Latest News and Comment from Education

Friday, May 2, 2025

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 5-2-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-2-25



Thom Hartmann: Democracy Can Die in Broad Daylight https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/01/thom-hartmann-2/ via @dianeravitch 

Thom Hartmann discusses the decline of democracy in the United States, highlighting actions by Trump and Musk that threaten democratic institutions. The article emphasizes the systematic dismantling of democratic norms, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes and warning of the potential for tyranny if current trends continue. It calls for institutional solidarity and political courage to counter these threats, suggesting that civil disobedience may become necessary.

### Key Points

- Thom Hartmann argues that Trump and Musk are undermining democratic institutions, aiming for authoritarian control. 

- The article describes a deliberate campaign to silence dissent and centralize power, comparing it to historical authoritarian regimes. 

- It outlines steps like legitimizing political violence and capturing media as part of a strategy to erode democracy. 

- Senator Chris Murphy warns of a methodical attack on American institutions and stresses the need for solidarity and mobilization to stop it. 

- The article suggests that civil disobedience might become necessary to preserve democracy. 

Trump Celebrated His First 100 Days by Attacking Biden https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/01/trump-celebrated-his-first-100-days-by-attacking-biden/ via @dianeravitch 

Trump marked his first 100 days in office with a rally in Michigan, focusing on attacking Joe Biden rather than highlighting his own achievements. Despite having the lowest approval ratings for any president at this point in their term, Trump continued to boast about his successes and blame Biden for various national issues. His policies have led to economic instability and alienation of allies, while his rhetoric remains divisive and centered on grievances. The rally, although filled with enthusiastic supporters, showed signs of waning interest, indicating a disconnect between Trump's claims and the public's perception.

### Key Points

- Trump celebrated his first 100 days by attacking Biden, despite low approval ratings. 

- His policies have destabilized markets and alienated allies, yet he blames Biden for problems. 

- Trump continues to use derogatory nicknames for Biden, focusing more on Biden’s perceived failures than his own achievements. 

- Trump's rally showed signs of waning support, with attendees leaving early despite his boasts. 

- Trump’s rhetoric remains divisive, blaming various groups for his challenges while claiming unprecedented success. 

Conflict of Interest? No Problem. Trump Family Will Collect Hundreds of Millions https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/01/conflict-of-interest-i-problem-trumps-family-will-collect-many-millions/ via @dianeravitch 

David Yaffe-Bellany from The New York Times reported on a significant business deal in Dubai involving the Trump family's cryptocurrency firm, World Liberty Financial. A fund backed by Abu Dhabi is set to invest $2 billion using the Trump firm's stablecoin, USD1, which could generate hundreds of millions for the Trump family. This transaction highlights ethical concerns regarding the blurred lines between business and government, especially considering Trump's role as the chief crypto advocate of the firm. The deal also connects World Liberty with Binance, a crypto exchange previously under U.S. government oversight for money-laundering violations. The announcement was made at a major crypto conference in Dubai, attended by Eric Trump and Zach Witkoff, amidst ongoing criticism about conflicts of interest involving the Trump family.

### Key Points

- A $2 billion business deal involving the Trump family's cryptocurrency firm and Abu Dhabi's fund could generate significant profits for the Trump family, raising ethical concerns. 

- The Trump firm's stablecoin, USD1, will be used in the transaction, linking the firm to Binance, which has faced U.S. government oversight. 

- The announcement was made at a crypto conference in Dubai, attended by Eric Trump and Zach Witkoff, amidst criticism of conflicts of interest. 




Will the U.S. Supreme Court Approve Oklahoma’s Proposed Religious Charter School? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/05/01/will-the-u-s-supreme-court-approve-oklahomas-proposed-religious-charter-school/ via @janresseger

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case, Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, which questions the constitutionality of religious charter schools under the First Amendment. The case arose after the Oklahoma Supreme Court found that a proposed religious charter school operated by the Catholic Archdiocese was unconstitutional. The central issue is whether charter schools are public schools, which must remain secular, or private entities that can be religious and receive public funding. This case could significantly impact the separation of church and state in education, as well as the future of public charter schools in the U.S.

### Key Points

- The case questions whether charter schools are public or private, impacting their ability to be religious and receive public funds. 

- The Oklahoma Supreme Court previously ruled the religious charter school unconstitutional, but the U.S. Supreme Court's decision could change that precedent. 

- The case is seen as part of a larger effort to redefine the First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. 

- The outcome of this case could lead to significant changes in public education and the separation of church and state. 




Teacher Tom: The Technology of Speaking With Children So They Can Think https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-technology-of-speaking-with.html 

The article discusses the concept of treating children as fully formed human beings through the use of informative rather than directive statements. This approach, described as a "technology," helps children think independently and make decisions without feeling bossed around. The author shares personal experiences and insights gained from practicing this method with preschoolers and their own child, noting its effectiveness across different ages. The article also promotes a course on this communication technique.

### Key Points

- The author describes learning to treat children like fully formed human beings using informative statements instead of directive ones. 

- Informative statements encourage children to think for themselves and reduce rebellious behavior. 

- The author reflects on the long-term effectiveness of this approach, even as children grow older. 

- The article promotes a course on the technology of speaking with children for creating cooperative environments. 



NYC Public School Parents: Today's my birthday - will you help us keep Class Size Matters going? https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/05/todays-my-birthday-will-you-help-us.html

NYC Public School Parents, an advocacy group led by Leonie Haimson, is celebrating achievements in promoting smaller class sizes and protecting student privacy. They have secured funding for 746 schools to hire more teachers and influenced policy changes to protect student data. Despite these successes, challenges remain, including inadequate space for smaller classes and federal education policy threats. The group seeks continued support and donations to further their mission.

### Key Points

- NYC Public School Parents have secured funding for 746 schools to hire teachers and reduce class sizes. 

- The group successfully advocated for changes to protect student mental health data and ensure parental consent for online classes. 

- Challenges remain, such as lack of space for smaller classes and federal education policy issues. 

- The organization is seeking donations to continue its advocacy work. 

Will you help us continue the fight for smaller classes? | Class Size Matters  | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/its-my-birthday-tomorrow-will-you-help-us-continue-the-fight-for-smaller-classes/ 

The article discusses the ongoing advocacy for smaller class sizes and student privacy in New York City schools. It highlights the achievements of Class Size Matters, such as securing funding for 746 schools to hire more teachers and revising privacy policies with Talkspace. The article calls for continued support and donations to further the cause, emphasizing the importance of educational equity. It also provides information on related activities, including petitions, surveys, and media engagements.

### Key Points

- Class Size Matters has successfully advocated for funding to lower class sizes in 746 NYC schools and improved privacy policies with Talkspace. 

- The organization challenges the State Education Department to ensure parental consent for online classes and seeks support to continue its advocacy efforts amidst challenges like space constraints and funding issues. 

- The article encourages donations to help Class Size Matters prepare for future challenges and emphasizes the importance of unity and justice. 

- Information about petitions, surveys, and media engagements, such as the "Talk out of School" radio show, is provided. 

- Class Size Matters held an award dinner honoring Rep. Jamaal Bowman and shared resources about the importance of class size. 



Freeze the rent!, by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/freeze-the-rent?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

Freeze the rent! Fred Klonsky discusses the ongoing protests and political discussions in New York City regarding a proposed rent increase for rent-stabilized units. Zohran Mamdani, a prominent political figure, has been vocal in advocating for a rent freeze to combat homelessness and the housing crisis. The Rent Stabilization Board's preliminary vote to raise rents by up to 7% has sparked significant opposition, with protests and political figures like Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos supporting a freeze. Despite rising costs for tenants, landlords' net operating income has increased, fueling the debate. The article also briefly mentions other topics, including union issues and cultural commentary.

### Key Points

- Zohran Mamdani was the first to call for a rent freeze in response to proposed rent increases by the Rent Stabilization Board in New York City. 

- Protests erupted against the board's decision to raise rents, with Mamdani and other political figures advocating for a rent freeze as a solution to the housing crisis. 

- The 2025 income and affordability study highlights economic challenges for tenants, while landlords' profits have increased, intensifying the rent freeze debate. 



EPISODE #125 | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/05/01/episode-125/ 

The article discusses Episode #125 of the "Under the Tree Podcast," featuring a seminar on freedom with Bill Ayers and highlighting the work of the Invisible Institute. The Institute is renowned for its unique approach to journalism, focusing on human rights inquiry and long-term relationship-building. It has achieved significant milestones, including winning two Pulitzer Prizes and a landmark court decision that made police misconduct files public in Illinois. The episode features Maira Khwaja and Trina Reynolds-Tyler from the Invisible Institute, who discuss their investigative work on police misconduct and missing person cases in Chicago.

### Key Points

- The Invisible Institute practices "guerrilla journalism," focusing on human rights inquiry and deep social/political interrogation. 

- The Institute has won two Pulitzer Prizes and produced a film nominated for an Academy Award. 

- The landmark court decision, Kalven v. Chicago (2014), established police misconduct files as public information in Illinois. 

- Maira Khwaja and Trina Reynolds-Tyler are key members of the Invisible Institute, contributing to its investigative work. 

- The podcast series "You Didn’t See Nothin" won the 2024 Peabody Award and the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Audio Reporting. 

- The short documentary "Incident" was nominated for a 2025 Academy Award. 

- Investigations revealed patterns of neglect in the Chicago Police Department's handling of missing person cases. 

- The Civic Police Data Project resulted from collaboration with the University of Chicago Law School, releasing police misconduct records. 



The Rise of the Unqualified: Inside the Kakistocracy Running American Education – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/01/the-rise-of-the-unqualified-inside-the-kakistocracy-running-american-education/ 

The article discusses the concept of kakistocracy in the context of American education, highlighting how unqualified individuals are increasingly occupying leadership roles in educational institutions. It critiques the appointments of leaders like Betsy DeVos and Linda McMahon, who were chosen for their political loyalty rather than expertise. The article emphasizes the dangerous consequences of kakistocracy, such as the erosion of educational equity and academic freedom, and calls for resistance through vigilance, courage, and solidarity.

### Key Points

- Kakistocracy refers to government by the least qualified or most unscrupulous individuals, affecting education leadership and policy. 

- Examples of kakistocracy in education include Betsy DeVos and Linda McMahon, appointed for political loyalty rather than educational expertise. 

- Ben Sasse's presidency at the University of Florida illustrates political interference in higher education, leading to weakened academic freedom. 

- Kakistocracy leads to the devaluation of knowledge, politicization of curriculum, and erosion of public trust in education. 

- Resistance to kakistocracy requires defending expertise, supporting courageous leaders, and advocating for educational integrity. 


Radical Eyes for Equity: Beware Scripted Curriculum: More Trojan Horse Education Reform | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/beware-scripted-curriculum 

The article critiques the use of scripted curricula in education reform, arguing that these initiatives are driven by ideological and political agendas rather than genuine efforts to improve teaching and learning. It traces the history of education reform back to the 1990s with George W. Bush's policies and highlights several "miracle" success stories that are actually misleading. The piece criticizes the de-professionalization of teachers and the negative impact on students, particularly marginalized groups. The article suggests that the ultimate goal of these reforms is to perpetuate an education crisis for market and political gains, potentially leading to the replacement of teachers with AI.

### Key Points

- The article argues that education reform is driven by ideological and conservative agendas, not by a genuine desire to improve teaching and learning. 

- Scripted curricula, often endorsed as effective, are critiqued for de-professionalizing teachers and failing to meet students' individual needs. 

- The so-called educational "miracles" in various states are criticized as misleading narratives that serve political purposes. 

- The article suggests that the end goal of education reform is to create ongoing educational crises for market and political objectives, potentially replacing teachers with AI. 


Guest Post Regarding Dr. Naveed Baqir https://exceptionaldelaware.com/2025/05/01/guest-post-regarding-dr-naveed-baqir/ via @ExcptlDelaware 

Exceptional Delaware Education News discusses ongoing issues surrounding Tarbiyah, Dr. Naveed Baqir, and Dr. Amna Latif. Concerns have been raised about potential misallocation of federal funds due to alleged inaccuracies in student enrollment records. Dr. Baqir has been hospitalized in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances, while questions about Dr. Latif’s involvement in financial dealings at Tarbiyah remain unanswered. Despite the complexity of the situation, there is no public record of legal action against Latif, and she continues to travel freely between the U.S. and Pakistan. The article suggests a federal investigation into Dr. Baqir, with more details expected to emerge.

### Key Points

- Concerns about Tarbiyah's enrollment practices potentially leading to misallocated federal funds. 

- Dr. Naveed Baqir hospitalized in Pakistan; details of the incident are unclear. 

- Dr. Amna Latif's involvement in Tarbiyah's financial matters questioned, but no legal action recorded. 

- Federal investigation into Dr. Baqir hinted, with ongoing developments expected. 



Are Women the Cause of Reluctance to Read? https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/05/01/are-women-the-cause-of-reluctance-to-read/ via @nancyflanagan 

The article explores the reluctance of boys to read, particularly books with themes associated with women, such as relationships and emotions. It reflects on how traditional gender roles in literature may influence reading preferences and discusses the impact of these preferences on literacy. The author reminisces about their own reading experiences and the lack of female presence in certain literary works. The article also touches on the changing landscape in publishing, where female authors are gaining prominence, and the decline in parents reading aloud to their children, with a noted gender disparity in reading habits. It questions whether the reluctance to read among boys is due to teaching methods or broader societal influences.

### Key Points

- Boys have traditionally been thought to prefer reading adventure stories featuring male characters over books with themes related to women. 

- The author reflects on their own reading experiences and the influence of a choice-based curriculum that encouraged reading diverse books. 

- A Separate Peace is noted for its lack of female characters, highlighting gender dynamics in literature. 

- The publishing industry is shifting towards female authors, addressing past male-dominated literary scenes. 

- Decline in parents reading aloud to children, with a gender disparity in reading habits between boys and girls. 

- The complexity of boys’ reading reluctance, questioning if teaching methods or societal factors are responsible. 

- Importance of reading diverse stories to children to foster curiosity about the world. 

- Personal anecdotes about reading aloud to students and its positive impact. 


Separation of Church and State: Critical for Public Schools and America! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/05/01/separation-of-church-and-state-critical-for-public-schools-and-america/ 

The article discusses the potential implications of the Supreme Court case St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, which could further erode the separation of church and state in U.S. public education. The case involves a Catholic virtual charter school in Oklahoma seeking public funding, raising concerns about religious influence in publicly funded education. The author argues that public funds should not support religious schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diverse and inclusive public schools. The article highlights public opposition to taxpayer-funded subsidies for private religious schools and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in education.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court case involving St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School could weaken the separation of church and state in public education. 

- The school aims to be the first publicly funded religious virtual charter school, teaching Catholic doctrine and potentially discriminating in hiring. 

- Public funding of religious schools is controversial, with many Americans opposing taxpayer dollars supporting such institutions. 

- Public schools are seen as inclusive and open to all, unlike private religious schools, which may not accept all students, particularly those with disabilities. 

- Concerns are raised about the lack of standards and transparency in private and religious schools compared to public schools. 



glen brown: The Torturing and Death of Ukrainian Journalist Viktoria Roshchyna https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-torturing-and-death-of-ukrainian.html

The article discusses the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who was tortured and had organs removed while in Russian captivity. Her body was returned with signs of torture, and a forensic examination revealed multiple injuries. Roshchyna was a courageous journalist known for her reporting in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine, and her death has prompted calls for international action against the targeting of journalists. The article also touches on various other topics, including public pensions, political issues, and social justice.

### Key Points

- Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna was tortured and died in Russian captivity, prompting calls for international action. 

- Roshchyna was known for her courageous reporting in Russian-occupied areas and received an award for her journalism. 

- The article mentions broader themes such as public pensions, political issues, and social justice. 



CURMUDGUCATION: Do Teachers Need To Be Liked? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/05/do-teachers-need-to-be-liked.html 

Do Teachers Need To Be Liked?

### Key Points

- The article discusses whether students need to like their teachers in order to learn, a frequent topic among teachers, especially new ones seeking affirmation. 

- Relationships in teaching are important but must be built by the teacher, often leading young teachers to seek being liked as a measure of success. 

- Seeking student approval can project weakness and lack of confidence, potentially leading to manipulation by students. 

- Other ineffective approaches include ruling through fear, which may lead to compliance but not genuine learning. 

- The article suggests respect and competence as the foundation for effective teaching, avoiding contempt and treating students as capable individuals. 

- Teachers should focus on providing competent teaching and setting realistic expectations, rather than seeking to be liked. 

- Not all students will like their teacher, and trying to win them over is unproductive; modeling respectful collaboration despite personal feelings is valuable. 

CURMUDGUCATION: TX: Furry Panic Is Back https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/05/tx-furry-panic-is-back.html 

The article discusses the resurgence of the "furry panic," a baseless rumor suggesting that schools are accommodating students who identify as animals by providing litter boxes and allowing animal-like behaviors. Originating from a false claim at a Michigan school board meeting in 2021, this rumor has spread widely despite repeated debunking. It has been perpetuated by various political figures and has reached a point where some states, like Texas, are considering legislation to address these non-existent issues. The proposed Texas bill, HB 54, targets any animal-like behavior in schools, despite no confirmed incidents of schools making such accommodations. Critics argue that the bill is an attempt to create controversy over a non-issue and distract from real educational concerns.

### Key Points

- The "furry panic" began with a false claim about schools accommodating students identifying as animals, spreading despite being debunked. 

- The rumor has been perpetuated by political figures across several states, leading to unnecessary responses from school districts. 

- Texas proposed HB 54, targeting non-human behaviors in schools, despite no evidence of such accommodations. Critics see it as a distraction from real issues. 

Diary Of A Socialist Indoctrinator https://forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2019/02/13/diary-of-a-socialist-indoctrinator/













Schools Matter http://www.schoolsmatter.info/ 













Seattle Schools Community Forum: Republican Administration Refuses to Allow Mental ... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/republican-administration-refuses-to.html?spref=tw 

The article discusses the Trump administration's decision to halt $1 billion in funding for mental health services aimed at preventing gun violence in schools. This funding was initially authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act after a tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The Education Department canceled the funding due to concerns about potential civil rights violations, specifically related to diversity goals in hiring mental health professionals. Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to provide essential mental health support for children, while supporters claim it prevents misuse of funds for racial and diversity agendas.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration halted $1 billion in funding for mental health services for children, initially authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to prevent gun violence. 

- The Education Department canceled the funding due to potential civil rights violations, particularly related to diversity goals in hiring mental health professionals. 

- Critics argue the cancellation undermines mental health support for children, while supporters claim it prevents misuse of funds for racial agendas. 

- Former deputy assistant secretary for education, Mary Wall, defends the diversity-focused approach as common-sense practice with proven results. 


Big Education Ape: REDUX: SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE - SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL AT THE SUPREME COURT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/redux-separation-of-church-and-state.html 

The article discusses various issues related to the separation of church and state, particularly focusing on the Supreme Court's stance on funding religious schools with taxpayer money. It critiques the conservative majority's actions, likening them to historical events where religion and government clashed, such as the Scopes Monkey Trial. The article also mentions ongoing efforts to introduce religious views in public education under the guise of academic freedom and highlights recent legislative moves that restrict discussions of certain topics in schools. The broader implications for religious freedom and government neutrality are emphasized.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration halted $1 billion for children's mental health services. 

- The Supreme Court is reconsidering the separation of church and state, potentially allowing state funding for religious schools. 

- Conservative justices argue that excluding religious schools from funding is discriminatory. 

- Historical comparison to the Scopes Monkey Trial, highlighting tensions between science and religion. 

- Efforts to introduce religious views into public school curricula continue despite legal setbacks. 

- The Tennessee Senate passed a bill restricting discussions of homosexuality in schools. 

- Chief Justice John Roberts plays a crucial role in decisions favoring religious entities receiving state benefits. 

- Concerns about the implications of funding religious schools as charter schools. 

Big Education Ape: MAY DAY - The People's Movement: Rising Against Authoritarianism - The Call to Action https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/may-day-peoples-movement-rising-against.html 


The article discusses various topics, including the Trump administration's decision to halt funding for children's mental health services, the resurgence of misinformation in school policies, and the death of a Ukrainian journalist. It primarily focuses on the May Day protests organized by the 50501 Movement, which aims to resist authoritarianism and promote democracy through grassroots actions across the United States. The movement emphasizes nonviolence, community care, and the importance of building power from the ground up to challenge oppressive systems.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration has halted $1 billion for children's mental health services, affecting access to care. 

- The 50501 Movement is organizing May Day protests in all 50 states to resist authoritarianism and promote democratic values. 

- The movement emphasizes nonviolence, community empowerment, and building a future where democracy thrives. 

- The article mentions a series of blog posts and discussions on political and educational issues, including critiques of billionaire-led education reforms. 

The Great American Church and State Tug-of-War https://open.substack.com/pub/ru4people/p/the-great-american-church-and-state?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article humorously explores the ongoing debate between the separation of church and state in America, depicted as a playful tug-of-war in the fictional town of Constitutionville. The narrative features characters like Reverend Believer and Judge Secular, representing religious influence and governmental independence, respectively. Despite their efforts, neither side wins, highlighting the enduring and unresolved nature of this debate. The piece suggests a whimsical approach to education, proposing that both religious narratives and fairy tales deserve a place in learning.

### Key Points

- The article uses a fictional town to illustrate the historical and ongoing debate over church-state separation in America. 

- Characters like Reverend Believer and Judge Secular symbolize the opposing sides of this debate. 

- The tug-of-war ends in a draw, reflecting the persistent, unresolved nature of church and state separation issues. 

- The narrative humorously suggests incorporating both religious and mythical stories in education. 


Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-1-25

### Summary

The article discusses various political and educational topics, including Elon Musk's failed budget-cutting initiative, Trump's controversial actions and influence, the grassroots movement against authoritarianism, and challenges facing public education and democracy. It highlights issues such as conflicts of interest, misinformation, and the impact of federal funding cuts on educational equity.


### Key Points

- Elon Musk's DOGE initiative aimed to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget but failed, possibly costing more instead. 

- Musk's savings claims were inflated; the actual savings were much lower than promised. 

- The chaotic execution led to mass firings, legal challenges, and costs that negated savings. 

- Elon Musk was tasked by Trump to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency," cutting federal budgets and closing agencies like USAID and NIH. 

- Musk faced $2.37 billion in potential federal fines, but his relationship with Trump, to whom he donated $300 million, may protect him from prosecution. 

- Musk's companies have received over $38 billion in government contracts and subsidies, raising concerns about self-enrichment and conflicts of interest. 

- A poll shows 52% of Americans consider Trump a "dangerous dictator" threatening democracy. 

- Trump retains significant support among Republicans and white Americans. 

- Trump's presidency is marked by attacks on educational institutions, media, and corporations. 

- The article uses a metaphor of a magic show to describe Trump's presidency, focusing on his use of distraction and illusion. 

- Trump's tactics include shifting focus from scandals to trivial matters, creating an illusion of grandeur, and employing showmanship and confidence. 

- The Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding whether a religious entity can start a charter school, highlighting ongoing debates in public education. 

- Ukrainian President Zelensky faces a difficult decision regarding Trump's peace deal, which requires Ukraine to concede to Russian demands. 

- KIPP Charter Schools reported more than $52 million in unexplained expenses for fiscal year 2023. 

- The phrase "do your own research" is used to reject collective responsibility and government involvement. 

- Trump promised to cure cancer during his 2020 campaign but failed to deliver on this promise. 

- The Supreme Court is hearing a case about whether religious entities can start publicly funded charter schools with religious curriculums, challenging the separation of church and state. 

- The 50501 Movement is organizing a Day of Action to resist authoritarianism and promote democratic values across all U.S. states. 

- The article discusses the potential impact of eliminating federal aid for K-12 education in the U.S.