NOVEMBER 4, 2025
- Two judges have ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP benefits amid ongoing issues.
- Donald Trump issues a warning to New York ahead of the mayoral election, criticizing candidate Zohran Mamdani as a "communist."
- Key state and local elections are underway, including governor races in Virginia and New Jersey, and the New York City mayoral contest.
- California voters are poised to approve Proposition 50, which aims to help Democrats counter Republican gerrymandering and limit presidential power.
- The New York City mayor's race is testing voters' appetite for a left-wing shift, with Zohran Mamdani emerging as a front-runner.
- Statewide and local elections, including gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, are seen as early tests of the second Trump administration's influence.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson holds a news conference on day 35 of the federal government shutdown.
- Elections across the U.S. are shaping up as referendums on Trump, with Democrats expressing confidence in key wins.
- Ballotpedia highlights its top 10 elections to watch, focusing on critical races and measures.
- The Second World Summit for Social Development opens in Doha, featuring the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration.
- U.S. and Chinese tech giants are in a race to consolidate dominance worldwide, stifling innovation from rivals.
- North Korea announces the death of its longtime ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong Nam.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi brings life-threatening conditions to the central Philippines upon landfall.
- Key events in the Russia-Ukraine war mark day 1,349 of the conflict.
- Higher education groups warn that a new VA rule could weaken GI Bill protections for veterans.
- A rally outside Los Angeles Unified School District supports an 18-year-old high school senior amid ongoing issues.
- Podcasts highlight evolving math teaching methods and the experience of disengaging from technology in education.
- UNESCO event focuses on progress and challenges in supporting gender equality in education, culture, and information.
- ISRO's successful launch of its heaviest satellite is among key updates for school assemblies.
- The U.S. economy faces risks of instability as lower-income consumers feel increasing financial pressure.
- President Trump strikes a deal on economic and trade relations with China, aiming to rebalance trade.
- U.S. stock futures drop, with Nasdaq 100 futures falling 0.7% amid concerns over Palantir's valuation.
- The global economy enters November limping, facing geopolitical headwinds and policy fragmentation.
- Pre-market earnings reports are due from companies including AMD, Uber, and Pfizer.
- OpenAI signs a $38 billion, seven-year deal to use Amazon's cloud platform.
- The AI boom is reshaping daily life, with tech giants warning of profound risks.
- MIT-supported startup qBraid provides a nontechnical gateway for coding on quantum computers.
- A new lightning-prediction tool could help protect future airplane designs.
- Canon wins a Grand Award at the DFA Design for Asia Awards for its EOS R50 V mirrorless camera.
- U.S. moms report a large decline in mental health in recent years, with only about a fourth rating it as excellent.
- The effects of antidepressants on physical health have been ranked for the first time.
- The Trump administration will use a SNAP contingency fund to pay partial food stamp benefits amid the government shutdown.
- Nation's top doctors spotlight youth mental health concerns, including the dangers of constant smartphone access.
- Men need more exercise than women to cut cardiovascular disease risk.
- NFL trade deadline updates include Jayden Daniels leaving with a gruesome elbow injury and Tucker Kraft reportedly tearing his ACL.
- Cade Cunningham delivers a standout performance for the Pistons against the Grizzlies in NBA action.
- Missouri State men's basketball opens its season against Missouri Southern.
- Harding Bisons secure the top spot in the initial NCAA Super Region 4 football rankings after winning the Great American Conference.
- Missouri State women's soccer advances to the CUSA semifinals after defeating top-seeded WKU.
Trump Is Renovating the Lincoln Bathroom https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/03/trump-is-renovating-the-lincoln-bathroom/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump renovated the Lincoln Bathroom, replacing green tiles with black-and-white marble and adding gold accents.
- He plans to build a $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, demolishing the East Wing without official approval.
- Trump prioritizes personal projects over addressing the government shutdown and its consequences for millions.
- Melania Trump spends most of her time in New York City, with minimal presence in Washington.
Heather Cox Richardson: Trump Repeatedly Ignores and Defies the Law https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/03/heather-cox-richardson-trump-repeatedly-ignores-the-law/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump held a lavish party at Mar-a-Lago while federal employees were unpaid and SNAP benefits were at risk, defying court orders to fund the program.
- The administration claimed it did not need Congressional approval for military strikes in Venezuela, despite the War Powers Act of 1973 requiring it.
- Legal experts criticized the administration's justification for drone strikes, suggesting it undermines Congressional authority over military force.
- Trump’s recent behavior, including discussions of “death anxiety” and signs of health issues, raises concerns about his fitness for office.
The Most Annoying Story of the Month About Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/03/the-most-annoying-story-of-the-week-about-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch critiques recurring alarmist claims about American education, arguing they often serve privatization agendas rather than addressing systemic issues like poverty.
- Historical warnings about failing schools, such as "A Nation at Risk," have not correlated with actual economic decline, as the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation and success.
- Ravitch criticizes the unrealistic expectations of policies like No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which set unattainable goals for student proficiency.
- She highlights the failures of privatization, including waste, fraud, and lack of academic gains, while advocating for investments in public schools and teacher support.
- Ravitch asserts that standardized testing is not a true measure of education and emphasizes the importance of broader educational outcomes.
Thom Hartmann: Why Does the Shutdown Continue? Ask Senator Thune. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/01/thom-hartmann-why-does-the-shutdown-continue-ask-senator-thune/ via @dianeravitch
Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss education and democracy.
### Key Points
- Thom Hartmann argues that Senate Republicans could end the government shutdown by suspending or eliminating the filibuster, but they have chosen not to, despite having the votes.
- Hartmann criticizes the lack of mainstream media coverage on the Republicans' ability to end the shutdown and highlights Trump's call to use the "nuclear option" to eliminate the filibuster.
- The filibuster's historical roots, initially used to block anti-slavery legislation, are discussed, along with its impact on current legislative processes.
- Trump's administration faces criticism for its provocative actions against Venezuela, with speculation on motivations ranging from political distractions to personal ambitions of officials like Rubio and Hegseth.
- Reports suggest the Trump administration is preparing military strikes on Venezuela, raising concerns about risks of conflict with countries like Russia and China.
- Trump’s refugee policy prioritizes white immigrants, excluding many who have served or assisted the U.S., reflecting the administration's white supremacy tendencies.
- Controversial actions by ICE, including harsh treatment of undocumented workers and children, highlight the administration's brutal immigration practices.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent criticisms of GOP leadership suggest political trouble or a change in stance within the MAGA movement.
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: UNEQUAL: The rise of a new American oligarchy and the agenda we need https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/unequal-rise-of-new-american-oligarchy.html
### Key Points
- Cory Doctorow's term "enshittification" highlights societal and technological degradation.
- Oxfam's report "UNEQUAL" examines the rise of U.S. oligarchy, where the wealth of the top 10 billionaires increased by $698 billion in a year.
- Historical policy decisions, such as tax cuts and weakened labor protections, have exacerbated inequality.
- The report calls for reforms, including wealth taxes, stronger labor rights, and a robust social safety net, to combat inequality.
- Economic inequality is further compounded by racial and gender disparities, with minority and female-headed households disproportionately affected.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-3-2025.html
### Key Points
- Low financial literacy limits college savings account usage.
- U.S. government shutdown continues, affecting SNAP benefits and other services.
- Trump administration ties Medicaid to immigration crackdown.
- U.S. provides air defense systems to Ukraine amidst Russian strikes.
- AI's power consumption raises sustainability concerns.
- India wins the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup.
- Kimberly-Clark acquires Kenvue in a $48.7 billion deal.
- OpenAI partners with Amazon for $38 billion cloud computing resources.
- Economic pressures on lower-income households pose risks to U.S. growth.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 3, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0394031472.html
### Key Points
- Low financial literacy and misperceptions limit participation in college savings accounts.
- The collective wealth of the top 10 U.S. billionaires increased by $698 billion in the past year.
- U.S. forces conducted a lethal strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing three alleged smugglers.
- The ongoing government shutdown has caused halted food benefits, rising health premiums, and broader economic impacts.
- President Trump’s administration faces criticism for handling the government shutdown, immigration policies, and provocative actions against Venezuela.
- Thousands of civilians are trapped in el-Fasher, Sudan, amid reports of atrocities following an RSF takeover.
- Russia is accused of nuclear terrorism after targeting Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
- New Mexico introduced free childcare for all families, expanding early education access.
- Public schools face funding and performance challenges, with education reforms a key topic in New Haven’s mayoral election.
- The U.S. economy risks losing $15 billion due to the government shutdown.
- AI-driven technologies, such as ChatGPT Go in India and advancements in cybersecurity, are gaining momentum.
- Health concerns include bird flu threatening Thanksgiving supplies and the impact of government shutdowns on food aid programs.
- Controversy surrounds school voucher programs, book bans, and the privatization of public education.
- Hurricane Melissa caused devastation in Jamaica and Haiti, raising climate change concerns.
- The “Success Sequence” policy in Ohio is criticized for perpetuating racial and class biases while oversimplifying poverty solutions.
- ICE deportation cases highlight the emotional and financial toll on families, calling for policy changes and civic engagement.
- Movement during learning activities improves cognitive processes, as shown in preschool adaptations for children like Hazel.
- Privatization efforts in Mississippi, Florida, and Texas threaten public school systems and local governance.
- Criticism of Trump’s administration includes SNAP benefit disruptions, military overreach, and executive overreach.
- Julius Caesar’s downfall serves as a metaphor for adaptive leadership and resilience during career transitions.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 2, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01385732377.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent global news, including political developments, education reforms, societal issues, advancements in technology, economic updates, and health and sports highlights. Key topics include the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, its impacts on federal programs, natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa, immigration policies, AI-driven innovations, and global political developments.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday.html
The article provides a collection of recent news highlights and blog posts, focusing on political, educational, and societal topics. It covers issues such as constitutional crises, public education challenges, the influence of billionaires on policies, and the intersection of AI and technology with modern society. Additionally, it reflects on significant events and opinions shaping current discourse.
The Falling Leaves: When to Banish the Past and When to Make Peace with It – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/03/the-falling-leaves-when-to-banish-the-past-and-when-to-make-peace-with-it/
### Key Points
- Forgiveness is an ancient moral instinct that involves letting go of anger and disappointment, but it is not equivalent to forgetting or surrendering.
- Forgiveness is a process of transformation, allowing individuals to release burdens and make space for growth.
- A single mistake can often be resolved with sincere apologies and accountability, restoring balance in relationships.
- Repeated harm or betrayal requires boundaries and accountability to prevent further damage and ensure integrity.
- Boundaries are essential for self-respect and can guide progress, whether in personal relationships or societal change.
- Empty apologies without meaningful change erode trust and make forgiveness fragile. True forgiveness depends on honesty and action.
- Reflection before forgiving involves asking if the harm is a pattern or mistake, who benefits from forgiveness, and what healing looks like for the community.
- Autumn serves as a metaphor for forgiveness, teaching the importance of letting go and standing firm for renewal and growth.
The ‘Miracle’ of New Orleans School Reform Since Katrina Is Not What It Seems - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/the-miracle-of-new-orleans-school-reform-since-katrina-is-not-what-it-seems/
- Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans 20 years ago, leading to the destruction of public schools and the loss of nearly 1,400 lives.
- Parents hoped to be partners in rebuilding schools with strong community roots, science labs, and arts programs, but instead, schools implemented "no-excuses" discipline policies and test-focused education.
- Ashana Bigard's book *Beyond Resilience* critiques the post-Katrina school reforms and highlights the mismatch between community expectations and the actual changes made.
Animated Video: “United States Population Growth by State (1790-2040)” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog offers resources for teachers, including animated videos, infographics, and curated teaching materials for Social Studies, Math, Science, and English Language Learners.
- Highlights include teaching strategies to support students' identities, even in challenging political climates, and tools for better communication during conflicts.
- The author shares personal projects like books, a radio show, and blog posts, focusing on research-based instructional strategies and parental involvement.
- The content includes 50 teaching practices categorized into autonomy, competency, relatedness, and relevance, alongside lesson plans for student motivation.
- The blog features curated resources on Pinterest and receives significant engagement with over 40,000 page views in a month.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-november-3-2025
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown continues, impacting flights, food aid (SNAP), and other services, with federal courts mandating funding for SNAP benefits.
- Trump administration faces criticism for economic challenges, immigration crackdowns tied to Medicaid, and retribution campaigns affecting the D.C. prosecutor’s office.
- Key elections this week include New York City’s mayoral race, gubernatorial races in New Jersey, and redistricting votes in Virginia.
- Global affairs highlight U.S. support for Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear developments, and China’s new global cooperation initiatives.
- Economic concerns include rising unemployment, consumer pressure, and criticism of Trump’s tariffs, alongside major corporate acquisitions like Kimberly-Clark buying Kenvue.
- Advances in AI include OpenAI’s deal with Amazon, Google AI reliability issues, and India’s satellite launch.
- Health updates cover SNAP funding debates, opioid settlement misuse, melatonin-heart failure links, and a lifelong smoking ban in the Maldives.
- Sports highlights include India’s Women’s World Cup win, LA Dodgers’ World Series victory, and Kane Williamson’s T20I retirement.
Class size planning for 2026-2027 school year has begun! | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/class-size-planning-for-2026-2027-school-year-has-begun/
### Key Points
- Class size planning for 2026-2027 school year initiated; principals and UFT leaders asked to collaborate with School Leadership Teams.
- Parents and SLT members encouraged to advocate for smaller classes, additional space, and annex construction.
- Advocacy toolkit, petitions, and complaint processes provided to support efforts on class size reduction.
- Former DOE Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg's involvement as a consultant raises concerns about conflict of interest and obstructionist tendencies.
- NYC law mandates phased reduction in class sizes across all grades, passed in June 2022.
- Resources, events, and petitions available for public engagement on class size issues.
### Key Points
- Marsha Blackburn falsely claimed that extending ACA health care tax credits would cost $450 billion annually, while the actual cost is $350 billion over ten years.
- Extending the subsidies would increase health insurance coverage for 3.6 million Americans by 2030 and reduce premiums by 7.6% annually from 2026 to 2035.
- The article criticizes Blackburn's misinformation and highlights the Congressional Budget Office's accurate projections.
Nancy Bailey's Education Website: AI Literacy for Preschoolers? The Frightening Redefining of Childhood | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/ai-literacy
### Key Points
- The push to introduce AI literacy to preschoolers raises concerns about its impact on child development, privacy, and the role of teachers.
- Advocates argue for early AI education, citing rapid brain development and the influence of AI on industries and homes, but critics question its appropriateness for young children.
- Concerns include the exploitation of student data, disruption of critical thinking, and the pressure placed on children to learn beyond their developmental readiness.
- The article emphasizes the importance of preserving children’s natural learning processes through play and discovery, rather than redefining childhood with AI.
- Ethical issues, such as corporate interests in AI programs and the safety of chatbots for children, are highlighted as significant challenges.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, November 3, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/this-and-that-november-3-2025.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The announcement meeting for the new superintendent finalist is on November 5, 2025, with limited opportunities for public engagement afterward.
- Immigration enforcement activities in Issaquah have caused concerns, leading to increased absences and community support efforts in schools.
- Washington faces a math education crisis, with low proficiency rates among students, and Barbara Oakley suggests reforms based on neuroscience and structured teaching.
- Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were caught using AI to write insincere apology emails for cheating.
- Nepotism in Seattle schools is highlighted, with concerns about promotions and job transitions based on personal connections rather than merit.
glen brown: "This Rage Gave Us Trump" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/this-rage-gave-us-trump.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. political system is failing, with corporate influence dominating both parties, leading to widespread inequality and authoritarianism.
- The Democratic Party lacks vision and fails to mobilize mass movements, focusing instead on corporate interests and superficial reforms.
- Historical failures include deindustrialization, welfare cuts, and privatization, contributing to poverty and social inequality.
- Media and political institutions have marginalized critics of capitalism and imperialism, reinforcing systemic oppression.
- Radical socialism and mass movements are proposed as solutions to address inequality, environmental destruction, and the abuses of the police state.
glen brown: The Top 10 U.S. Billionaires https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-top-10-us-billionaires.html
### Key Points
- The collective wealth of the top 10 U.S. billionaires has increased significantly, with policies under Trump exacerbating inequality.
- Federal poverty guidelines for 2025 highlight the financial struggles of millions of Americans.
- Criticism of Trump’s administration includes its tax policies, architectural changes, and impacts on social programs.
- Broader issues such as climate change, Gaza conflict, adjunct faculty struggles, and government shutdowns are addressed.
- The article reflects on the writer's role in resisting oppression and promoting social justice, quoting figures like Bierce and Camus.
Why Aren't College Savings Accounts More Widely Used? Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
Why Aren't College Savings Accounts More Widely Used?
Low financial literacy and misperceptions significantly limit college savings account participation and saving. Access to higher education remains a significant challenge for many families as college costs rise and public funding declines. Effective college saving strategies can help students offset some of these costs and reduce the burden of their future student loan debt, yet many families do not take up tax-advantaged college savings accounts (CSAs), also known as 529 plans. In Navigating the College Affordability Crisis: Insights from College Savings Accounts (NBER Working Paper 34126), researchers Guglielmo Briscese , John A. List , and Sabrina Liu analyze administrative data from over 900,000 Illinois 529 plans from 2000 to 2023. They link these data to National Student Clearinghouse records and supplement them with surveys of account owners and parents. The researchers find that approximately
### Key Points
- College savings account (CSA) usage is limited by low financial literacy and misperceptions about their value.
- Only 11% of Illinois children benefited from 529 plans in the last decade, with higher-income, educated families dominating participation.
- Financial literacy is a critical factor, as 79% of CSA owners scored highly on financial literacy compared to 19% of non-owners.
- Misperceptions persist, with 61% of non-CSA owners believing their savings wouldn't significantly impact college costs.
- Significant disparities exist in CSA savings, with the top 5% of account holders owning 29.3% of deposits, while the bottom 50% held only 8.3%.
- Higher CSA balances correlate with increased likelihood of attending four-year colleges, selective institutions, and postgraduate programs.
Weekend Quotables Trump on 60 Minutes: "I am not a Nazi..." https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-a9f
- Former President Donald Trump appeared on CBS's "60 Minutes," where he made controversial statements, including denying being a Nazi, reminiscent of Nixon's infamous "I am not a crook" comment.
- Trump justified testing nuclear weapons, claiming it is necessary to ensure functionality.
- Various political figures criticized Trump, including Governor JB Pritzker, who expressed strong disapproval of Trump and his allies, and Senator Chris Murphy, who condemned Trump’s actions regarding food stamp benefits and lavish parties for wealthy supporters.
- Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado controversially supported U.S. military intervention in Venezuela to pressure President Maduro to step down.
- DHS’s Tricia McLaughlin defended the use of tear gas as a crowd control method to maintain public safety.
- The article included commentary on Trump’s behavior, describing it as grotesque and bizarre, and drew comparisons to past events and figures.
CURMUDGUCATION: Enshittification: The Book https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/11/enshittification-book.html
### Key Points
- Cory Doctorow's book "Enshittification" explains how digital platforms deteriorate through deliberate decisions aimed at maximizing profits.
- The process involves four stages: serving users, exploiting users for business customers, exploiting business customers, and finally degrading the platform entirely.
- Case studies include Facebook, Amazon, iPhone, and Twitter, highlighting their transition from innovative to problematic platforms.
- The book discusses broader systemic issues like competition suppression, lack of regulation, and the misuse of AI to exploit users.
- Doctorow emphasizes that solutions lie in political and regulatory action rather than individual consumer choices.
A SNAP Decision: Eat the Rich - by Jesse Hagopian https://jessehagopian.substack.com/p/a-snap-decision-eat-the-rich
- The poem "A SNAP Decision: Eat the Rich" by Jesse Hagopian critiques social inequality and hunger, focusing on the disparity between the wealthy and the poor.
- It highlights the struggles of families relying on SNAP benefits, portraying the harsh realities of food insecurity and the emotional toll it takes on parents.
- The poem warns of potential rebellion from the oppressed if hunger persists, suggesting that desperation might lead to radical actions against the wealthy.
- Jesse Hagopian’s publication encourages readers to support his work and explore themes of truth, survival, and activism.
A SNAP Decision: Eat the Rich https://iamaneducator.com/2025/11/03/a-snap-decision-eat-the-rich/ via @JessedHagopian
