NOVEMBER 29, 2025
- Trump Administration Halts Afghan Immigration Processing After National Guard Shooting: Following the fatal shooting of West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom by 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal in Washington, D.C., President Trump announced a permanent pause on immigration from "Third World countries" and halted processing of Afghan refugee requests, citing vetting failures from the 2021 Biden-era withdrawal.
- Northwestern University Settles Antisemitism Probe for $75 Million: The university agreed to pay $75 million over three years to resolve Trump administration investigations into campus antisemitism, restoring millions in federal funding amid ongoing scrutiny of higher education institutions.
- Trump Officials Face Contempt Probe Over El Salvador Deportation Flights: A federal judge is investigating high-stakes contempt charges against Trump administration officials for allegedly defying court orders on migrant flights to El Salvador.
- Google's AI Hurricane Model Outperforms Rivals in 2025 Forecasts: A new Google-introduced weather model accurately predicted Hurricane Melissa's devastating path through Jamaica, surprising meteorologists and highlighting AI's edge in storm forecasting.
- Immigration Crackdown Intensifies Post-D.C. Shooting: The Trump administration's suspension of Afghan immigration processing draws bipartisan criticism, with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro calling for murder charges against the suspect and decrying lax vetting under prior policies.
- House GOP Chaos: Discharge Petitions Surge Amid Leadership Struggles: Frustrations with Speaker Mike Johnson lead to increased use of discharge petitions for bills like banning congressional stock trading, as the slim Republican majority grapples with Obamacare and funding votes.
- Northwestern Settlement Signals Broader Higher Ed Scrutiny: The $75 million antisemitism resolution at Northwestern underscores escalating Trump-era probes into universities, with potential impacts on federal funding nationwide.
- Carbon Auction Results Disappoint Amid Clean Energy Push: November's federal carbon credit auction underperformed, raising concerns about funding for green initiatives as critics question the lack of investor buy-in.
- Indonesia Earthquake and Floods Death Toll Hits 248: Rescue efforts in West Sumatra's Agam district continue amid inaccessible areas, with over 500 injured and fears of further rises in casualties from the combined natural disasters.
- Sri Lanka Declares Emergency as Cyclone Ditwah Floods Kill 123: Heavy rains from the cyclone have displaced thousands, prompting international aid appeals and school closures in Tamil Nadu, India, as the storm intensifies.
- Thailand Southern Floods Claim 162 Lives, Prompt Recovery Plans: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced compensation and rebuilding efforts for flood-ravaged regions, marking one of the deadliest weather events in years.
- Russia Threatens WhatsApp Ban Over Data Compliance: Moscow warned of a full prohibition on the Meta-owned app, escalating tensions in tech regulation amid global digital privacy debates.
- U.S. Dept. of Education Unveils FY 2025 Postsecondary Priorities: Seven new focus areas for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education aim to boost equity, innovation, and accessibility in higher ed funding competitions.
- UC Berkeley Faces Federal Review After Violent Campus Protest: The Department of Education launched a probe into a November 10 Turning Point USA event disruption, examining free speech and safety violations.
- Texas Board Finalizes K-12 Materials Amid SEL and CRT Backlash: Publishers face scrutiny over social-emotional learning and critical race theory content in the 2025 adoption cycle for the nation's second-largest market.
- eRaksha 2025 Competition Launches for Cyber Safety Education: NCERT, CyberPeace, and Google.org's nationwide initiative targets students and educators on AI ethics, with tracks for digital peace and safety certification.
- Nvidia Hits $5 Trillion Valuation on AI Chip Boom: The company's quarterly profit surged 65% to $32 billion, driven by demand for AI hardware, outpacing entire national economies like Germany's.
- China's Fixed-Asset Investment Drops 1.7% in First 10 Months: Amid slowing industrial growth and retail spending, Beijing pushes domestic stimulus to counter export reliance and potential U.S. trade curbs.
- U.S. Food Prices Soar: Coffee, OJ, Bananas, Beef Up Double Digits: Supply disruptions and climate impacts drive inflation in staples, complicating holiday budgeting and Fed policy debates.
- Canada's Q3 GDP Surges 2.6% Annually, Beats Expectations: Strong consumer and export data signal resilience, contrasting with global slowdowns in Europe and Asia.
- Warburg Pincus Acquires Raptor Technologies for $1.8 Billion: The private equity firm buys the school safety software provider, bolstering edtech amid rising security demands.
- Gyromorphs: New Material Revolutionizes Light Control: Researchers unveil structures that manipulate light more precisely than existing tech, with applications in optics and photonics.
- AI Job Cuts Hit 17,375 in First 9 Months of 2025: Layoffs tied to automation rise, though studies suggest broader labor impacts may lag; DOGE-related dismissals dominate.
- Amazon and Flipkart Launch Consumer Loans Targeting Indian Banks: E-commerce giants expand financial services, intensifying competition in India's booming digital lending market.
- FDA Tightens Vaccine Rules, Links COVID Shots to Rare Child Deaths: Regulator Vinay Prasad cites myocarditis concerns in a memo, prompting stricter trial requirements, though experts demand peer-reviewed data.
- Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to 12 Major Health Risks Globally: A major review links high consumption to heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, urging dietary shifts as these foods proliferate worldwide.
- CBD Use Spikes in Aging Pets for Chronic Conditions: Survey of 47,000 dogs shows veterinarians increasingly recommending it for pain and anxiety in seniors, highlighting pet health trends.
- Microglia Breakthrough May Slow Alzheimer's Inflammation: Targeting a specific molecule shifts brain cells to a protective state, potentially quieting disease progression in early trials.
- Lakers Rally to Beat Mavericks, Advance in NBA Cup: Los Angeles storms back for a knockout-round berth, with key contributions from LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a high-stakes group finale.
- No. 2 Indiana Crushes Purdue 56-3, Clinches Big Ten Title Spot: The Hoosiers improve to 12-0, earning a conference championship game appearance in a dominant rivalry rout.
- No. 1 Purdue Rolls Eastern Illinois 109-62 Behind Jacobsen's 24: Daniel Jacobsen's career-high performance leads the Boilermakers in a lopsided early-season tune-up.
- Sebastien Ogier Ties Loeb's Record with Ninth WRC Title: The rally legend equals the all-time mark, capping a stellar season with victory in the season finale.
- Dakota Wesleyan Women Climb to No. 14 in NAIA Poll: The Tigers rise after key GPAC wins, gearing up for a tough slate against top-10 foes.
Big Education Ape: THE PATRON SAINTS AND WARRIORS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION: BLOGGERS, WRITERS, PODCASTS, AND ORGANIZATIONS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-patron-saints-and-warriors-of.html
### Key Points
- Public education is under threat from billionaire oligarchs aiming to privatize schools for profit.
- Advocates for public education, including bloggers, writers, podcasters, and organizations, are fighting back using digital platforms and other means.
- Diane Ravitch, a prominent advocate for public schools, is recognized as a key figure in the movement against privatization and corporate reform in education.
- The battle for public education is compared to a David vs. Goliath struggle, with public schools being underfunded yet resilient.
- The privatization of schools is criticized for prioritizing profit over students' education and well-being.
- Corporate media often fails to highlight the issues in public education, focusing instead on sensational stories.
- A comprehensive list of activists and organizations fighting for public education is provided, including blogs, podcasts, and advocacy groups like Big Education Ape, Diane Ravitch’s Blog, Network for Public Education, and many more.
- The article calls for public support for pro-public education candidates in elections to ensure education is treated as a fundamental right rather than a business opportunity.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 11-23 -25 TO 11-29-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-top-news-stories-this-week-11-23-25.html
### Key Points
- Public education remains a critical focus, with discussions on bloggers, writers, and organizations advocating for its improvement.
- The movie "Wicked: For Good" had a strong 3D box office opening, deepening the mythology of Oz.
- Thanksgiving travel caused significant congestion, and Black Friday retail updates highlighted consumer trends.
- U.S.-Venezuela tensions escalated due to military activity in the Caribbean.
- DOJ requested to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts, drawing national attention.
- High-profile incidents included a senior living facility explosion, UAB football players being stabbed, and a Carnival cruise death.
- Trump's Ukraine peace proposal sparked concerns among allies.
- COP29 climate conference focused on climate finance, with pledges of $300 billion annually by 2035.
- Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from politics.
- The G20 Summit in Brazil addressed economic and geopolitical issues.
- Global concerns over crime, violence, and immigration have risen post-pandemic.
- China's Shenzhou-22 mission launched as a lifeboat for the Tiangong space station.
- AI continues to impact education, with studies on AI tutoring and generative AI programs in higher education.
- Economic updates include global equity market trends, Black Friday sales, and oil price movements.
- Amazon and OpenAI closed a $38 billion deal, and Qualcomm acquired Arduino.
- HP announced staff cuts due to AI adoption, and new macOS malware was reported.
- HHS released a report criticizing "sex-rejecting procedures" for pediatric gender dysphoria.
- Concerns were raised about a new flu strain and the risks of ultraprocessed foods.
- NFL, NBA, NCAA, and MLB updates captured major sports highlights.
- National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., leading to political responses, including Trump's immigration pause.
- Israel conducted an airstrike on a Hezbollah commander, risking further escalation in the Middle East.
- Typhoon Kalmaegi caused significant destruction in the Philippines and Vietnam.
- Diplomatic and trade tensions between the U.S. and China intensified.
- Pakistan launched a massive vaccination drive for measles, rubella, and polio.
- Youth interest in Spain's Franco era led to government initiatives promoting democracy.
- Education news included debates on Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence," cyber safety competitions, and mental health integration in higher education.
- U.S. GDP growth reached 8.2% in Q2 despite a government shutdown.
- Alibaba launched Quark AI glasses, competing with Meta and Apple in AR.
- Health advancements included discoveries like Sox9 protein clearing Alzheimer’s plaques and hydralazine halting glioblastoma growth.
- Sports updates included NFL matchups, NBA trade rumors, and NCAA championship games.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 29, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01647070797.html
### Key Points
- Trump used the National Guard shooting incident to push anti-immigration rhetoric and proposed a "permanent pause" on migration from "Third World countries."
- A deadly fire in Hong Kong high-rise killed 279, with criticism of government inaction over flammable panels.
- Sudan's escalating conflict resulted in over 28,000 deaths since 2023, with millions displaced.
- Thanksgiving myths were challenged, emphasizing the genocide and struggles of Native Americans, while highlighting Indigenous resilience and cultural revival.
- The U.S. Department of Education resumed student loan forgiveness processing for income-driven repayment borrowers.
- Public education faces threats from privatization, with calls for equity and resistance to oligarchic control.
- AI has the potential to replace 12% of the U.S. workforce, raising concerns about skill devaluation and the need for lifelong learning.
- Ukraine's war with Russia remains at a stalemate, with leaked peace plans proposing unfavorable terms for Ukraine's sovereignty.
- Facebook faced lawsuits for hosting scam ads impersonating media outlets, causing financial harm to publishers.
- The U.S. saw a rise in immigrant student anxiety due to policy uncertainties, reflecting broader societal challenges.
- India’s GDP surged by 8.2%, while China’s fixed-asset investment declined, signaling economic shifts.
- The LAUSD Board extended Superintendent Carvalho's contract without public input, raising concerns about governance and transparency.
- Thanksgiving reflections emphasized gratitude, resilience, and the importance of social equity and justice.
- A study on AI’s workforce impact introduced the "Iceberg Index," identifying industries at risk and strategies to adapt.
- The article critiques the age of "Big Stupid," where anti-intellectualism threatens democracy and critical thinking.
- Toxic metals were found in children’s toys, raising health concerns.
- Medicare drug price cuts targeted 15 medications, addressing affordability challenges in healthcare.
- The article discussed the disparities in public education funding, administrative roles, and standardized testing flaws.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 29, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-29-2025.html
### Key Points
- Concerns over U.S.-led regime change in South America and military actions abroad.
- National Guard member killed in a shooting near the White House, sparking immigration policy debates.
- U.S. airstrikes target drug traffickers in the Caribbean amid tensions with Venezuela.
- Trump administration proposes significant immigration policy changes following the D.C. shooting incident.
- U.S. government ends its longest shutdown in history after 43 days.
- Cyclone Ditwah and floods in South Asia cause widespread devastation and international aid efforts.
- Tensions rise in the Middle East with a fragile Gaza ceasefire and Lebanese military actions against Hezbollah.
- U.S. Department of Education announces new funding priorities for postsecondary education.
- India reports strong GDP growth, while China's investment declines.
- Nvidia achieves record profits, signaling booming demand for AI technology.
- Airbus A320 faces global flight delays due to a software glitch.
- Tesla opens its largest center in India, marking a significant expansion in the EV market.
- Groundbreaking medical advancements include a breast cancer vaccine trial success and vision restoration study.
- Sports updates include the Lakers advancing in the NBA Cup, Ogier winning his ninth rally title, and a new world record in skydiving.
Big Education Ape: PROJECT ICEBERG: IS YOUR JOB SAFE FROM AI? (SPOILER ALERT: IT'S COMPLICATED) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/project-iceberg-is-your-job-safe-from.html
The article discusses "Project Iceberg," a study conducted by MIT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory that examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. It reveals that AI is capable of replacing nearly 12% of the U.S. workforce, with industries far beyond Silicon Valley being affected. The study introduces the "Iceberg Index" to measure the overlap between AI capabilities and human skills, highlighting the hidden risks in finance, healthcare, and professional services. The article also explores strategies for individuals, employers, and policymakers to adapt to AI's growing influence, while addressing its societal, cultural, and environmental implications.
### Key Points
- AI has the potential to replace nearly 12% of the U.S. workforce, equating to $1.2 trillion in wages.
- The "Iceberg Index" measures skill overlap between AI and humans, identifying industries at risk.
- AI disruption is not limited to tech hubs; industries in finance, healthcare, and professional services are heavily exposed.
- Companies like HP, IBM, Amazon, Salesforce, Klarna, and Fiverr are already leveraging AI to cut jobs and increase efficiency.
- Jobs most at risk include routine, cognitive, and administrative roles such as HR, logistics, customer service, finance, and paralegal work.
- Jobs relatively safe from AI include healthcare professionals, skilled trades, teachers, creative professionals, emergency responders, and AI specialists.
- To future-proof careers, workers should focus on lifelong learning, developing human-centric skills like emotional intelligence and creativity, and considering career pivots.
- Governments worldwide are responding to AI disruption with varying policies, including the EU's AI Act, U.S. state-specific regulations, and China's dual approach of innovation and control.
- Widespread AI deployment raises cultural and environmental concerns, such as skill devaluation, social inequality, and high energy consumption.
- The article emphasizes the need for individuals, employers, and policymakers to adapt to AI's impact and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 28, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01593071724.html
This article compiles a wide range of news topics, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, education reforms, societal issues, technological advancements, and health updates. Key highlights include immigration policies, Thanksgiving reflections, public education challenges, and significant global events. The pieces emphasize themes of resilience, equity, and the importance of addressing systemic issues across various domains.
Schools Matter: Support Trumpism by Choosing Northwestern U. http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/support-trumpism-by-choosing.html
Remembering Limp Bizkit's Sam Rivers https://www.changethelausd.com/remembering_limp_bizkit_s_sam_rivers
### Key Points
- The death of Limp Bizkit’s bassist, Sam Rivers, marks a significant loss in the heavy metal genre.
- Limp Bizkit’s music and performances, especially at Woodstock 99, resonated with a generation dealing with economic struggles and societal frustrations.
- The band’s live intensity, particularly during songs like “Break Stuff,” created a powerful emotional release for their audience, sometimes leading to chaos.
- Sam Rivers’ bass playing was integral to the band’s energy and connection with fans, making his loss deeply felt in the music community.
The Blogosphere Brigade: Public Education’s Last, Best Hope Against the Oligarchy’s Onslaught https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-blogosphere-brigade-public-educations
Wicked: For Good ★★★★☆ — The Truth Behind Oz, Power, and the Villain We Were Taught to Fear – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/29/wicked-for-good-%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%85%e2%98%86-the-truth-behind-oz-power-and-the-villain-we-were-taught-to-fear/
### Key Points
- The film reimagines the Wicked Witch as a symbol of integrity who resists the Wizard’s authoritarian regime.
- It critiques the use of propaganda, spectacle, and fear to manipulate public perception and maintain control in Oz.
- The Wizard is portrayed as a leader who thrives on performance, deception, and ego, mirroring real-world political figures.
- The palace guards symbolize state control and the machinery of fear-based propaganda.
- The origins of the Tin Man and Scarecrow are emotionally grounded, showing their transformations as consequences of human decisions.
- The absence of ruby slippers, replaced by silver ones, reflects the film’s commitment to authenticity and truth.
- Glinda’s evolution highlights true leadership as rooted in conviction and moral courage.
- The film critiques inherited myths and challenges the audience to reconsider narratives of heroes and villains.
glen brown: “They’re not even hiding it anymore. A US-led regime change war abroad to line the pockets of Big Oil—where have we heard this one before?” https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/theyre-not-even-hiding-it-anymore-us.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques U.S.-led regime change wars, particularly in Venezuela, highlighting concerns about oil interests and military actions.
- Discussion on various political and social issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, U.S. healthcare, education reforms, and social justice.
- Commentary on Trump administration policies, including immigration, food waste, and military actions.
- Reflections on historical events such as the Holodomor in Ukraine and World War II, alongside ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
- Criticism of economic inequality, billionaire wealth accumulation, and the political implications of wealth disparity in the U.S.
- Insights into the struggles of adjunct faculty in higher education and the systemic issues they face.
