Today's Top News Stories: October 11, 2025
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/10/venezuelan-opposition-leader-wins-nobel-peace-prize/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- MarÃa Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to democracy and peaceful transition in Venezuela.
- She has united Venezuela's opposition parties, resisted militarization, and promoted democratic rights, meeting all Nobel Peace Prize criteria.
- Machado's background includes engineering, finance, and founding a foundation for street children in Caracas before entering politics.
- The article highlights mixed reactions to Machado's win, including political criticisms and debates about other potential candidates.
Another Russian Tycoon Falls Out of His Window to His Death https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/10/another-russian-tycoon-falls-out-of-his-window-to-his-death/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Vyacheslav Leontyev, the 87-year-old publisher of Pravda, reportedly fell to his death from his fifth-floor apartment. Authorities claim it was due to a "nervous breakdown."
- Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, around two dozen high-profile Russian businessmen and officials have died under mysterious circumstances.
- Roman Starovoit, a former transport minister, allegedly committed suicide after being dismissed and investigated for embezzling funds meant for Ukraine border defenses.
- Boris Avakyan, a former state property official, reportedly killed himself in the Armenian consulate's lavatory after fleeing corruption charges.
- Alexey Sinitsyn, a business manager, was found headless under a bridge in Kaliningrad, with a tow rope attached to his body. Authorities suggested suicide without clarification.
"Trump Country Is Going Broke" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/10/trump-country-is-going-broke/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump-supporting states face economic collapse due to policies like tariffs, reduced federal funding, and budget cuts.
- Rural areas and red states, heavily dependent on federal funds, are experiencing slashed services, rising taxes, and reduced education budgets.
- Trump’s tariffs and spending freezes have negatively impacted farmers, rural hospitals, and schools, while benefiting billionaires and private equity.
- Red states, often economically dependent on federal subsidies, are now suffering under policies they voted for, with blue states subsidizing their losses.
- Cities in Texas, which drive the state’s economy, are disproportionately affected by these policies, while rural areas hold political power.
- Property taxes and insurance costs are rising, making investments in red states less viable.
- Farmers and rural voters, despite being affected, continue to support MAGA policies, unaware of the economic impact.
Mike DeGuire: The Big Money Behind the Denver School Board Election https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/10/mike-deguire-the-big-money-behind-the-denver-school-board-election/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Denver school board elections are heavily influenced by wealthy donors, including billionaires like Philip Anschutz, Reed Hastings, and John Arnold, who are known for supporting charter schools.
- Many pro-charter organizations involved in the election use misleading names to obscure their true agenda, making it difficult for voters to discern their motives.
- Mike DeGuire, a veteran educator, analyzes the influence of these groups and highlights the need to cut through the propaganda to support true advocates for public education.
- Some commenters argue that the focus should be on educating charter school supporters rather than demonizing them, as many may not fully understand the broader implications of privatization.
- Diane Ravitch emphasizes that charter schools often fail to deliver better results and can perpetuate segregation, while misleading parents into supporting "school choice."
M.I.T. Rejects Trump "Compact" That Offers Federal Money for Academic Freedom https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/10/m-i-t-rejects-trump-compact-that-offers-federal-money-for-academic-freedom/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- M.I.T. rejected the Trump administration’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” which offered federal funding in exchange for compliance with restrictive policies.
- The proposal included capping international student enrollment, freezing tuition, and prohibiting criticism of conservative ideas, sparking concerns over academic freedom.
- M.I.T. President Sally Kornbluth emphasized the university’s commitment to free expression and merit-based scientific funding in rejecting the compact.
- Faculty and universities argue the compact is a political move to control academia and undermine its independence.
- The Trump administration set an Oct. 20 deadline for responses from targeted universities, with some viewing the compact as a threat to democracy.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST October 10 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01380122442.html
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown, now in its 11th day, disrupts federal services, furloughs workers, and sparks debates over health care subsidies and spending cuts.
- President Trump pushes Project 2025 budget cuts targeting federal jobs, agencies, and infrastructure projects.
- Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan, potentially ending the war.
- India joins a coalition with Pakistan, China, and Russia to oppose U.S. actions in Afghanistan, escalating tensions.
- AI adoption in workplaces has doubled in two years, with significant growth in healthcare applications.
- Controversies arise over AI regulation, including Senator Cruz's proposed AI "sandbox" bill to deregulate the industry.
- Updated COVID vaccines reduce severe illness by 50%, while a study shows lifestyle changes can reduce diabetes risk by 71%.
- The Trump administration's education policies prioritize privatization, school vouchers, and religious education, threatening public schools and inclusivity.
- RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and unqualified leadership in public health are heavily criticized for endangering children.
- Mississippi's academic progress is lauded but faces threats from GOP policies promoting school vouchers and tax cuts.
- Historical antifascist movements are celebrated, with Chicago's legacy of defiance against oppression highlighted amidst Trump's calls for arrests of local leaders.
- AI models like Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT, and Copilot are compared for their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Later school start times improve academic performance, mental health, and road safety for teens.
- California's statewide assessment results show notable improvements in student proficiency across subjects, driven by targeted investments.
- David Berliner, a renowned educational psychologist, is remembered for his impactful contributions and critiques of neoliberal education reforms.
- The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) face internal divisions between pragmatists and fundamentalists, with implications for political campaigns.
Big Education Ape: A MESSAGE FROM A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/a-message-from-kindergarten-teacher.html
A heartfelt message from a retiring kindergarten teacher reflects on the evolving struggles of educators, emphasizing the loss of respect, joy, and collaboration in teaching. The article also highlights the importance of valuing teachers and the emotional toll of their work.
### Key Points
- A kindergarten teacher reflects on her 40-year career, detailing the shift from joy and collaboration to burnout and disillusionment in teaching.
- The teacher's farewell message underscores the emotional toll of teaching and the need for more respect and understanding for educators.
- Broader discussions on public education reform and advocacy, including resources and blogs, are presented.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST October 9 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0689662428.html
Gary Tyler in New York for his book release. https://fredklonsky.substack.com/p/gary-tyler-in-new-york-for-his-book
### Key Points
- Gary Tyler, wrongfully convicted, spent 41 years in prison, enduring harsh conditions in Angola.
- Tyler turned to quilting as an act of rebellion and dignity, with his work now displayed in museums.
- A book co-written by Tyler and Ellen Bravo, *Stitching Freedom*, highlights his story and was launched at the Ford Foundation.
Christina School Board Will Vote To Remove Dr. Naveed Baqir https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/christina-school-board-will-vote-to-remove-dr-naveed-baqir/ via @ExcptlDelaware
- The Christina School Board is set to vote on removing Dr. Naveed Baqir from his position due to his prolonged absence from the district and failure to meet residency requirements established by House Bill 82.
- House Bill 82, effective since June 30th, mandates that school board members must reside in their district for 75% of the year, which Dr. Baqir has not fulfilled.
- If the board votes to remove him, his seat will be declared vacant, and applications will be accepted to fill the position until the next school board election in May.
- If the vote fails, any district citizen can escalate the matter to Delaware Superior Court.
- Dr. Baqir has attended board meetings virtually from Pakistan but has not physically been in the district, despite earlier claims that he would resign by July 15th.
- A resident expressed frustration, stating Dr. Baqir should have resigned months ago instead of continuing to serve while absent from the district.
Plenary Authority: Why a LIVE TV Pregnant Pause Was the Point – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/10/plenary-authority-why-stephen-millers-pause-was-the-point/
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller's deliberate "pregnant pause" during a CNN interview introduced the term "plenary authority" into public discourse, generating curiosity and debate.
- Historically, plenary authority has justified unchecked power, from U.S. Supreme Court cases like Chae Chan Ping v. United States to authoritarian regimes such as Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany.
- The concept has been used to bypass checks and balances, enabling leaders to consolidate power under the guise of national security or crisis management.
- The tactic of creating crises and leveraging solutions aligns with a "tollbooth strategy," where power is monetized and governance becomes transactional.
- The normalization of plenary authority in public discourse poses a threat to democracy, as it shifts the conversation from rejecting absolute power to debating its degree.
- The author emphasizes the importance of resisting the seduction of absolute power and preserving democratic principles through accountability and collective law.
glen brown: Exercise Your Constitutional Right on October 18, 2025 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/exercise-your-constitutional-right-on.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration reportedly used federal agencies to target progressive groups, claiming they fund violent protests.
- Stephen Miller played a central role in coordinating these efforts, focusing on destabilizing networks like Soros' Open Society Foundations.
- Progressive organizations, including Indivisible, rejected the allegations and emphasized their commitment to nonviolence.
- Massive protests are planned for October 18, 2025, as a response to the administration's crackdown on dissent.
- Concerns about authoritarian tactics and suppression of constitutional rights are highlighted.
Teacher Tom: Not Instruction, But Connection http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/not-instruction-but-connection.html
### Key Points
- Human innovations, such as walls, language, and technology, have shaped human evolution, fostering individuality but also creating disconnection.
- Walls, initially built for defense, introduced privacy and changed human social dynamics, reducing the need for constant vigilance.
- Modern life, dominated by technology, has led to increased alienation and mental health challenges, even in young children.
- Early childhood education should focus on fostering connection and belonging rather than traditional instruction, to prepare children for a divided world.
Anti-Public School Extremists Take Over Department of Education. - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/propublica-investigation-exposes-anti-public-school-extremists-inside-dept-of-ed/
### Key Points
- The administration promotes tax-funded school choice, including vouchers, which may financially harm public schools.
- Significant federal funding cuts impact mental health programs and teacher training, among others.
- Policies favoring conservative Christian values influence classroom teachings and restrict transgender student protections.
- The department encourages patriotic education, focusing on an idealized version of American history while allowing parents to remove children from objectionable classes.
- Civil rights protections targeting minority students and transgender rights are being scaled back, with investigations into programs deemed discriminatory against white students.
Celebrating Gains in Student Achievement at LA USD - Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel44.asp
### Key Points
- Details of the AI in Education Workgroup meeting scheduled for October 20, 2025, including time, location, and participant list.
- Agenda items include reviewing current AI guidance, updating draft guidance, previewing sample model policies, and public comment sessions.
- Public comment guidelines allow for participation both in-person and remotely, with specific time limitations.
- Accessibility accommodations are available under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA for individuals with disabilities.
- The workgroup focuses on developing safe, equitable, and effective AI policies for schools, as mandated by SB 1288 (2024).
- Additional resources and related content about AI in education and professional learning trends are provided.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Man Forces Entry into Seattle School, Leaves and Attacks Teens. https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/man-forces-entry-into-seattle-school.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- A man forced his way into Seattle World School, attacked a security guard, and later threatened teenagers with a knife and gun. He was arrested after police found weapons in his home.
- The incident occurred at Seattle World School, and video evidence of the break-in may exist. The man was reportedly intoxicated.
- The article also discusses broader issues within Seattle Public Schools, such as nepotism, staffing changes, and zoning disputes.
MORNING NEWS UPDATE: Friday, October 10, 2025 https://ru4people.substack.com/p/morning-news-update-friday-october
Jersey Jazzman: When It Comes To School Finance, Ciattarelli Doesn't Know Jack: Part 2 https://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2025/10/when-it-comes-to-school-finance_10.html
The article critiques Jack Ciattarelli's proposed school funding reforms in New Jersey, highlighting their potential to exacerbate systemic inequities. The author argues that Ciattarelli's plan to standardize per-pupil spending and implement a voucher system would harm underfunded districts, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities of color. The piece emphasizes the role of systemic racism in creating funding disparities and questions the validity of Ciattarelli's claims about current spending levels.
### Key Points
- Jack Ciattarelli's school funding reform plan includes standardizing per-pupil spending, capping spending, and allowing funds to follow students.
- Ciattarelli's plan claims to reward high-performing districts while addressing under-performing districts but fails to account for systemic racism and funding disparities.
- High-performing districts, often majority white and affluent, already spend more per pupil than underfunded districts like Newark.
- Communities of color face challenges in raising local school funds due to lower property values, a result of systemic racism.
- The NJ Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that communities of color require more state aid due to low tax bases and higher rates of poverty.
- Ciattarelli's proposal could lead to higher taxes for Black and Hispanic communities and reduced aid for vulnerable students.
- The author criticizes Ciattarelli's support for school choice and voucher systems, arguing they are inadequate solutions for addressing systemic inequalities.
- Data presented in the article disputes Ciattarelli's claim that Newark spends significantly more per pupil than other districts.
- The article highlights discrepancies in actual versus budgeted spending and emphasizes the importance of accurate data in school finance.
CURMUDGUCATION: Should Students Get Help From AI, Or From Bob? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/should-students-get-help-from-ai-or.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques the "Generative AI Acceptable Use Scale," questioning its effectiveness in guiding AI usage in student assignments.
- The author compares AI assistance to hypothetical help from "Bob," a smart neighbor, and explores different levels of acceptable use for Bob's help in assignments.
- Ethical concerns are raised about the use of external assistance, whether AI or Bob, as it undermines the assessment of students' individual abilities.
- The author argues against formalizing structures for permissible levels of cheating, whether through AI or human help.
Daily Kos: Oklahoma Will Block “Woke” Teachers https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/oklahoma
### Key Points
- Oklahoma requires teachers from blue states to pass an ideological test designed by Prager University to teach in the state.
- The test includes questions promoting conservative viewpoints, such as the importance of religion to America's identity.
- Oklahoma mandates teaching conspiracy theories about the 2020 election in high school social studies classes.
- Critics argue these measures deter qualified teachers, especially from states with higher salaries like California and New York.
- Oklahoma ranks 34th in teacher pay and lacks union protections, contributing to teacher shortages and low morale.
- Budget cuts have led to reduced school weeks and reliance on emergency-certified teachers.
