A funny thing happened on the way to closing the U.S. Department of Education - sh.itjust.works

The Trump administration continued its head-scratching appointments by anointing billionaire Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education… But then – surprise! – the deputy education secretary spot went to Penny Schwinn, who is far more famous to the likes of us education writers. Schwinn’s deep, impressive bona fides include becoming a teacher through Teach for America, followed by service as a classroom history teacher, school principal and then a swift ride up high-level administrative posts in various states including Texas. In 2019, at 43, she became Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education. In Education Next’s extended interview, Schwinn emphasizes that educators must aim every single decision not merely toward achievement, but toward the best interests of kids. This “North Star” helps her to sift through irrelevant political chaff so she can stay with her agenda even in the face of constant opposition. “That is always going to be personal and emotional; however, we must find a way to engage in hard conversations without taking them personally,” she said. …Schwinn doesn’t seem like the kind of woman to put her North Star away, so she must have been convinced she could do real work. Of course, we’ll see. The best interests of the kids could use a true champion. Good luck, Deputy.

What good thing just happened in your life? - sh.itjust.works

I want some good news.

Norah Jones-My Dear Country with lyrics - sh.itjust.works

Why hasn't Kamala Harris's record of keeping nonviolent offenders in prison, despite SCOTUS ruling, while California AG been brought up much this election? - sh.itjust.works

Not asking a political question. I would like to know all sides of this. It really seems to be a red flag under normal situations, but i haven’t heard it brought up very much. I’ve just recently read this article with the full details, but i had to look for that on my own. Again, not political. I’ve already cast my vote and just waiting for the outcome.

Missouri Independent: Missouri AG in abortion pill lawsuit argues fewer teen pregnancies hurt state financially - sh.itjust.works

In making the case that the states have standing this time, the attorneys general contend access to mifepristone has lowered “birth rates for teenaged mothers,” arguing it contributes to causing a population loss for the states along with “diminishment of political representation and loss of federal funds.”

Is there a reason the US is sending 100 of our people to Israel? - sh.itjust.works

I genuinely want to understand this. Are the defense systems we are sending so advanced that we can’t let anyone else operate them? I know politics aren’t allowed here, so i want to stress that I just want to know why this is happening.