OCTOBER 31, 2025
- Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica and Heads North: The powerful Category 5 storm has caused at least 19 deaths in Jamaica, with the total death toll reaching 44 across the Caribbean. Bermuda is now preparing as the storm moves onward, highlighting concerns over intensifying Atlantic hurricanes. Forecasters describe it as potentially Jamaica's "storm of the century."
- Government Shutdown Impacts Federal Operations: The ongoing shutdown, the second-longest in U.S. history, has stalled FBI investigations, halted payments to informants, and put national security at risk. It also threatens food stamps and other aid programs, with millions potentially losing heat and food assistance.
- Border Patrol Official Faces Court Scrutiny: A top Border Patrol official in Chicago must appear daily in court due to concerns over agents' use of force, including tear gas incidents near children.
- Trump Administration Sets Refugee Limits: President Trump has set a 7,500 annual limit for refugees entering the U.S., with most expected to be white South Africans. This move has sparked debate amid ongoing immigration policies.
- Prosecutors Suspended Over Capitol Riot Comments: Two federal prosecutors were placed on leave after referring to January 6 rioters as a "mob" in a sentencing memo. A judge later praised them in a related ruling.
- Speaker Johnson Won't Recall House During Shutdown: House Speaker Mike Johnson stated there's "no point" in bringing lawmakers back amid the impasse, intensifying shutdown effects.
- Cameroon's Paul Biya Wins Re-Election: The 92-year-old, the world's oldest head of state, secured another term in office.
- Trump-Xi Meeting on Trade Tensions: President Trump described his meeting with China's Xi Jinping as a "great success," aiming to steady U.S.-China relations amid rivalry.
- Sudan Genocide Escalates in Darfur: Violence in Darfur has reached new horrors, with the U.S. and U.N. confirming a genocide is occurring again, 20 years after the previous one.
- Education Department Lays Off Staff Amid Shutdown: Nearly 20% of the workforce, including the Office of Special Education, was laid off due to the government shutdown.
- Federal Judge Blocks Funding Cuts for Sex Ed: A judge halted the Trump administration from pulling funds over curricula mentioning diverse gender identities.
- Mental Health Grants Reinstated: The Education Department was ordered to restore mental health grants for schools.
- Fed Cuts Interest Rates Slightly: The Federal Reserve reduced rates to support the economy amid a weakening job market and shutdown uncertainties.
- Health Insurance Subsidies at Center of Shutdown: Democrats push to extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, risking higher costs for consumers if unresolved.
- Global Growth Impact from U.S.-China Trade War: A full trade war could severely harm worldwide economic growth, per analysis.
- Samsung Boosts AI Memory Production: Reporting strong quarterly results, Samsung plans to mass-produce advanced HBM4 chips for AI in 2026.
- Instagram Adds Parental Controls for AI: New features limit teen conversations on sensitive topics like self-harm amid growing AI concerns.
- New Hydrogen Extraction Tech Unveiled: A UNIST team developed a method to extract hydrogen from ammonia while producing silicon nitride.
- Health Insurance Costs Rise Amid Shutdown: Consumers face increases as Congress stalls on subsidies, with open enrollment showing higher premiums.
- Nature Prescriptions for Healing: Providers are prescribing time in nature to promote health benefits.
- New Iron Supplement with Probiotics: A formula combining iron, probiotics, and prebiotics restores levels without harming gut health.
- NBA Extends Partnership with Start-Up: The league is deepening ties with an intriguing company, potentially impacting global operations.
- Blue Jays Lead World Series 3-2: Rookie Trey Yesavage's historic start propelled Toronto over the Dodgers.
- NCAA Delays Athlete Betting Rule: A rule change allowing college athletes to bet on pro sports was postponed.
Book Review :: An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else by Diane Ravitch - NewPages.com https://www.newpages.com/blog/books/book-reviews/an-education-by-diane-ravitch/
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else: Ravitch, Diane: 9780231220293: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294?
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0961320978.html
### Key Points
- President Trump announced the resumption of nuclear weapons testing to match global powers like China and Russia.
- Trump administration plans include intensified immigration enforcement and potential federal employee layoffs.
- Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, threatens Jamaica and raises concerns about climate change and disaster response.
- AI-driven schools are replacing human teachers, raising ethical concerns about the future of education.
- North Carolina legislature expanded school vouchers, diverting public funds from public schools to private institutions.
- Diane Ravitch critiques the New Orleans charter school experiment for undermining public education and community needs.
- Research shows cursive writing benefits cognitive development, memory, and literacy, leading to its resurgence in schools.
- Nvidia nears a $5 trillion valuation due to significant AI and tech deals, including building supercomputers.
- Health updates include a new antibiotic effective against superbugs and warnings about cardiovascular risks linked to flu and COVID-19 infections.
- Trump and Xi Jinping met in South Korea to address trade tensions, with discussions on tariffs and compliance with the 2020 agreement.
- Critics argue Bill Gates’ climate strategy delays systemic changes needed for vulnerable communities.
- The disparity in K-12 education spending among U.S. states has grown significantly since the 1990s, impacting equity and outcomes.
- Public discourse on education often misrepresents crises or successes, ignoring systemic issues like poverty and racial inequity.
- Hormel Foods recalled over 4.8 million pounds of frozen chicken products due to metal contamination.
- Aftyn Behn announced her candidacy for Congress in Tennessee, advocating for bold leadership and prioritizing people's needs.
- Shane Battier’s example highlights the importance of humility and teamwork in achieving sustainable success.
- Glen Brown critiques Trump’s presidency and emphasizes the need for political resistance and social justice.
- Seattle Public Schools face concerns about nepotism and transparency in superintendent selection and district management.
- Unity committee composition raises concerns about fair representation and transparency in union leadership.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 29, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0298820397.html
Big Education Ape: BILL GATES: THE BILLIONAIRE ORACLE WHO'D RATHER PIVOT THAN PREPARE, AS HURRICANE MELISSA EYES JAMAICA FOR A CATASTROPHIC REMIX https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/bill-gates-billionaire-oracle-whod.html
### Key Points
- Bill Gates emphasizes a pivot from emissions reduction to technological innovation and poverty alleviation, but critics argue this creates a false dichotomy and delays urgent climate action.
- Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms in Atlantic history, highlights the immediate impacts of climate change, with Jamaica bracing for catastrophic damage.
- Climate scientists stress that every fraction of a degree of warming intensifies extreme weather and argue for deploying existing renewable energy solutions rather than relying on unproven technologies.
- Gates’ strategy of investing in futuristic technologies like carbon capture and nuclear energy is seen as insufficient for addressing the urgent needs of communities facing climate disasters now.
State and Federal Governments Keep Attacking the Teaching of Honest History https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/10/30/state-and-federal-governments-keep-attacking-the-teaching-of-honest-history/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The teaching of honest history, including topics like settler colonialism and racism, is under attack through state and federal legislation, such as Ohio Senate Bill 1.
- Efforts to ban "critical race theory" and diversity programming, driven by figures like Christopher Rufo, aim to reshape public perception and suppress inclusive education.
- The Trump administration's policies discouraged diversity initiatives, penalized schools for equity programs, and pressured publishers to alter or withdraw curricula.
- Faculty and educators face growing political pressure and ambiguity in implementing new laws, leading to over-compliance and curriculum censorship.
- Federal law prohibits the government from controlling school curricula, yet the Department of Education has pushed for "patriotic education," sparking protests from advocacy groups.
- Critics warn that these policies risk erasing important historical truths, perpetuating inequity, and harming the quality of education.
What Will Our Era Be Called? Naming the Age of American Reckoning – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/30/what-will-our-era-be-called-naming-the-age-of-american-reckoning/
### Key Points
- Historians will name this era based on its defining struggles, debates, and transformations, such as political division, technological change, and cultural shifts.
- The "MAGA Era" reflects populism, polarization, and nostalgia, characterized by Trumpism, anger, and resistance movements for inclusion and democracy.
- The "Era of Fragmentation" is marked by societal disconnection, algorithm-driven division, and the coexistence of conflict and opportunities for marginalized voices.
- The "Second Gilded Age" parallels the late 19th century, with extreme wealth, technological change, inequality, and the potential for reform.
- The "Age of Reckoning" highlights movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, confronting systemic injustices, environmental crises, and the demand for accountability.
- The "Late Empire Era" signals America's waning global dominance, moral decline, and the opportunity to redefine its identity through humility and cooperation.
- The article concludes that the era’s legacy depends on whether society chooses renewal and justice or continues down a path of division and inequity.
November Is Native American Heritage Month – Here Are Teaching & Learning Resources Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- November is Native American Heritage Month, and the article includes teaching and learning resources for this occasion.
- A podcast and article discussing the art of asking questions are recommended as valuable resources for leaders and educators.
- Links to nearly 100 posts on teaching ELLs, previously written for The New York Times Learning Network, are shared.
- A regular feature highlights useful ESL/EFL/ELL resources from across the web.
- November 5th is World Tsunami Awareness Day, with related teaching and learning resources provided.
- A monthly email newsletter is sent out with educational updates and resources.
- Infographic on high school graduation rates is shared as a visual resource.
- Insights into Sanger Unified’s educational model and its focus on engaging instruction are discussed.
- Weekly posts feature classroom instruction resources and strategies.
- Social-emotional learning is connected to literacy instruction in republished posts.
- Several books and resources authored by the writer provide practical strategies for teaching various subjects, including Math, Science, and Social Studies, with a focus on ELLs and student motivation.
- Additional resources include blog posts, radio shows, Q&A sessions, and videos aimed at improving teaching practices.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 30, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-october-30-2025
### Key Points
- President Trump announced the resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing after decades, citing national security concerns.
- U.S.-China relations advanced with reduced tariffs and agreements on rare earth exports and fentanyl trafficking following Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping.
- The U.S. government shutdown has caused delays in economic data releases, impacting third-quarter GDP figures and creating uncertainty.
- A federal judge blocked layoffs in the Department of Education's special education office amid the shutdown, raising concerns about the program's future.
- Global tensions persist, with Israeli strikes in Gaza despite a ceasefire, ongoing conflict in Sudan, and Russia targeting Ukraine’s power grid.
- Hurricane Melissa caused significant destruction in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba.
- The IMF projected a global economic slowdown, with U.S. tariff changes and eurozone GDP showing slight growth.
- OpenAI launched Sora 2 for text-to-video generation and expanded ChatGPT Search, competing with Google Search.
- Health updates included rising federal health insurance premiums, promising cancer treatment findings, and new research on heart disease and mental health risks.
- In sports, the Toronto Blue Jays took a 3-2 lead in the World Series, Arsenal and Manchester City advanced in the Carabao Cup, and the Dallas Wings named a new WNBA coach.
NYC Public School Parents: Powerful testimony from parents Christine Tadler, Jim Baker, and Liat Olenick of Climate Families NYC, on why DOE should not be using AI in the classroom https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/10/powerful-testimony-from-parents.html
### Key Points
- The Panel for Educational Policy rejected three AI contracts, including EPS/Amira, Lumi, and Kiddom, despite DOE's push for AI expansion.
- Concerns raised about AI's impact on privacy, cognitive development, creativity, and critical thinking in classrooms.
- DOE's lack of transparency regarding AI tools and training materials, citing non-disclosure agreements.
- Resolutions passed to address overcrowding, reduce class sizes, and reject unreliable bus service contracts.
- Leonie Haimson urged voting against AI contracts until privacy protections and research on learning benefits are established.
Good news: AI contracts rejected by the PEP last night! | Class Size Matters! | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/good-news-ai-contracts-rejected-by-the-pep-last-night/
### Key Points
- The PEP rejected three AI contracts due to concerns over transparency and lack of guidelines.
- A resolution was passed to acquire city-owned spaces to allow for smaller class sizes.
- The PEP opposed renewing long-term contracts with busing companies, advocating for short-term agreements with improved oversight.
- Early voting for the general election is ongoing, with a recommendation to vote "NO" on specific ballot measures to prevent weakening school planning requirements.
- NYC's law mandating smaller class sizes in schools is highlighted, with efforts to ensure its proper implementation.
- Advocacy continues for reducing class sizes and improving educational conditions in overcrowded NYC schools.
¡El PEP rechazó anoche los contratos de IA! | Class Size Matters ¡El PEP rechazó anoche los contratos de IA! | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/el-pep-rechazo-anoche-los-contratos-de-ia/
El artículo discute los desarrollos clave de la reunión del Panel de Política Educativa (PEP) celebrada el 30 de octubre de 2025, centrándose en los contratos de IA, los contratos de transporte escolar, la reducción del tamaño de las clases y las propuestas de planificación urbana.
### Puntos Clave
- El PEP rechazó tres contratos de IA a pesar de la presión del Departamento de Educación, citando preocupaciones sobre la transparencia y la falta de salvaguardias.
- El Departamento de Educación ha retenido información sobre los programas de IA actuales y sus políticas de privacidad debido a acuerdos de confidencialidad con las empresas.
- El PEP aprobó una resolución instando al Departamento de Educación a asegurar espacios municipales para clases más pequeñas.
- Se aprobó una resolución para renegociar los contratos de transporte escolar para una mejor responsabilidad, rechazando la renovación automática por cinco años a pesar de la oposición de conductores y asistentes de autobús.
- La organización Class Size Matters se opone a las propuestas de planificación urbana que debilitan la participación comunitaria y no garantizan la construcción de escuelas junto con nuevos desarrollos de vivienda.
- El artículo destaca las iniciativas en curso para reducir el tamaño de las clases en las escuelas de NYC, incluida una ley aprobada en 2022 que exige reducciones por fases.
- Actualizaciones adicionales incluyen información sobre votaciones, preocupaciones de privacidad relacionadas con el uso de tecnología educativa y esfuerzos de defensa para mejorar las escuelas públicas de NYC.
glen brown: "The genocide in Gaza is not a freakish anomaly. It is a harbinger of what awaits us as the ecosystem disintegrates and governments embrace climate fascism" -Chris Hedges https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-genocide-in-gaza-is-not-freakish.html
### Key Points
- Bank of America predicts AI and robotics will revolutionize productivity but require workforce upskilling.
- Energy and material shortages could raise prices due to AI's increasing demand for resources.
- A significant building boom in clean energy and infrastructure is expected, with high growth in construction and engineering industries.
- Global competition over technology may intensify, leading nations to prioritize independent supply chains and tariffs.
- Cybercrime is projected to worsen, necessitating increased investment in cybersecurity.
Identifying kids who need help learning to read isn’t as easy as A, B, C Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
- A study by MIT researchers highlights issues in literacy screening for kindergarten students, including inadequate teacher training and lack of intervention plans for struggling readers.
- National reading proficiency rates have slightly improved over the past decades, but early screenings and interventions remain critical for addressing reading challenges.
- Teachers face challenges such as insufficient training, interruptions, noisy environments, and difficulties assessing English language learners during literacy screenings.
- Researchers recommend systematic support, better training for teachers, designated screening spaces, and improved data analysis to make screenings more effective.
- Physical fitness and active lifestyles positively influence brain development in adolescents, while passive screen time can weaken brain functions related to learning.
- Participation in organized sports benefits adolescents’ social and brain health, emphasizing the importance of active engagement over passive screen use.
- A study shows that learning to code activates brain regions associated with logic, suggesting humans are inherently equipped to learn programming.
- Many workers are unaware that job experience can count toward college credit, highlighting a need for better guidance and credit evaluation systems.
- Extreme heat on test days negatively impacts math scores, particularly in schools with lower resources, underscoring the need for climate-resilient learning environments.
- Disrupted sleep in teenagers is linked to higher suicide risk, making sleep a critical factor in adolescent mental health and suicide prevention strategies.
- Tailored interventions for repeating students in demanding courses improve engagement but show limited impact on pass rates, suggesting a need for personalized support.
Teacher Tom: Surely, You Want Your Kid to Be a Part of This! https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/surely-you-want-your-kid-to-be-part-of.html
### Key Points
- Teacher Tom uses playful and creative methods, like pretending a drum is various instruments, to engage preschoolers during transitions.
- The playful approach encourages children to voluntarily participate in cleaning up and fosters a sense of community and cooperation.
- Visitors to the school witnessed the dramatic and positive response of children to this playful engagement, highlighting the effectiveness of play-based learning.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the value of play-based education and offers resources for educators and parents to create similar environments.
- The blog promotes Teacher Tom’s books, speaking engagements, and additional resources for those interested in his teaching philosophy.
CURMUDGUCATION: More Administrators Should Be Scared https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/more-administrators-should-be-scared.html
### Key Points
- The article discusses the case of an assistant principal, Ebony Parker, being sued and facing criminal charges for neglecting warnings about a student carrying a gun, which resulted in a teacher being shot.
- The author highlights how administrators often dismiss or minimize serious concerns raised by teachers, citing examples of inadequate responses to student behavioral issues.
- A good administrator should provide safety and support for teachers and students, addressing problems with effective consequences and support rather than ignoring or deferring them.
- The author expresses hope that lawsuits like Parker's case will compel administrators to take teacher warnings seriously and prioritize student and teacher safety.
The Education Of Diane Ravitch https://www.forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2025/10/30/the-education-of-diane-ravitch/
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch transitioned from a supporter of education reform to a critic after observing its harmful effects in practice.
- She initially believed in standards, testing, and accountability but later realized these approaches failed to improve education meaningfully.
- Ravitch criticized high-stakes testing for demoralizing teachers and discouraging young people from entering the profession.
- She became a leading advocate for public education, co-founding the Network for Public Education and writing extensively against privatization and corporate-driven reforms.
- Her memoir offers a historical recap of education reform and her personal journey, emphasizing intellectual honesty and integrity.
Diane Ravitch Gets It - by Peter Greene - Curmudgucation https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/diane-ravitch-gets-it
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch’s career transformation from a conservative education reform advocate to a public education supporter is detailed, showcasing her intellectual and ethical courage.
- The memoir recounts her early career, connections with influential figures, and the sacrifices she made when she changed her stance.
- Ravitch’s early work, such as *The Great School Wars*, demonstrates her dedication to thorough research and education history.
- The book shares personal anecdotes and explains how Ravitch became a vocal critic of policies she once supported, such as NCLB and privatization.
- Diane Ravitch’s blog created a network for public education advocates, fostering connections and empowering others to become leaders in their own communities.
- The memoir critiques modern education reform, including the test-and-punish approach, billionaire-driven privatization, and current cultural debates, offering a clear analysis of where reforms have gone wrong.
- The book is praised for being a concise yet illuminating read at 223 pages, recommended for anyone interested in education policy.
Donald Trump, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/donald-trump-or-how-i-learned-to
- The author reflects on the Cold War era, highlighting the dangers of nuclear testing, including radioactive clouds and health risks such as Strontium-90 poisoning in milk, as well as the psychological impact of "drop drills" in schools.
- Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film "Dr. Strangelove" is referenced as a satirical yet truthful depiction of the nuclear threat during the Cold War.
- Donald Trump announced the resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, breaking a moratorium established in 1992, raising concerns about escalating tensions with Russia and China.
- Russia warns of retaliatory measures if the U.S. departs from the moratorium, while China urges the U.S. to honor commitments under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
- The author expresses personal concern, recalling the lasting psychological effects of growing up during a time of nuclear threat.
The Invisible Poor in Trump’s America Trump declares that “everyone is doing well.” I call B.S. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/the-invisible-poor-in-trumps-america
### Key Points
- Former President Trump claimed economic success during a speech, asserting that "everyone is doing well," despite widespread poverty and inequality in the U.S.
- Tens of millions of Americans remain economically marginalized, with 43.7 million living in poverty, according to Oxfam, while MAGA politicians attribute poverty to personal failure rather than systemic issues.
- The government’s SNAP food assistance program, relied upon by 42 million Americans, faces funding shortages due to the ongoing government shutdown, risking a severe food crisis.
- CPS lunchroom workers protested low wages, highlighting economic struggles even among employed individuals, with some unable to afford basic necessities like food.
- Psychologist Robert Jay Lifton warned that economic inequality and despair can fuel authoritarianism, citing Trumpism as an example of exploiting inequality for political gain. Lifton passed away at 99.
2026 CA Teachers of the Year Announced - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel47.asp
### Key Points
- State Superintendent Tony Thurmond named five educators as the 2026 California Teachers of the Year, praising their passion and commitment to education.
- April Raguindin, a first-grade teacher, was nominated as California's representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition.
- The honored teachers include educators specializing in literacy, mathematics, science, and cultural inclusion, showcasing diverse teaching strategies and community impact.
- The California Teachers of the Year Program encourages new teachers to join the profession and recognizes excellence in teaching.
- County offices nominate candidates for the award, and finalists are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by the California Department of Education.
