Around New England

Massachusetts HS History Assignment Asking Students To Determine If Trump Is/Is Not “Fascist” Irks Some, Raises Serious Doubts About Critical Thinking Goal

Bill Gnade

A history class assignment asking students to analyze President Donald Trump to determine if he qualified to be called a fascist has irked some parents of students in Haverhill High School (HHS).

The Eagle-Tribune reports that the assignment was given by "veteran history teacher Shaun Ashworth" and essentially asked students to find "Evidence that Mr. Trump talks/behaves like a Fascist" or "Evidence Mr. Trump does not behave like a Fascist."

Around The Web

California: Pot Tax Revenues Not So High; Black Market Flourishes

Bill Gnade

Tax revenues in California gleaned from legal pot sales are not as high as expected, and one expert claims that burdensome taxes on the growing pot industry are "driving consumers" to the black market where pot is cheap.

According to a report by the Associated Press, projected revenues from markets opened up after last year's state-wide legalization of marijuana are "roughly half of what was once expected." The AP reports Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget expects about $355 million dollars in "marijuana excise taxes" by mid-2019.

Read More