Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-10-25
7-10-25
Michael Tomasky: What Will ICE Do with Its Enormous New Budget ? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/09/michael-tomasky-what-will-ice-do-with-its-enormous-new-budget/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump's administration adopts a strategy to overwhelm public attention with rapid policy changes, leveraging the Project 2025 blueprint.
- The "One Big Ugly Bill" reverses numerous Biden and Obama-era policies and allocates massive funding for immigration enforcement, raising concerns about labor camps and expanded detentions.
- ICE's budget grows to $30 billion, making it larger than other federal law enforcement agencies combined, with a goal to detain thousands daily.
- Critics warn of the establishment of detention camps, such as "Alligator Alcatraz," and the possibility of martial law under Trump's leadership.
- Public opinion strongly favors a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, countering the administration's policies.
Dan Rather: Robert Kennedy Jr. Is a Public Menace https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/09/dan-rather-robert-kennedy-jr-is-a-public-menace/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a lawyer with no medical background, was appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, leading to harmful public health outcomes.
- Kennedy has undermined vaccination efforts, downplayed measles outbreaks, and fired experts from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- His "Make America Healthy Again" agenda misrepresents health issues and offers misguided solutions, focusing on minor food safety concerns instead of systemic issues like healthcare access and income inequality.
- Kennedy halted U.S. funding for GAVI, a major global vaccine alliance, citing unsubstantiated concerns about vaccine safety.
- He has spread misinformation, including false claims about vaccines causing autism and exaggerated statistics about health conditions.
RFK Jr. Endorses a Packaged Meal Loaded with Additives https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/09/rfk-jr-endorses-a-packaged-meal-loaded-with-additives/ via @dianeravitch
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, endorsed Mom’s Meals, a company providing packaged meals to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, claiming they align with his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
- Despite Kennedy’s praise, an Associated Press review revealed that the meals are ultraprocessed and contain chemical additives, high sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, contradicting Kennedy’s usual stance against such foods.
- Experts criticized the endorsement, highlighting that processed foods are unhealthy and often banned in Europe due to stricter regulations.
- Concerns were raised about corporate influence on America’s food supply, leading to low standards and widespread health issues like obesity.
- Diane Ravitch recommended the documentary FOOD, INC. to understand corporate farming’s impact and GASLAND for insights into environmental destruction caused by fracking.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S $7 BILLION EDUCATION FREEZE: A MASTERCLASS IN MALICE http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/trumps-7-billion-education-freeze.html
The Trump administration has withheld $7 billion in federal education funding, affecting programs for English learners, migrant students, teacher training, and after-school initiatives. This freeze disproportionately impacts high-poverty districts and schools serving vulnerable populations. Critics argue the move is unethical and possibly illegal, citing the Impoundment Control Act. Advocacy groups and lawmakers are challenging the decision, but the damage to schools is already evident.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration withheld $7 billion in federal education funding, impacting programs for disadvantaged students, teacher training, and more.
- High-poverty districts and schools serving students of color are disproportionately affected, with severe budget cuts causing larger class sizes and canceled programs.
- Critics claim the funding freeze violates the Impoundment Control Act and is based on unfounded allegations of misuse for "left-wing agendas."
- Advocacy groups and legal actions aim to reverse the freeze, but schools have already faced significant disruptions.
Teacher Tom: A Real Fairy https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/a-real-fairy.html
### Key Points
- Preschoolers engage in dramatic play to understand their world, embodying roles like fairies or superheroes.
- Adults should respect and believe in children's imaginative declarations, as these stories are part of their present reality.
- Teacher Tom has been writing extensively about play-based learning and offers free resources and insights from his blog.
- Information on how to connect with Teacher Tom for events, updates, or supporting his work is provided.
glen brown: Bobby Jenks https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/bobby-jenks.html
- The article reflects on the life and career of Bobby Jenks, a former MLB pitcher, highlighting his achievements with the Chicago White Sox, including his role in ending their 88-year championship drought during the 2005 World Series.
- Jenks was remembered by teammates and coaches for his powerful pitching, calm demeanor, and positive influence on younger players. He earned All-Star nods and set records during his career.
- After retiring, Jenks managed the Windy City Thunder Bolts and continued to contribute to the baseball community. He passed away on July 4, 2025, due to stomach cancer.
- Tributes from the White Sox organization, fans, and former teammates emphasized his lasting impact both on and off the field. A reunion to commemorate the 2005 World Series team is planned.
Education Research Report: Researchers find children’s health broadly declining in the United States https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/researchers-find-childrens-health.html
- Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found a broad decline in children's health in the U.S., including increased chronic illnesses, physical and mental health conditions, mortality rates, and systemic issues requiring new approaches.
- The study analyzed data from five national surveys, mortality statistics, and pediatric electronic health records from 2007 to 2023, covering 170 health indicators.
- Infant mortality rates in the U.S. were nearly twice as high as in comparable OECD countries, with disparities driven by prematurity, sudden infant death, firearm-related incidents, and motor vehicle crashes.
- Chronic conditions among children aged 3-17 increased significantly, along with rising rates of obesity, sleep issues, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and other physical/emotional impairments.
- Researchers advocate for systemic changes, including improving developmental ecosystems through better early childhood education, family support, safer neighborhoods, and culturally attuned care, especially for marginalized communities.
Education Research Report: Older characters in young adult literature may be pushing out younger readers https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/older-characters-in-young-adult.html
- A University of Mississippi study reveals that protagonists in young adult (YA) literature are increasingly older, often 17 or above, which may alienate younger readers.
- Ally Watkins emphasizes the importance of younger readers seeing themselves in books, as relatable characters can prevent disengagement.
- Watkins' research shows a decline in YA books featuring protagonists aged 13-15, a concern librarians have noted for years.
- Librarians report a growing demand for books that bridge middle-grade and YA genres, as mature themes in YA novels may not suit younger teens.
- Representation in books, including age, validates young readers’ experiences and fosters empathy.
- Earlier YA bestsellers, such as "Harry Potter" and "The Giver," featured younger protagonists, whereas recent hits often center on older teens or adults.
- Publishing trends show YA titles with older protagonists sell better, partly due to adult readers comprising over a quarter of the YA audience.
- Watkins notes that adult readers influencing YA markets could hinder availability of age-appropriate books for younger teens.
- Librarians and educators must be mindful of these trends to recommend suitable books for young teens.
The birdwatchers of Block Island and Daniel Berrigan. , by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/the-birdwatchers-of-block-island?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- Father Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest and peace activist, spent significant time on Block Island, forming deep friendships and seeking solitude.
- Berrigan was arrested on Block Island in 1970 by FBI agents disguised as birdwatchers due to his involvement in the Catonsville Nine draft record protest.
- Berrigan’s poetry, including the book "Block Island," reflects his appreciation for the island’s people and landscape.
- His influence led others, like Jim Reale, to join the peace movement and engage in activism.
- A documentary about Berrigan’s life on Block Island is being produced, including stories of his arrest and interactions with locals.
- Berrigan’s presence on the island was seen as a retreat for peace and quiet, and he contributed to local causes like the Mary D. Fund through poetry readings.
- Friends and admirers remember Berrigan as a humble, impactful figure who left a lasting legacy.
Josh Cowen's Newsletter: Billionaires Budgeting on the Backs of Kids and Families | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/billionaires-budgeting
- The newsletter highlights recent developments in education policy, including court rulings against voucher schemes in Utah, Kansas, and North Dakota, showing that opposition to such programs can succeed.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a significant school voucher scheme into law, backed by billionaires, while public school funding remains uncertain in the state.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating on whether religious charter schools can operate publicly, which could have widespread implications for education policy across states.
- The federal budget proposal from MAGA Republicans includes the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a voucher program tied to tax benefits for wealthy Americans, alongside cuts to public services and education funding.
- The blog criticizes policies that prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy over investments in public education, health care, and community support programs.
Trash Talkin’: A Tigers Fan’s Rant on History, Redemption, and LA Ownership Rot – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/09/trash-talkin-a-tigers-fans-rant-on-history-redemption-and-la-ownership-rot/
### Key Points
- The Detroit Tigers are dominating the MLB season with grit, depth, and heart, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling with losses, injuries, and inconsistent performance.
- The article criticizes the Dodgers for cultural insensitivity, highlighting backlash against a Spanish national anthem performance in a bilingual city.
- Dodgers ownership is tied to GEO Group, a private prison company associated with ICE detention centers, sparking ethical concerns. Their response to criticism has been inadequate.
- The Dodgers’ history includes erasure, such as the displacement of Mexican American families at Chávez Ravine for stadium construction.
- Detroit Tigers ownership is praised for compassionate actions, like Mike Ilitch paying Rosa Parks’ rent quietly for years, showcasing values of justice and solidarity.
- The Tigers focus on building their team with homegrown talent and resilience, contrasting with the Dodgers’ reliance on celebrity signings and inflated payrolls.
- The article emphasizes Detroit’s commitment to honoring its past and fighting for a reckoning in the MLB, aiming for a World Series victory against the Dodgers.
### Key Points
- The DOE's draft Class Size Reduction Plan for 2025-2026 is inadequate, failing to meet legal requirements for a multi-year strategy and address overcrowding in nearly 500 schools.
- The DOE has increasingly relied on exemptions, with the latest plan mentioning them 40 times, signaling a lack of commitment to fully comply with the law.
- By July 22, 2025, the DOE is expected to submit a final class size plan alongside public comments, though historically, they have made few significant changes.
- Events such as the Skinny Award Dinner on June 18th and the Annual Parent Action Conference on June 7th aim to gather support for class size reduction and honor education leaders.
- Advocacy efforts include petitions, newsletters, and radio shows to push for a genuine multi-year class size reduction strategy without excessive exemptions.
- The article emphasizes the importance of smaller class sizes and provides resources explaining the 2022 class size law and its benefits.
CURMUDGUCATION: PA: How Badly Are Districts Hurt By Feds Holding Back Funds https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/pa-how-badly-are-districts-hurt-by-feds.html
### Key Points
- Federal education grants, authorized by Congress, were withheld by the Department of Education, impacting six key programs.
- Pennsylvania districts face significant financial losses, with specific amounts listed by Congressional district.
- Readers are encouraged to contact their representatives to demand accountability for the withheld funds.
La. Teachers: State Raise Funding Is on the 2026 Ballot | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/07/09/la-teachers-state-raise-funding-is-on-the-2026-ballot/
### Key Points
- Louisiana aims to provide permanent teacher pay raises via HB 473 and HB 466, funded by liquidating education trust funds.
- HB 466 specifies additional uses for leftover funds, such as enhancing school security and funding early childhood education.
- A constitutional amendment is required to implement these changes, with a vote scheduled for April 2026 after a failed attempt in March 2025.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Oak View Venue Development CEO - part of the Memorial Stadium Remodel - Name in Fed Lawsuit https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/oak-view-venue-development-ceo-part-of.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools, One Roof Stadium Partnership, and the City of Seattle are funding a Memorial Stadium renovation, supported by donations from entities like Oak View Group and WaFd Bank.
- Oak View Group's CEO Timothy Leiweke was indicted for rigging a bidding process in Texas, raising concerns about ethical practices.
- Oak View paid $15 million to avoid prosecution, claiming no wrongdoing, but skepticism persists.
- Seattle officials defend the bidding process for Memorial Stadium as fair and transparent, though public accountability is demanded due to taxpayer funding.
- Broader issues of nepotism and questionable personnel practices within Seattle Schools are highlighted, reflecting systemic concerns.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!7-9-25
The article covers a wide range of political, educational, and social issues, including federal funding freezes, climate change impacts, systemic inequities, legislative decisions, and activism efforts. It highlights controversial policies under the Trump administration, critiques on education reforms, and advocacy for equity and justice.
### Key Points
- Federal education grants were delayed due to an unsigned email from the Department of Education, raising concerns about funding impacts on districts.
- Critics condemned the Trump administration’s $7 billion education freeze, describing it as malicious and harmful to families and children.
- "Alligator Alcatraz," an immigrant detention camp in Florida, faces criticism for inhumane conditions and political exploitation.
- Climate change denial campaigns indirectly contributed to the death of Janie Hunt, reflecting moral responsibility and environmental impacts.
- Diane Ravitch critiques the U.S. for aligning with authoritarian regimes and condemns Trump’s policies on education, health, and immigration.
- Trump’s Energy Department hired climate change skeptics, undermining scientific consensus and green energy initiatives.
- The IRS allows churches to endorse political candidates, sparking concerns about the erosion of church-state separation.
- H.R. 1 cuts billions from SNAP, increasing child hunger, poverty, and health risks while benefiting wealthy households.
- Ohio’s budget underfunds public schools, prioritizing private school vouchers and exacerbating educational inequities.
- Teacher Tom offers parenting advice and promotes play-based learning, reflecting on the transformative journey of parenthood.
- NEA severs ties with the ADL over accusations of suppressing antiracist organizing and silencing critics of Israel.
- The Education Choice for Children Act favors wealthy donors and undermines public education through tax credit scholarships.
- Advocacy campaigns like "One Million Rising" aim to resist authoritarianism through community organizing and strategic non-cooperation.
- Seattle school board elections highlight governance issues, nepotism, and debates on advanced learning services.
- A socialism conference in Chicago gathers activists to discuss strategies for defeating fascism and building equitable communities.
- The California Department of Education releases resources for the SUN Bucks program, focusing on nutrition and compliance.
- The poem "Summer Tomatoes" reflects on life’s fleeting moments and nostalgia, blending cultural and educational themes.
