OCTOBER 27, 2025
- Art Forgery Bust in Bavaria: German authorities have uncovered a major art forgery ring led by a 77-year-old Bavarian man, who attempted to sell fake works attributed to Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Amadeo Modigliani, and Peter Paul Rubens. The scheme highlights ongoing challenges in authenticating high-value artworks.
- Civil Rights Groups Sue DOJ: Advocacy organizations are challenging the U.S. Justice Department's plan to close a 1960s-era office dedicated to addressing racial and ethnic tensions in communities, arguing it undermines civil rights protections.
- PFAS Contamination in New Mexico: State health officials report elevated levels of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in a rural New Mexico area, affecting nearly 99% of Americans nationwide, raising alarms about long-term health risks from environmental exposure.
- Government Shutdown Looms: As the new fiscal year began on October 1, large parts of the U.S. government shut down due to budget disputes, with House Speaker Mike Johnson addressing the crisis amid stalled negotiations.
- Trump Halts Canada Trade Talks: President Trump suspended trade discussions with Canada over a provincial ad campaign, escalating tensions despite the ad's cancellation, as part of broader tariff and immigration policy pressures.
- NY AG Letitia James Pleads Not Guilty: The Trump adversary faces mortgage-related charges but entered a not guilty plea, while Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayor's race, signaling Democratic shifts.
- RSF Captures El Fasher in Sudan: The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized El Fasher, the last Sudanese Armed Forces stronghold in North Darfur, intensifying the civil war and displacing thousands in the ongoing conflict.
- Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Progress: Bulldozers entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing for inspections following a new agreement, marking a potential step toward lasting peace amid renewed diplomatic efforts.
- Cyclone Montha Threatens India: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting high alerts in 23 Andhra Pradesh districts and evacuations along the coast.
- 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Announced: The U.S. Department of Education named 161 students as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars, honoring academic excellence, leadership, and community service across the nation.
- School Holidays for Chhath Puja: Schools in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are closed on October 27 for the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja, with Bihar extending closures through October 29.
- FAFSA Form Launches Early: The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened ahead of schedule, the earliest in program history, to help more students access financial aid sooner.
- IMF Upgrades Global Outlook: The International Monetary Fund revised U.S. and global growth forecasts upward for 2025, crediting AI investments for buffering against trade tariffs and immigration policies, though 2026 projections remain subdued.
- U.S. GDP Growth at 3.8% in Q2: Real GDP rose 3.8% in the second quarter of 2025, recovering from a first-quarter dip, driven by strong personal income gains across all states and robust business investment.
- Family Health Premiums Surge 6%: Employer-sponsored family coverage premiums hit nearly $27,000 in 2025, with workers contributing $6,850 out-of-pocket, amid rising costs and uneven access for part-time and low-wage employees.
- Meta's $27B AI Data Center Deal: Meta secured $27 billion in financing from Blue Owl Capital to construct its largest AI data center, aimed at powering advanced models and virtual reality experiences.
- IBM's Quantum Breakthrough on AMD Chips: IBM demonstrated that standard AMD processors can execute quantum error correction algorithms, potentially democratizing access to quantum computing tech.
- China's Self-Sufficiency Plan: Beijing's new five-year strategy invests heavily in semiconductors, AI, and robotics to achieve technological independence, countering U.S. trade restrictions.
- Early Menopause Raises Metabolic Risks: A study links early menopause to a 27% increased risk of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, urging earlier interventions for at-risk women.
- New "Three-in-One" Iron Supplement: Researchers developed an iron-probiotic-prebiotic formula that boosts iron levels without gut inflammation, offering a safer option for anemia treatment.
- Stem Cell Therapy Reverses Alzheimer's in Mice: Cedars-Sinai scientists generated "young" immune cells from stem cells that improved memory and reduced Alzheimer's symptoms in animal models, hinting at future human therapies.
- World Series Game 3: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Toronto Blue Jays in a pivotal Game 3 on October 27, with the series tied and both teams adjusting schedules amid playoff excitement.
- BYU Enters AP Top 10: Brigham Young University cracked the top 10 of the AP College Football Poll for the first time, while LSU fell out entirely after a stunning upset loss.
- Lou Gehrig's Jersey Sells for $2.7M: The Yankees legend's final home game jersey fetched a record $2.7 million at auction, underscoring the enduring value of baseball memorabilia.
Ann Telnaes: Another Monument to Trump's Megalomania (Magalomania) https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/25/ann-telnaes-another-monument-to-trumps-megalomania-magalomania/ via @dianeravitch
Diane Ravitch's blog post critiques Donald Trump's actions and decisions, particularly his grandiose and self-serving projects during a time of national crisis. The article highlights his demolition of the East Wing of the White House to construct a lavish ballroom and his perceived authoritarian tendencies. It also features comments from readers expressing outrage over his behavior and its impact on democracy and public resources.
### Key Points
- Trump is constructing a 90,000-square-foot gold-plated ballroom, named the "President Donald J. Trump Ballroom," after demolishing the East Wing of the White House during a government shutdown.
- Critics argue that Trump prioritizes personal vanity over national welfare, with comparisons to authoritarian figures and concerns about the cost of his projects.
- Comments from readers highlight anger at Trump's actions and their implications for democracy, public spending, and the nation’s values.
Join NPE President Diane Ravitch as she discusses her new memoir - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/join-npe-president-diane-ravitch-as-she-discusses-her-memoir/
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: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 26, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-26-2025.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown continues into its fourth week, affecting millions, with national parks closed and federal workers unpaid.
- Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to intensify, threatening the Caribbean with severe flooding and infrastructure damage.
- President Trump announces increased tariffs on Canada during his Asia tour, escalating trade tensions.
- Federal taxes on forgiven student loans under Income-Driven Repayment plans are temporarily exempt until year-end.
- A mass shooting at a historically Black university homecoming event leaves one dead and six injured.
- Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine's energy grid, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
- India emphasizes strategic ties with ASEAN during the annual summit.
- China launches a 10-year plan focusing on quantum tech, AI, and robotics for self-sufficiency.
- AMD hits a $200 billion market cap amid rising demand for AI chips.
- New research highlights health benefits of preserving lymph nodes during cancer surgery and exercise countering mood effects of the Western diet.
- The Trail Blazers upset the Warriors in the NBA, and the Dodgers even the World Series against the Blue Jays.
Big Education Ape: WHY THE FOUNDING FATHERS THOUGHT THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY WAS TOTAL BULLSHIT: A TIME-TRAVELING DEBATE WITH CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-founding-fathers-thought-unitary.html
Mike Simpson's satirical article imagines a time-traveling debate where Chief Justice John Roberts defends the Unitary Executive Theory (UET) before the Founding Fathers. Through humorous and pointed dialogue, the Founders vehemently reject the UET, emphasizing their intent to limit centralized power and avoid tyranny. The piece critiques the theory's modern implications, warning against unchecked presidential authority and the erosion of checks and balances.
### Key Points
- Chief Justice John Roberts defends the Unitary Executive Theory, arguing for a strong, centralized presidential authority based on Article II of the Constitution.
- The Founding Fathers, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Franklin, Jay, and Madison, reject UET as contrary to the Constitution's intent, emphasizing the need for checks and balances.
- Historical examples like Humphrey’s Executor and Federalist Papers are used to counter Roberts' claims of broad presidential removal powers.
- The Founders argue that UET risks creating a dictatorship-like presidency and undermines democratic accountability.
- The article concludes with a critique of UET as a modern misinterpretation of the Constitution, warning of its potential to erode liberty and governance balance.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-18-25 TO 10-25-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-top-news-stories-this-week-10-18-25.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent political, social, economic, educational, and technological developments. Topics include the U.S. government shutdown, international sanctions, climate challenges, education reforms, global trade issues, advancements in AI, and health care debates. Key events such as protests against the Trump administration, U.S. military actions, and significant technological breakthroughs are highlighted.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Department of Labor's Poster Boy https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-department-of-labors-poster-boy.html
### Key Points
- Peter Greene discusses volunteering at a food bank and emphasizes the importance of community action amidst economic challenges.
- Legal battles over funding for religious schools and their implications for public education are highlighted.
- The impact of AI on education, including its limitations in lesson planning and its broader societal effects, is critiqued.
- Articles on book bans, moral panic in education, and the erosion of special education laws are recommended.
- Greene critiques Ohio's property tax reform for potentially harming public schools and examines Tennessee's education policies.
- Reflection on the misuse of AI in education and a proposed AI literacy plan.
- A critique of conservative narratives about American heritage and the complexities of civics education.
- Greene promotes his newsletter, blog, and writings on education issues.
Diane Ravitch Sums It All Up https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/10/26/diane-ravitch-sums-it-all-up/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch’s new book, *An Education*, serves as both an autobiography and a reflection on her evolving views on education policy.
- Ravitch's journey includes her upbringing, academic life, and government roles, which shaped her advocacy for public education.
- The book critiques efforts to undermine public education and discusses her experiences with influential figures in education reform.
- Ravitch’s observations on education policy are informed by decades of experience, making her a respected voice in the field.
- The book is a culmination of her life’s work, offering a final opportunity to share her insights and beliefs.
glen brown: What Can We Do to Help Undocumented Immigrants https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/what-can-we-do-to-help-undocumented.html
### Key Points
- The writer reflects on the role of writers in resisting oppression and embracing isolation, citing Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Philosophical musings on how to live a meaningful life, using the behavior of animals, particularly weasels, as a metaphor for living with necessity and mindfulness.
- The author describes an encounter with a weasel at Hollins Pond, using it as an allegory for unselfconscious living and yielding to life's natural flow.
- The narrative emphasizes living without bias or motive, focusing on the purity of existence and the dignity of necessity.
- The article concludes with a call to seize life’s essence and live authentically, accepting the inevitability of death.
A Look Back: Study: More Power Equals More Self-Control & Less Power Equals — You Guessed It! Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog shares a variety of educational resources, including "The Best" lists, research studies, and teaching tools.
- The author republishes past posts and rounds up useful articles on educational policy and classroom management.
- The blog highlights free and useful artificial intelligence tools for classroom use.
- A study suggests younger students learn more effectively from videos than reading.
- The author’s books provide research-based instructional strategies for various subjects and include practical tips for teachers.
- The blog includes Q&A-style responses, lesson plans, and strategies for motivating students and engaging parents.
- Other contributions include posts on the New York Times Learning Network, a Bam Radio show, and videos for educators.
Schools Matter: NYTimes Say Dems Should Appeal to Moderate Fascists? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/nytimes-say-dems-should-appeal-to.html
### Key Points
- The blog highlights that a child's learning is influenced more by their classmates than by their teacher, referencing James Coleman’s 1972 statement.
- Criticism of the New York Times for suggesting that Democrats should appeal to "moderate fascists."
- Discussion on poverty being a more significant factor than teacher quality in determining educational outcomes.
- Analysis of the detrimental effects of corporate education reforms, including excessive testing and compliance-driven models like KIPP.
- Mention of broader political and societal issues, such as immigration enforcement at Home Depot, and the impact of poverty on education.
- Reviews and critiques of education-related literature and legislation, including NCLB and its effects on public schools.
When Your Mind’s Unbreakable, You’re Unbeatable – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/26/when-your-minds-unbreakable-youre-unbeatable/
### Key Points
- Aidan Hutchinson’s phrase emphasizes mental resilience in the face of pressure, applicable beyond football.
- Fear-based leadership relies on intimidation but is fragile and unsustainable.
- Intimidation creates conformity but breeds resentment and collapses quickly when challenged.
- True unbreakability means feeling fear but not letting it dictate decisions; it involves courage, dissent, and integrity.
- Courage and solidarity are contagious, enabling communities to resist intimidation together.
- Alternatives to fear-based leadership include persuasion, empathy, shared vision, and collaboration.
- Citizens play a key role in rejecting fear-based narratives and supporting empathetic, visionary leaders.
- Unbreakable minds and collective resilience lead to enduring strength and progress.
Basslines and Bedlam: Remembering Limp Bizkit's Sam Rivers https://www.changethelausd.com/basslines_and_bedlam_remembering_limp_bizkit_s_sam_rivers
### Key Points
- Limp Bizkit’s bassist, Sam Rivers, passed away, leaving a significant void in the heavy metal music scene.
- The article reflects on the deaths of other heavy metal legends, including John Sykes, Ozzy Osbourne, and Ace Frehley, marking a challenging year for fans.
- The author shares a personal journey of discovering Limp Bizkit, starting with their debut album and culminating in their powerful performance at Woodstock '99.
- The Woodstock '99 performance, particularly during the song “Break Stuff,” became a defining moment for the band, blending chaos, anger, and catharsis for the audience.
- Sam Rivers’ stage presence and musical contribution were pivotal to the band’s energy and connection with their fans, as seen in their live performances.
Coming Soon! An Extreme Revision to American History Trump Ed Department invites right-wing groups to influence public education https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/coming-soon-an-extreme-revision-to
- The Trump administration's Department of Education announced a new "patriotic education" curriculum initiative, driven by MAGA-aligned groups such as PragerU, Moms for Liberty, and the Heritage Foundation.
- The initiative involves providing discretionary grants to schools that adopt this "patriotic" curriculum, raising concerns about the politicization of education.
- The article encourages readers to take action by contacting their members of Congress to oppose this agenda.
- The content also references other related discussions by Andy Spears on issues such as public education funding and teacher compensation in Tennessee.
- Substack is promoted as a platform for cultural and educational content.
Choosing Democracy: ICE Budget Will Be Larger than Marine Corp Budget under Republican /Trump Rule https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/10/ice-budget-will-be-larger-than-marine.html
### Key Points
- ICE's projected budget for FY 2026 is between $27.7 billion and $30 billion, with supplemental funding from a $75 billion allocation over four years.
- The Marine Corps' FY 2026 budget request is $57.2 billion, focused on aircraft, drones, weapons, and facility modernization.
- ICE's increased funding includes $29.9 billion for enforcement and removal operations and $45 billion over four years for expanding detention capacity to over 100,000 individuals.
- ICE's multi-year funding structure allows for potential front-loading of spending, making its FY 2026 budget possibly larger than the Marine Corps'.
- The dramatic increase in ICE's funding has raised concerns about the creation of a "Deportation-Industrial Complex" and its impact on low-income Americans' access to food and healthcare.
Christian Nationalists and Texas Public Schools | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/10/26/christian-nationalists-and-texas-public-schools/
### Key Points
- Fort Worth ISD adopted the Bluebonnet curriculum, which incorporates Biblical content, amid accusations of state-sanctioned indoctrination.
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) incentivized districts to adopt Bluebonnet with financial support, raising concerns of coercion.
- TEA took over Fort Worth ISD, removing its elected school board due to poor academic outcomes at one school, reflecting a broader trend of stripping democratic rights in economically disadvantaged communities.
- Wealthy Christian nationalist donors, including Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks, heavily influence Texas politics and education policy, promoting religious and conservative agendas.
- Recent laws in Texas mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allow prayer and Bible reading, further embedding religion in public schools.
- The role of billionaires like Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks, and Jeff Yass in funding political campaigns and advancing their agendas highlights the growing issue of wealth concentration and its impact on democracy.
The East Wing: Furnishings, “Asbestos, Lead Paint, and All That Fun Stuff.” | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/10/26/the-east-wing-furnishings-asbestos-lead-paint-and-all-that-fun-stuff/
### Key Points
- The Trump administration demolished the East Wing of the White House to construct a new ballroom, bypassing public review and regulatory processes.
- Critics raised concerns about the mishandling of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead, with inadequate safety protocols during demolition.
- There is controversy over the lack of transparency regarding permits, funding sources, and debris disposal, with rubble reportedly being dumped at a nearby golf course Trump may rebrand.
- Legal challenges have been filed, questioning whether a president can unilaterally alter a historic building without oversight.
- Observers and experts criticized the project’s timeline, safety measures, and potential conflicts of interest with contractors involved.
Parental Rights or Children’s Safety? Proposition 15 Has the Makings of a Texas Tragedy Texas has Prop 15 on the November ballot that prioritizes parental control over child protection – with potentially dangerous consequences all across the country. https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/parental-rights-or-childrens-safety
### Key Points
- Proposition 15 in Texas seeks to enshrine parental rights as a "fundamental right," potentially overriding protections for children and prioritizing parental control, even in abusive situations.
- The article highlights cases of severe child abuse and neglect in Texas, emphasizing how the state failed to protect children due to inadequate intervention.
- The UK recently reformed family law to end the presumption that abusive parents are entitled to contact with their children, setting an example of child-centered policy.
- Proposition 15’s vague language raises concerns about its implications, such as allowing abusive or unfit parents to claim rights that endanger children.
- Critics argue that parental rights are already well-protected under existing laws, and Proposition 15 adds unnecessary risks to child safety.
- Historical parallels are drawn with Colorado’s rejected Amendment 17 in 1996, which similarly sought to elevate parental rights but was ultimately deemed too risky for children.
- Medical and legal professionals warn that Proposition 15 could be exploited by abusive parents, leading to further harm to children.
- The article advocates rejecting Proposition 15 to protect children’s safety and well-being, emphasizing that children are not property and need state safeguards.
