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Monday, September 8, 2025

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 9-8-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-8-25


From Idaho to Texas to Florida: The Harm of Sweeping ‘Parental Rights’ Laws Texas’s SB 12 proves what child advocates have long warned: sweeping parental control laws deny kids even the most basic protections. https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/from-idaho-to-texas-to-florida-the 

### Summary  
The article discusses the negative consequences of sweeping "parental rights" laws, focusing on Texas's SB 12 and similar laws in other states. These laws require parental consent for virtually all health services provided to children at school, except life-saving interventions. The article highlights the bureaucratic challenges, harm to children’s welfare, and risks posed to abused children, emphasizing the need for repeal or significant reforms to protect children’s rights, safety, and well-being.

### Key Points  
- Texas's SB 12 prohibits schools from providing medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment without parental consent, even for basic first aid.   
- The law has led to schools scrambling to collect signed consent forms for over 5.5 million children, delaying or denying care in cases where forms are unavailable.   
- SB 12 is criticized for its sweeping language, which prevents routine care like bandages, ice packs, and counseling unless parental consent is explicitly given.   
- The authors of SB 12 are now asking for reinterpretation of their own law due to its unintended consequences, but the plain language remains problematic.   
- The law creates barriers for abused children, as it gives abusive parents veto power over medical attention or counseling, further endangering vulnerable kids.   
- Similar laws in other states, like Idaho, have led to tragic situations, such as delays in care for allergies, suicide attempts, and pregnancy-related health issues.   
- These laws prioritize parental control over children’s health and safety, often creating absurd and harmful outcomes.   
- The article argues that children are rights-bearing individuals and that their welfare should not be subordinated to absolute parental control.   
- Sweeping “parental rights” laws enable harmful outcomes, including denying critical medical interventions or empowering abusive parents.   
- Proposed solutions include repealing SB 12, shifting to opt-out consent models, protecting confidential adolescent care, and adopting a “best interests of the child” standard.   
- The article emphasizes the need for urgent action to prevent further harm to children caused by these laws. 


Big Education Ape: UPDATE YESTERDAY'S AI EDUCATION NEWS: Genius Insights or Digital Spitballs? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/update-yesterdays-ai-education-news.html 
BIG EDUCATION APE UNCHAINED UPDATE: Genius Insights or Digital Spitballs?  
This satirical article examines the role of AI models in analyzing education news from August 31 to September 5, 2025. It critiques leading AI tools—Gemini, Grok, Copilot, and ChatGPT-4—for their varied approaches to summarizing education trends, emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. Key topics include federal funding, digital divides, curriculum updates, and policy shifts, all intertwined with humor and skepticism about AI's ability to prioritize human-relevant issues.

### Key Points
- AI models like Gemini, Grok, Copilot, and ChatGPT-4 provided conflicting summaries of education news, showcasing their unique biases and limitations.   
- Federal education funding controversies included the Trump administration releasing funds after lawsuits and proposed budget cuts affecting vulnerable students.   
- Digital infrastructure issues persist, with over 40% of schools lacking internet access, despite AI's increasing role in classrooms.   
- Curriculum innovations include NCERT’s free online math course and CBSE’s revamped Legal Studies syllabus to align with career needs.   
- Gender equity trends showed women dominating Company Secretary enrollments, while the gender gap in math scores widened post-pandemic.   
- Policy changes like Florida’s vaccine mandate elimination and debates over school choice sparked concerns about equity and public school accountability.   
- AI's role in education is growing, but its effectiveness relies on human oversight and skepticism to address nuanced issues.
 
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES Saturday, September 6, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and.html 

The article provides a roundup of various topics and blog posts, ranging from climate change predictions, political critiques, education issues, and social justice movements. It also highlights key figures, events, and discussions in public education and broader societal concerns.

### Key Points

- Climate models have accurately predicted global warming effects, showcasing evidence in atmospheric and oceanic changes. 

- Criticism of Stephen Miller's political actions and influence, including his portrayal as a "black-hearted bureaucrat." 

- Parodies and critiques of political systems, including oligarchy and constitutional manipulation. 

- Discussions on Donald Trump’s controversial legacy and impact on history and governance. 

- Education-focused posts addressing public school privatization, funding cuts, and the fight for equitable education. 

- Coverage of social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter and school safety concerns. 

- Highlighting the importance of solar energy in combating climate change and reducing carbon footprints. 

- A roundup of blog posts providing insights on various societal and political topics. 

Big Education Ape: A WHIRLWIND WEEK IN EDUCATION: WHAT THE AI ORACLES SAY ABOUT AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-whirlwind-week-in-education-what-ai.html 

A whirlwind overview of education in 2025 highlights significant developments, challenges, and AI-driven perspectives. From funding battles to global initiatives, the article explores how education mirrors societal struggles and progress.

### Key Points

- Early climate models accurately predicted global warming impacts, showcasing their complexity. 

- AI tools (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 4, Copilot) delivered varied insights on education news between August 31–September 5, 2025, including funding disputes, vaccine mandate controversies, and international student enrollment trends. 

- The Trump administration’s policies, such as budget cuts and ideological battles, dominated U.S. education discourse. 

- International education systems, like India’s mental health portal and free math courses, demonstrated innovation amidst challenges like the digital divide. 

- AI integration in classrooms is growing, with teacher training emphasizing reasoning and adaptation. 

- Resilience in education is evident through initiatives supporting equity, access, and global collaboration.



Red States In Glass Houses https://www.changethelausd.com/red_states_in_glass_houses 

Red States In Glass Houses: GOP leaders criticize crime in Blue states like New York and Los Angeles, yet data reveals higher homicide rates in many Red states. The article highlights the importance of addressing national issues collaboratively rather than engaging in partisan blame.

### Key Points

- GOP leaders, such as Congressman Ralph Norman, criticize crime in Blue states but overlook higher homicide rates in Red states, including South Carolina. 

- Seven of the states with the highest murder rates are Republican-led, while six of the safest states are Democratic. 

- Sending National Guard troops to Washington D.C. by Red states raises questions about whether these resources could be better used to address local crime issues. 

- America's national homicide rate is significantly higher than other developed nations, partly due to lax gun control laws. 

- The article advocates for common-sense gun laws and collaborative efforts to reduce violence nationwide. 



CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Little Things Edition (9/7) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/icymi-little-things-edition-97.html 

### Key Points

- The author discusses their new illuminated keyboard, improving their typing experience and accuracy in a poorly lit office. 

- Cross-country season has started, with the author's team performing well in their first meet despite early wake-ups. 

- Advocacy for contacting elected representatives to address issues like healthcare, education cuts, and civil rights concerns during the current administration. 

- Federal education programs like TRIO, which support low-income and minority students, face funding cuts under the Trump administration. 

- Marcus Luther emphasizes human-centered teaching practices over AI integration in classrooms. 

- Critiques and concerns about AI's impact on education from students, parents, and experts. 

- Florida's Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are highlighted as mechanisms prone to abuse of taxpayer funds. 

- Reflection on public education's value despite ongoing threats, and acknowledgment of transgender students' rights in schools. 

- Trump administration policies undermining English Language Learner (ELL) programs in public schools. 

- Misuse of AI in corporate settings and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania receiving excessive taxpayer funding. 

- Various links to educational blogs and resources for further exploration on education issues. 



This summer I have been making block prints from linocuts. These are three inspired by the campaign of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York City.  Feel free to share. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/copy-mamdani-linocuts 

### Key Points

- Fred Klonsky shares his summer project of creating linocut block prints inspired by Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for Mayor of New York City. 

- Mentions of other posts by Fred Klonsky, including discussions on Trump’s trade war with China, critiques of union leader Michael Mulgrew, and reflections on the Bob Dylan biopic. 

- The article promotes Fred Klonsky’s Substack platform for cultural and personal commentary. 



glen brown: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/i-love-smell-of-deportations-in-morning.html 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the tension between Donald Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker regarding Trump's threats to deploy federal forces in Chicago, highlighting the constitutional limits of federal power under the Tenth Amendment. 

- Trump’s rhetoric, including references to "the Department of Warfare" and a quote from Apocalypse Now, reflects his authoritarian ambitions and disregard for federalism principles. 

- The article critiques Trump’s focus on crime in Democratic cities while ignoring similar issues in Republican-led areas, suggesting political motivations behind his actions. 

- The broader implications of Trump’s behavior are tied to upcoming elections, with concerns about his dictatorial tendencies and misuse of federal authority. 

- The piece reflects on the absurdity of war and authoritarianism, drawing parallels between Trump’s actions and themes in Apocalypse Now. 

glen brown: "A glimpse into the pathological core of an authoritarian war culture" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-glimpse-into-pathological-core-of.html 

### Key Points

- The article explores the pathological core of authoritarianism, focusing on Trump’s obsession with violence and cruelty as a spectacle and ritual. 

- Commentaries by thinkers like Wilhelm Reich, Theodor Adorno, Freud, and Erich Fromm analyze the psychological roots of fascism, highlighting the connection between aggression, obedience, and pleasure in cruelty. 

- Trump’s rhetoric and actions are described as embodying “malignant aggression,” where state violence becomes a performance of sadism and governance is reduced to terror and annihilation. 

- The broader implications of authoritarianism are linked to historical examples, such as the Congo holocaust and Vietnam War, emphasizing supremacy and subjugation. 

- The blog includes reflections on political issues like Trump’s dictatorial ambitions, global warming, healthcare, and pensions, alongside cultural topics like poetry, social justice, and education reform. 



Football Kickoff: Why Being Down Is the Only Chance to Make a Comeback – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/07/nfl-season-kickoff-why-being-down-is-the-only-chance-to-make-a-comeback/ 


Football Kickoff: Why Being Down Is the Only Chance to Make a Comeback

### Key Points

- Being down in sports mirrors life’s challenges, offering the only opportunity for comebacks. 

- The 28–3 Super Bowl LI comeback by the Patriots exemplifies resilience, composure, and taking small steps under pressure. 

- Adversity clarifies purpose, fosters resilience, and drives growth in both sports and life. 

- Small wins build momentum, and comebacks rely on teamwork and community support. 

- Personal and professional setbacks can transform into victories through resilience and collective effort, as seen at Western Michigan University. 

- The mindset of a comeback redefines success, turning even defeat into progress. 

- The story of 28–3 inspires us to view setbacks as invitations for greatness. 



UPDATE YESTERDAY'S AI EDUCATION NEWS Genius Insights or Digital Spitballs? By Big Education Ape, Satirical Provocateur & Reluctant AI Whisperer https://ru4people.substack.com/p/update-yesterdays-ai-education-news 

UPDATE YESTERDAY'S AI EDUCATION NEWS Genius Insights or Digital Spitballs? By Big Education Ape, Satirical Provocateur & Reluctant AI Whisperer MIKE SIMPSON Sep 07, 2025  

### Key Points  

- Four AI models—Gemini, Grok, Copilot, and ChatGPT-4—provided varied takes on recent education news, highlighting topics like policy shifts, curriculum updates, and digital divides.   

- Gemini focused on exam dates, career shifts, and private school enrollment trends driven by voucher programs but leaned heavily on corporate themes.   

- Grok emphasized philosophical discussions about AI in classrooms but overlooked critical infrastructure gaps like internet access in schools.   

- Copilot highlighted India-centric updates such as CBSE's revamped Legal Studies syllabus, NCERT's free online math course, and mental health initiatives.   

- ChatGPT-4 discussed gender equity in education and AI's role in architecture but lacked direct relevance to student needs.   

- Major education stories included federal funding disputes, vaccine mandate controversies, international student enrollment declines, and gender gaps in math scores.   

- The article critiques AI's evolving role in education, portraying it as a "confused substitute teacher" while emphasizing the need for human oversight in interpreting outputs. 



Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-6-25

The article is a comprehensive roundup of blog posts and discussions covering societal, political, and educational issues. It highlights advocacy efforts, systemic challenges, and calls for reform across multiple sectors, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and equitable solutions to address pressing concerns.

### Key Points  

- Climate models have successfully forecasted global warming effects, with evidence visible in atmospheric and oceanic patterns.   

- Criticism of Stephen Miller's political actions and influence, including his portrayal as a "black-hearted bureaucrat."   

- Donald Trump’s policies and leadership are critiqued for authoritarian tendencies, economic turmoil, and systemic racism.   

- Education-focused posts address public school privatization, funding cuts, teacher struggles, and the fight for equitable education.   

- AI integration in classrooms is growing, emphasizing teacher training and adaptation to technology.   

- Advocacy against fatal animal experiments in psychology courses highlights ethical concerns and calls for alternatives.   

- Linda McMahon’s education tour is critiqued as promoting Christian Nationalism while cutting public education funds.   

- The Epstein scandal exposed systemic abuse enabled by privilege, with survivors demanding transparency and accountability.   

- Social justice movements, including Black Lives Matter and school safety concerns, receive coverage.   

- Challenges in Seattle Schools governance, diversity in programs, and superintendent search are discussed.   

- Writing as an act of resistance against oppression is emphasized, quoting figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.   

- Striking workers demand livable wages, safe conditions, and protections against ICE raids, supported by public figures.   

- Advocacy for the bipartisan "Epstein Files Transparency Act" urges readers to take action and contact Congress.   

- Censorship efforts in libraries reflect broader conservative politics influencing public institutions.   

- Nashville education faces challenges like inadequate resources and symbolic gestures, raising concerns about teacher support.   

- Early climate models have accurately predicted global warming impacts, showcasing their reliability.