime-doesnt-always-mean-nuthin-but-fun/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- Summertime is a busy period for parents, filled with camps, practices, and activities, emphasizing the importance of community support like carpools.
- Parents are encouraged to cherish fleeting moments with their children, as these times pass quickly.
- The MNPS board rejected three charter school applications, despite appeals from parents seeking alternative educational options for their children.
- The board's opposition to charter schools persists, often citing safety and operational concerns, though some members acknowledge the need for diverse educational opportunities.
- Parents increasingly seek schools that align with their children's unique needs, reflecting a shift in priorities from traditional schooling models.
- The Rock Academy, a proposed charter school addressing chronic absenteeism, was also rejected despite its potential to serve overlooked students.
- The MNPS board's rejection of charter schools highlights a reluctance to adapt to changing educational demands, despite evidence of gaps in current offerings.
- Dr. David Martin, a new MNPS executive hire, faced backlash over his past as a professional wrestler and a guest on the Jerry Springer Show, though supporters defended him as qualified.
- The controversy surrounding Martin underscores the challenges of transparency and decision-making in the age of social media.
- Broader discussions on school choice and leadership challenges remain central to education debates in Nashville.
glen brown: No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-kings-nationwide-day-of-defiance.html
### Key Points
- The "No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance" protests aim to resist authoritarianism and preserve democracy.
- Criticism of Donald Trump’s administration, including its autocratic tendencies, misinformation, and misuse of power.
- Advocacy for social justice, fair taxation, and resistance against corporate greed and systemic oppression.
- Reflection on the role of writers and intellectuals in challenging societal injustices and embracing isolation to resist oppression.
- Coverage of wide-ranging issues such as pensions, education reform, healthcare, environmental concerns, and union rights.
glen brown: "Trump is putting the Wrong Forces in a place where they have not been trained to operate" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/trump-is-putting-wrong-forces-in-place.html
### Key Points
- Trump deployed National Guard troops to California, claiming widespread unrest, despite peaceful protests and calm conditions in Los Angeles.
- Military leaders and veterans condemned this move, calling it a misuse of federal authority and a threat to military readiness and constitutional principles.
- Critics argue that this action undermines the National Guard's proper role, politicizes the military, and diverts resources from essential duties.
- The article emphasizes the importance of Congress stepping in to prevent such overreach and praises veterans for speaking out against these actions.
BIKING MY AGE (AND THEN SOME) | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/06/13/biking-my-age-and-then-some/
- The author completed a 101-mile bike ride, surpassing their goal of 84 miles, marking 15 consecutive years of biking their age.
- The ride was live-streamed on YouTube but faced technical issues due to fog and drone restrictions near airports, leading to a low audience turnout.
- The author collaborated with NASA during the ride by using implanted ergometric chips to measure energy output, contributing to research for astronaut safety in Space-X rockets.
- A comment praised the author’s determination and suggested they could take it easy for a while.
Lee's Legacy: Leaving More Kids Behind, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/lees-legacy-leaving-more-kids-behind?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- Tennessee has significantly reduced its summer food benefits program for low-income students, providing only one-time $120 payments to 25,000 students in 15 counties, excluding major counties like Shelby and Davidson. This marks a sharp decline from the previous program that supported 700,000 students annually since 2020.
- Governor Bill Lee declined federal funding for summer food assistance in 2025, despite accepting $84 million in federal funds the previous year to support low-income children during summer months.
- Critics highlight the Governor’s actions as hypocritical, pointing out his public Christian values and the moral obligation to address hunger and poverty.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Congrats to the Class of 2025! https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/congrats-to-class-of-2025.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Congratulations were extended to the Class of 2025, with a request for feedback on Superintendent Jones' attendance at graduations.
- Concerns were raised about nepotism within Seattle Public Schools, highlighting promotions and job shifts influenced by personal connections within the district.
- Updates on advanced learning services were shared, referencing Director Geary's comments during a Board meeting on January 4, 2017.
Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-13-25
The article discusses a variety of political, social, and educational issues, including critiques of Donald Trump’s policies, nationwide protests, educational reforms, and systemic inequities. It highlights concerns about authoritarianism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the impact of leadership decisions on public institutions and marginalized communities.
### Key Points
- EPIC Charter Schools in Oklahoma downsized, laying off 357 employees, including all principals, due to declining enrollment. Teachers faced pay cuts, raising concerns about the viability of the charter school model.
- Trump’s FY 2026 budget proposal cuts $7 billion from K-12 education, introduces the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), and redirects funds to private schools, furthering inequities.
- The ECCA voucher program benefits wealthy donors, lacks transparency, and risks harming low-income and rural communities.
- Orlando’s response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre demonstrated love and solidarity, emphasizing unity against hate and divisive tactics.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis omitted mention of LGBTQ and Hispanic victims of the Pulse massacre in a proclamation, reflecting broader efforts to erase diversity and inclusion.
- Trump’s strict immigration policies caused labor shortages and economic challenges, while his businesses employed undocumented workers, highlighting hypocrisy.
- Nationwide protests, such as "No Kings Day," oppose Trump’s $45M military parade and authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing peaceful resistance.
- Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg blurred military neutrality by encouraging partisan behavior and selling campaign merchandise, violating Pentagon policies.
- High-stakes testing in education is critiqued for failing to address systemic inequities, with alternative equity-focused accountability models proposed.
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of students with disabilities, lowering the burden of proof for enforcing their rights under federal laws.
- Seattle Public Schools face leadership transitions, financial difficulties, and safety concerns, with ongoing teacher contract negotiations and potential school closures.
- Neuroscience training for educators is critiqued for potentially undermining teachers’ broader pedagogical expertise and autonomy.
- Reflective articles emphasize the importance of teaching historical truths and fostering civic engagement to combat political attacks on education.
- Racial tensions and governance issues within the Christina School District Board of Education raise concerns about leadership effectiveness and unity.
- Critics argue Trump’s deployment of federal forces in Los Angeles was unnecessary and unconstitutional, escalating violence and targeting vulnerable communities.
