@benjaminludwig.com
| NH K-8 School Librarian | Reviewer for School Library Journal | #YA Novelist @HarperCollins.bsky.social | Info at benjaminludwig.com | Choosing books is how we choose and build our culture. |
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. But right now, they’re under attack.
Several Republican-controlled states have redrawn their congressional maps to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterm elections.
The desks of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel - two students killed in the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School - sit empty in the Capitol this week as a reminder of the horror of gun violence.
The majority of Minnesotans agree, it’s time to ban assault weapons.
“Pope Leo XIV has urged priests to not to use artificial intelligence to write their homilies or to seek ‘likes’ on social media platforms like TikTok.”
“‘To give a true homily is to share faith,’ and artificial intelligence ‘will never be able to share faith,’ the pope added.”
Sanders: The American people do not want this country to be an authoritarian society or an oligarchy. We have our differences, that’s what democracy is about—we argue it out. We don’t throw people who disagree in jail. We don’t intimidate the media. We don’t send ICE agents to shoot people.
Yesssss. Separate out DHS and shut it down.
Philip Glass boycotting the Kennedy Center
Philip Glass boycotting the Kennedy Center
Philip Glass boycotting the Kennedy Center
Philip Glass
Philip Glass
Philip Glass
Philip Glass
Philip Glass boycotting the Kennedy Center
Secretary Noem has forfeited her right to lead. I’m calling on her to resign.
Gregory Bovino must also be fired.
No one, not an ICE agent, not a federal officer, not a president, is above the law.
Imagine what’s happening in the camps.
I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening.
The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.
Carney: "American hegemony in particular helped provide public goods, a stable financial system... this bargain no longer works. Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition... recently, great powers have begun using economic integration as a weapon. Tariffs as leverage ... "
"Cardinal Tobin said he was struck by voices in the Trump administration who seemed to be advancing a moral framework he described as 'almost a Darwinian calculus that the powerful survive and the weak don’t deserve to.'
'I would say that’s less than human'...”
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/u...
PSA: If Bill Kristol can say this dems should be able to say it
Among the many powerful lessons of the last week has been this: the people, not the politicians—and definitely not the Democrats—are leading in this moment. In this week’s Elie v. US, @elienyc.bsky.social explores why that’s both inspiring—and depressing.
https://bit.ly/4qX7ofh
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
New York City turned OUT.
@handsoffnyc.bsky.social ✊❤️
"KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS: You don't need a permit to protest in response to breaking news and you don't need a permit to march in the streets or along sidewalks, as long as you're not obstructing traffic or access to buildings. You have the right to photograph or film anything in plain view, including federal buildings and law enforcement, so long as you are not trespassing or violating a lawful order. You should not interfere with the actions of the government officials you are recording. If you believe your rights have been violated, when you can, write down everything you remember, get contact information for witnesses, and take photographs of any injuries. If you get stopped by the police, ask if you're free to go. If they say yes, calmly walk away. If you get arrested, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't sign, say or agree to anything without a lawyer present. If you get stopped by a member of the military or any law enforcement officer at a protest, you have the right to remain silent or to tell them that you'll only answer questions in the presence of an attorney-no matter your citizenship or immigration status."
"If you interact with ICE in public: Ask if you are free to leave. If so, you may calmly walk away. You have the right to refuse consent to a search. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to discuss your immigration status with anyone, such as about where you were born, whether you are a citizen, or how you entered the country. If you have valid immigration documents, you should show them. Never provide fake documents. If you are arrested, say that you wish to remain silent until speaking with a lawyer. You have the right to record your interaction with immigration agents as long as you do not interfere."
If you're taking to the streets to protest, know your rights.
BREAKING: Once again ICE agents have shot at a moving vehicle contrary to their SOPs.
At this point one feels like any person on American soil could be forgiven for being terrified of ICE agents and wanting to get away from them as quickly as possible.
17 fed-up Republicans voted with every Democrat for the final total of 230 to 196 to extend the enhanced Obamacare subsidies for three years.
Walz: "I couldn't help but think, and it scares me a bit -- 'The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most important directive.' It certainly feels like that in this moment."
I loved Fifteen Dogs!
Just woke up even angrier. Impeach, convict, remove. Draft articles now. Either we have a representative government or we don’t. Do not shut up about this until there’s a vote.
Teaching is a profession that often seems to be trying to kill you, but other times that complex, crazy human community we call a school has a miraculous ability to give you exactly what you need to go on. What a strange and trying and absolutely beautiful thing to do with your life.
The lure of ChatGPT ys conversaciouns wythout any actual dialogue or accountabilitye. A mirrour that doth flatter by offeringe no reflectioun whatsoevir. A google searche that doth kysse up to you.
blue background graphic with outline of books - text reads: BEST BOOKS OF 2025 - BEST OLDER KIDS FICTION - and book covers THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES, THE PECAN SHELLER, and THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST
THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES is one of NoveList's Best Books of 2025!
Congrats to all the creators on this list. So many great titles here for all ages - my to-read list just keeps getting longer !
about.ebsco.com/blogs/noveli...
Statement on the Brown University shooting.
An audiobook does not count as reading. It does count as listening, and listening is a complex, intense process that doesn't need to take a back seat or be seen as second rate.
There is no need for reading to be treated as the dominant term that subsumes and erases the other
I had fun reading to some Burke Elementary students at the Chicago Public Library today. When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, we’ll have a new branch of the library for the community to enjoy.
You will always learn more from being bored than be busy.
This dedication!
🐼 Bored Panda by Mike Bender, Illus by Chuck Dillon
I'm my PBOR Era.
#TLSky #Books #Librarians
