OCTOBER 19, 2025
- Massive Storm Hits Alaska: The largest airlift in Alaska's history is underway following a devastating storm surge and winds up to 100 mph, fueled by Typhoon Halong, resulting in at least one death and two missing persons.
- Government Shutdown Impacts: Ongoing federal shutdown delays key announcements, including Social Security's 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), now set for October 24, with projections of a modest 2.7% increase.
- Protests Against Federal Policies: The second wave of "No Kings" protests unites demonstrators against President Trump's anti-immigration measures and federal program cuts.
- Trump's Federal Branding Push: Dubbed the "Brander in Chief," President Trump unveils initiatives to imprint his mark on the federal government, including a new monument on the National Mall featuring a neoclassical arch with eagles.
- AI Deepfake Concerns in Campaigns: A National Republican Senatorial Committee video raises alarms as the first AI-generated deepfake attack ad, potentially opening the floodgates for similar tactics in elections.
- Layoff Disputes Amid Shutdown: The Trump administration claims most announced federal layoffs are exempt from a court pause ordered for union-represented programs, sparking bipartisan backlash.
- Israeli Attack on Gaza Tests Ceasefire: The Israeli military launches strikes on Gaza, blaming Hamas for violations, severely testing the fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire that began on October 11.
- Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Agreement: Mediated by Qatar and Turkey in Doha, the two nations agree to an immediate ceasefire, announced early Sunday, amid ongoing regional tensions.
- Iran Rejects Nuclear Restrictions: Iran declares it is no longer bound by nuclear program limits under a landmark deal, escalating international concerns over its atomic activities.
- Federal Shutdown Hits Schools: The U.S. Department of Education monitors widespread impacts on schools, including delays in special education funding and civil rights enforcement due to staff furloughs.
- AI Integration in Classrooms: Educators experiment with AI tools to balance opportunities and risks, while a new study highlights the enduring role of traditional basal readers like Reading Street in American classrooms.
- National Assessment Board Updates: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon appoints new members and names the next chair for the board overseeing student assessments.
- Global Growth Slows Amid Tariff Threats: The IMF forecasts world economic expansion at 3.2% for 2025, down from 3.3% in 2024, with U.S. inflation expected to rise in late 2025 due to tariffs passing costs to consumers.
- U.S. Job Growth Accelerates: Payroll additions averaged 150,000 per month in Q2 2025, up from 111,000 in Q1, supporting a stable unemployment rate around 4% despite slowdowns.
- EU Inflation Rises: Eurozone consumer prices increased 2.2% year-over-year in September, the highest since April, driven by energy costs, while core inflation holds steady at 2.3%.
- NVIDIA CEO's Asia Push: Jensen Huang heads to South Korea for the APEC CEO Summit to meet global leaders and executives, focusing on AI chip advancements.
- Huawei's 5G-Advanced Surge: Huawei forecasts 100 million 5G-A compatible smartphones by year-end, accelerating despite U.S. restrictions, with trials hinting at Wi-Fi 8's early arrival.
- xAI Funding Boom: Elon Musk's xAI raises $10 billion at a $200 billion valuation, led by Middle Eastern investors, intensifying the AGI race with OpenAI and Google DeepMind.
- Stress as Anti-Aging Ally: New research suggests moderate stress activates cellular defenses, potentially key to healthier aging by maintaining cell vitality over time.
- Alzheimer's-Protective Protein Twist: Amyloid beta, linked to Alzheimer's, may boost T-cell energy and immune responses, offering a surprising protective role against cancer.
- Finasteride's Hidden Risks: The hair-loss drug is tied to depression and suicide in global data, with critics accusing Merck and the FDA of ignoring warnings for years.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Hits Billionaire Status: The soccer icon becomes the first billionaire athlete, per Bloomberg, thanks to endorsements and business ventures amid his Al-Nassr tenure.
- World Series Kicks Off: MLB's postseason peaks with the Fall Classic, headlining a packed October alongside NFL Week 7 and the return of NBA and NHL seasons.
- WNBA Finals and NFL Highlights: The Las Vegas Aces eye a repeat amid playoff drama, while Falcons RB Bijan Robinson earns "best player in football" praise after topping the Bills.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 10-12-25 TO 10-18-25 #NoKings #Resist #WeAreThePeople #DemocracyDefenders #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-top-news-stories-this-week-10-12-25.html
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" protests are expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in modern U.S. history, opposing Trump administration policies amid political and fiscal turmoil.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, affecting federal workers, delaying Social Security announcements, and causing political deadlock in Congress.
- Rising U.S.-China tensions escalate with new tariffs, while the global economy slows due to protectionism and trade conflicts.
- President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and advocates for a ceasefire, while also visiting Israel to discuss Middle East peace efforts.
- Health crises include a surge in fentanyl overdoses among seniors, while new studies highlight the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and ketogenic diet for specific health conditions.
- AI advancements dominate the tech sector, with Nvidia unveiling a U.S.-made AI chip and OpenAI expanding its ChatGPT capabilities.
- Education faces challenges with layoffs during the shutdown, opposition to new policies, and initiatives like AI education programs in Mississippi.
- Sports updates include MLB playoffs, NFL milestones, and a thrilling cricket match between Pakistan and South Africa.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: OCTOBER 18, 2025 #NoKings #Resist #WeAreThePeople #DemocracyDefenders #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/morning-news-update-october-18-2025.html
### Key Points
- Massive "No Kings" protests, the largest peaceful demonstrations in U.S. history, are being staged against the Trump administration's policies, including alleged abuse of power and militarized agents in cities.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, disrupting federal services, delaying Social Security updates, and leading to political gridlock.
- President Trump commuted George Santos' sentence and hinted at reluctance to sell arms to Ukraine, while also calling for a halt to the Ukraine-Russia war.
- Global tensions rise as Pakistan strikes Afghanistan, breaking a ceasefire, and the UN renews sanctions on Haiti.
- The education sector faces challenges, including AI adoption debates, privacy violations, and shutdown-related disruptions, while the U.S. Department of Education announces 2025 Presidential Scholars.
- Economic updates include the U.S.-China trade war reigniting, IMF growth projections, and Wall Street recovery amid financial regulation changes.
- Health findings highlight the benefits of a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet, midlife smoking cessation, and new Alzheimer's research.
- In sports, Ovechkin nears a goal milestone, Ronaldo becomes soccer's first billionaire, and the Dodgers return to the World Series.
- Technology developments include Apple's upcoming M5 chip, Oracle's cloud revenue projections, and Japan's stablecoin initiative.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST OCTOBER 18, 2025 NO KINGS 2.0 HASHTAGS #NoKings #50501movement #50501 #BuildTheResistance #Resist #WeAreThePeople #DemocracyDefenders #NoKingsProtest #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01228290328.html
### Key Points
- Nationwide "No Kings" rallies on October 18, 2025, protest against authoritarianism and Trump administration policies, with millions expected to participate.
- The U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, delaying Social Security COLA announcements and causing disruptions in public services.
- A U.S. District Judge blocks mass layoffs during the shutdown, citing political motivations, marking a victory for workers' rights.
- Universities like MIT, Brown, Penn, and USC reject Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence," defending academic freedom and independence.
- MarÃa Corina Machado wins the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
- László Krasznahorkai wins the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for works exploring societal collapse and the dangers of authoritarianism.
- Trump's policies, including trade wars and actions against free media, are criticized for fostering economic instability and undermining democratic values.
- The article emphasizes the role of protests in achieving social and political change, drawing parallels to historical movements like the Boston Tea Party and civil rights protests.
- AI's growing influence in education raises concerns about ethical use, student-teacher trust, and outdated curricula.
- Reports reveal early smartphone use and screen time in children correlate with mental health risks and lower academic achievement.
- The Gaza ceasefire facilitates humanitarian aid and prisoner exchanges, though tensions remain.
- Climate talks in Geneva underscore the urgency of emissions reduction amid global uncertainties.
- Bird migration season highlights risks of window collisions, urging preventive measures to save birds.
- The Trump administration's "patriotic education" initiative faces backlash for revising history curricula and threatening equity.
- Advocacy for public education continues, with critiques against federal education cuts and privatization efforts.
- Technological advancements include Apple's rumored product launches and AI-driven economic growth.
- Health research highlights Alzheimer's progression, diabetes prevention through lifestyle changes, and psychiatric risks linked to medications like Finasteride.
- Sports updates include Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a billionaire athlete and India's success in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Sunlight on the Shadows: What a Leaked GOP Chat Reveals about the Party’s Future – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/18/sunlight-on-the-shadows-what-a-leaked-gop-chat-reveals-about-the-partys-future/
### Key Points
- A leaked Telegram chat involving Young Republican officials revealed racist, homophobic, and antisemitic messages, showcasing extremist ideologies within GOP leadership.
- The chat, titled “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” reflected far-right rhetoric advocating a return to a perceived past order, prioritizing racial hierarchy and exclusion.
- No one in the group chat condemned the hateful language, highlighting a culture of silence and tolerance for bigotry within the party.
- Conservative messaging often uses terms like “restoration” to mask exclusion and prejudice, which has become normalized in far-right spaces.
- Hate speech and extremist ideologies from this group are being absorbed into the next generation of GOP leadership, signaling a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
- Exposure of such behavior without accountability risks fostering cynicism and further entrenching these ideologies in political structures.
This Article On The Dangers Of Outsourcing Entry Level Work To AI Can Be Applied To Schools, Too Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The dangers of outsourcing entry-level work to AI and its implications for schools.
- Weekly updates on educational policy issues and free AI tools for classrooms.
- Resources for parent engagement and classroom routines.
- Infographics on U.S. immigration and research studies applicable to education.
- Teaching and learning resources for Halloween, Day of the Dead, and Diwali.
- Media Literacy Week resources and insights from the webinar on trauma-informed instruction.
- Books offering research-based strategies for Social Studies, English, Math, Science, and ELL classrooms.
- Strategies for student motivation, lesson plans for English learners, and classroom management tips.
- Educational posts on the New York Times Learning Network and videos for teachers.
You Are Invited to Hear Me Talk About My New Book at the Brooklyn Public Library! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/14/you-are-invited-to-the-debut-of-my-new-book-at-the-brooklyn-public-library/ via @dianeravitch
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?
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/
glen brown: A Partial Viewing at No Kings Day, Naperville, Illinois https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-partial-viewing-at-no-kings-day.html
## Key Points
- "No Kings Day" is a large-scale protest against authoritarianism and a defense of democracy, with events across all 50 states and beyond.
- Participants are encouraged to wear yellow, bring signs, and share their experiences on social media using #NoKings. The event emphasizes inclusivity and peaceful demonstration.
- Attendees are advised to plan their participation carefully, including noting parking, meeting points, and safety protocols. Nonviolence is a core principle of the protests.
- The event aims to remind leaders, particularly Donald Trump, of the power of the people and their rejection of authoritarian rule.
- The blog also reflects on various other political and social issues, including Trump’s policies, justice, healthcare, education, and activism.
News from L.A. -- While we're marching, they're firing missiles at a marine base in SoCal. Happy Birthday, Marines...Duck. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/news-from-la-while-were-marching
### Key Points
- A military demonstration at Camp Pendleton, marking the Marine Corps' 250th birthday, involved firing missiles and artillery over a closed section of Interstate 5. The event included an "Amphibious Capabilities demonstration" attended by Vice President JD Vance.
- The demonstration coincided with nationwide "No Kings" protests, which opposed oligarchic and militaristic displays. The event was criticized for its imperialistic optics and likened to previous militaristic spectacles under Trump’s administration.
- The article reflects on other political and cultural issues, including protests, media censorship, and political figures like Cory Booker and Jared Kushner, as well as the refusal of The New York Times to run ads calling for an end to genocide in Gaza.
Plant-based meals and nondairy milk alternatives should be available in schools Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Plant-based meals and nondairy milk alternatives should be available in schools
### Key Points
- A poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine/Morning Consult revealed that 67% of U.S. adults support offering plant-based meals and nondairy beverages in schools, particularly during National School Lunch Week.
- Plant-based meals in schools can help combat childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease by being higher in fiber, lower in fat, and cholesterol-free. A case study in a Washington, D.C. school showed significant health benefits of plant-based meals.
- The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend emphasizing plant-based foods like beans and reducing red and processed meats, aligning with the fight against childhood obesity, which affects 20% of U.S. children.
- Policies like The Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act aim to expand access to plant-based meals and nondairy milk in schools, addressing issues like lactose intolerance, which disproportionately affects communities of color.
- Resources such as HealthySchoolLunches.org provide schools and parents with plant-based meal recipes and guidance on removing processed meats from school menus.
