TRUMP KICKING THE HORNET'S NEST CHRONICLES

 

TRUMP KICKING THE HORNET'S NEST CHRONICLES

There’s a saying about poking a hornet’s nest: don’t do it unless you’re wearing a beekeeper suit or, in Donald Trump’s case, a custom-made, gold-threaded, bulletproof ego. The former president, known for his flair for drama, his love of the spotlight, and his uncanny ability to turn even the calmest situations into a three-ring circus, has once again managed to stir the pot—and then some.

Trump’s Greatest Hits: Gaslighting and Gas Grenades

Let’s rewind to the moment when Trump, Bible in hand (upside-down, naturally—because who needs to read it when you’re already the chosen one?), decided to clear out peaceful protesters with tear gas. Why? So he could saunter over to a church for a photo op. It was like watching a bad action movie where the villain pauses mid-chaos to fix his hair and pose for the cameras. Except this wasn’t fiction—it was just Trump being Trump.

Fast forward to the latest episode of “Trump: The Reality Show,” where he decided that California needed a little federal love in the form of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Why? Because the state had the audacity to protest immigration enforcement raids. And nothing says “let’s de-escalate” like sending in military personnel trained for combat to manage civilian protests. It’s like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly—messy, unnecessary, and guaranteed to leave everyone involved questioning their life choices.

**Newsom vs. Trump: The Clash of the Titans**

Enter Gavin Newsom, California’s governor and a man who clearly has no patience for Trump’s antics. Newsom accused Trump of turning what could have been a manageable situation into a full-blown crisis, comparing it to giving a toddler a flamethrower and then acting surprised when things go up in flames. Newsom, ever the voice of reason (or at least reason adjacent), has been vocal about his disdain for the federalization of California’s National Guard, calling it an unlawful overreach.

But Trump, never one to back down from a fight—especially one he can televise—doubled down. He accused Newsom of being incompetent and suggested that the federal intervention was the only thing preventing Los Angeles from descending into chaos. Of course, this is the same man who once suggested nuking hurricanes, so his grasp on problem-solving is… unique.

Protests, Marines, and Self-Driving Cars on Fire

The protests themselves have been a mix of peaceful demonstrations and not-so-peaceful confrontations. Downtown Los Angeles has seen everything from hymn-singing protesters to self-driving cars being set ablaze. Waymo, the company behind those autonomous vehicles, has since suspended its services in the area—because even robots know when it’s time to get out of Dodge.

Meanwhile, arrests have been made, property has been damaged, and tensions continue to rise. Union leader David Huerta’s arrest during immigration enforcement actions has only added fuel to the fire, with calls for his release echoing across the country. It’s like a giant game of political Jenga, and Trump just keeps pulling out blocks while everyone else braces for the inevitable collapse.

The Legal Circus Rolls On**

As if things weren’t chaotic enough, California officials are gearing up to sue the Trump administration over the federalization of their National Guard. Legal experts are debating whether Trump’s actions align with the Insurrection Act or if they’re just another example of his penchant for pushing boundaries (and buttons). Either way, it’s shaping up to be a courtroom showdown worthy of its own Netflix series.

Critics argue that Trump’s decision to deploy troops is less about maintaining order and more about sending a message to Democratic-run states: resist me, and you’ll face the consequences. It’s like watching a schoolyard bully threaten to take away everyone’s lunch money—except this bully has access to tanks and tear gas.

The Bigger Picture: Power, Politics, and Protests

At its core, this isn’t just about protests or immigration enforcement—it’s about power. Trump’s actions reflect a broader trend of using military force and federal authority as tools of political intimidation. It’s a dangerous precedent that blurs the line between maintaining order and suppressing dissent.

But let’s not forget the protesters themselves, who are exercising their constitutional right to speak out against what they see as government overreach. Their voices are a reminder that democracy thrives on dissent—and that peaceful protest is as American as apple pie (or at least as American as arguing about how to make apple pie).

The Final Act: What Now?

So where does this leave us? For starters, it leaves Trump exactly where he loves to be: at the center of attention. Whether you see him as a strongman defending law and order or as a provocateur stirring up trouble for his own gain, there’s no denying that he knows how to dominate the headlines.

As for California, the state remains defiant. Newsom and his team are fighting back with lawsuits and public statements, refusing to let Trump dictate their response to protests. It’s a battle of wills that feels less like politics and more like an episode of “Game of Thrones”—minus the dragons (for now).

And for the rest of us? Well, we’re left watching this drama unfold with equal parts horror and fascination. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Trump’s time in office, it’s that he never does anything halfway. Whether he’s holding a Bible upside-down or deploying troops to Los Angeles, he always goes big—even when it would be better for everyone if he just stayed home.

At the end of the day, Trump will go down in history as one of America’s most polarizing presidents. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying he knows how to steal the spotlight—whether it’s by inciting riots or deploying troops to suppress dissent.

But here’s the thing: we can’t let him be the main character forever. It’s time to shift the narrative and focus on building a future that prioritizes peace, justice, and equality. Because if there’s one thing progressives knows how to do, it’s flipping the script.

Stay woke, stay peaceful, and keep fighting for what’s right. ✌️

Big Education Ape: SENDING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD: RESTORING ORDER OR JUST REALITY TV? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/sending-in-national-guard-restoring.html 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-9-25

Heather Cox Richardson: History Matters. Truth Matters. Here is a Plan. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/08/heather-cox-richardson-history-matters-truth-matters/ via @dianeravitch 

Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, criticizes the Trump administration for distorting history for political purposes. The article highlights a mistake made by John Phelan, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, regarding the date of the Pearl Harbor attack. It discusses Trump's efforts to restore what he perceives as the true American history, focusing on building monuments and statues, which critics find unrealistic. The administration's use of history is seen as a tool to consolidate power, with parallels drawn to authoritarian tactics. Richardson and her colleagues are countering this narrative by launching a video series, "Journey to American Democracy," to educate people on the true history of democracy in the U.S.

### Key Points

- Heather Cox Richardson, a historian, criticizes the misuse of history by Trump and his administration, aiming to set the record straight with evidence-based facts. 

- John Phelan, U.S. Secretary of the Navy, made an error about the date of the Pearl Harbor attack, highlighting a lack of historical knowledge. 

- Trump administration's executive order seeks to restore "truth" to American history, criticizing revisionist narratives. 

- Trump's plan to build a "National Garden of American Heroes" with statues faces criticism for being unrealistic. 

- The administration uses history to cement power, drawing parallels with authoritarian tactics. 

- Richardson and colleagues launch "Journey to American Democracy," a video series to educate on true democratic history. 

Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump to Exclude AP from Press Pool https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/08/appeals-court-allows-trump-to-exclude-ap-from-press-pool/ via @dianeravitch 

Heather Cox Richardson: History Matters. Truth Matters. Here is a Plan. Is Harvard Teaching Remedial Math? Trump Says It Is. » Federal Appeals Court Allows Trump to Exclude AP from Press Pool By dianeravitch June 8, 2025 // 2 Trump got very angry at the AP, an international press agency, because it insisted on calling the Gulf of Mexico by its rightful name. It refused to follow Trump’s renaming it as “the Gulf of America.” So Trump punished the AP by excluding it from the press pool on Air Force 1 and in other gatherings. A three-judge panel voted 2-1 to allow Trump to continue choosing which press gets access to him. Two of the judges were appointed by Trump. Peter Baker, a national correspondent for The New York Times wrote on Twitter: Appeals court rules

### Key Points

- Former President Trump excluded the Associated Press (AP) from the White House press pool after the agency refused to adopt his preferred renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as "the Gulf of America." 

- A federal appeals court ruled 2-1 that the president could deny press access based on content coverage, marking a significant challenge to press freedom. 

- The decision emphasized that White House press spaces are "invite-only" and not protected by the First Amendment, with two Trump-appointed judges supporting this ruling. 

- Critics warn that this sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations to exclude media outlets based on political bias, undermining press freedom. 

- Public reactions highlight concerns about authoritarianism and censorship, comparing Trump’s actions to those of dictators. 

Is Harvard Teaching Remedial Math? Trump Says It Is. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/08/is-harvard-teaching-remedial-math-trump-says-it-is/ via @dianeravitch 

Trump criticizes Harvard for allegedly teaching "remedial math," claiming it admits unqualified students, particularly nonwhite students. Harvard introduced the MA5 calculus course to address pandemic learning gaps, which Trump and his administration mischaracterized as remedial math. Experts and Harvard staff clarify that MA5 is a rigorous introductory calculus course, not remedial, and aims to strengthen foundational skills for advanced learning.

### Key Points

- Trump accused Harvard of teaching "remedial math" to unqualified students, particularly targeting nonwhite admissions. 

- Harvard's MA5 calculus course was introduced to address learning gaps caused by the pandemic, focusing on foundational skills in algebra and geometry. 

- Experts and Harvard staff assert that MA5 is not remedial but a rigorous course with the same content as MA, meeting an additional day weekly for enhanced learning. 

- Harvard uses placement exams to assign students to appropriate math courses, and MA5 caters to students needing stronger calculus foundations for advanced fields like economics and biology. 

- Trump's comments are criticized as misinformed and part of a broader campaign against Harvard's refusal to comply with his demands. 

U.S. Supreme Court Allows DOGE to Access Your Most Sensitive Personal Data https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/06/u-s-supreme-court-allows-doge-to-access-your-most-sensitive-personal-data/ via @dianeravitch

The blog post discusses a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing DOGE (or DOGS) to access sensitive personal data, raising concerns about privacy and misuse of information. The author criticizes the Court's right-wing majority, questions the legitimacy of DOGE, and highlights potential risks such as data exploitation for political purposes. The post also mentions related concerns about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their affiliations.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow DOGE access to sensitive personal data, despite existing privacy laws. 

- DOGE's members remain anonymous and unregulated, raising concerns about their intentions and potential misuse of data. 

- Critics fear this decision could lead to data being used for blackmail, political manipulation, or other harmful purposes. 

- Allegations include Musk and Trump enabling insecure communication systems linked to SpaceX/Starlink, compromising national security. 

- The decision has sparked calls for a constitutional amendment to protect privacy rights. 

Big Education Ape: SENDING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD: RESTORING ORDER OR JUST REALITY TV? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/sending-in-national-guard-restoring.html 

SENDING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD: RESTORING ORDER OR JUST REALITY TV? SENDING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD RESTORING ORDER OR JUST REALITY TV? Los Angeles, the city of angels, palm trees, and apparently, National Guard deployments. President Trump’s decision to send in the troops to deal with protests sparked by immigration raids has stirred up quite the storm. But let’s be honest, is this about restoring order or adding another episode

### Key Points

- President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests is criticized as political theater rather than a genuine effort to restore order. 

- The move has been widely condemned by local leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, as inflammatory and potentially escalating tensions. 

- Trump’s immigration policies are labeled as divisive and racist, targeting sanctuary cities and immigrants from predominantly non-white countries. 

- Historical parallels are drawn with the Kerner Report and Kent State, emphasizing the risks of military involvement in civil unrest. 

- The article criticizes Trump’s actions as more focused on optics and personal gain than genuine leadership, likening his presidency to a reality show. 

NEWS I FOUND ON MY PHONE THIS WEEK https://open.substack.com/pub/ru4people/p/news-i-found-on-my-phone-this-week?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

This week’s political landscape was filled with high-stakes drama, including a feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, new travel bans, immigration crackdowns, international tensions, and debates over economic and social policies.

### Key Points

- President Trump and Elon Musk engaged in a public feud over a proposed tax break bill, leading to threats against Musk's federal contracts and dividing the Republican Party. 

- A new travel ban targeting citizens from 19 countries reignited debates on national security versus discrimination, with Afghanistan among the affected nations. 

- The Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement, deploying National Guard troops and increasing ICE arrests, sparking backlash from civil liberties groups. 

- U.S. foreign relations faced challenges, with a Russian bombardment in Ukraine and a U.N. veto over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

- Trump proposed ending federal rental assistance, raising concerns about low-income Americans, and signed an order protecting domestic hackers. 

- California saw an unusual alliance between fishermen and farmers over water rights amidst a drought. 

- Economic policies, healthcare reform, and gun control legislation remained central topics of debate. 

- Democratic presidential hopefuls adjusted their platforms to appeal to moderate voters as the 2025 election approaches. 

Big Education Ape: PRIVATIZED DEMOCRACY - GOVERNMENT SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/privatized-democracy-government-sold-to.html 

The blog post discusses a controversial Supreme Court decision allowing DOGE (or DOGS) to access sensitive personal data, raising concerns about privacy and misuse of information. The author criticizes the Court's right-wing majority, questions the legitimacy of DOGE, and highlights potential risks such as data exploitation for political purposes. The post also mentions related concerns about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and their affiliations.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow DOGE access to sensitive personal data, despite existing privacy laws. 

- DOGE's members remain anonymous and unregulated, raising concerns about their intentions and potential misuse of data. 

- Critics fear this decision could lead to data being used for blackmail, political manipulation, or other harmful purposes. 

- Allegations include Musk and Trump enabling insecure communication systems linked to SpaceX/Starlink, compromising national security. 

- The decision has sparked calls for a constitutional amendment to protect privacy rights. 

Big Education Ape: GODZILLA VS. MEGALODON: THE TRUMP-MUSK BROMANCE BREAKUP THAT AMUSED THE WORLD https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/godzilla-vs-meglodon-trump-musk.html 

A feud between Trump and Musk unfolds, marked by a public fallout over policy disagreements, social media drama, and economic repercussions. Their once-promising alliance, centered on mutual interests, deteriorates into a spectacle of petty disputes, impacting Tesla, SpaceX, and public perception. The feud highlights the absurdity of modern political and corporate dynamics, with late-night comedians and meme-makers thriving on the chaos.

### Key Points

- Brennen School in Delaware sees lawsuits and the arrest of a paraprofessional. 

- Trump-Musk bromance begins with Musk supporting Trump’s campaign and joining his administration. 

- Musk resigns from his role, citing creative differences and criticizing Trump’s legislation. 

- The feud escalates with social media attacks, conspiracy claims, and economic impacts on Tesla and SpaceX. 

- Public figures and institutions react, urging maturity, while comedians capitalize on the drama. 

- The feud symbolizes Trump’s chaotic second term and the absurdity of power struggles. 

Video: “The clever trick used by sports betting apps” Is Great For Classrooms – How To Use It Through “Reactance” | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2025/06/08/video-the-clever-trick-used-by-sports-betting-apps-is-great-for-classrooms/ 

### Key Points

- A new TED-Ed video on how sports betting apps manipulate users is suggested as a great resource for classrooms. 

- The concept of "reactance" is highlighted, explaining how showing young people how corporations manipulate them can be more effective than preaching about dangers like gambling. 

- The author discusses prior related resources and studies on teen defiance and manipulation techniques, providing additional context. 

- The article includes links to other educational materials and resources about influence, social change, and peer tutoring. 

What a Principal Learned from Shadowing His Students (Alex Shultz) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/06/08/what-a-principal-learned-from-shadowing-his-students-alex-shultz/ via @CubanLarry 

Principal Matthew Sloane of Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School has implemented a unique practice of shadowing students to better understand their daily experiences and improve the school’s learning environment. By spending full days as a student, he has identified areas for improvement, such as ergonomic seating and better meal access, and inspired changes in teaching practices. Sloane’s approach has gained recognition and has been extended to teachers, offering them valuable insights into student experiences and classroom dynamics.

### Key Points

- Principal Matthew Sloane shadows students to understand their experiences and improve the school environment. 

- Sloane’s shadowing practice has led to changes like ergonomic chairs, extended cafeteria hours, and better continuity in teaching practices. 

- Teachers have adopted the practice, shadowing students to gain perspective and learn from colleagues, enhancing professional development. 

- Sloane emphasizes transparency and collaboration to ensure buy-in from students, parents, and staff. 

ICYMI: Birthday Board Edition (6/8) https://open.substack.com/pub/curmudgucation/p/icymi-birthday-board-edition-68?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Birthday Board Edition (6/8) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/06/icymi-birthday-board-edition-68.html 

This article is a collection of various educational topics and issues discussed by different authors. It covers a range of subjects from AI in education, financial and political influences in schools, to community activism against policies affecting students.

### Key Points

- Amanda Guinzburg discusses the inefficiency of chatbots in handling simple reading assignments. 

- Brant Bingamon analyzes the impact of Texas legislation on public education, highlighting increased Christian nationalism. 

- Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson explore the problem of toxic productivity among educators. 

- Thomas Ultican reports on political changes and controversies in Oakland's education system. 

- Jennifer Berkshire shares a community's successful protest against ICE's actions involving a high school student. 

- Nancy Flanagan narrates the challenges of a Michigan community dealing with anti-book movements. 

- Audrey Watters connects Charles Dickens' work with modern educational technology issues. 

- Steve Nuzum examines the real motives behind the pronatalist movement. 

- Nancy Bailey critiques missing elements in the Science of Reading framework. 

- Larry Cuban expresses skepticism about using robots as educators. 

- Jess Piper illustrates the negative trajectory of Missouri's education policies. 

- Jan Resseger and Stephen Dyer critique Ohio's Senate budget plan for public schools. 

- TC Weber discusses Penny Schwinn's controversial rise in educational leadership. 

- Jullian Vasquez Heilig reacts to the University of Michigan's use of undercover spies on students. 

- Sue Kingery Woltanski reports on Florida's aggressive stance against school boards over book controversies. 

Congratulations, Thank You, and Remember... https://open.substack.com/pub/jd2718/p/congratulations-thank-you-and-remember?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- The author reflects on the 2025 United Federation of Teachers (UFT) elections, congratulating Unity for their campaign success and emphasizing the importance of making the union stronger and more engaged. 

- Gratitude is expressed to ARISE, retirees, and activists who supported the campaign, highlighting the collaborative efforts and friendships built during the process. 

- The author stresses the critical role of chapter leaders and rank-and-file activists as the backbone of the union, regardless of campaign conflicts or personal disagreements. 

- Plans for further analysis of the election, including campaign strategies and numerical breakdowns, are mentioned as future topics for discussion. 

Congratulations, Thank You, Remember… | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2025/06/08/congratulations-thank-you-remember/ 

JD2718 reflects on the 2025 United Federation of Teachers (UFT) elections, discussing the results, campaign efforts, and the importance of unity within the union. The article includes congratulations to winners, gratitude to supporters, and reminders about the critical role of activists and chapter leaders in the union. The author emphasizes the need to set aside personal differences for the collective strength of the union and hints at further analysis of the election outcomes.

### Key Points

- Reflection on the 2025 UFT election results, including congratulations to winners and acknowledgment of Unity's successful campaign. 

- Gratitude expressed to ARISE, retirees, and grassroots activists for their involvement and support during the campaign. 

- Emphasis on the importance of union activists, chapter leaders, and rank-and-file members in maintaining the union's strength and health. 

- Reminder to prioritize union unity and collaboration despite personal conflicts during the campaign. 

- Indication of further analysis and storytelling about the election and campaign strategies. 

glen brown: A Relevant Song 60 Years Later https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/a-relevant-song-60-years-later.html 

A reflective blog post that interweaves personal commentary, cultural observations, and excerpts from Bob Dylan’s song “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding).” The post touches on themes of social justice, political critique, public pensions, and the writer’s philosophical musings on society and morality. It also references historical events, literary influences, and current issues like Illinois politics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and environmental concerns.

### Key Points

- The author reflects on the role of writers in resisting societal oppression and embracing isolation, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus. 

- Bob Dylan’s song “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” is analyzed, emphasizing themes of disillusionment, societal critique, and individualism. 

- The blog advocates for protecting public pensions and critiques political and economic systems, referencing Illinois pension issues and broader injustices. 

- Commentary on various societal topics, including environmental crises, healthcare, education reform, and political corruption. 

- The author highlights the importance of resisting tyranny and maintaining moral integrity in governance and society. 

glen brown: Trump sends in California National Guard https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/trump-sends-in-california-national-guard.html 

### Key Points

- President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops in California under Title 10 authority, citing threats to federal property and immigration enforcement protests. 

- The Posse Comitatus Act limits the military's role in domestic law enforcement, while the Insurrection Act could expand their authority if invoked. 

- Protests in Los Angeles were mostly peaceful but became tense, with isolated incidents providing justification for federal actions. Governor Newsom urged calm and criticized the deployment as a breach of state sovereignty. 

- The Trump administration’s actions appear politically motivated, aiming to provoke conflicts and distract from other issues, such as budget controversies. 

- Legal disputes over the deployment highlight unclear laws regarding federalizing state National Guards, with California likely to challenge the move in court. 

Citizens of the World Charter Schools skirt safety laws, endangering students and straining neighborhoods with a project next to a freeway. https://www.changethelausd.com/public_funds_private_loopholes_neighborhood_council_questions_charter_school_s_plans 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the historically strained relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), highlighting instances of harassment, discrimination, and violence, as well as the department's recent apology for past mistreatment. 

- It recounts specific incidents, such as a 1990 protest where LAPD officers displayed hostility towards LGBTQ+ activists and a 1993 lawsuit that exposed ongoing discrimination within the department. 

- The author details a violent protest at Saticoy Elementary School in June 2023, where the LAPD's actions, including allowing protestors to cross the street and interact violently, endangered LGBTQ+ community members and supporters. 

- The author personally experienced assault during the protest and describes the LAPD's inadequate response, including an officer's failure to investigate the incident and threats of arrest against the author. 

- The article calls for a review of the LAPD's handling of such incidents to ensure better responses in the future, especially as anti-LGBTQ+ protests appear to be increasing. 

What Kind of Nation Penalizes Its Poorest Children? https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/what-kind-of-nation-penalizes-its?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false  

The article criticizes H.R. 1, a proposed tax bill, for exacerbating child poverty and inequality by failing to make the Child Tax Credit fully refundable, excluding low-income families and children in mixed-status immigrant households, and disproportionately harming vulnerable groups such as children of color, rural families, and single-parent households. It highlights the moral and economic failures of this policy and contrasts it with the success of the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion, which significantly reduced child poverty. The article calls for urgent action to restore fairness and equity in child-focused policies.

### Key Points  

- H.R. 1 increases the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $2,500 but fails to make it fully refundable, leaving 22 million children, or 1 in 3, with no or partial credit.   

- The bill excludes 4.5 million U.S. citizen children in mixed-status immigrant families from the credit.   

- H.R. 1 disproportionately harms vulnerable groups, including children of color, rural families, single-parent households, and larger families.   

- The design of the Child Tax Credit penalizes children whose families face economic hardships, such as job loss, caregiving responsibilities, or natural disasters.   

- If the credit were fully refundable, child poverty could be reduced by nearly half, benefiting children’s health, education, and overall well-being.   

- The National Academy of Sciences estimates child poverty costs society up to $1.1 trillion annually in lost productivity, crime, and health expenses.   

- H.R. 1 creates regional disparities, with states like Mississippi and New Mexico seeing over 40% of children excluded from the full credit.   

- The exclusion of children in mixed-status families violates fairness and equal treatment, as these children are U.S. citizens.   

- H.R. 1 penalizes newborns and mothers by reducing the credit when family income drops due to pregnancy and childbirth.   

- The 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion temporarily reduced child poverty by 46%, proving the effectiveness of fully refundable credits.   

- H.R. 1 prioritizes tax benefits for the wealthy, such as raising estate tax exemptions, while cutting support for low-income children.   

- The bill threatens over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, ACA, and SNAP, further harming low-income families.   

- The article urges the Senate to restore full refundability, reject exclusions for mixed-status families, reinstate monthly payments, and oppose cuts to vital programs. 

The “ML Summit,” One Of The Best Online Learning Opportunities For ELL Teachers, Is On July 12th & It’s Free! https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2025/06/08/the-ml-summit-one-of-the-best-online-learning-opportunities-for-ell-teachers-is-on-july-12th-its-free/ 

### Key Points

- The ML Summit, a free online learning event for English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, will take place on July 12th, 2025, featuring speakers Andrea Honigsfeld, Efrain Tovar, and Carol Salva. Videos from previous years are also accessible. 

- Larry Ferlazzo, a retired high school teacher from Sacramento, CA, shares resources and posts about ELL teaching strategies, including thematic schedules, listening skill activities, and classroom tools. 

- The blog includes user interactions, recent comments, and resources for teaching, as well as a collection of videos and archived posts. 

Choosing Democracy: ICE: Crossing State Lines to Incite Riots https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/06/ice-crossing-state-lines-to-incite-riots.html 

The article discusses the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles, focusing on their controversial raids targeting undocumented immigrants and the subsequent protests. It highlights the disconnect between federal immigration policies and local sentiments, the involvement of the National Guard, and the political motives behind these actions. The article draws parallels to historical resistance against federal enforcement, such as opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act, and critiques the Trump administration's tactics as a means of political manipulation.

### Key Points

- ICE raids in Los Angeles targeted undocumented immigrants in working-class communities, sparking protests from residents and local leaders. 

- Despite claims of targeting criminals and gang members, most detainees were seamstresses and laborers, undermining the justification for the raids. 

- Protests against ICE actions were largely peaceful, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with detained community members. 

- The Trump administration deployed the National Guard to manage protests, framing them as riots, though no looting or violence was reported. 

- Local law enforcement, like the LAPD, refused to cooperate with ICE, citing longstanding policies to protect immigrant communities. 

- The article compares current federal immigration enforcement to historical resistance against the Fugitive Slave Act, highlighting the tension between federal authority and local opposition. 

- The Trump administration’s actions are critiqued as politically motivated, aiming to demonize immigrants and their defenders. 

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!

6-8-25 

The article is a compilation of various blog posts and discussions on education reform, political controversies, social justice, activism, and other societal issues. It highlights critiques of privatization, systemic inequality, governance challenges, and the importance of community-driven approaches in education and politics.

### Key Points  

- Citizens of the World Charter Schools face criticism for safety violations near freeways, endangering students and disrupting neighborhoods.   

- The Supreme Court's decision to allow DOGE access to sensitive personal data raises concerns about privacy, potential misuse, and political manipulation.   

- A public feud between Trump and Musk highlights the fragility of alliances based on mutual interests, with broader implications for political and corporate dynamics.   

- The University of Michigan hired undercover spies to surveil and intimidate students involved in peaceful protests, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.   

- The Trump-Musk feud serves as a metaphor for instability in alliances, particularly in education reform, where coalitions fracture over competing interests.   

- Jesse Hagopian launched TeachTruthBook.com with resources promoting antiracist education and fighting censorship laws.   

- Diane Ravitch's upcoming memoir details her ideological shift from supporting privatization to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequality.   

- Seattle Schools introduced a new form for public records requests, while concerns about nepotism and administrative issues persist.   

- Nationwide protests criticized Trump’s military parade, emphasizing resistance to authoritarianism and the defense of democracy.   

- The article critiques GOP policies that favor privatization and wealthy districts at the expense of equity in public education.   

- Calls for systemic change in education highlight the importance of community-driven reforms over top-down, profit-driven approaches.   

- Student activism successfully protested ICE’s detention of a classmate, showcasing the impact of grassroots movements.   

- The declining participation in UFT elections reflects apathy and inefficiencies in union leadership, with calls for modernized voting systems.   

- The role of writers in resisting oppression and addressing societal issues is explored, alongside reflections on political and cultural themes.