Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-20-25
7-20-25
Politico: Tulsi Gabbard Threatens to Prosecute Obama Officials for "Treason" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/19/tulsi-gabbard-threatens-to-prosecute-obama-officials-for-treason/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama-era officials of treason over Russian interference in the 2016 election, alleging intelligence manipulation.
- Critics argue this is a distraction from Trump's controversies, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of predatory behavior.
- Gabbard's actions are seen as aligning with authoritarian figures like Putin, raising concerns about politicization of intelligence and democracy erosion.
Congress Exempts Trump and Vance from Conflict of Interest re Crytocoins | Diane Ravitch's blog https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/19/congress-exempts-trump-and-vance-from-conflict-of-interest-re-crytocoins/
This carve-out allows Trump to leverage his position for personal gain without conflict-of-interest barriers.
A provision in the GENIUS Act bans members of Congress and their families from profiting off stablecoins. But that prohibition does not extend to the president and his family, even as Trump builds a crypto empire from the White House. His family holds a significant stake in World Liberty
Financial, a crypto project that launched its own stablecoin earlier this year and received an early boost from an investment fund in the United Arab Emirates.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES 7-19-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_19.html
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani, a NYC assemblyman, gains attention for bold ideas and public services.
- Criticism of Michael Mulgrew's administrative approach in public schools.
- NEA overturns its decision to break ties with the ADL.
- Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy theories and their implications on politics and society.
- AI integration in classrooms sparks debate about progress and ethics.
- Immigration enforcement's transformation raises concerns.
- Trump's policies and their impact on children globally.
- Weekly blog roundups highlight key education and political topics.
- Advocacy for public education and resistance against privatization.
- Diane Ravitch and other educators promote activism and reform in public education.
Big Education Ape: THE EPSTEIN FILES: A GRAND CONSPIRACY WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY INSIDE A GRIFT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-epstein-files-grand-conspiracy.html
The article explores conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein Files and their parallels to the JFK assassination, highlighting the role of oligarchic influence, public distraction, and misinformation. It critiques the justice system's failures in addressing Epstein's crimes and emphasizes how scandals are used to divert attention from systemic inequalities and legislative manipulation.
### Key Points
- The Epstein Files are compared to the JFK assassination files, both serving as distractions while offering no clear answers.
- Epstein's crimes were enabled by systemic failures, including a lenient plea deal in 2008, and his client list proves little beyond his networking skills.
- Trump dismisses the Epstein Files as "boring" while fueling conspiracy theories for political survival, causing division within his base.
- The oligarchy exploits scandals like Epstein's to distract the public while benefiting from legislative and economic manipulation.
- Conspiracy theories thrive on half-truths and rumors, leaving the truth locked away and the public chasing distractions.
Big Education Ape: WHY DONALD TRUMP IS RUNNING FROM THE GHOST OF JEFFREY EPSTEIN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/why-donald-trump-is-running-from-ghost.html
Education Research Report: One-third of U.S. public schools screen students for mental health issues https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/one-third-of-us-public-schools-screen.html
- Nearly one-third of U.S. public schools mandate mental health screenings for students, with most offering in-person treatment or referrals to community mental health professionals for those identified with depression or anxiety.
- 40% of principals find it challenging to ensure students receive appropriate care, while 38% report it is relatively easy to find adequate care.
- Barriers to mental health screening include lack of resources, knowledge, and concerns over increased workload.
- Public schools are seen as strategic resources for addressing youth mental health issues, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In a RAND study of 1,019 K-12 principals, 30.5% reported their schools mandate mental health screenings, with 80% notifying parents when students screen positive for depression or anxiety.
- Over 70% of schools offer in-person treatment, and 53% refer students to community mental health professionals.
- Higher screening rates are observed in larger schools and districts with predominantly racial and ethnic minority populations.
- Policies promoting funding, reimbursement, and adequate staffing for school mental health services could improve screening rates and treatment access.
glen brown: “They threw away my card catalog like it was garbage—and with it, my life’s work” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/they-threw-away-my-card-catalog-like-it.html
### Main Ideas
- A librarian recounts the emotional impact of losing the physical card catalog, symbolizing the end of her life's work and connection to the community.
- The library served as a vital community space, offering solace, resources, and belonging to townspeople.
- Modernization through digitization neglects the personal and historical significance of physical library items and spaces.
- Despite the changes, the librarian cherishes the enduring human connection and memories fostered by her work.
- The story underscores the irreplaceable value of human care and personal relationships in community spaces.
NEA Representative Assembly votes to break ties with the ADL. The NEA leadership overturns the vote. , by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/nea-representative-assembly-votes?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- The NEA Representative Assembly voted to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), citing concerns over bias in ADL educational materials and its stance equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
- The NEA Executive Committee overturned the Assembly's decision, stating the proposal did not align with NEA's commitment to academic freedom, membership, and goals.
- The ADL criticized the resolution as harmful and antisemitic, framing it as an attack on Jewish educators, students, and families, while praising NEA leadership for rejecting it.
- The controversy highlights tensions between union democracy and leadership decisions, as well as ongoing debates about antisemitism and criticism of Israel.
Michael Mulgrew is the Worst Administrator in the City https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/michael-mulgrew-is-the-worst-administrator
### Key Points
- Michael Mulgrew, leader of UFT, is criticized for failing to uphold due process for union members and for disregarding fundamental rights, while Unity leadership follows his decisions without question.
- Unity leadership has been accused of prioritizing election manipulation and patronage over addressing meaningful issues like pensionable raises for paraprofessionals and retiree benefits.
- Chapter leaders face challenges protecting members' rights, particularly against administrative actions like unfair disciplinary measures, letters to file, and tenure disputes.
- Administrators often fail to follow rules, leading to errors that chapter leaders can exploit to protect members from unwarranted penalties or dismissals.
- Mulgrew has been accused of unprofessional conduct, such as firing individuals who oppose him or have affiliations with other groups, including Amy Arundell, who was respected for her principled stance.
- Union members are encouraged to protest Unity's unilateral actions and reconsider financial contributions to COPE, as Unity allegedly uses these funds against its own members and retirees.
Buckle Up: Raising Kids and Raising Questions in Public Schools https://norinrad10.com/2025/07/19/buckle-up-raising-kids-and-raising-questions-in-public-schools/ via @norinrad10
Buckle Up: Raising Kids and Raising Questions in Public Schools
- Parenting is a constant and evolving challenge, requiring balance with other life roles.
- A $6.5 million lawsuit settlement highlights leadership failures in Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), involving retaliation and misuse of authority by the superintendent.
- Allegations against MNPS Director Adrienne Battle include demotions and dismissals tied to personal conflicts and questionable conduct.
- MNPS’s operating budget will absorb $4 million of the settlement, affecting resources amidst staff shortages.
- Despite the lawsuit, Battle received a $100,000 raise, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
- The settlement approval is likely to pass without public discussion, reflecting systemic issues in educational governance.
- Tennessee’s standardized testing model is under review, with discussions about transitioning to more meaningful assessments.
- MNPS unveiled a modern elementary school, showcasing community fundraising efforts but raising questions about diversity.
- Madison Classical Academy withdrew its charter application due to community pushback and logistical challenges.
FREE BUSES!!! It’s the end of the world as we know it, And I feel fine. ~~R.E.M. https://billayers.org/2025/07/19/free-buses/
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary for NYC mayor in June 2025, causing panic among the liberal establishment.
- Mamdani’s modest policy proposals include free city buses, city-run grocery stores, higher minimum wages, and rent freezes, which have sparked exaggerated fears of extreme socialism.
- The political elite and capitalists are actively working to undermine Mamdani’s initiatives, fearing broader socialist reforms like universal healthcare and housing rights.
- American political discourse often contrasts socialism and capitalism, with capitalism portrayed as virtuous despite its exploitative and predatory nature.
- Historical examples of “sewer socialism” in Milwaukee demonstrate pragmatic and corruption-free socialist governance, including public services like parks, drinking fountains, and transportation.
- Capitalism is critiqued for fostering greed, exploitation, and injustice, while socialism emphasizes mutual care and community welfare.
WATCH: Teachers vs. fascists Teachers union leader Randi Weingarten on why Trump fears educators, how the Democratic Party has to change, and why A.I. will transform learning itself https://the.ink/p/watch-teachers-vs-fascists?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses the challenges facing public education, democracy, and societal progress. Topics include the politicization of education, the Democratic Party's need for inclusivity, and the transformative impact of AI on learning. She also reflects on her resignation from the Democratic National Committee, the importance of engaging with concerned parents, and lessons from the gay rights movement. While many praise her advocacy, some critics accuse her of aligning with tech billionaires and undermining public education.
### Key Points
- Randi Weingarten explains why education is targeted by the right and highlights the fears fascists have regarding teachers.
- She emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to expand its tent and address parental concerns about social change.
- Weingarten discusses the future of education in the context of AI and addictive technologies.
- Her interview sparked positive reactions about her insights and leadership, though some criticized her alleged ties to tech billionaires and their influence on public education.
- Critics argue that her support of AI and partnerships with corporations may harm the teaching profession and public schools.
Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · AFT on Mobilize
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-19-25https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0635888077.html
7-19-25
The article provides a roundup of various topics including political controversies, environmental issues, public education challenges, AI implications, and societal inequities. It highlights systemic failures, advocacy efforts, and the impact of leadership decisions across multiple domains.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration dismantled the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, firing scientists and weakening regulatory oversight, raising concerns about health and environmental risks.
- Donald Trump misunderstands tariffs, imposing historically high rates that harm American consumers and global trade, while ignoring existing trade agreements.
- Arbitrary dismissals at the Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi target staff suspected of disloyalty to Trump, creating fear and worsening staff shortages.
- Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had a long-standing friendship, complicating MAGA followers' demands for the release of Epstein files, which remain politically sensitive.
- Extreme weather events are worsening due to human activities like deforestation and fossil fuel use, requiring systemic changes and international cooperation to mitigate climate change.
- AI companions for children lack the complexity of human relationships, risking the development of essential social skills like empathy and resilience.
- Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is withholding $8.6 billion in federal funds for public schools, potentially signaling permanent budget cuts.
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters enforces far-right policies in education, including banning "woke" ideologies and redefining school meal funding, exacerbating existing challenges.
- Randi Weingarten discusses the politicization of education, AI’s transformative impact, and the importance of addressing parental concerns while facing criticism for alleged ties to tech billionaires.
- Advocacy groups combat privatization, censorship, and authoritarianism in public education, emphasizing equity and inclusivity.
- Alec Karakatsanis highlights systemic injustices in the criminal justice system, focusing on cash bail and its impact on family separation.
