Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-21-25
7-21-25
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.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Just Hangin' In Edition (7/20) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/icymi-just-hangin-in-edition-720.html
- Pennsylvania cyber charter schools resist mandatory weekly wellness checks for students, despite proposed regulations.
- Checker Finn advocates for regulating school vouchers akin to food stamps restrictions.
- Florida schools reject funding tied to political conditions, highlighted with snark by Stephanie Hayes.
- David Barton promotes fake history supporting Christian nationalism and Ten Commandments legislation.
- South Carolina allows hiring noncertified teachers, reflecting a shift in educational standards.
- Concerns arise over AFT's partnership with AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft for classrooms.
- Russell Shaw critiques ChatGPT’s role as unsuitable for child interaction.
- Supreme Court ruling accelerates the dismantling of the Department of Education under Trump.
- Ohio’s state budget prioritizes wealthy interests over public education funding.
- Jennifer Berkshire examines broader societal impacts of current regime policies.
- Right-wing outrage over Superman’s positive values in media reflects broader cultural conflicts.
No Sun Bucks in Tennessee: Gov. Lee Rejects Summer Meal Funds, Let's Kids Go Hungry Innovative, low-cost program with proven results rejected in favor of spending more and feeding less https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/no-sun-bucks-in-tennessee-gov-lee
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee rejected federal funding for the Sun Bucks program, a summer EBT initiative that provides enhanced SNAP benefits to families of children who qualify for free and reduced lunch, leading to increased child food insecurity.
- Sun Bucks is an effective program that delivers $120 per child to address summer nutrition gaps, reduces child hunger, boosts academic performance, and generates significant local economic activity. States declining participation forgo these benefits.
- Governor Lee replaced Sun Bucks with a state-funded program serving only 25,000 children, a drastic reduction from the 700,000 previously supported, prioritizing political motives over children's welfare.
- Public reactions to Governor Lee’s decision express anger and disappointment, highlighting the perceived cruelty and misguided priorities of the administration.
glen brown: Binoy Misra https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/binoy-misra.html
- The article reflects on the philosophical views of writers like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus, emphasizing the writer's role in resisting oppression and embracing isolation.
- It discusses various societal and political issues, including pensions, Illinois politics, COVID-19, social justice, healthcare, and American racism.
- The blog explores diverse topics such as environmental concerns, higher education, domestic terrorism, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Supreme Court decisions.
- It includes personal reflections, such as a tribute to a friend, Binoy Misra, and nostalgic anecdotes about life experiences.
- The blog also highlights cultural elements like poetry, music (e.g., Dylan and Beatles), and literature.
- There is criticism of political figures and administrations, including Donald Trump and the Supreme Court, for their actions and policies.
- A taxonomy of recurring themes in the blog includes pensions, education reform, social justice, elections, and environmental issues.
The Late Show, Colbert, Courage, and the Cost of Truth – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/20/the-late-show-colbert-courage-and-the-cost-of-truth/
### Key Points
- Stephen Colbert is celebrated for using humor as a form of resistance and truth-telling, positioning himself as a cultural barometer for democracy.
- Authoritarian regimes often control media to suppress dissent, and concerns arise about CBS's compliance under the Trump administration, potentially silencing voices like Colbert’s.
- Colbert’s courage is likened to the boldness needed in educational leaders to defend diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic freedom against political attacks.
- The article warns about the consequences of inaction, citing examples such as banned books, censorship, intimidation of educators, and dismantling of higher education progress.
- The author calls for “Colbertian” courage in public leadership, emphasizing the importance of boldness and principled resistance to safeguard truth and democracy.
Armstrong & Aldrin Walked On The Moon In 1969 On This Day – Here Are Teaching Resources Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog offers educational resources, teaching strategies, and updates on various topics, including historical events, ed-tech tools, and social-emotional learning.
- Highlights include resources for teaching about the moon landing, climate change, and native lands, as well as advice for school district superintendents and teachers.
- Weekly features include free artificial intelligence tools for classrooms and SEL updates.
- The author has published multiple books with research-based strategies for teaching various subjects like Social Studies, English, Math, and Science, along with techniques for motivating students and engaging parents.
- Additional contributions include blog posts, radio shows, articles for major platforms like Education Week Teacher and the New York Times, and curated teaching practices.
Schools Matter: The Epstein Cover-Up at the FBI by Allison Gill http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/07/the-epstein-cover-up-at-fbi-by-allison.html
### Key Points
- Senator Dick Durbin raised concerns about Attorney General Pam Bondi pressuring the FBI to review 100,000 Epstein-related records within a short timeframe.
- Untrained personnel were involved, and chaotic processes led to mishandling of sensitive victim information.
- Analysts flagged instances of Donald Trump in the files, creating a master log, but the number of mentions remains unknown.
- Files were improperly accessible due to rushed efforts, and video trainings on redactions were distributed on unclassified networks.
- Analysts experienced stress and trauma from reviewing disturbing materials, and morale was poor due to long shifts and chaotic instructions.
- Despite the extensive review, the Department of Justice and FBI decided not to release the files, surprising many analysts.
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!
7-20-25
7-20-25
The article is a compilation of diverse topics from various blogs, discussing political controversies, educational challenges, societal issues, and activism. It highlights systemic failures, advocacy efforts, and the impact of leadership decisions across multiple domains.
### 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.
- Congress exempts Trump and Vance from conflict-of-interest rules on stablecoins, allowing Trump to profit from his crypto empire despite ethical concerns.
- Advocacy for public education and resistance against privatization continues, with educators promoting activism and reform.
- The Epstein Files are compared to other conspiracies, critiquing the justice system's failures and the oligarchy's use of scandals to distract from systemic inequalities.
- Nearly one-third of U.S. public schools mandate mental health screenings, with challenges in ensuring adequate care and addressing barriers like resources and workload.
- A librarian reflects on the emotional loss of transitioning from physical to digital libraries, symbolizing the end of personal connections and community ties.
- The NEA Representative Assembly voted to sever ties with the ADL over concerns about bias, but the decision was overturned by NEA leadership, sparking debates on union democracy and antisemitism.
- Michael Mulgrew, leader of UFT, is criticized for failing to uphold due process for union members and prioritizing election manipulation over meaningful reforms.
- Tennessee’s Metro Nashville Public Schools face leadership failures, retaliation, and misuse of authority, with a $6.5 million lawsuit settlement impacting resources amidst staff shortages.
- Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, wins NYC mayoral primary, sparking fears among the political elite and debates about socialism vs. capitalism.
- Randi Weingarten discusses challenges in public education, the impact of AI, and the need for inclusivity in the Democratic Party, while facing criticism for alleged ties to tech billionaires.
- Advocacy groups combat privatization, censorship, and authoritarianism in public education, emphasizing equity and inclusivity.
- Trump administration policies dismantle environmental protections, impose harmful tariffs, and exacerbate political and societal challenges.
- Systemic injustices in the criminal justice system, like cash bail, contribute to family separation and inequities.
