NOVEMBER 21, 2025
- Trump Eliminates Tariffs on Brazilian Agricultural Imports: President Trump signed an executive order to remove tariffs on products from Brazil, aiming to reduce grocery prices amid ongoing economic pressures.
- High-Stakes White House Meeting with NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani: Scheduled for today, the discussion between Trump and the progressive mayor-elect focuses on federal-city relations, immigration enforcement, and urban policy tensions.
- Investigation into Teen's Death on Carnival Cruise: Authorities are probing the stepbrother of a deceased teenager in a case drawing national attention to cruise line safety protocols.
- Tennessee Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Memphis: A court ruling halts Trump's crime-fighting operation using the Guard, with a five-day appeal window granted.
- Trump Hosts NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani Amid Ideological Clash: The Oval Office meeting today highlights friction over Mamdani's "communist" label from Trump and potential policy battles on housing and policing.
- Release of Epstein Files Sparks Partisan Firestorm: Trump touts the declassification as transparency, criticizing Democrats' ties to Epstein while defending his administration's role in the 2019 charges.
- Supreme Court Extends Pause on Full SNAP Benefits Payments: Amid the federal shutdown, the court delays November payouts, exacerbating food insecurity for millions as municipalities demand full funding.
- Vance and RFK Jr. Rally for "Make America Healthy Again": The VP and Health Secretary address influencers in D.C., pushing anti-vax and wellness agendas at a key movement event.
- Zelenskyy Receives U.S. Draft Peace Plan for Ukraine: The Ukrainian president signals readiness for talks with Trump, supporting proposals for "true peace" while European allies resist Russian concessions.
- G7 Ministers Affirm Stance on Global Security Challenges: At the Niagara summit under Canada's presidency, leaders issued a joint statement on Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and trade amid U.S. policy shifts.
- South Africa Pushes G20 Priorities Post-Presidency: As its term ends, Pretoria vows to champion inequality reduction and climate finance, urging continued global cooperation.
- Climate Crisis Reshapes Agrifood Systems Worldwide: Reports highlight impacts on yields, water, and pollination, with calls for urgent adaptation in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- Trump Administration Accelerates Dismantling of Education Department: New inter-agency agreements outsource programs for K-12, higher ed, and Native American education, bypassing Congress and raising legal concerns.
- Workshops Unlock Ivy League Admissions Secrets: Athena Education's sessions in Hyderabad reveal strategies for Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford, drawing hundreds of students and parents.
- Arena Animation's Creative Minds 2025 Showcases AVGC-XR Talent: Over 1,750 participants in Delhi and Mumbai highlight skills in animation, gaming, and extended reality amid industry growth.
- New Computer Labs Boost Digital Access in Rural India: Zeta and Project Shiksha equip government schools, serving 300+ students with tools for computer education and skill-building.
- U.S. Job Growth Moderates in September Amid Labor Slump: Nonfarm payrolls rose steadily, but unemployment lingers at 4.3%, with BLS delaying October data due to shutdown impacts.
- AI-Driven Layoffs Surge, But Broader Market Resilient: 17,375 jobs cut due to AI in 2025's first nine months; Yale study downplays immediate disruption, citing stable cognitive labor demand.
- Euro Area GDP Beats Expectations with 0.2% Q3 Growth: France and Spain lead the rebound, prompting upgraded 2025 forecasts to 1.4% amid improved sentiment and U.S.-China trade thaw.
- China's Fixed-Asset Investment Declines 1.7% in First 10 Months: Slowdown signals cooling momentum, with exports under pressure from potential global restrictions.
- NcodiN Raises €16M for World's Smallest AI Chip Laser: The French startup's nanoscale photonics enable denser, greener data centers, advancing optical interconnects for AI accelerators.
- Norm Ai Secures $50M from Blackstone for Legal AI Agents: The funding launches Norm Law LLP, deploying AI for compliance in finance, targeting "AI-native" services.
- AgroStar Bags $30M for Indian Agritech Expansion: Led by Just Climate, the round supports digital tools for small farmers, emphasizing sustainability and inclusion.
- 12-Qubit Trapped-Ion Quantum System Debuts: The room-temperature, low-error setup fits in two data center racks, consuming under 2kW for scalable computing.
- CDC Alters Website to Promote Vaccines-Autism Link Under RFK Jr.: The shift contradicts science, drawing bipartisan backlash; Sen. Cassidy condemns it despite confirmation pledges.
- Daily Coffee May Slash AFib Risk by 40%: New research links caffeine's anti-inflammatory effects to heart benefits, challenging prior cautions on arrhythmias.
- Custom Vitamin D3 Doses Halve Heart Attack Recurrence: Intermountain Health trial shows monitoring-based therapy cuts risk by 50% for survivors.
- Ultra-Processed Foods Disrupt Youth Blood Sugar Early: Study warns of long-term metabolic harm in young adults, beyond known adult risks.
- No. 4 Arizona Edges No. 3 UConn 71-67 in Thriller: Jaden Bradley's 21 points propel the Wildcats in a top-5 college basketball clash.
- No. 11 Alabama Outlasts No. 8 Illinois 90-86: Philon's 24 points secure the win, highlighting early-season SEC-Big Ten intensity.
- Rockets Extend Streak to Five with 114-104 Win Over Cavs: Alperen Sengun's 28 points lead Houston in NBA action.
- Heat Surge Past Short-Handed Warriors 110-96: Powell's 25 and Adebayo's 20 power Miami's late rally.
Karen Attiah on the Murder of Kashoggi and Trump's Embrace of His Murderer https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/20/karen-attiah-on-the-murder-of-kashoggi-and-trumps-embrace-of-his-murderer/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Karen Attiah critiques Trump’s support for MBS despite the latter’s role in Khashoggi’s murder.
- Khashoggi’s final column called for freedom of expression in the Arab world, reflecting his commitment to democracy.
- The Arab world faces significant censorship and suppression of media, with most countries classified as “not free.”
- Governments block internet access and silence journalists, undermining hopes from the Arab Spring.
- Attiah emphasizes the need for transnational media to inform Arab citizens and strengthen democracy.
Thom Hartmann: Destroying the Belief That White Men Are Entitled to Rule https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/20/thom-hartmann-destroying-the-belief-that-white-men-are-entitled-to-rule/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Thom Hartmann identifies the Jeffrey Epstein case as a reflection of the enduring belief in white male dominance, rooted in America’s history of Native American oppression, slavery, and systemic inequality.
- The Doctrine of Discovery and its integration into American law laid the foundation for white supremacy, enabling the displacement of Native peoples and the justification of slavery.
- Post-Civil War, the U.S. failed to dismantle white male supremacy, allowing its continuity through Jim Crow laws, voter suppression, and systemic racism, which still influence modern Republican politics.
- Hartmann critiques the GOP’s embrace of white grievance, Christian nationalism, and policies aimed at preserving white dominance, likening them to the Confederacy and Jim Crow eras.
- He argues that most Americans reject these ideals and calls for a reckoning with America’s history to protect democracy and equality.
Olga Lautman: Russia Wrote Trump's Peace Plan https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/20/olga-lautman-russia-wrote-trumps-peace-plan/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Olga Lautman critiques Trump’s peace plan with Russia, exposing its alignment with Kremlin interests and territorial ambitions.
- Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine, killing civilians and violating NATO airspace, showcasing Western inaction.
- Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, inadvertently reveals Kremlin involvement in drafting the plan, confirming its pro-Russian bias.
- The plan pressures Ukraine to legitimize Russian territorial theft and genocide, ignoring Russia’s crimes.
- Russia continues its systematic abduction and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, preparing them for military use.
- Media trivializes the crisis, focusing on political drama instead of the national-security implications.
- Russia’s provocations against NATO countries highlight its growing boldness and testing of Western limits.
- Despite external pressures, Ukraine remains steadfast in defending its sovereignty and rejecting surrender.
CDC Website Changed to Reflect RFK Jr. View of Vaccines and Autism https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/20/cdc-website-changed-to-reflect-rfk-jr-view-of-vaccines-and-autism/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The CDC website now reflects RFK Jr.’s views on vaccines and autism, contradicting prior evidence-based statements.
- Scientific studies, including reviews from 2012 and 2013, have consistently found no connection between vaccines and autism.
- The updated CDC page claims that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based, raising concerns about misinformation.
- The influence of RFK Jr. on public health policies may lead to increased vaccine hesitancy and endanger children’s lives.
- The blog highlights the broader implications of extremism and misinformation in public health governance.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is dismantling the Department of Education, redistributing its programs, which critics argue undermines public education and civil rights.
- Federal court struck down Texas' racially gerrymandered maps, potentially reshaping the 2026 midterm elections by reducing Republican seats.
- A secretive group, the Rockbridge Network, works to sustain the MAGA movement, using advanced voter mobilization strategies and elite funding.
- Florida’s expanded voucher program led to significant deficits and improper payments, raising concerns over public school funding.
- Randi Weingarten’s book argues public school teachers are essential to protecting democracy and resisting fascism, critiquing neoliberal education policies like charter schools.
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of balancing power and love is explored as a framework for societal reform and justice.
- NYC public schools report 64% compliance with class size laws but highlight exemptions and inadequate planning.
- Direct democracy through ballot measures is seen as a tool to advance children’s welfare policies and counter harmful initiatives.
- Generation Z faces systemic barriers to homeownership due to corporate greed, restrictive zoning laws, and student debt.
- The U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, officially targeting Venezuela, may also aim to weaken Cuba by severing its economic lifeline.
- Healthcare advancements include tailored Vitamin D3 doses reducing heart attack risks and antimicrobial resistance strategies.
- The normalization of technology in classrooms is critiqued for lacking evidence of its effectiveness in improving academic outcomes.
- A satirical piece critiques media sensationalism, political figures, and the dangers of misinformation.
- Jeffrey Epstein’s files continue to spark scrutiny, with bipartisan support for unsealing documents to ensure accountability.
- The U.S. presidency remains male-dominated, with societal biases and systemic barriers hindering female leadership.
- Advocacy for fair pay in women’s sports and the importance of play in education were emphasized during the UFT Delegate Assembly.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-20-2025.html
### Key Points
- The CDC revised its stance on vaccines and autism, sparking controversy.
- The U.S. government shutdown becomes the longest in history, delaying critical services and sparking nationwide protests.
- A historic winter storm causes fatalities and disruptions across the Southern U.S.
- Federal agents arrest over 250 individuals in an immigration crackdown in Charlotte.
- U.S. Republicans face backlash over inflation and redistricting challenges ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Tensions rise globally with U.S. absence at COP30, Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, and missile sales to Taiwan.
- Trump administration accelerates dismantling of the Education Department, reallocating funds to other agencies.
- Decline in Chinese student enrollment in U.S. universities due to visa delays and political tensions.
- Nvidia earnings spark a global market rally, while mass layoffs tied to AI reshape the workforce.
- Abbott acquires Exact Sciences, bolstering its cancer diagnostics portfolio.
- Reports link 20% of UTIs to contaminated meat, raising food safety concerns.
- Major sports and cultural events include MLB media deals and Curacao's historic FIFA World Cup qualification.
TRUMP'S WAR ON KIDS "KIDS DON'T VOTE? F*ck 'Em" When Your Administration's Children's Policy Can Be Summarized on a Bumper Sticker https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/trumps-war-on-kids-kids-dont-vote-fck-em.html
The article critiques the Trump administration's policies, which it describes as a "war on kids." It highlights the dismantling of the Department of Education and redistribution of its programs to other federal agencies, cuts to children's programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and mental health services, and the broader ideological effort to privatize education and reduce federal oversight. The article argues these actions prioritize short-term political and financial gains over the welfare and future of children, particularly those from marginalized groups.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is dismantling the Department of Education, redistributing its programs to other federal agencies, which critics argue undermines public education.
- Cuts to key programs like Medicaid, SNAP, child mental health services, and educational funding are harming children, especially low-income, immigrant, and marginalized groups.
- Policies are part of "Project 2025," aiming to privatize education and reduce children's rights to parental property, reflecting an ideological agenda.
- The administration's actions are described as illegal, bypassing congressional approval to make sweeping changes.
- Critics argue these policies harm future generations and prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy over children's welfare.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 19, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0443436076.html
Big Education Ape: "ALL THE PRESIDENT'S TECHBROS": THE EPSTEIN TAPES (NOT QUITE WATERGATE) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/all-presidents-techbros-epstein-tapes.html
The article is a satirical piece that blends fictionalized conspiracy theories, political commentary, and humor to critique media narratives, political figures, and societal issues. It uses a fictionalized investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's emails as a framework to parody real-world events and attitudes, particularly focusing on the absurdity of modern political and media landscapes.
### Key Points
- Satirical depiction of a fictional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's emails, involving exaggerated characters like "Woodstein," "Bernward," and "Deep Throat 2.0."
- Parody of tech billionaires ("The Techbros") and their alleged involvement in covering up scandals.
- Critique of media sensationalism, with fictionalized news outlets and reporters prioritizing trivial or biased narratives over substantive reporting.
- Mockery of political figures and institutions, highlighting their dismissive attitudes toward evidence and accountability.
- The story concludes with a twist revealing the entire conspiracy as an AI-generated hoax, reflecting on the dangers of misinformation and misdirection.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments across various domains, including politics, education, economy, technology, healthcare, and global affairs, with a focus on significant policy changes, societal impacts, and controversies shaping the U.S. and the world in November 2025. Key topics include the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, challenges in education reform, global political dynamics, and advancements in technology and healthcare.
How the Trump Administration Manipulates Power and Undermines Core Principles that Protect Public Schools and Students' Rights---Part 2 https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/20/how-the-trump-administration-manipulates-power-and-undermines-core-principles-that-protect-public-schools-and-students-rights-part-2/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration aimed to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education by reducing staff and funding for programs like Title I and special education.
- Actions were taken to impose a restrictive interpretation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which allegedly bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 schools and higher education.
- The administration's policies have been criticized for violating the First Amendment's protection of free speech, as educators fear punishment for teaching sensitive historical topics.
- The vagueness doctrine has been invoked by legal experts, highlighting how unclear rules and mandates lead to arbitrary enforcement, undermining due process.
- Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment, limiting protections for children born in the U.S. despite their right to public education under Plyler v. Doe.
“How Are Trump Administration Policies Affecting the Classroom?” Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog covers educational news, teaching strategies, and tools, including a post on the impact of Trump administration policies on classrooms.
- Daily republishing of past posts, such as lessons on deliberate practice, the Zeigarnik Effect, and metacognition, is a feature of the blog.
- Videos, such as TED-Ed content and discussions on inventions, are shared to enhance learning.
- Google introduced “Scholar Labs,” an AI tool for academic research, though its reception seems lukewarm.
- Weekly round-ups of useful posts on educational policy and teaching resources are provided.
- Resources for special events like Geography Awareness Week and strategies for handling holiday disagreements are included.
- The blog discusses active learning, decreasing ELL newcomers, and other research-backed teaching strategies.
- The author has published books with practical strategies for teaching various subjects, including support for ELL students and parental involvement.
- Additional content includes Q&A posts, lesson plans, and strategies for teacher improvement and student engagement.
- The blog also features contributions to external platforms like The New York Times' Learning Network and videos for educators.
Coming Home to Possibility – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/20/coming-home-to-possibility/
### Key Points
- The author reflects on delivering a keynote at the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Conference in Lansing, highlighting how it felt like a return to where their own college journey began.
- The author shared their personal story of attending a college fair at the same venue as a teenager, which inspired their belief in the possibility of attending college.
- MCAN’s work is praised for helping young people in Michigan navigate access to higher education by transforming confusion into clarity and doubt into direction.
- The keynote introduced the concept of Conflict-Intelligent Leadership (CIQ-L), emphasizing the need for leaders who can navigate competing pressures with courage and adaptability in higher education.
- The author expressed gratitude for the audience of counselors, educators, and advocates, acknowledging their role in fostering equity and community.
- The author extended an invitation to organizations seeking a keynote speaker, emphasizing their passion for blending research, storytelling, and authenticity in public speaking.
- A thoughtful gesture from the MCAN team, such as providing a Coca-Cola and pizza gift certificate, exemplified their care and hospitality.
- The author’s background as a public scholar and keynote speaker is highlighted, showcasing their extensive experience in delivering speeches and hosting events for prestigious institutions and organizations.
Shanker Blog: Reading Legislation in California and Massachusetts – Is There a Third Path? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/reading-legislation
### Key Points
- California and Massachusetts have introduced reading legislation aiming to align classroom instruction with scientific research on literacy development, with California's AB 1454 opting for broad "evidence-based" instruction and Massachusetts' SB 338 providing stricter definitions of evidence-based practices.
- Illinois' SB 2243 presents a distinct model by codifying research-based principles directly into law, emphasizing oral language development, systematic instruction, and foundational literacy skills.
- Effective literacy legislation depends on embedding robust research principles into statutes and ensuring proper implementation, monitoring, and adjustments over time.
- Reading development is a dynamic process requiring explicit and systematic instruction tailored to individual student needs, balancing foundational skills and comprehension.
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S TECH BROS: A SATIRICAL OPERA IN THREE ACTS https://ru4people.substack.com/p/all-the-presidents-tech-bros-a-satirical
### Key Points
- A satirical account of five tech-savvy individuals caught in a data center during a raid, with absurd items in their possession and media frenzy following the incident.
- The White House forms a covert team of tech experts to spin the leaked Epstein files as a hoax using AI-generated deepfakes and social media manipulation.
- A bombshell email allegedly from Trump surfaces, revealing discussions of orchestrating a "classy" cover-up, leading to media chaos and political fallout.
- The files ultimately spread uncontrollably, forcing resignations and highlighting the chaotic nature of modern political scandals.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2025 - by MIKE SIMPSON https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-november-20-2025
- The U.S. government shutdown becomes the longest in history, delaying services like SNAP benefits and the October jobs report. Nationwide protests escalate against President Trump and Project 2025.
- A severe winter storm hits the Gulf Coast, causing fatalities, record snowfall, and power outages. Immigration crackdown in Charlotte leads to 250 arrests.
- Democrats gain momentum in 2025 off-year elections, including NYC’s mayoral victory. Trump’s approval ratings dip ahead of the 2026 midterms due to inflation concerns and redistricting challenges.
- World Affairs: Trump boycotts G20 in South Africa and skips COP30 in Brazil, while tensions rise in Gaza and Saudi Crown Prince MBS visits the White House.
- U.S. confirms missile sale to Taiwan amidst rising China tensions; Russian missile strikes in Ukraine kill one and injure nine.
- Trump administration accelerates dismantling the Education Department, shifting programs to other agencies under Project 2025.
- Nvidia’s record sales boost global markets, while mass tech layoffs surpass 100K in 2025 due to AI-driven changes.
- Apple announces a $500B U.S. investment plan, including AI server manufacturing and job creation.
- Abbott acquires Exact Sciences for $23B, expanding cancer diagnostics; a Johns Hopkins study links light smoking to a 60% higher death risk.
- Sports: MLB secures landmark media deals, Curacao qualifies for the FIFA World Cup, and LeBron James hits his 23rd NBA season milestone.
America’s Largest Emancipation | Bill Ayers https://billayers.org/2025/11/20/americas-largest-emancipation/
- The podcast "Under the Tree with Bill Ayers" discusses the concept of freedom as a journey and struggle, emphasizing its transformative moments in history.
- The episode features a conversation with Jeff Jones and Bennett Parten, author of "Somewhere Toward Freedom," exploring General Sherman's March to the Sea and its role in the emancipation of 20,000 enslaved people.
- The discussion highlights how these events redefined freedom and reframed the meaning of the Civil War.
- The podcast is available on SoundCloud, and the platform uses cookies and tracking technologies for user experience and analytics, as outlined in its Privacy Policy.
RIP Department of Education Why it matters that K-12 education will now be housed within the 'Department of the Boss' JENNIFER BERKSHIRE https://educationwars.substack.com/p/rip-department-of-education
### Key Points
- The Trump Administration dismantled the Department of Education, redistributing K-12 programs to other agencies, particularly the Department of Labor, reflecting an ideology of "bossism."
- Workforce-focused education models, such as microschools and work-based learning programs, emphasize market logic but often exploit unpaid student labor.
- The integration of AI in education raises concerns about overregulation and its impact on schools, likened to the historical misuse of asbestos.
- Bipartisan backlash and voter dissatisfaction highlight growing resistance to the dismantling of public education and its consequences.
Teacher Tom: Learning Self-Control https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/learning-self-control.html
### Key Points
- Play-based education prioritizes children's autonomy, allowing them to learn self-control through exploration and collaboration.
- External control, such as threats or punishment, undermines children's ability to develop self-regulation and denies their humanity.
- Adults in play-based settings act as guides, ensuring safety, supporting emotional regulation, and facilitating problem-solving without exerting force.
- "Controlled chaos" is a balanced environment where children learn through their curiosity and interactions, with adults stepping in only when necessary.
- Safety is ensured by clear communication of natural consequences rather than fear-based punishments.
- Teacher Tom offers a course on play-based classroom management, helping educators adopt this approach.
glen brown: "When your company supports Trump, we don’t support you" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/when-your-company-supports-trump-we.html
### Key Points
- The blog highlights the role of writers in resisting oppression and emphasizes the isolation that comes with speaking truth.
- It criticizes corporations like Home Depot, Target, and Amazon for enabling Trump’s agenda and calls for an economic boycott during Thanksgiving weekend to protest their actions.
- The blog outlines steps for individuals to participate in the boycott, such as supporting local businesses, spreading awareness, and pledging not to shop at these corporations.
- Broader themes include criticisms of Trump’s policies, corporate greed, and the erosion of democracy, alongside reflections on social justice issues and historical events.
glen brown: "Seditious Behavior Punishable by Death" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/seditious-behavior-punishable-by-death.html
### Key Points
- The article reflects on the role of writers in resisting oppression and embracing isolation, citing quotes from Ambrose Bierce, Albert Camus, and Bertha Brown.
- Donald Trump’s recent social media posts accuse Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior, suggesting severe punishments, including death. These posts have drawn widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
- Democratic lawmakers, in a video, encouraged military and intelligence officials to disobey illegal orders, emphasizing constitutional obligations. Trump reacted strongly, escalating the rhetoric.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others condemned Trump’s posts, urging him to retract his statements to prevent potential violence.
- The blog features a wide range of topics, including pensions, education reform, healthcare, social justice, and historical events, reflecting the author’s diverse interests.
- The blog library includes various posts on political developments, societal issues, and personal reflections, showcasing the author's ongoing engagement with current events.
Stop Trump and McMahon From Destroying the Department of Education - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/stop-trump-and-mcmahon-from-destroying-the-department-of-education/
- The article discusses efforts by Linda McMahon and Donald Trump to dismantle the Department of Education by cutting critical programs and outsourcing key departments, such as transferring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Department of Labor.
- The Network for Public Education urges readers to take action by sending emails to stop this process and support the preservation of the Department of Education.
- The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and encourages tax-deductible donations to support its mission of strengthening public schools.
Duffy doesn't like the way we dress. While passengers are dodging falling fuselages and praying their pilots aren’t pulling double shifts, the Secretary of Transportation is wagging his finger at our sweatpants. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/duffy-doesnt-like-the-way-we-dress
Duffy criticizes the attire of airline passengers while ignoring severe issues in the aviation industry, such as understaffed air traffic control towers and safety concerns. He promotes a dress code initiative, despite his own use of taxpayer-funded private jets and lack of qualifications for his role.
### Key Points
- Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy criticizes passengers' casual attire on flights, urging them to dress more appropriately under the initiative “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.”
- Duffy's comments come amidst significant issues in the aviation sector, including understaffed air traffic control towers and widespread flight delays.
- Critics highlight Duffy’s personal use of taxpayer-funded private jets, contrasting with his advice for public flyers.
- Duffy's background in reality TV and punditry raises questions about his qualifications for overseeing transportation systems.
Choosing Democracy: Democratic lawmakers tell military to refuse illegal orders https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/11/democratic-lawmakers-tell-military-to.html
Detailed Summary for [Democratic lawmakers tell military to refuse illegal orders](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJtRLsRWsac) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJtRLsRWsac&t=2.769) Democratic lawmakers, including military veterans, call for disobedience to illegal orders, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution.
- Introduction of Congressman Chris Deluzio and other Democratic lawmakers.}
- The group consists of military and intelligence community veterans.}
- Lawmakers urge officials to refuse illegal orders.}
- Concerns raised about threats to the Constitution originating from both domestic and foreign sources.}
- Emphasis on the obligation to reject orders that violate the law or the Constitution.}
[00:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJtRLsRWsac&t=29.162) Democratic lawmakers emphasize the importance of military personnel standing up for the law and the Constitution amid concerns over the legality of military actions.
- Lawmakers acknowledge the challenges faced by public servants in the military and intelligence agencies.}
- They stress the critical need for military personnel to uphold American laws and values.}
- Concerns have been raised by active duty troops regarding the legality of military strikes on individuals labeled as drug traffickers.}
In Two Hours, We Conduct No Business Shades of Tom Murphy ARTHUR GOLDSTEIN https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/in-two-hours-we-conduct-no-business
### Key Points
- Bennett Fischer was criticized for his remarks that aligned with Unity's stance and for not addressing Mamdani's lack of support for Intro 1096.
- Intro 1096 is significant as it aims to protect Medicare and roll back co-pays, but leadership's handling of the issue has been questioned.
- Christopher Marte supported Intro 1096 and argued against claims that it violated collective bargaining laws.
- Unity's resistance to Intro 1096 and concerns about its financial impact were highlighted, with Marte emphasizing the importance of codifying protections for retirees.
- Retiree Advocate leadership was criticized for prioritizing personal politics over retirees' healthcare needs, which could jeopardize future elections.
- The inefficiency and lack of focus in union meetings were noted, with calls for better organization and communication.
- Changes to retirees' health plans, including the switch to Prime Therapeutics for prescription management, were discussed, with concerns about formulary availability and co-pays.
- Retirees raised issues about the lack of clear communication regarding health plan changes and decision deadlines.
- Marte expressed a desire to reform City Council processes to ensure fair hearings for bills like Intro 1096.
School accountability yields long-term gains for students Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- A study led by the University of California, Riverside, found that holding underperforming schools accountable leads to long-term benefits for vulnerable students, including reduced arrests and incarcerations.
- Improvements in school climate due to accountability pressure translate into lower criminal involvement among students.
- The study utilized a regression discontinuity method to isolate the effects of accountability, showing that F-rated schools perform better than slightly higher-rated schools due to increased pressure.
- Changes occurred without significant increases in spending or teacher turnover, suggesting that cultural and engagement shifts were key factors.
- The findings are specific to schools at the bottom of performance scales and may not apply to all accountability systems.
Summer youth employment programs improve youth educational outcomes
- Summer youth employment programs (SYEPs) reduce youth involvement in crime, improve educational outcomes, and foster community engagement, offering critical support for vulnerable youth.
- Programs like Boston’s SYEP, which reduce barriers to participation, are effective models. Expanding such programs to the school year could address economic challenges and reduce firearm violence.
Child gun injury risk spikes when children leave school for the day
- A study by Boston University shows that children face a higher risk of firearm injuries during the 2-6 pm afterschool period, with the highest risk immediately after school dismissal.
- Community-based interventions, such as Safe Passage programs, can help reduce this risk by providing safer commutes and preventing conflicts.
- The study highlights racial and ethnic disparities in child firearm exposure, with Black and Latinx children disproportionately affected. Youth employment programs can help address these disparities.
United States Hosts 1.2 Million International Students at Colleges and Universities
- The U.S. hosted 1.2 million international students in the 2024/2025 academic year, contributing $55 billion to the economy.
- The number of undergraduate international students grew, while graduate enrollments declined. STEM fields remain the most popular.
- India is the top country of origin for international students, followed by China.
- Community colleges saw the fastest growth in international student enrollment, and study abroad programs for U.S. students also increased.
Aggregate test scores destroy a great deal of valuable information
- Research shows that aggregating test scores discards critical information that could improve education outcomes.
- Utilizing item-level data is cost-effective and can significantly benefit educational decision-making.
Violent Peers at School
- Exposure to violent peers in classrooms negatively impacts academic performance, particularly in mathematics and English, with effects more pronounced for girls.
- Violent peers disrupt learning environments, lower teacher productivity, and increase the likelihood of physical fights among students.
Preparing students for an AI-driven world: generative AI and curriculum reform in higher education
- Higher education must reform curricula to prepare students for an AI-driven world, emphasizing interdisciplinary AI literacy, problem-solving, and adaptive learning.
- Institutions should address ethical concerns, train faculty, and redesign assessments to prioritize higher-order thinking.
